Hello everyboy!

I've been here in UK for almost 2 years. Last October 2007 I went back to Philippines for vacation and get an International license so I can drive here in UK. Now I recently applied for provisional license. The question is am i allowed to buy and drive a car alone and get an insurance using my foreign license?

Thank you.

Hi -- Normally when you come to live in the UK you only get 12 months maximum, in which to use an international licence before you have to exchange it for a UK provisional and take your UK driving test.

Therefore I do not think the IDP that you obtained in October 07 will be valid, because you have already been a resident in the UK for nearly two years and that entitlement has now expired.

In any event you would not be able to....or you would find it extemely difficult to obtain insurance in the UK using an IDP, as insurance companies usually insist that you hold a full UK licence before they will offer cover.

You would be best to concentrate on passing your driving test here, then applying for UK insurance as a new driver.

No..because you will not have insurance, also your IDP will not be in force because you have already been a resident in the UK for more than the initial 12 months allowed by law.

You can get insurance as a provisional UK licence holder, but you must have a qualified supervising driver accompany you while you have lessons and until you pass your test.

That supervising driver must have held a full UK licence to drive the vehicle for at least three years and the car must display the L plates.

Thank you very much for your response and time.

You're welcome....shame the news wasn't more in your favour.... but that's life.!!

Good luck with the driving lessons & test though.

International driving license is valid for six months from the time your residence permit starts. It does not matter how many times you go back to your country and make a new one. It will not be valid in UK.

the only option is to get a full UK driving license if you want to drive alone (probably you have got one by now). Good Luck!