Driving in the UK?

Question

Someone told me it's difficult to get a driver's license in the UK. Is it true? Why? What are the difficulties? Is it more difficult for a non EU citizen?

Answer 1

The British driving test is usually reckoned to be one of the more difficult tests to pass (though not as difficult as the German one, from what I hear) - it involves both a theory test and a practical drive, and it's common to fail the first time you try it. The test's the same for everyone, but holders of licences issued elsewhere in the EU can exchange their licences for British ones if they move to the UK, as can people with licences issued in Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Hong Kong, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland and Zimbabwe. Presumably the driving test in all other countries is reckoned not to be adequate to teach you how to drive on British roads.

Answer 2

the driving test is pretty strict and you have to do everything exactly right before they'll let you pass ... it doesn't depend on your nationality, it depends on your driving ability and your knowledge and understanding of the road traffic rules

Answer 3

I don't think so, there is a written / computer test

Answer 4

Depends what you mean by "get" I suppose.

Do you ALREADY have a non EU licence then? Are you trying to transfer or convert your existing licence to a UK one? Or are you just talking about geting one for the first time ever?

Try visiting the government's website for answers, as without more info - I can't help you :)

http://www.direct.gov.uk/motoring

Answer 5

IF YOU CAN DRIVE IN LONDON YOU CAN DRIVE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD

ITS CALLED A LICENCE HERE STRICT RULES LESS PEOPLE KILLED ON OUR ROADS THAN MOST PLACES IVE NEVER HAD AN ACCIDENT

CAUSED HUNDREDS THOUGH

PMSL GOOD LUCK

Answer 6

The UK only accepts UK driver's licenses, you'll have to get retested, mainly because every country has different road laws and signs etc. Plus it's hard to gauge the validity of another country's testing. My friend has just moved here from India and she said they didn't even ask her to drive, just tell them about the car and gave her the license!!

Even if you can drive really well you may want to take a few lessons before you take the test to acquaint yourself with our road rules. The test is fairly strict but if you can drive well, don't worry about it!!

Answer 7

If you are from Europe, then in England, you drive on the other side of the road. If in doubt, take a bus trip, you see all the sights, your accomidation is paid, breakfast and usually dinner paid for in your ticket. A great way to see the UK. Many trips are available with many different age groups, prices and where you want to see. In the bus you are much higher than a car so you can see the countryside and you don't have to worry about the drivng. Sit back and enjoy.