Hello,
I am moving to the UK. I have an american driving license from New York.
Is this valid in the UK. Can I exchange it or do I have to take all the tests?
2007-03-02 05:21:16 · 9 answers · asked by BananaStain 2 in Travel ➔ United Kingdom ➔ Other - United Kingdom
No you can't, you have to do the tests all over again in the UK
2007-03-02 05:25:30 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have an American partner. He was able to drive on his license for a year, but had to take, and pass, the UK driving tests before the year was up.
Note, there's a "written" test and a "practical" test, and the practical can only be scheduled after the written has been passed, usually about 4 weeks later. So allow yourself plenty of time.
My partner had 20 years of experience of driving before he came, but to be frank, his driving, ok in the US, scared me because he didn't drive in the Uk style and he approached road junctions and roundabouts in the wrong lanes, setting himself up to be hit by other drivers.
I suggested to him that he took 3 or 4 driving lessons here to refresh himself with how to pass tests, and to find out if/what he was doing that would be considered incorrect here. He was embarrassed and really didn't want to do that..... BUT he was VERY glad he did, and he told me so.
I recommend you start the process straight away.
When we go back to the US he even says before me that people drive crazy there. Many people just move out without looking to see if they can overtake, and several don't even indicate.
LOOK to see if it is clear, if so INDICATE your intentions to the other drives, and THEN and only THEN move.
Good luck
2007-03-02 13:32:58 · answer #2 · answered by nikki 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can not exchange a US drivers licence for a UK one you will be required to pass a theory and a driving test before being issued with a licence I believe you US licence is good for some months ..But you will have difficulty getting insurance with it
2007-03-02 21:59:07 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can drive with you American Licence for 1 year and then u have to get a British One
2007-03-02 15:29:24 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
you can drive on your US licence for a short amount of time (about 6 months I think). After this you will, however, have to sit the UK driving test in order to continue to drive.
More info can be found on the DVLA website
2007-03-02 13:32:59 · answer #5 · answered by Mikey C 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You have between 6 months and a year to get a British licence. (1st you have to learn to spell it here,lol). You have to take the written and the practical tests.
2007-03-02 13:27:05 · answer #6 · answered by Del Piero 10 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
you will need to take the driving test if you are going to live here. As a visitor it is fine to drive on ( well drive on the road preferably but you know what i mean)
2007-03-02 13:28:50 · answer #7 · answered by lemonzestingtoday 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No you dont need to take all the test, you will be able to exchange it and maybe just need a test on the highwat code. However you will be able to use your US licence for a short time period 6 months to a year I believe.
2007-03-02 13:26:05 · answer #8 · answered by clever investor 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
I'm working hard for you today!
Try this.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/DrivingInGbOnAForeignLicence/DG_4022561
2007-03-02 13:27:26 · answer #9 · answered by Your Nuts! 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