FAQ: Living in the Midlands

This section contains useful information to help you make a smooth adjustment to living in the Midlands. Future additions may include information about healthcare, banking, utilities and restaurants. Any suggestions? Please let us know at infomisn@misn.org

OBTAINING A BRITISH DRIVING LICENCE

It is important to check the DVLA web site to check the legal requirements for driving in the UK. For example US citizens need to obtain a full British licence within 12 months of arriving in the UK. It is illegal to drive without a licence and it also affects your insurance coverage.

www.dvla.gov.uk/welcome.htm

Check out this link to find the requirements for all non-UK citizens.

When you and your spouse arrive in the UK to start an International Service Assignment you need to:

1) Book some driving lessons

2) Apply for a provisional driving license

Once you have done this, you are then able to apply for and pass your Driving Theory and Practical Tests, and obtain a full British Driving Licence. Please note that driving tests are not readily available in some areas there may be a wait list of several months.

OBTAINING A TV LICENCE

In the UK it is a legal requirement to have a TV licence. This applies even if you subscribe to cable or satellite TV. Further information at http://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/waystopay/index.jsp

SHOPPING

Where to buy groceries? These are some of the major nation-wide shops.

Tesco, Sainsbury, Asda, Marks & Spencer, Safeway, Co-op, Budgens, Costco & Morrisons.

There are several American grocery stores in London and the larger London department stores with food halls often stock American and European products not available elsewhere.

Food shopping on-line

Australiashop www.australiashop.co.uk

Skyco (American/Canadian food) www.skyco.uk.com

BAKING CONVERSIONS & TIPS

1 dsp (dessertspoon) = 2 tsp
1 tsp U.S baking powder = 2 tsp British baking powder
1 tsp German baking powder = 2tsp British baking powder

Sugar - Available in many degrees of fineness and shades of brown:

1. Granulated (British) = larger particles than American granulated. Not suitable for cakes, meringues, or other delicate products.

2. Caster (British) = finer, uniform sugar suitable for baking. Similar to all purpose sugar called granulated in America.

3. Icing (British) = or powdered or Confectioners (American) is very fine sugar used for dusting pastries, etc.

4. Brown = contains varying quantities of molasses.

BABYSITTING SERVICES

To find a local babysitter it is advisable to check with neighbours and other parents for recommendations. Alternatively there are agencies which provide child care services. Check out these links for the types of services available or check your yellow pages (phone book) for child care agencies in your area. The BBC web site offers advice on the types of childcare available in the UK.

www.nannydirectory.co.uk/about_babysitters.htm

www.bbc.co.uk/parenting/childcare/available_babysitters.shtml