Meghan Markle's life has changed in so many ways and is about to change even more now that she's going to be a member of the British royal family.
One of those changes is learning to drive afresh in a way fitting for UK roads. But she isn't doing that alone. Her fiance Prince Harry and his police protection officers are teaching Meghan to drive a manual vehicle and also to drive on the left side of the road, after years of using an automatic in Canada and the US. Like most North Americans, Miss Markle has always used a left-hand drive automatic vehicle, so she's learning to master a right-hand drive manual vehicle as a back-up.
She will also be taught evasive driving techniques as part of a general programme of security training. Insiders say Miss Markle is in the process of applying for a British provisional licence. Visitors to the UK from outside the EU are eligible to drive a small vehicle for up to 12 months from the time they first become resident, providing that they have a full, valid driving licence from their home country, which Meghan does. If they wish to carry on driving in the UK after that, however, they need to get a British provisional driving licence and pass a theory and practical driving test, Daily Mail reports.
The insider said Meghan Markle, 36, has been seen brushing up on her skills inside the grounds at Kensington Palace, where she lives with Harry, 33, as she is said to be keen to drive herself around in the future.
Although all royalty protection vehicles are now automatics, sources say it is important that the actress is able to drive a manual as well should she need to in an emergency.