Lauren Silverman, the American fiancée of music mogul Simon Cowell, has made a startling admission: she has been driving on UK roads without a valid licence for more than twelve years. The 48-year-old socialite took to Instagram on Tuesday night to share her shock and frustration after discovering the legal oversight.
The Costly Oversight: A 12-Month Rule Missed
Silverman, who holds a valid US driving licence and a UK provisional licence, explained she was unaware of a critical time limit. She believed her documentation allowed her to drive indefinitely. However, UK government rules state that new residents can only drive on a foreign licence for 12 months after becoming resident. After this period, they must obtain a full UK licence by passing both the theory and practical tests.
"I didn't realise there was a limit on how long you're allowed to do that," Lauren wrote candidly. "Answer is 12 months. I've been here for 12 years. Oops!" The realisation means she must immediately stop driving until she passes the UK tests, a prospect she finds deeply disheartening.
Consequences and a Loss of Independence
Expressing her dismay, Silverman said she feels she has "lost her freedom and independence." In her social media plea for advice, she stated: "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."
The implications of driving without a valid licence in Great Britain are severe. According to the GOV.UK website, it can result in:
- A fine of up to £1,000.
- Up to six penalty points on your licence.
- Risk of having your car seized.
- Invalid car insurance, making any claim void.
Following her post, Lauren thanked followers for their tips and confirmed she has booked her theory test for next Tuesday in a bid to resolve the situation swiftly.
Life in the Spotlight with Simon Cowell
The revelation comes just after Silverman returned from a festive family holiday to Barbados with Simon Cowell, 66, her 19-year-old son Adam, and their 11-year-old son, Eric. She has recently become more visible in the public eye following her appearance on the Netflix reality show The Next Act, which documented Cowell's search for a new boyband and offered fans a deeper look into their relationship since it began in 2013.
While her address is not specified, the couple are known to reside in London, making the UK driving regulations directly applicable to her daily life. Her honest confession highlights a common pitfall for expatriates navigating the complexities of British motoring law.
