Driving in the US

[Damian&Kelly 16]

I know I've come here to ask about getting a license once my fiance gets to the US and I just thought I'd help everyone out and tell everyone what I found out.. My fiance is from the UK and has a valid UK license and every visit he's come here he's drove my parents cars and he was covered under my parents insurance but I know that once he has a visa its different.

First off you have to get a International Driving Permit. They cost about $10 well in the Uk at least and can be gotten at most post offices. and they're good for a year. I believe you can get car insurance with the Permit if you want to get your own car. But I am pretty sure you'll be covered on others car insurance just so you have permission to drive the car.

I wouldn't hold off getting a US license. But this IDP will let you drive up until the day you get your US license then once you have your US license you have to get car insurance. keep in mind you will get the highest rate because they cant check your previous years of driving. Once you have your SSN you can get your license.

[motu 6]

The one year limit is incorrect - some of the states only let you drive for 6 months on a foreign or an International license. You need to check with your state dept of Motor Vehicle to find out what's valid in your state. Since many states have the same limit on a foreign and an international license - why waste your time on the international license? Check it before you do it. Good Luck

[The Robinsons 0]

In NC you're only allowed to drive 3 months on a foreign or international license. And it's a hassle to get an NC license without a GC in hand.

Also we found that Direct Auto Insurance was the only company willing to accept that you are not an inexperienced driver when you hold a foreign drivers license. Therefore also the only company willing the give us a 'normal' insurance rate.

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

My understanding is that the International license is not necessary unless your license is not in english. I didn't bother getting an International license before moving to the UK. You basically have to have your normal license and the international license anyway, making the international license worthless.

[bakofoil 27]

Lancer I wonder if you can help me since your local office is listed as Sacramento.

I've been looking at the California DMV site and it states the following about foreign driving licenses;

If you are a visitor in California over 18 and have a valid driver license from your home state or country, you may drive in this state without getting a California driver license as long as your home state license remains valid.

If you take a job here or become a resident, you must get a California driver license within 10 days. Residency is established by voting in a California election, paying resident tuition, filing for a homeowner’s property tax exemption, or any other privilege or benefit not ordinarily extended to nonresidents.

Does this mean that when AOS is approved I have to get a CA driver license within 10 days and until that point I am ok using my UK license? I've been so absorbed in the K1 process that I'm not actually sure when Permanent Residency kicks in.

[mc2000ch 0]

My understanding is that the International license is not necessary unless your license is not in english. I didn't bother getting an International license before moving to the UK. You basically have to have your normal license and the international license anyway, making the international license worthless.

agree

[Dr. Obvious 49]

In some states, you don't even have to have a translation of your license. Unitrin was not exactly willing, but did end up insuring my husband on a foreign license. We pay $300 every six months.

[Mags 112]

If you come from an English speaking country, and your original driving license is written in English, then you don't need an International Drivers License.

[Jeraly 4]

Lancer I wonder if you can help me since your local office is listed as Sacramento.

I've been looking at the California DMV site and it states the following about foreign driving licenses;

If you are a visitor in California over 18 and have a valid driver license from your home state or country, you may drive in this state without getting a California driver license as long as your home state license remains valid.

If you take a job here or become a resident, you must get a California driver license within 10 days. Residency is established by voting in a California election, paying resident tuition, filing for a homeowner’s property tax exemption, or any other privilege or benefit not ordinarily extended to nonresidents.

Does this mean that when AOS is approved I have to get a CA driver license within 10 days and until that point I am ok using my UK license? I've been so absorbed in the K1 process that I'm not actually sure when Permanent Residency kicks in.

That sounds about right to me although I haven't carried out much (any) research myself yet either

[chloe 1]

In Georgia, you must get a GA licence within 30 days of becoming a resident, i.e putting your kids in school and a bunch of other stuff. I found out the hard way after being arrested for driving on my valid UK licence, thought it was good for a year.

[Darren&Laura 3]

Please accept my apologies if this is a really dumb question, but having just entered the USA on my K1 can I get a drivers license here now without a social security number?

I don't think I can, but aren't 100% sure, but if not is my UK license still valid until after I adjust status after the wedding?

Thanks for any help, I'm a bit confused as you can probably tell

[Lisax 0]

In Rhode Island you are able to use your UK Drivers License for 1 year, I've been using mine for over a year and was still able to be insured on the car we have, but I would definitely recommend just getting your US license if you can. I have taken the written test, which was pretty easy, just read through your States drivers manual and then you take the drivers test, which I have in a couple of weeks, really can't wait to just get it, wish I had done it sooner, than later.

[Lisax 0]

Please accept my apologies if this is a really dumb question, but having just entered the USA on my K1 can I get a drivers license here now without a social security number?

I don't think I can, but aren't 100% sure, but if not is my UK license still valid until after I adjust status after the wedding?

Thanks for any help, I'm a bit confused as you can probably tell

In Rhode Island I know you have to have a Social Security Number, so I would check with your State's driving policies, there should be a website out there, where you can check this information out, if not, just do what I did and go straight to your local DMV and ask.

Again in Rhode Island your UK drivers license is valid for one year, every state is different.

[catrocks 0]

Please accept my apologies if this is a really dumb question, but having just entered the USA on my K1 can I get a drivers license here now without a social security number?

I don't think I can, but aren't 100% sure, but if not is my UK license still valid until after I adjust status after the wedding?

Thanks for any help, I'm a bit confused as you can probably tell

The best thing for you to do is check your state's DMV website, or go to your local DMV and ask one of the officials there. Each state has different laws concerning this. In Ohio, you can drive for up to a year as a visitor - I probably drove on my UK license for way longer than I should have, but to get a license here I needed my SSN and either EAD or green card. I had to take both written and practical tests (both VERY easy).

But I would check with your local DMV to be sure

[JaEnglishGirl 34]

State Farm covers me under my husband's policy with no extra charge.

An international driving license confers no additional status to you driving in the USA.