Earlier, Holly told you about the daunting prospect of begining to learn to driving in Great Britain, and I’ve been lucky enough to just finish that very same process. The first thing to note about driving here is that the DVLA (That’s the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agencey– think of it like the DMV or RMV in your state) doesn’t care in the slightest that you’ve had an American driver’s licence- no matter how long you’ve had it. Still, if you’re desperate to get driving around Guildford, your American driver’s licence will be valid for up to one year. Now, for the actual process: Like Holly told you she’s done, you’ll need to get a Provisional Driving Licence. This, even if you don’t plan on driving, is a good thing to have. Unlike an American learner’s permit, it’s an actual ID, usefully to have unless you want to be lugging your passport around. From there, while you don’t have to, it’s best to take lessons. I’m one of the few Americans I know that had a manual car in America, and can confirm that it takes a bit of getting used to. If you can, try to practise before coming over! Even if you do, lessons after would still be a good idea. Really, would you know what a sign saying ‘Adverse Camber’ might mean, or that a white circle with a line through it does not mean no speed limit (the latter which I only learnt after quite a lot of speeding…)? Post-lessons, it’s time for your test. The first bit is the theory and hazard test which you can take a short walk away on North Street in the centre of Guildford. If you’ve driven before, it’s nothing to worry about. The second part of the test if the practical, which makes anything in America seem like a daudle. Forty minutes of constant observation and tight manouevers around Guildford may not sound like the ideal way to spend an afternoon, but it’s all worth it when you learn that you won’t need to take another driving test in England until you’re 70! Should you have any questions about driving or anything- academic or life-wise- feel free to email us at northamerica@surrey.ac.uk.
