Any Americans with UK driving license?

[Plaid Leopard]

Tell me about getting the Uk driving license please!

If I understand correctly I have to apply for a provisional license, then pass the theory and a practical tests. Do I need to take a course or can I just study on my own?

TIA

[ann_of_loxley]

You can study on your own (plenty of books out there) - and/or you can get a driving instructor. I recommend at least a few hours. (more if you have only ever driven an automatic...unless of course your car IS automatic...but why would you want that? lol)

I have a friend taking a 'crash course'. Its cost her £700 - but it includes the whole package (including paying for the tests). Shes not American by the way - doesn't matter if you are or not - you still have to do the same stuff as any other resident here! lol

[Plaid Leopard]

hmmm

I have been driving standard and automatic cars for 20 years, but I have never driven here in the UK. I did some sample theory tests and I don't think that will be a problem. I am a bit worried about the practical test, though. Mabe I will get an instructor. Blah.

[welsh]

I'm British but didn't learn to drive until I moved to the US in 2004.
The UK practical test is harder than the one I took in tx - hill starts, reversing round a corner, parallel parking in an actual street!
BUT you've been driving for 20 yrs, you'll be fine!

[knittinanny]

I would recommend taking a few lessons from a well-known agency, and take the test in their car. I don't know how much it's urban legend or not, but apparently the testers look more favourably on someone who 'proves' they've had instruction by turning up in the driving school car. The test covers really specific things and some areas are notoriously hard on Americans - I was really glad that I knew exactly what they were looking for before I took the test. I passed on the first time taking it, but nearly every expat I know who hasn't taken a few lessons has failed it at least once.

Sometimes you can get the instructors to tell you which of your local testing centres has the highest pass rate, but depending on where you live, you might not have lots of choices.

[Plaid Leopard]

ok, thanks for the info. I'll take some lessons, then. Better safe than sorry...