Lauren Silverman, the American socialite engaged to music and TV mogul Simon Cowell, has confessed to a major motoring oversight that lasted for more than a decade. In a candid social media post, she revealed she had been driving in Britain without a valid licence for 12 years, completely unaware of a crucial UK regulation for foreign drivers.
The 'Oops' Moment: A Decade-Long Oversight
Silverman, 48, took to Instagram this week to share her startling discovery. Despite holding both a full US driving licence and a UK provisional licence, she had failed to realise that holders of overseas licences are only permitted to drive in Great Britain for 12 months after becoming a resident. "I've been here for 12 years. Oops!" she wrote, acknowledging the rule applied directly to her situation.
The mother-of-two explained that she is now prohibited from driving at all until she successfully passes both the UK theory and practical driving tests. She described the realisation as deeply frustrating, telling her followers: "So until I can pass this bad boy, no more driving for me which means no more freedom or independence." Silverman added she was "so bummed" and asked for advice on how to pass the tests "fast."
Legal Ramifications and Official Guidance
According to the official guidance on GOV.UK, drivers can use a full and valid foreign licence in Great Britain for 12 months from the date they become resident. After this period expires, they must apply for a GB provisional licence and pass both the theory and practical tests before they are legally allowed back on the road.
Driving without a valid licence beyond that 12-month window is a serious offence. The potential consequences include:
- A fine of up to £1,000.
- Penalty points on any future licence.
- Potential seizure of the vehicle by police.
- Invalid insurance, meaning any accident would not be covered.
An Inconvenient Time for a Driving Ban
The timing of this revelation is particularly awkward for Silverman. She has just returned to London after a festive family holiday in Barbados with fiancé Simon Cowell, their 11-year-old son Eric, and her eldest son Adam, 19. Now, instead of enjoying the post-holiday period, she faces the mundane task of studying the Highway Code and booking driving test slots.
Nevertheless, she appears resigned to the process, stating simply: "It's got to be done." Silverman began dating the X Factor and Britain's Got Talent creator in 2013. Their son Eric was born in February 2014, and Cowell proposed in late 2021. While wedding plans have been kept private, speculation arose in October 2025 when Silverman deleted her old Instagram account and created a new private one under the name LaurenMichelleCowell, suggesting she may have taken his surname.
