drivng lessons, how soon after you get to the usa can you start?

[Hannah+Vito 0]

I have no driving licence other than an English provisional. and it's been a while since I had some lessons. I have decided that at this point in the process, I'd rather wait till America to start again. primarilly because it would save me money on a second test and I would want some lessons on how the Americans drive anyhow. ( lots of differences to UK ) In LA it seemed to me that a car is a must have, and I should look into doing it as soon as possible? thing is after reading the dmv website I am completely confussed

when I look for the equivalent of a provisional (learners licence/permit whatever you guys call it ) I can't see any info about imigrants and how to do it, it's mostly about 16 and 17yr olds

I also understand that if you get a drivers licence while on your i-194, it will expire at the same time as the latter? does this mean if I get a learners permit and start my lessons while on my k1, I have to stop when it expires while waiting for AOS, and if I do, do I have to start over again or does it ( any lessons and passed tests) carry over to the new licence?

If there is anyone who can share their expeiences of learning to drive from scratch over there on K1, in particular in California, please share your experiences and advice, as to what you are suposed to do and when?

Thanks in advance Hannah

[pbgirl 1]

Don't have any answer for you since you're on a K1 and in CA....but just wanted to say I like your avatar!!

[Hannah+Vito 0]

Thanks Vito chose it i like it too!

[jeffcloe 0]

This VJ link might help:

Clike Here

And also this one specifically in CA

Click Here

Enjoy driving!

[Hannah+Vito 0]

thanks cloe and jeff very informative, especially the first second link. one question,

to actually take practical lessons do i get a licence first or after? its a little confussing,

"Once you've provided all this information and aced the test, one of these things will happen:

• If you've never driven before, you'll get a permit. This lets you drive as long as someone 18 or older is in the car with you. When you're ready, make an appointment to take the driving test."

is this the first licence or permit i will recieve? do you just take lessons without needing a permit of any kind then take test or take a test then get permit then take lessons?

[jeffcloe 0]

thanks cloe and jeff very informative, especially the first second link. one question,

to actually take practical lessons do i get a licence first or after? its a little confussing,

"Once you've provided all this information and aced the test, one of these things will happen:

• If you've never driven before, you'll get a permit. This lets you drive as long as someone 18 or older is in the car with you. When you're ready, make an appointment to take the driving test."

is this the first licence or permit i will recieve? do you just take lessons without needing a permit of any kind then take test or take a test then get permit then take lessons?

as far as I know these are the mandatory steps to get it done in California:

1. Complete a DMV-approved California drivers education course

2. Study for the California learners permit / instruction permit test

3. Enroll in drivers training

4. Apply for the California learners permit / instruction permit

5. Practice driving under supervision

6. Take the driving test for your California drivers license

But you have to check DMV California to make sure...

Thanks.

[Hannah+Vito 0]

thanks cloe and jeff i'm slowly getting the hang of this.

[cca 13]

I have no driving licence other than an English provisional. and it's been a while since I had some lessons. I have decided that at this point in the process, I'd rather wait till America to start again. primarilly because it would save me money on a second test and I would want some lessons on how the Americans drive anyhow. ( lots of differences to UK ) In LA it seemed to me that a car is a must have, and I should look into doing it as soon as possible? thing is after reading the dmv website I am completely confussed

when I look for the equivalent of a provisional (learners licence/permit whatever you guys call it ) I can't see any info about imigrants and how to do it, it's mostly about 16 and 17yr olds

I also understand that if you get a drivers licence while on your i-194, it will expire at the same time as the latter? does this mean if I get a learners permit and start my lessons while on my k1, I have to stop when it expires while waiting for AOS, and if I do, do I have to start over again or does it ( any lessons and passed tests) carry over to the new licence?

If there is anyone who can share their expeiences of learning to drive from scratch over there on K1, in particular in California, please share your experiences and advice, as to what you are suposed to do and when?

