Getting a UK Driving License - What a Pain!

So even though Brian and I have been driving in the UK since last year, we are just now in the process of getting our official UK licenses.  Technically, we're allowed to drive on our US licenses for up to a year, which is now rapidly approaching.  Even though we both feel confident on the roads, the tests to get your UK license are pretty intimidiating:

First, you have to get a provisional license.  We have filled out the forms, but we have to wait to officially submit them until we can mail in our passports.  We'll be without our passports for at least 10 days, so we had to plan it around our trips.  (P.S.: Why can't they have a way to do this without making you send in your passport?  I hate being without it, especially when living overseas!)

Second, you have to take a computer theory test where you answer questions about driving and then do a mock drive on the computer to see if you react quickly enough to potential hazards.

After that is complete, you have to take the official driving test.  We will have to do a 40-minute drive through Bury St. Edmunds with an instructor.  You can have multiple minor mistakes, but even one major mistake and you fail the test.  The test will include either parallel parking or a back-in parking job, both of which I personally am not very good at.  At least I'll be driving my tiny little car that gives me more room for error!

I took a driving lesson last week and seemed to do pretty well, so we are going to move forward with all of this and hope for the best.  Between friends and family visiting and us going home in April, we don't have time for any failing!  Wish us luck!  I will post updates.  =)