Any canadians here have info about getting a US driver's license?

[Southern_Canadian 0]

I know what you mean - I had to do the same in Georgia. I only missed one question on the written - and that was about how soon I had to notify them of changing an address on the license - I put the out of state answer rather than the in state answer (which was actually more generous!) and did perfect on the driving test. If you have been driving for a while, you will be fine. Good luck.

Good to know! So, in Georgia I'll need to do both the writen and driving test. How long can I drive with my Canadian license before I have to get the Georgia one? Also, how did the process work for the writen and driving test? Could I write the test one day and return to do the driving one the next day if they weren't too busy?

[Kathryn41 3,205]

There have been different answers given on that first question - I was told when I arrived that I was allowed to drive for a year on my Canadian license. Joel was told that he couldn't use his Canadian license once he became a resident of Georgia and had to wait. I didn't have enough time left on my I-94 when I first went - which is when they told me I could drive for a year. When I received my EAD I went and got the Georgia license. You will need to have a SSN in order to obtain a Georgia DL, proof of your residency in Georgia I used a joint bank statement with my name and address on it) and proof of your legal immigrant status. I am not sure how they are treating the I-94s these days as they only have a 90 day validity. You will have to surrender your Canadian license, however, when they give you your Georgia one as in Georgia it is illegal to have two Driver's Licenses in your possession. (And yes, people have argued that they have no right to demand your foreign license - you can hold on to it if you wish - they just won't give you a Georgia license!).

You do the whole thing at one time - the written test is actually done on a computer where you sit and answer the questions on the screen. They do the vision test at the same time, then you wait until they have an available examiner and do the driving portion.

One thing - they are never not too busy. Allow yourself a minimum of half a day for the process and get there very early in the day. Bring something to read:-). There will probably be a line up regardless of when you go. You can start studying the Georgia Driver's Manual now - it is available on line. Most of it is similar to Canada although there are some differences re road lines, signage, and local regulations not related to the actual driving part.

Edited March 10, 2008 by Kathryn41

[Southern_Canadian 0]

There have been different answers given on that first question - I was told when I arrived that I was allowed to drive for a year on my Canadian license. Joel was told that he couldn't use his Canadian license once he became a resident of Georgia and had to wait. I didn't have enough time left on my I-94 when I first went - which is when they told me I could drive for a year. When I received my EAD I went and got the Georgia license. You will need to have a SSN in order to obtain a Georgia DL, proof of your residency in Georgia I used a joint bank statement with my name and address on it) and proof of your legal immigrant status. I am not sure how they are treating the I-94s these days as they only have a 90 day validity. You will have to surrender your Canadian license, however, when they give you your Georgia one as in Georgia it is illegal to have two Driver's Licenses in your possession. (And yes, people have argued that they have no right to demand your foreign license - you can hold on to it if you wish - they just won't give you a Georgia license!).

You do the whole thing at one time - the written test is actually done on a computer where you sit and answer the questions on the screen. They do the vision test at the same time, then you wait until they have an available examiner and do the driving portion.

One thing - they are never not too busy. Allow yourself a minimum of half a day for the process and get there very early in the day. Bring something to read:-). There will probably be a line up regardless of when you go. You can start studying the Georgia Driver's Manual now - it is available on line. Most of it is similar to Canada although there are some differences re road lines, signage, and local regulations not related to the actual driving part.

Thanks SOOOOO much for the great advice! I really appreciate it. I have no clue what I'd do without this site and the awesome people!!!

[T.O_2_FL 0]

just to add my 2 cents....

We went to the DMV during lunch and no big line up....waited about 5 minutes....then again I'm out at Cocoa Beach Florida.....not a big city.

Told them I needed a FL Driver's license and they asked for:

-My passport

-Driver's license in Canada

-2 pieces of mail with my name and the address here in FL

-$25 USD ($20 for car + $5 for motorcycle)

She scanned my passport and driver's license and entered in my FL address. Asked if I ever had a DUI charge, license suspended, etc.

Then she asked if I wanted a FL State only license (this is the one where you can keep your Ontario license) <---- I went with this one

OR

The FL license which is recognized in all other States (this is the one where they take your Ontario license).

Printed out a piece of paper and said this was my temporary driver's license and that my FL State license should arrive in a week or so.

Hope this helps!

[Sprailenes 47]

Or you could be like me and only have a beginners license from Ontario and get a full on drivers license in New Jersey without having to take a road test or anything!

THANKS DIRTY JERZ!

[Cassie 8]

I had no choice, I had to give up my Canadian DL as it was in my maiden name, and apparently I can't have a whole bunch of photo ID with various names on them

[samaci 0]

In Washington State, you have to give up your Canadian lisence, and do it all! Written test, road test and I believe an eye test.

