Quick couple of questions: I have been out of the UK for the last 16 years and now I am considering coming back with my family. I got my original UK license when I was 17.............do I have to retake the driving test to get my UK license back? Also my wife is American, how difficult is the driving test these days?

Do you still have your old UK licence? If so you may be able to just renew it. The DVLA does allow certain foreign driving licences to be exchanged for a UK one. For example the DVLA's web site states here:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring...nce/DG_4022562

"Canadian licences:

If you are the holder of a Canadian licence you will receive automatic transmission only when exchanging for a British licence. This can only be upgraded to manual upon presentation of confirmation, from the relevant licensing authority, of a manual test being passed or a manual test is passed in this country."

The same may be true for a US licence but a quick search on the DVLA web site didn't bring anything up. May be worth getting touch with them, contact details here:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Dl1/Dire...acts/DG_178028

I know the theory test is a lot more complicated than it used to be for new drivers as they've added a lot of new stuff such as threat perception. not sure how much the practical side has changed though. Info here on the theory piece:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring...est/DG_4022534

and on the practical bit here:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring...est/DG_4022540

I was in the same boat. I sent in my old pink paper UK license to the DVLA along with £10 money order, and a new photo. I got a new EU license and my £10 back - it was easy - no test, no questions.

Other useful info: I had an excellent 'no claims' bonus in the US on my car insurance, and was able to get a letter from my agent in the US. It was acceted by Tesco to save me tons of ££s in insurance costs - worth getting that, if you have it before you leave your current home!

The UK driving test is a bit of a hurdle for Americans. I think one way to make it a bit easier is to take it on a car with automatic transmission. There is always a lot of discussion of this on the UK Yankees Travel and Transport Forum; it is worth looking there.

Not sure if things have changed in the UK more recently, but when I got my UK License (when they first set up the DVLC) the License was valid until age 70 so, as others have mentioned, you just have to apply for it whan you have a valid UK address.