British Expatriate Network

I'm sure this topic has been discussed before but I just wanted a bit of advice on the process. I currently have been driving on my UK driver's license in the US on and off for the past 4 years. I am now living here permanently but I am still waiting for my Greencard. I understand that you can't get your US driver's license until you are a permanent resident and have to show all sorts of documentation to prove it but you have to apply within 30 days of becoming a US resident - is this correct? Also, is it necessary to take a US driving test or will just a written test do. In the meantime, I'm not sure whether it is worth getting a none-driver's ID - I had one of these before when I lived in NJ but my name and address have since changed. If anyone has been through this process, I'd appreciate any insights / advice. Thanks for your help.

Em

Driving license laws are all made at state level so there is not one answer for the whole country. However, typically, when you take up residence, you need to get a license straightaway - this can be anything from 2 weeks to 3 months, depending on the state.

The DMV does not have the same view on what makes a resident as the INS, so your green card status is completely irrelevent. Not all states are particularly explicit on their websites as to whom they consider a resident, but here in Ohio, they say that if you rent an apartment, enrol children in school, work, then you are a resident of the state - and all these things you can do on a L or H visa.

So, basically, you have been driving without a license for 4 years. I suggest you high tail it to the DMV and get this sorted ASAP and be thankful that you haven't been caught out.

Whether you have to take a test or not is a state law. It's common for all new residents to take a written and eye test, and for Brits (ex RHD) to take the full monty. Usually, tests are really easy though - 10 minutes making sure you don't run a stop sign.

How'd you manage to get away with never having to show your licence?

http//www.nydmv.state.ny.us/index.htm. Here is link for NY DMV. Perhaps there is some info on there that might be address your questions.

The only time I have ever had to show my driver's license is in Safeway, buying booze.

Think all I needed to get one was my social security number.

Whoa!
I had to get a US driver's license or they would not insure me.

BUT, they make it very tricky, you cannot apply for the license unless you are legally allowed to be in the country for more than 12 months. If not, they tell you that you do not need a US license. However, in NJ this means that you cannot get insured. It's a stupid, vicious circle.

Not sure if all that applies to NY as well. In NJ I had to show my English license, take a written(computer) and vision test and wait in hell for about 7 hours...

Somewhere on this site is the full version of it. From what I hear, a driving test is more of a shuffle around a parking lot, than a road test.

I would urge you to get a NY license ASAP. If you wait, they could introduce a stupid rule that srews you up, like they did here for me. As well as that, bouncers seem to understand their licenses much better- less time in the cold outside a bar!!

Stel.

I didn't need an SS number to get a licence -they ask for it and look surprised when you tell them you don't have one, but carry on anyway here in MI.

I'd hope they have tightened things up since 9/11 when the terrorists got hold of them nice and easy.

wouldn't bet on it, though.

I did show my passport but they didn't look at the visa.

I've been driven mad by the DMV situation since I got here, they are very strict on documentation, all the rules changed after 9/11 apparently.
I couldn't get insurance on my car without a Virginia license (in the end they relented but my husband had to get the insurance and then I was a named driver). The DMV required a social security number which I didn't have, so I then had to apply for work authorisation in order to get a social security number in order to apply for a license.

I'm surprised your insurance company kept insuring you; we could only find one which would insure me and even then they are expecting to hear from me that I have my Virginia license pretty soon.

I find the whole thing really confusing. Thanks for the website though - printed off some info. that will help - god forbid you actually get through to a human being on the other end of the phone though! Anyway, I think I have enough documentation to go on but am really reluctant to take a day off work to get interrorgated by them - hopefully they'll be able to sort me out one Saturday.

I drive my husband's car (which is actually under his mum's name) - when I first started driving in the States, the insurance co said as long as I had my UK driving license I was fine. Isn't it strange though that they have a different definition of permanent resident than the INS? Even my lawyer said not to bother with getting my US driver's license until I got my greencard.

As for not getting 'caught' - I didn't actually know I was doing anything wrong and have never been pulled over. I suppose with so many contradicting 'definitions' floating around it's difficult to know what's right and wrong - I only hope they'll not give me too much of a hard time - which I suppose won't be made any easier having some documentation in my married name and some in my maiden name - what a palava!

Cheers, Em

Em, if you have a SS number then all you need to do is go to the DMV office as soon as it opens in a morning. Sometimes you can print the forms off the website to save you having to fill them in once you get there. Anyway, then you will do the computer test (make sure you have a drivers manual to swat up on breaking distances and alcohol limits). Then they will book you a time to go and do the driving test.

All it will be is a quick drive around the block to show that you can drive safely and competently.

This is compulsory in NYS so you don't have a choice on this unfortunately. I did hear from a friend that, depending on the NYS office, they may actually take your british driving license off you. Just make a note of your license number before you go, just in case. You can always get a duplicate done if need be.

If you don't have a SS number, you need to go to the SS office, with your passport (which will have your current visa in it hopefully grin ). they will give you a letter stating that you can have a driving license. You will need this at the DMV.

Also, take your passport to the DMV plus other forms of ID (bank book with your name on it, student ID card, utility bill with your name on it, marriage certificate, birth certificate). You need 6 points (I think thats how many anyay) for ID. This list should be on website. I think a passport is 3 points.

Em, if you had been renting a car for occasional trips, then I suppose it wouldn't have mattered too much about the driving license. But legally, you are supposed to have a US driving license if you are living here. I am surprised that the insurance company (if you are named on the insurance that is) hasn't chased you up on your NY driving license. Ours did! They wouldn't give us our insurance documents (even though we had paid them) without a copy of both of our driving licenses for their records. Apparently it is a NYS law.

Hope this helps, Em and let me know if you have any more questions.

I forgot to say also, Em, they shouldn't give you a hard time. It has nothing to do with them how long it took you to get your license. If you are concerned they may question you, just make up something grin

Thanks Ben - the info you gave me has clarified my understanding of the whole situation. I have been on the DMV website and got all the forms and will start flicking through the manual for the written test. Apparently I'll be needing an eye-test too! In the past, I have driven during vacations or when I have been living here for just one year here and there on J1 visas - so there was no need to get a US license. I think you're right about surrendering my British license - good point about writing the number down. Well, wish me luck - looks like I'll be having some swatting up to do and parallel parking to practice ???

your UK license covers you until you get a green card.