Thanks in advance Hannah

Hey writing this a bit late but i have Def answer to your question! I went over to usa for 3months last jan on VWP and went for my driving lisence. I dont drive here in UK so i had to drive from scratch. I went to the local drivers school where (and this might completley differ in states) you could just walk straight in and request a drivers written exam. they also offered me to have my actual test the same day, which at that time i wasnt ready to do so. All i needed was a photo ID, my I-94 which you have given whenever you go to the US and i did give my social securiyty number as i have one from previously wrking in the usa but if you dont have it i dont know how neccessary it is to have 1. They photocopied everything and i passed my written wohoo and was given my written provisional card! The only diff was because i was leaving in 3 months it only lasted this time, and if i wasnt back within the country within 1 month i would have to take the test again..other than that i was all set!! I do know that this expiration restriction didnt apply to say the state minesota so some states let you just have it as long as you have the documentation i stated above!

I guess as this time you will have your K1 so thatll last 3 months, therefore if youre in a state where your lisence does have that expiration rule you can just go in the day it expires and re-register no probs as you will be filing for AOS and therefore will have no further expiration as you will be in the US for good

Hope all that makes sense??!

[Mononoke28 135]

This info is based on what another VJ member living in LA told me. A person who comes in to the US with a K1 visa cannot get a California drivers license unless they have at least their EAD. Same in Colorado.

Since a learners permit is only good until the I-94 expires, then you might as well wait until you get your EAD to get it anyway and meanwhile start studying the drivers manual so you're ready for the written test. Once you pass your witten test you're given a learners permit. You can drive with this permit as long as an adult with a valid drivers license is in the car with you. You also don't have to pay for classes so anyone can teach you. Once you're ready, make an appointment with your local DMV office for a driving test. You'll get to drive with a testing "officer" and he/she will watch everything you do and either tell you that you passed or didn't pass.

Diana

[Hannah+Vito 0]

ok thanks guys i think i understand how it works now! its almost exactly like uk but shorter and need to do the written (what we call theory) before you can have your learners permit, then you can take lessons. in england you get the learners permit take lessons and study for the written. then take written pass it then practical. so with the exception of the order of the written its the same. thats good. was hoping i didnt have to wait untill my ead though. its gunna be hard being so depend on familly and Vito for those months. i think i did see a link about immigrats getting a licence on their cali website i will look again

[Hannah+Vito 0]

from th cali link cloe and jeff gave me.

Non-Citizens

If you're visiting California, your valid foreign license is recognized and accepted. An International Driver's Permit alone is not sufficient. This document, which translates your foreign license into a more comprehensible format for U.S. officials, is a good supplement to your foreign license, but not a substitute.

If you establish residency in the U.S. but are not yet a citizen, and you want to obtain a California license keep reading.

How to Apply as a Non-Citizen

1. Have ready your birthdate/legal presence* (BD/LP) document and your Social Security number.

2. Follow the procedure for obtaining a Class C license; normal application fees and testing requirements apply

3. Once you pass the test the DMV will mail you your license or ID after the Department of Homeland Security verifies your legal status.

*When entering the country with a valid passport or travel document, you are issued a BD/LP. This document indicates how long you are permitted to stay in the U.S. You can begin the process of getting your California license if your BD/LP is good for at least 30 days, but if it expires in less than 60 days, you won't get your license or ID until you provide a BD/LP valid for 60 days or more.

* If your BD/LP expires in less than five years from your application date (six years for an ID card), your license will be limited term.

* If your BD/LP expires in more than five years from your application date (again, six years for your ID card), your license will be full term.

NOTE: Non-citizens can obtain a Social Security number by submitting an application to the Social Security Administration in person along with documents proving immigration status, work eligibility, age, and identity. The SSA has an automated phone system at (800) 772-1213 that can answer most inquiries.

the bold bit gets me the whole has to be more than 30 days but you wont get it if its less than 60 anyone understand that what are they saying i can do the tests but wont have the licence posted till i show them my ead or something?

[ginger1981 0]

You could save money and have the USC teach you to drive. When I was in high school you could take a driver's education course during the summer, but it was totally optional. Just study the guide, have the USC take you out once you have a learner's permit and you should be fine.