Moving to London from California

Howdy All,

I currently live in San Francisco and I'm moving to the UK at the end of this month. I love my SV and I love riding, so I was wondering if the UK SV community can help me out? So I have a few questions:

- Is it hard for an American to get a Motorcycle license in the UK?
- Can someone direct me to a useful URL?
- Is it difficult for an American to acquire an SV in the UK (ownership restricitions)?
- How safe is it to ride in London traffic?

Thank you in advance

check the link below, another chap is coming over with the USAF, lots of useful info.

How safe is it to ride in London? I have only done this a couple of times despite living quite close, but it is not that much different to other built up cities really, just watch out for the pedestrians.....others here will have more practical experience.

Where are you hoping to settle?

Originally Posted by Nostrils

check the link below

Link? Link? I see no link...

If you have a US license, then won't the DVLA give you a UK equivalent?

I know a few lads who passed their test in Cyprus and on their return to the UK, they got full UK motorcycle licenses (the Cypriot test consists of riding up a road, around a roundabout and back, if you don't fall off, you've passed!)

No you can't swop USA license for UK, but you can get international drivers license from the AA and ride for up to 12 months. Plenty of time to do a DAS.

No ownership restrictions although you may find it hard to get credit if required. I think your US license should be good for 12 months, but the only way to get uk license is to do the test. Most instructors offer a 4 day Direct access course.

Bring plenty of warm, waterproof clothes and welcome to the UK. We are the only people in the world who like America!

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring...peds/index.htm

[Biker Biggles]

No problems getting a UK driving licence but you will need to pass a test like anyone else.There is a theory test and a two part practicle test,and you will realistically need some tuition to pass,so it's no walkover.There are no restrictions on owning and registering a bike as a foriegner.
London is OK to ride compared to any other big city.
Lastly,why?I wouldn't fancy swapping the Ca climate and lifestyle for dreary dirty old London.Job reated?

you'll grow to enjoy commuting in london, well except on the really bad weather days

I love the 2-wheel community. Talk about takin' care of people. Thank you all for the warm welcome.

My job is sending me to London for a 3 month temporary assignment. Since I recently fell in love with riding, my SV I was thinking of getting one in London.

If the people in London are 50% as nice as you guys, I think I'll be good to go.

Thanks for the advice

"Rubber-side Down"

ride like a loon and you'll fit in! i've never seen such fast filtering!