[Delicia 1]

I was able to keep my Ontario license when I went to go get a AZ license. It probably helped that I had a license in MN for 20 years and had a copy of my MN driver's extract with me.

[penn-kd 0]

As a canadian you can get an international drivers license that is good for one year. You have don't give up your original DL. Then when what ever state you live in you could give that one up and keep your other one.

[Fuzzness 2]

As a canadian you can get an international drivers license that is good for one year. You have don't give up your original DL. Then when what ever state you live in you could give that one up and keep your other one.

Where did you find this out? I even asked them at the DMV about this and they said there is no such thing as an international drivers license for the US.

Also, just be aware, in any state, if you are required to give up your canadian license and you refuse to, they CAN refuse to issue you a new license for that state.

Edited March 24, 2008 by Fuzzness

[penn-kd 0]

It is just called an international drivers license. It is not specific to the usa. I found this

What exactly is an IDP?

The IDP provides a conversion of your Canadian provincial driver's licence into a universal driving classification, allowing you to drive a vehicle in a foreign country without further tests or applications. This permit was authorized especially for tourists by a 1949 UN treaty among nations of the world. It is proof that you possess a valid driver's licence, issued by a competent authority in Canada, and is only valid when used in conjunction with a valid Canadian provincial driver's licence.

What are the additional advantages of the IDP?

An IDP provides you with an extra form of photo identification, as well as providing a translation of your valid Canadian driver's licence into 10 different languages. Most international car rental agencies will request an IDP, even though one may not be required to drive in their country.

What do I need to know about re-applying for an IDP?

If you have a current IDP and are re-applying, please remember to allow sufficient time for you to receive your IDP to ensure that your current one will not expire.

What you'll need to get an IDP?

You can only receive an IDP if you are 18 years of age or older, and hold a valid Canadian provincial driver's licence. An IDP cannot be issued for provisional, learner's or suspended licences, or for any category of vehicle which is not presently covered by that same provincial driver's licence. In addition to meeting the above conditions, you will require:

An IDP fee payment of $15.00 - This fee can be paid by cash, Visa or MasterCard; AMA Members in good standing may also pay by cheque made payable to AMA.

If applying by mail, then payment must be either by money order or certified cheque drawn on a Canadian bank payable to the Alberta Motor Association (Note: AMA can not accept personal cheques from non-members). If you require the IDP to be sent by regular mail, please enclose an additional $7.00 CAD (including GST) for Canadian addresses or $13.00 CAD (including GST) for addresses in the United States. (AMA can only send IDP's by registered mail). If you require the IDP to be sent overseas, please contact us as the cost of delivery will vary depending on the destination.

Credit card numbers along with expiry date, signature of person named on card and letter authorizing us to charge the credit card for the cost of the IDP and shipping may be enclosed at your own risk.

A completed and signed CAA IDP application form - Applications may be done in person at any AMA centre or CAA office.If you are unable to visit a CAA office, you may print a copy of the application form and, once completed and signed, mail it in to your local AMA centre along with your passport-sized photos, fee payment and photocopy (front and back) of your valid Canadian provincial driver's licence.

How long does it take to get an IDP?

If you visit an AMA centre, we can process an IDP for you in about fifteen minutes.* The information on your IDP must match the information on your Alberta driver's license. If you need to update the address on your Alberta driver's license, it will take a minimum of 2 weeks for the update to be made. We recommend that you visit our centre 2 -3 weeks prior to your departure to ensure that we are able to issue your permit. If your IDP is being mailed, you should allow at least three weeks for the IDP to reach you.

[Fuzzness 2]

wish i had this information 2 years ago! thanks though, interesting to know

[Leafgal 3]

In Virginia you just go in but they are really strict with what identification you can use to get the new license. I had to hand over my Ontario license and then do a vision test and that was it, received my VA license. They only issued it for a 1 year period, and upon renewal I had to show them my I-797C for applying for AOS and then they have renewed it again for another year. Once I take in my green card they will extend it. Pretty simple but a lot of proof of residing in Virginia though, and a long line up.

[Earmuffs 1]

Then she asked if I wanted a FL State only license (this is the one where you can keep your Ontario license) <---- I went with this one

OR

The FL license which is recognized in all other States (this is the one where they take your Ontario license).

Printed out a piece of paper and said this was my temporary driver's license and that my FL State license should arrive in a week or so.

Hope this helps!

so basically you cant drive in any other states?

good choice

Edited March 24, 2008 by Earmuffs

[MissStacey 1]

I still haven't gone and I haven't been studying for it. I need a swift kick in the butt.