Prior to our recent travels back home to the United States we were trying to get the best exchange rate for several thousand British Pounds. I tried utilizing the banking establishments I use -- HSBC & Nationwide, however I wasn't impressed with how much lower their rate was -- 6 to 8p, than what was being published by XE. They claimed to offer their rates directly from Travelex without taking any commission. So I went directly to Travelex to verify this and was pleasantly surprised to see that the rates direct from their website were even better!
We were able to purchase the currency online and then pick-up at Heathrow Terminal 5 just behind the check-in kiosks. Additionally, if you are a British Airways Executive Club member you will accrue points for the money you exchange.
Travelex has developed a very useful innovation in travel currency -- The Cash Passport. This is a prepaid card loaded with the currency you intend to you use. It can be used wherever VISA is accepted. Additionally, for a 4.50 fee it can be used at an Cash Machine. Using this card when traveling back to the USA was much easier than carrying lots of cash or travelers cheques.
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As an immigrant, my U.S. drivers license is valid for one year from the date I began residence in the U.K. Had I been from the European Union or the Commonwealth I would have been able to exchange my license for no cost. Alas...I am American and we only know how to drive on the right side of the road. Therefore I must obtain a full UK driving license. So I readied my bank account for the cost, applied for my provisional driving license and began to prepare for the first part, the DSA Theory Test. I passed on the first try with about two weeks of preparation and follower are tips for your benefit.
Background: I have about 15 years of driving experience, having held licenses in Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey. I had rented a car in the UK on at least two occasions prior to moving to London. Additionally I've been navigating the British road system for the past year on my U.S. drivers license.
Provisional Drivers License: First
order the form. You can do this online in theory, but because you will likely have a foreign passport, you will still need to have a paper copy of the form and visit your nearest DVLA Office.
Theory Study & Prep: I chose not to mess around and purchased
The official DSA complete learner electronic pack (3 CD's) from
TSO Online Books. Though it will set you back £34.10, you get all the materials you need to know to pass the theory test and to help prepare for the practical. The full highway code is no fun to read, but it is important to be familiar with the material -- such as how to deal with pedestrians, cyclists, equestrians and even accessible carts on the road. The Hazard Perception DVD provides 10 practice videos which will prepare you to take that portion of the theory test. Though it would be hypothetically possible to pass this portion if you are an experienced driver, practicing will give you the confidence about how they want you to interface with the computer and what the exam requires of you.
The Exam: I had scheduled the appointment for 3:15 pm and was given a seat in the computer testing centre following a very short wait. There are 50 questions, of which you must get 43 correct. Also there are 75 possible points in the Hazard Perception portion of the exam, of which you must acquire at least 44. I was surprised how few exam questions related to actual road signs. Most of the questions test your logical sense of driving and how to deal with situations.
- If you are approaching a narrow bridge that you cannot see across what should you do?
- If you come across a motorcyclist in the road who has fallen off and become unconscious what should you do?
- If you approach a roundabout and a person on a horse is on your left side, what should you expect the horse to do?
I studied in the evening for a couple of nights -- probably about 10 hours total study time. I passed the questions 47/50 and the hazard perception 5?/75.
Costs: (as of this posting)
Provisional Driver License: 50
Driving License Photos: 3
Car Theory Test: 30
Car Practical Test: 56.50
Study Guides: 34.10
Practical Lessons: 96
Total Cost: 269.60
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theory-test.co.uk
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