Driving Test - Should I take it in London or California?

[jingo 38]

Hi all,

I have been learning to drive in London since last Autumn but since the move to California is so soon, I was wondering, would it be better to (try) get a license here first or to have a few lessons in America and take the test there?

I realize I'd have to take the test there anyway, with a license or not, and would have to take the driving test in the UK if I returned here at some point.

In regards to expenses, efficiency, insurance and whats easiest, what would you recommend?

Thanks so much in advance!

[san diego 407]

I am from California and I just went through this process.

From driver's license prospective there is no point in getting DL in your country unless you already have one. You will have to go through written and driving exam over again anyway and rules here are different.

On the other hand, for insurance purposes: if you already have DL from foreign country they will immediately issue insurance. However, your driving experience will be starting from 0 anyway. My wife had 13 years driving experience in the foreign license but for insurance purposes it means nothing.

[Nich-Nick 3,353]

Some states allow you to drive on your foreign license for a period of time as a visitor. Until you get your greencard (months after you arrive) you're a visitor or non-resident. Having a UK license would allow you to practice driving in the US right away. And it seems like if you're all practiced for the UK test, this would be your best chance to pass. Then you're licensed to drive Mum's car maybe or hire a car when you go visit.

[JoannaV 173]

Depends on your circumstances. If you think you would be happy and able to drive in California alone, then may be worth getting your UK licence. Also, if you foresee yourself visiting the UK in the not-tooooo-distant-future and driving then could be worth it. Otherwise though, it may not be worth the money/time/stress.

[xxxwabbiexxx 70]

I agree with JoannaV - there's no harm (apart from the financial one) of doing the UK driving test because then you've got it and it MAY make it easier and cheaper when you're vising the UK and Europe to hire a car. I only say MAYBE I don't know if hire companies charge more foreign driving licences.

[jingo 38]

To be honest I dont see myself renting a car or driving in California by myself anyway!

I lived there for a year as a student and never needed to drive, as my fiance has a car that we'd use for groceries and whatnot.

[san diego 407]

To be honest I dont see myself renting a car or driving in California by myself anyway!

I lived there for a year as a student and never needed to drive, as my fiance has a car that we'd use for groceries and whatnot.

There is no point then.. From CADL prospective you will have to do it here from scratch..

[Tempo House 6]

I agree with JoannaV - there's no harm (apart from the financial one) of doing the UK driving test because then you've got it and it MAY make it easier and cheaper when you're vising the UK and Europe to hire a car. I only say MAYBE I don't know if hire companies charge more foreign driving licences.

I've hired cars in the U.K. on my Massachusetts license and didn't see any surcharges.

What non-resident U.K. driving licence holders might want to be aware of is that the DVLA won't issue a new one to you if you are resident abroad and lose your current one. This happened to me, and at the time I was using my U.K. licence for the right to drive in Massachusetts as a non-resident. So without a Mass. license, I was unable to legally drive until I'd registered for and taken the local test. A good reason to be extra careful with your U.K. licence if you're using it in the U.S. -- you won't get another one!