Driver's License

[Carlawarla 1]

Well, I've been driving on my Saskatchewan Driver's License, awaiting my GC as I didn't want to get it earlier, and have it expire on me. So, I phoned DMV to ask what I needed to do, and they advised a road sign recognition test and vision test. I'm like....ALRIGHT!!

So on Friday, Gene had the day off, and I thought he should go with me, because I'd have to surrender my DL from SK and if I didn't pass something, I'd be SOL for getting back home here!

So off we go...I'm armed to the teeth. I have my SSN (in my married name), GC, passport, marriage license, utility bill to show residence...think that's about it.

Well, I go and tell them what I'm there for, and find out I need to take a road sign recognition test, a vision test, AND a written exam ANDDDDDDDD a driving test!!!!!

I am NOT a happy camper! I'm almost 50 years old, and the last time I had these tests was when I was 16!

And it so happened that the car we came in to the office, was the one that Gene uses all the time (I've only driven it about 3 times since I've been here). I usually drive the 1/4 ton, and it's standard. Gene's car is automatic. *sigh*

But now I'm really freaked!! What if I don't pass?! Then I went from being freaked to angry... In all the years I've driven, I've never had an accident, or a ticket even! But that doesn't matter...I've never had a US DL so I have to do all of this....

Anyway, (what a saga eh?) I passed everything!

Had a horrible HORRIBLE picture taken for my license And received a temporary license at the office. My REAL license will come after they've checked my SSN and greencard out she said. Whatever the heck that means!

I told my kids this story back in SK and they laughed and laughed. They said they knew I'd pass...but thought it was funny that I had to go through all of that.

Carla

[Lance27 19]

Strange, Was told the same thing... I need to do the written test too and the eye examination but they waive the road test if I have a valid Ontario Drivers license and surrender it/ However all I need is 2 forms of ID and a valid I-94 to get a drivers license.

[Flames9_RN 358]

u should have moved to VA, simple exchange of drivers license! Even kept my motorcycle endorsement. Congrats, not sure I could pass a written and a driving test,lol

[warlord 72]

Yeah every state does it dsifferently. When I got mine years back, I walked into the DMV at the mall at one of their booths they used to have set up. Handed over my Ontario licence, did a vision test and then got my Colorado licence right there. Too about 15 mins total and most of that was just waiting on my licence to print out...

[Cassie 8]

u should have moved to VA, simple exchange of drivers license! Even kept my motorcycle endorsement. Congrats, not sure I could pass a written and a driving test,lol

hehehe me neither! Fortunately I only had the vision test, and had to give them my NS DL card.

Congrats Carla on getting your DL!!

[MissStacey 1]

I have to do the whole exam too. I'm not very happy about it.

I picked up a book to study for it. I'm waiting to get my SSN before I go and do it though.

[misa 2]

I've never even had a driver's license but I do have a state ID. Anyway as for the checking your SSN and GC, some State DMVs (not all) check for legal presence so they need to run the EAD or GC through "SAVE" just like the SSA and they also check the validity of your SSN.

When I went to get my state ID, the lady was super nice until I showed her my forms of ID and then her attitude totally changed... (Canadian passport, EAD). Didn't know ####### that was all about except she either didn't like Canadians or any immigrants... geesh.

Er, where was I. ANYWAY... congrats Carla and hopefully you'll get your "real" DL in the mail soon.

[Mephys 2]

In Illinois I went with my EAD. I took the written test and the eye exam, but they handed me the real license right away and gave me back my Quebec license...

Why can't they have the same way for each state??? I understand they don't have the same laws, but to the point where one has only to exchande the DL and the other has to do all the tests.......that's absurd!

But anyways, Congrats Carla!!!!!

[vnoe 0]

That sucks!!!!! North Dakota is a simple exchange.....thank goodness. I have a Class 1 (CDL down here) and I don't think I could do that test again. I have confirmed with them on a number of occasions that I won't have to take a semi out for a drive...lol. I haven't drove in years. I just like knowing that I can if I have to!

Not sure why every state/province just can't be the same?!?!?

[Krikit 1,163]

Bleh. What a pain in the butt, Carla. Luckily, I live in a State where I could just apply and receive.

[bradcanuck 1]

I just had to take my driven test in CA. Didn't need proof of anything. I just had to show my passport and I got a DL.

[thetreble 19]

I think it's simply silly to have Canadians re-taking road tests considering some of us go through graduated licensing programs! In Ontario I had to get my G-1, then my G-2, then a G. Each had tests and with each i paid more and more money (and the prov. government laughed all the way to the bank). So why, when the rules of driving, including signs, are practically identical, do Canadians have to get re-tested in some states is beyond me.

I can't get my NJ driver's license until I'm ready to register my vehicle (it will happen soon) so I don't know what I'm going to have to do besides providing many forms of ID like a GC. All I know is it will be a sad day when I remove my ontario plates

[bradcanuck 1]

I think it's simply silly to have Canadians re-taking road tests considering some of us go through graduated licensing programs! In Ontario I had to get my G-1, then my G-2, then a G. Each had tests and with each i paid more and more money (and the prov. government laughed all the way to the bank). So why, when the rules of driving, including signs, are practically identical, do Canadians have to get re-tested in some states is beyond me

Agreed 100%. BC has the L and N and Class 5 system. I had to go through that nightmare then I had to take a road test here. Felt like I was teaching the driver with me (who looked younger than I) how to drive. Passed flawlessly.

I can understand testing those who are new to cars, but UK/Most Euro/Canadians?

[SonoranSongbird 3]

Congratulations, Carla! Woohoo!

Heh, having to take another road test would bring back traumatic memories. I hit a parked car parallel parking the first time I took mine when I was 17. How embarrassing is that? I had to take it again driving something a lot smaller than my parents' enormous 1970-something Impala.

[Chica Yeyé 41]

Now the thing is.... who will be brave enough to get in the car with Carla at the wheel ?????????? KIDDING!!! Congrats sister!

I hate driving, but Bren is insisting on me taking the exam and all that jazz - arghh. I guess he's tired of being mah chauffeur??????