(Untitled)

[firecrest]

Im just wondering if its possibe for a british citizen to take an american driving test whislt in america under the visa waiver. I should be over there for 8 weeks shortly so I could maybe take it if its possible. I dont hold any driving liscense of any sort at the moment.

Comments

[frostedmessiah]

Nope, you need a green card (either conditional or non-conditional) or an employment authorisation document.

Once you have either of those, you can easily get a license regardless of your driving status in the UK.

[darth_spacey]

An EAD? An EAD carries no more weight than a visa (and indeed, there's less validation process involved). Why would a state allow an EAD and not a visa? Any idea which states these are?

Honestly curious here, as that blows my mind.

[blueinva]

He doesn't have a visa - just a three month visa *waver*, that's the issue. You need a EAD or a Green Card.
As soon as I got my EAD I took my Virginia test. Compared to what I faced in Britain it was truly a joke - sight test, road knowledge test, ability to change lanes, turn a corner and there you go. britain requires sight, knowledge, three point turn, emergency stop, hill start and reversing round a corner (like parallel parking only harder, honestly). The rules on proof of residency have tightened up since 9/11 too, so no chance he'll be able to take a test.

[darth_spacey]

That's really freakin' weird. The EAD says nothing about your resident status, or anything related to it. As you said, it lets you work. I don't think I understand the logic that would cause a state to require one.

You *must* have a valid qualifying immigration status to get an EAD, and that's the *only* qualification (aside from paying the fee and waiting). Why would a state put more credence in an EAD than a visa? That's freaky.

[twistperception]

It depends on the state. Some states require you to prove citizenship or legal residency, and some do not.

[evil_laugher]

Well, it takes six months for "new drivers" to get a liscense in Maryland. I don't know how it really applies, but it might not be worth bothering.

Yes you can in Michigan

[rydidian]

There are two states that allow non citizen driver licenses and Michigan is one (I think Tennessee does too, but I am not sure). Several other states have considered doing the same to combat uninsured drivers that were illegally living in the USA.

Re: Yes you can in Michigan

[frostedmessiah]

I wonder if Florida is lax on the only requiring an EAD to get a license because it's a No Fault state?

Re: Yes you can in Michigan

[darth_spacey]

North Carolina allows non citizen driver licenses. It also allows non Green Card licenses. The state government recently allowed ID issued by the Mexican consulate (based on no qualification other than a filing fee) to be used as ID to get an NC driver's license.

[wendye]

UTAH! although you most likely have to have a local address;l I'm sure a motel would suffice if it was willing to forward your mail