Driving in the UK

As a doctor, I've navigated complex systems, challenging diagnoses, and demanding journeys across continents. But nothing quite prepared me for the unique challenge of securing my driving license here in the UK. Perhaps, like many of you reading this, you’re an experienced driver from another land, looking at the British roads and wondering, "Where do I even begin?" Let me share my path – one filled with unexpected turns, a dash of frustration, and ultimately, the sweet taste of success.

A Driver's Global Odyssey

My driving story began humbly in Myanmar around 2010, learning to handle a manual car. I took more than ten hours of driving lessons with "TV Driving School" in Yangon. Then, in 2011, my life took a sudden unexpected turn to Jamaica, where I seamlessly transitioned to driving an automatic, receiving my license without a practical test. For years, the automatic became my trusted companion. When I returned to Myanmar in 2018, my Jamaican license was directly interchangeable, maintaining my freedom on the roads.

Then came the move to the UK. My international license, unlike in some other countries, wasn't simply interchangeable. I needed to earn a new one, starting with the application for a provisional driving license. The famous reputation of the UK driving test, often cited by my instructor as one of the toughest globally, loomed large. Add to that the switch to the left-hand lane system (though my time in Jamaica meant this particular hurdle wasn't as daunting as it could have been for others!).

The Gauntlet of the UK Driving Test: Theory First

First, the theory. This isn't just common sense; it's a deep dive into the Highway Code and hazard perception. I found the "4 in 1 driving theory test App" invaluable, drilling down on knowledge and spotting potential dangers. My wife, ever the traditionalist, preferred paper, poring over the Highway Code and supplementary books.

The theory test costs £34 and can be booked online via the official government website. Fortunately, I passed this knowledge test on my first attempt. That felt like a small victory.

The True Test: Practical Driving

Then came the real challenge: the practical test. My wife, pragmatic as ever, insisted on professional guidance. We booked 10 sessions (20 hours) of lessons with an instructor, each costing around £38 per hour. A significant investment, perhaps, but one that paid off handsomely for her; she passed on her very first attempt! Our instructor, Cris from "Cris Craven Driving", was truly exceptional. He patiently guided us through almost every street in Herne Bay, the area where we’d booked our tests, building confidence and refining skills.

Cris declared me ready. I felt ready. But my first practical test threw a curveball that highlighted the subtle differences in driving cultures. Turning right at a junction, I saw a pedestrian on the curb, seemingly poised to cross. The traffic light was red. My instinct, honed from years of driving elsewhere, was to stop and wait. The examiner, however, gently nudged me, "The light isn't for you; keep going." My hesitation, born of ingrained habit, became a critical fault. I deserved to fail. It was an awkward, almost comical, error that risked other drivers due to my indecision.

My second attempt, a non-critical error, felt even more frustrating. The examiner asked me to pull over. I spotted a small space but hesitated, signaling late with cars behind me, then seeing driveways. I moved on. Ahead, a bus stop and oncoming traffic meant no immediate safe spot. The examiner impatiently told me to cancel the manoeuvre and continue. That seemingly minor hesitation and poor planning led to another fail. At £62 per attempt, and with my years of driving experience, the disappointment was profound. I stuck to rehearsing test routes around Herne Bay, confident I didn’t need more lessons.

Third Time's the Charm (and a Life Lesson)

My third examiner was a breath of fresh air. Friendly, kind, and conversational, he transformed the high-stakes test into a drive with a new acquaintance. We chatted about our jobs, families, and life. Perhaps it was this relaxed atmosphere, or simply that the third time was indeed the charm, but I passed! Two minor mistakes were noted: poor signalling and planning when leaving a roundabout – easily rectified habits.

This entire process taught me a powerful lesson: even for an experienced driver, navigating a new country's unique rules, road layouts, and testing nuances can easily cost almost a thousand pounds to earn a full UK driving license. While some might try to bypass instructor-led lessons to save money, it feels unsafe and risky. Each country’s driving culture, regulations, and even the subtle 'instincts' of its drivers are profoundly different. The UK’s narrow roads, especially in rural and suburban areas, peppered with parked cars and oddly angled junctions, require a unique kind of preparedness and precision that only dedicated practice can provide.

Now, with my UK license finally in hand, a new chapter begins. In my next post, I’ll share the adventures of buying my very first car here in the UK.

Until then, I’d love to hear your driving stories! What challenges did you face, or what advice would you offer to others navigating new roads? Share your experiences in the comments below!