Pass Your UK Driving Test for Americans

If you're getting ready to take the UK driving license test, us these driving tips I learned to ace the test.

Over the course of 6 months, I got a LOT of practice on the whole process of choosing driving instructors, taking the test and learning how to pass it. Almost like a "crash" course ha ha. I recommend starting the process of taking your UK driving test at least several months before your current license expires.

The most important thing to remember is drive for safety, that's what the test examiner will be looking at. Here's my top tips to pass your test!

For more details on how to take and pass your UK driving test

For more:
6 MONTH GUIDE TO LIVING IN THE UK:

ABOUT: I’m Tessa, British born but dual citizen who grew up in the US and Canada and now back in England finding out what life is like for an “American” living in the UK. I started my blog at HIPOVERFIFTY.COM to share my travels, thoughts and ideas!

Hope this channel helps you live your best life over fifty!

#howtomovetoengland #overfifty #movingtoengland #movetotheuk

[charlesunderwood]

Learning on an automatic really limits your choice of hire cars in the UK and especially in southern Europe; in some places there aren't any available. Anyway, driving a manual if far more fun; get onto a nice bit of bendy road with lots of hills and drive on the gears and you will appreciate driving as something enjoyable.

[thomasm]

National speed limit: 60mph on a single carriageway; 70mph on a dual carriageway or motorway. Lower speed limits for some classes of vehicle and for vehicles towing trailers.

[christoguichard]

Well done for persevering and eventually passing.
It IS tough.
I passed my U.K test 44 years ago, and have also passed a motorbike and coach test.
That bit of advice about letting the examiner SEE that you are looking by moving your head is spot-on.
I did that on all my tests and passed them all first time.
...mainly because of that, I think.
Good video.
Subscribed.
Are you free for dinner saturday night? 😂

[JAYish]

Buy a copy of the Highway Code.. This teaches you all the road signs etc..

[chrisjones]

One tip I remember from my driving instructor, and I know this sounds totally opposite to what you have learnt and been taught.
Adjust the rear view mirror, so it's slightly 'off' so it means you move your head, not just your eyes, the examiner will notice this, rather than a quick glance

[Pippins]

I passed my test first time in 1965, age 17. My wife however had several fails. What sorted it for her was taking the test in our own car, and being given lessons by the professional instructor in our own car, and driving the route the examiners usually take - the very first junction after leaving the test centre is a an awkward access to a very busy roundabout, this meant that she could drive everywhere, with me as the qualified passenger, getting a huge amount of practice and becoming comfortable with the car. Eventually we dropped having the instructor, and took the test with no problems.

Everything Tessa has said is spot on - but the one thing that sealed it was using our own car. I had a friend who took the test in her own vintage Morris Minor. The examiner was spent so much time admiring the car the test was almost a foregone conclusion

[thomasm]

If you really want to do your head in, look up "magic roundabouts". There's one in Swindon and another in Hemel Hempstead.

[Lee-ish]

Well done .
The modern test is way more complicated than when i took mine
The bike test is even worse .
All that used to consist of was a guy by the road side with a clipboard and a few highway code questions.

[NickfromNLondon]

The UK driving test is a measure of your ability to pass the driving test, not of your ability to drive, so however experienced you are need to get professional lessons. Take the instructor's advice on choosing a test centre. They can take a lesson or two around the centre to get familiar with the roads. Good luck.

[valeriedavidson]

Licence is spelt with a 'c' not an s in England.

[craftyclaira]

Well done for passing! Our UK roads are so congested/ narrow/winding this leads to the regular and multiple hazard of restricted view of people/cyclists and other vehicles. Having driven a moped for a year before having lessons in a car my instructor was amazed at my hazard awareness and after some practice with the controls I passed 1st time after minimum lessons (38 yrs ago). Suffice to say the rigorous testing process in UK serves to protect pedestrians, animals, cyclists, motorbike users, who are most vulnerable on the road, as well as other vehicle users on our very crowded urban roads and equally our often narrow winding country lanes. Plus it also prepares you for driving in Europe (which should be your next challenge!)which is all but the same but the Continentals do drive on the other (wrong) side of the road to the UK 😆! Lol! As not many people walk anywhere plus you have wider road/less congestion (and easier parking😉) in the US this aspect of a driver learning is not so predominant I would assume. How do you find parallel parking here?

[Hiram]

I passed my driving test in 1985. Some of it seems familiar, although I am told some things I was taught have changed.

Actually, I think it is good for you to point out some of the things we don't do as well as in the US.

[welshpete]

An instructor told me many years ago . If you have never driven a car before, It will take you roughly as many lessons as you are years old to get your license .

[iphobley]

Although I have driven in several US states I have done so on a UK licence. I’d be interested to know about US driving tests, are they federal or different in different states?

[colinclarke]

I would suggest finding a good driving instructor who has had experience instructing experienced drivers from other countries. They would be best able to undo riving habits that are not correct in the UK.

[andypandy]

The best advice I can give is: Get a British Driving Instructor. 👍

[Gambit]

First tip is that it is spelt 'licence'.

[davidjones]

You are confusing your terminology. The person who conducts the test is an EXAMINER. For anyone wishing to pass the UK test, even if you are an experienced driver, I would strongly advise booking an initial assessment with a driving instructor. They will immediately spot all your accumulated bad habits, and they know what the examiner is looking for. You may need a few refresher lessons to reach the required standard, but it will be a worthwhile investment.

[fionagregory]

I do not drive. I walk or take taxis.

[ncubesays]

I know automatic licences exist but I don't know anyone who actually has one.