A New Challenge – The Driver’s License

Or “licence” as I understand it is spelled over here. If you thought life was too boring and there are no new challenges, this sub-plot should keep you entertained for a while (though hopefully not more than a month).

So, while I don’t need a car for day-to-day travels in London, there are occassions where we would like to rent a car, like we did in the Cotswolds or to drive through Tuscany. Also, when heading back to the States, I know public transportation won’t suffice, and I’ll need a license to rent a car.

Fortunately, most countries accept foreign licenses for short periods of time. The UK will allow you to drive as a resident on a valid foreign license for up to 12 months before requiring you to obtain a UK license. You could probably get away with it for even longer if they don’t know exactly when you became a resident. So what’s the rush? Why the drama? Well, my North Carolina license expires next month on my birthday. Then I will be without a license from anywhere. Too, without a current license, I will have to go for one year in the UK with the equivalent of a Learner’s permit in the US — only driving with another licensed driver in the car. This gives me about one month to figure out the bureaucracy, apply for a provisional license, pass the theory test, pass the road test, and apply for the real license. It looks to be a busy few weeks.

I have done a bit of prep work and requested the necessary applications last fall. I plan to head to the “local” (45 minute train ride from central London) DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) office to get the process started. I would just mail in my application, but I need to submit a passport photo signed by someone that has known me in the UK for two years. As I have only been here for a little over four months, that is obviously a bit difficult. They do allow you to get certified in person though at their office.

As for the tests, I have heard from numerous sources that they are quite hard and most Americans fail the first time around. Very different from the “gimmee” driving tests in most states. There is a bright spot though — I took a practice test this evening online without reading any materials and scored a 27 out of 35 with my sharp deductive reasoning skills :^). While I need 30 to pass, I think with a bit of studying, I should be in good shape.

I’ll keep you posted as this sub-plot to our adventure unfolds over the next month. And if you want — see how you do on a practice UK driving test without any studying (you can give phony info for the registration if you want — they don’t check). Post your score as a comment here (you don’t have to post your name with it) — it’ll be fun!