Timeframe on getting a licence

A2Z · 7 Nov 2014 at 20:34

Hello,

I would like to get a licence before I go to the USA on holiday for New Years. I am wondering whether I will be able to get it within 6 weeks, or if I would be better just waiting until Im back and before my next trip there.

I need to:

Apply for a new provisional driving licence as my old one got cancelled years back, having to post my non UK passport as my ID.
Take AUTOMATIC lessons (I have no need to drive in the UK so not too bothered about manual at this time).
Do the theory + practical tests
Wait to get my actual licence.

Would this be possible? What are the timeframes for each step? I had a look online at a practical test booking site and there are places near me with a 1 week waiting period, while others have 3/4,

Thank you!

[TW]Fox · 7 Nov 2014 at 20:36

You will find it very hard to rent a car in the USA having only just passed your driving test.

A2Z · 7 Nov 2014 at 20:37

[TW]Fox;27177376 said:
You will find it very hard to rent a car in the USA having only just passed your driving test.

I would not be renting a car but driving a friends.

Millwall.FC · 7 Nov 2014 at 20:47

In London at you could be waiting up to 4 weeks to get a test.

oli356 · 7 Nov 2014 at 20:51

Millwall.FC said:
In London at you could be waiting up to 4 weeks to get a test.

Same for Reading and I think a lot of places to be fair.. I think it was like 3 weeks for mine.

timmeh · 7 Nov 2014 at 21:00

I'd say that you'll struggle to do all that in 6 weeks. Even if you do pass everything, you'll be waiting 2 weeks for your license to come through the post.

There's no harm in trying though, just get everything sorted now. Can you not book onto some sort of week intensive course that includes theory?