An American Girl in London

[Mr. Pointy]

The definitive answer as to whether or not your licence is valid in the UK can be found on the UK Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency's site -

Driving on licences from all other countries, and students on a foreign licence : Directgov - Motoring.


My reading of the site is that you can drive here on a US licence as a visitor, provided you don't want to drive a bus or truck 🙂 -

Visitors
You may drive vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes and with up to eight passenger seats, provided your full licence or driving permit remains valid for up to 12 months from the date of coming to GB. However, you may only drive large vehicles which have been registered outside GB and which you have driven into the country.

If you will be staying for longer than 12 months you will need to take a UK driving test.

The funniest thing I heard about which side of the road you drive was in Malta, where I was told, "We drive on the shadiest side" 🙂

 

[Harley]

Thanks so much for your help. I've been told by a couple of "native" people already that it would be best to just take public transport, so I may end up doing that anyway.

 

[palabravampiress]

I was an American Girl in London for a visit several years ago, and I took public transit. It was really very efficient and clean and wonderful in every respect. I think that would be easier and cheaper than renting a car and trying to learn to drive on the other side of the road!