Comments | brits_americans: US driving question

elvisina in brits_americans

US driving question

Jul 12, 2006 17:35

My husband has a full Serbian driver's license, an international one and a provisional UK license too. We're moving over to the US in August and the first two expire in September. Does anyone know whether he'll be able to get a US license if he's on a J-2 visa? Or should he just try and renew his Serbian one/get a full UK one before we go? We'll be ( Read more... )

driving (us)

Comments 8

twistperception July 12 2006, 18:28:53 UTC

Each state has different policies on issuing drivers' licenses. Many states issue them even to illegal immigrants. What state are you coming to?

ceolnamara July 12 2006, 18:38:10 UTC

In Ohio, the actual driving test is easy enough. Make sure to study up on laws (like, 20mph in a school zone). The maneuverability test is a bit more interesting, but if he's good at parallel parking, he should do fine.

I would take six months or so and get used to driving here. Then, when he takes the exam he should have no trouble. Remembering the laws should be ok by then too.

Maybe you can get someone from the state you are moving to to send you a copy of the driving instruction book that people get when they want to prepare for the written test. Or, it is probably online.

kaypow July 12 2006, 21:13:03 UTC

Definitely varies by State, and can even vary by DMV office if you run up against someone who doesn't know how to deal with aliens ( ... )

sockmonkey13 July 12 2006, 22:14:10 UTC

it's a state by state thing (needing a licence for the stae you are in) Some states require you to get a driving licence for their state within a month of becoming a resident of that state. In those states the insurance companies will make a stink about getting the number off your licence. Connecticut is that way, I still had my Nebraska licence when I signed up for insurance in CT (I needed proof of insurance in that state to get plates) and they were irritatingly mindful about calling up asking if I had a CT licence yet. Where I live now they don't care if my licence is out of state, as long as I have insurance and my current address is on the registration and the CT licence isn't expired ( ... )

cold_starlight July 12 2006, 23:05:59 UTC

very often, all you need is just a valid postal address, and to prove you live there you just show some official name received for your name at this address. then of course you have to pass a written and behind-the-wheel tests, but they are relatively easy.

sparkofcreation July 12 2006, 23:54:03 UTC

As people above have said, it varies (a lot) by state.

In New Jersey, a foreign license exempts you from the practical (driving) test (you still have to take the written test), but they will only issue a DL with an immigration document that's valid for more than six months. My husband's six-month J-1 wasn't good enough. You also need a ton of other documentation.