Wales Across the Pond: Driving in the UK/Wales

What do these animals have to do with driving in the UK?

US citizens living in the UK are allowed to use their US driver's license for one year after they arrive before they are required to get a UK driver's license. After driving for over 50 yrs we have found ourselves studying once again to take a 50 question drive test plus 14 hazard videos. Luckily, I found a free online website that helped me practice for the test. I also watched several online videos to help learn how to navigate round abouts, drive on the lefthand side of the road and generally how to survive driving in the UK.

There are seven types of pedestrian crossing in the UK: zebra, pelican, puffin, toucan, pegasus, tiger and officer controlled.

The most common pedestrian crossing is a Zebra Crossing. Known for it's tall black and white striped poles with a yellow flashing light on top. At these crossings cars always give way to the pedestrians at all times. The zig zag lines before and after the crossing are to notify that no one can park or unload in that area. If you are interested in the rest of the crossings you can go to this website and read up. https://www.motoringresearch.com/advice/pedestrian-crossing-types-explained/

To get a license, you first have to apply for a provisional license. This type of license allows a learner to practice while driving with an experienced driver. It is mandatory for new driver to post a big L on the front and back of the car while they are learning to drive. Luckily for us we could still use our US license to drive with so we didn't have to drive with someone who had a UK license. It probably would have been good if we put a big "L" on the car the past 6 months as we were learning the rules of the road. We certainly got a few frustrated honks from drivers when we messed up.

The Green 'P' is for those who have just passed their driving test. It let's people know that they are still learning

After quite a bit of studying, we both passed our theory tests getting 50/50 questions correct (Elder Herdt on his 2nd try)

This week I am happy to say that I passed my driving portion of the test! Woo Hoo!

I HAVE A UK DRIVER'S LICENSE NOW!!

I felt like a kid not getting much sleep the night before due to nerves. Elder Herdt will be taking his Driving Test in 2 weeks. We just wanted to get these licenses done well before our year was up. I heard that your insurance in the states will go down having a UK driver's license. We'll have to see about that when we get home.

Here are a few things that have been challenging.

1. ROUNDABOUTS

Roundabouts can be confusing. Learning the ins and outs makes them doable. Most of the roundabouts in are area aren't too crazy. Some are even just mini roundabouts.

Mini Roundabout

2. 20mph Speed Limit

Another thing that has been difficult is the 20mph speed limit in built up areas. (towns) In September 2023, Wales changed it's 30mph speed limits in town from 30 to 20mph. This has been kind of a 2 edged sword for us. First driving slower has helped us get use to the ins and outs of driving in Wales but, if you've ever tried driving 20mph anywhere you know how hard it is to stay under 20mph. No police stop you. There are cameras everywhere taking picture of the registration number.

Elder Herdt has already got a nice ticket for going 26mph. When you are worrying about driving on the opposite side of the road your speed is the least of your worries. haha We are getting better. It is a big learning curve.

3. NARROW ROADS

Last but not least, is the narrow roads up the valleys and all around that are narrow and have people parking on either side of the road taking up half of the road. Sometimes that means you pull to the side to let someone go by, other times narrow roads mean you have to back up to a place that is wide enough for two cars to pass.