Driving in the UK

Driving License

All personnel entering in the UK can drive for 12 months on a foreign licence (inclusive of any breaks).

European Community and European Economic Area (EC/EEA)

If you have a full valid driving license issued in any EC/EEA country you need not immediately exchange it for a GB one. Provided your Community license remains valid you can drive in Great Britain (GB) until age 70 or for 3 years after becoming resident here whichever is the longer period. However, if you want, you can apply to exchange your license for a British one at any time, even if your licence has expired.

If you EC/EEA licence was issued in exchange from one from another country, this may be valid in GB for only 12 months and you may not be able to exchange it for a GB equivalent.

To exchange your driving licence you must complete form D1 available from Post Offices.

Non-EC (DESIGNATED) countries and Gibraltar

You can exchange a full valid car licence issued from any of the following countries. If you hold a licence from one of the countries listed below you can apply to exchange it for a GB licence up to five years after you come to live here.

Australia	Japan	Singapore
Barbados	Kenya	Switzerland
British	Malta	Virgin Island
Gibraltar	New Zealand	Zimbabwe
Hong Kong	Republic of Cyprus

To exchange your licence you must complete form D1 available from Post Offices.

Any other country

You cannot exchange licences from any other country. You can drive using your current full foreign licence, or a International Driving Permit, for up to one year. You must then arrange to undertake the UK driving test.

If you wish to take a driving test, you will need to apply for a GB provisional licence on form D1 available from Post Offices and take a test.

You can get a application form for your driving test from approved driving instructors, driving test centres or Driving Standard Agency Regional Offices.

Residence

A full licence cannot be issued unless you are normally resident in this country. Normal residence means the place where you have personal or occupational ties. However, if you have moved to the UK having recently been permanently resident in another state of the EC/EEA, you must have been normally resident in the UK for 185 days in the 12 months prior to your application for a full driving licence.

In the event of an Accident

If you are involved in an accident you are legally bound to stop. In the event of any injury you are obliged to call the Police to the scene of the accident. Please study the Highway Code Book which can be obtained from the Relocation Advisor( Jill Byers).

Insurance Requirements (Car & Personal Contents)

Car Insurance

Coverage is basically three categories: comprehensive, third party & third party fire & theft, which can be explained in full by the agent. Car insurance coverage rates are related tou your personal driving history, the type of car you selecte and several other variables. It is advisable to telephone for a quote before you purchase your chosen car, the more powerful the car, the more expensive the insurance. It is also advisable to get at least 3 quotes before choosing an insurance provider.

Details of various insurance providers can be found in the Yellow Pages http://www.yell.co.uk or calling free Talking Pages 0800 600 900, details under Insurance Agents, Insurance Brokers, Insurance Companies and Insurance Consultants.

The insurance provider will give you a quote based on the following:

• age of driver(s)
• type of car
• engine rating of car (cc)
• make/model
• driving record (any accident, convictions, penalty points or tickets)
• insurance history (any claims or no claims bonus)
• defensive driving course
• additional drivers (the more drivers you add the higher the premium, maximum-any driver)

As the rate will be different for each individual. It is a good idea to provide them with any documents that could enable you to get the best possible rate.

• letter of no claim bonus from your previous insurance company if applicable
• letter from Schlumberger if you have been driving a company vehicle (available from you QHSE Department)
• defensive driving certificate

Personal contents insurance

Personal contents coverage falls into two categories for claims: “new for old” which means your item will be replaced at the current price regardless of age or wear and tear and “replacement” which takes into consideration normal wear and tear which will be subtracted from the cost of the item.

Details of various insurance providers can be found in the Yellow Pages or by calling free Talking Pages, details under Insurance Agents, Insurance Brokers, Insurance Companies and Insurance Consultants.

Make sure to ask what excess (i.e. the amount for which you are liable before they pay out) is on claims for both houses contents an car insurance. For example, your annual premium may be £260 and your excess for each claim £50 whereas another premium may be £200 but your excess could be £100.

Temporary Accommodation

Serviced Apartment

Temporary accommodation in Aberdeen is normally in the form of a serviced apartment. These serviced apartments are all located in the city centre close to all local amenities. The apartment sizes range from one to three bedroomed apartments.

When you are ready to transfer to Aberdeen please contact the Relocation Advisor who will arrange a serviced apartment for your arrival, suitable to your family size. Upon arrival at the apartment you will find that basic provisios i.e. bread, milk, tea, coffee have been left for your use to help you through the day/night until you have time to visit the supermarket/grocers to stock up on your food provisions.

Serviced apartments are booked on a nightly basis therefore the duration of stay will be dependant upon the temporary accommodation entitlement as stated on the employees transfer.

NOTE- the bill/invoce for the serviced apartment must be settled by the employee on departure from the serviced apartment.