Hi, my name is Pranshu Khurana. I am an IMG from India, currently working as a clinical fellow in Paediatrics in London. In today’s blog, I will guide you on how to apply for a UK driver’s license, pass the exams, and drive confidently.
In this blog, I will discuss the following:
DVLA Requirements
Cost Breakdown
Practical Exam: Learning to Drive
Insurance and Costs
Conclusion
DVLA Requirements
Driving is a valuable skill, particularly if you work in remote areas or across multiple hospitals. In fact, it is one of the requirements for those pursuing a career as a General Practitioner (GP) in the UK. While it’s easier for those already familiar with driving in their home countries, anyone can learn to drive—after all, there’s no age limit for learning.
The DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) regulates all drivers and vehicles in the UK. You can use your driver’s license from your home country for up to 12 months after your arrival. Alternatively, you can apply for a UK driver’s license by passing the required exams.
Individuals from countries such as EU nations, Australia, Japan, Canada, UAE, Andorra, Barbados, Hong Kong, Monaco, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, Zimbabwe, and Monaco can convert their licenses directly to a UK license without taking an exam. However, individuals from countries like India, Pakistan, and Nigeria must pass the UK driving exams to obtain a license.
Cost Breakdown
To legally drive in the UK, you must pass both the theory and practical exams, which assess your skills and knowledge of UK driving regulations.
Here’s the process:
Apply for a Provisional License: £34 (online; higher for postal applications).
Pass the Theory Exam: £23.
Pass the Practical Driving Test: £62 (weekday rate).
Note: It’s a straightforward process but can be time-consuming as you must send your original BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) as proof of address for the provisional license.
To prepare for the theory exam, you can study using mobile applications recommended by the DVLA. For the practical exam, professional lessons (costing £25–£45 per hour) are often necessary to pass.
Practical Exam: Learning to Drive
For the practical exam, I recommend hiring a good driving instructor. They can estimate how many lessons you’ll need to meet the passing criteria. With a provisional UK driver’s license, you can drive only when accompanied by an adult who holds a permanent driver’s license and has at least 3 years of driving experience.
Here are a few tips:
Always drive on the left-hand side of the road.
Observe the speed limits displayed on road signs.
Use the knowledge gained from your theory exam to follow road safety rules.
Bonus Tips:
Speed cameras are ubiquitous in the UK, so adhere to speed limits to avoid fines, which start from £100.
Wearing seat belts is mandatory for all passengers.
Treat the practical exam like the PLAB 2 exam: demonstrate safe driving practices and follow the rules confidently.
Insurance and Costs
Before driving in the UK, ensure you have the following documents:
A valid UK Driver’s License.
Insurance: It’s illegal to drive without it. Costs vary depending on your age, driving experience, and car model.
V5C (Vehicle Registration Certificate): Required if you own a car.
MOT Certificate: Mandatory annual safety check for vehicles older than 3 years.
Road Tax: Annual tax based on the vehicle’s emissions.
Conclusion
If you live in major cities like London, Manchester, or Birmingham, I recommend relying on public transport due to its efficiency. However, owning a car is invaluable in remote areas, saving significant commuting time that you can spend with family or pursuing your passions. It also enables you to explore the UK’s beautiful landscapes through road trips.
If you need more tips and strategies then do follow Trewlink which is a wonderful platform for IMGs that helps and guides you in all possible ways.
If you have any further questions about how to get a UK Driver’s License, I would be more than happy to answer them at trewlink.com. You can register using this link. Find me as an Ambassador/Expert and Follow my profile Pranshu Khurana to receive regular support and advice.
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