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Lauren Silverman took to Instagram on Tuesday night to reveal she’s been unwittingly driving without a valid UK licence for more than a decade.
The American socialite, 48, has a valid US licence and also a provisional UK licence but had no idea that only permitted her to drive for 12 months as a UK resident before she had to get a UK licence.
Horrified to discover the truth, Lauren has said she’s ‘bummed’ that she now can’t drive until she passes her test in Britain, feeling she has ‘lost her freedom and independence.’
Lauren wrote: ‘I have to take and pass my UK driving theory and practical test as I was driving on a provisional licence over here and with a US one.
‘I didn’t realise there was a limit on how long you’re allowed to do that. (Answer is 12 months. I’ve been here for 12 years. Oops!)
Lauren Silverman had admitted she’s been driving without a valid UK driving licence for more than a decade and said she’s ‘bummed’ she can no longer drive and has ‘lost her freedom’
The American socialite, 48, has a valid US licence and also a provisional UK licence but had no idea that only permitted her to drive for 12 months as a UK resident before she had to get a UK licence, (pictured driving in Beverly Hills in 2015 with Simon)
She shared this brutally honest post about her realisation on Instagram Stories on Tuesday night
‘So until I can pass this bad boy, no more driving for me which means no more freedom or independence.
‘I am so bummed about this but it’s got to be done! Anyone able to help me and offer me some tips, advice on how to pass and fast? Thank you so much.’
The GOV.UK website confirms this and writes: ‘You can drive in Great Britain on your full and valid licence for 12 months from when you became resident
‘After 12 months, you’ll need to apply for a GB provisional licence and pass the theory driving test and practical driving test to drive in Great Britain.’
Failure to do so means you are effectively ‘driving without a valid licence’ which can lead to a fine of up to £1000 or can put you at risk of a car seizure or up to six points on your licence.
Driving without a valid licence means your car insurance is likely invalid.
Lauren has just returned home from a festive trip to Barbados with fiancé Simon Cowell, 66, her son Adam 19, and her son with Simon, Eric, 11.
She has become more active on social media since appearing on Netflix reality show, The Next Act, which followed Simon’s search for a new boyband.
It was the first time that fans got an indepth look at Lauren’s relationship with the media mogul since they began their romance in 2013.
Lauren later thanked her followers for their advice and said she now has her theory test booked in for next Tuesday
Lauren has just returned home from a festive trip to Barbados with fiancé Simon Cowell, 66, her son Adam 19, and her son with Simon, Eric, 11
