Driving in NJ

[John and Jeanine 0]

Hi all,

I arrived in the US 2 weeks ago and until now my fiance is driving me around...i would really like to get around myself...is there anyboy that knows whats the best way with a NJ licence and insurance....

Thanks!

Jeanine

[payxibka 10,047]

differs by state so the NJ DMV is the place to start

[Otto 83]

Do you have an existin driver's license from the Netherlands?

[John and Jeanine 0]

Do you have an existin driver's license from the Netherlands?

Yeah i do...also have an international one..translated. But i heard the insurance could be high since i dont have a driver history here. Is that tru?

[Otto 83]

Yeah i do...also have an international one..translated. But i heard the insurance could be high since i dont have a driver history here. Is that tru?

Compared to what you're likely used to in the EU, insurance will be high anyway - it (insurance costs) is based on your age/gender & credit rating more than anything else (it is not a fair evaluation system).

You should be permitted to drive on your NL license for up to a year - check your states DMV for specific details since it varies from state to state sometimes.

[catknit 144]

NJ is notorious for having some of the highest driver's insurance rates. If your husband [or husband-to-be] is employed by a company that carries NJ Manufacturer's Insurance, you may be able to get decent rates. Additionally, the company gives an annual rebate back to its customers if they are in the black for the year. Also, there are a couple of national insurance providers in the state now to help keep things a little competitve - like Progressive and GEICO - call around or fill out online applications and see how the quotes look.

The happy dmv rules:

http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/Licenses/LicensesNon-Citizens.htm

Licenses for non-citizens

If you are not a U.S. citizen and have recently moved to New Jersey, you must have temporary visa status and fit into one of the following categories to apply for a New Jersey driver license:

Treaty traders

Students and their families

Temporary workers, accompanying spouses and children

Foreign information representatives and their families

Exchange visitors and their families

Intra-company transfers, accompanying spouses and minor children

Persons with temporary protection from deportation

Canadians with temporary residence

Religious ministers and spouses

Parents of U.S. citizens

International athletes or entertainment groups

Persons in a reciprocal exchange program

Students and their families with an visa must show INS Form I-20, student identification cards or certification on school letterhead indicating status and their I-94 passport

You may use your country's driver license as proof of driving experience if you have an International Driver License issued by your country or if your country is a member of the United Nations Convention on Road Traffic and your license is translated into English by a consulate or an MVC approved translator

If you are under 18 years old, you are subject to GDL Program requirements

How to obtain your basic New Jersey driver license

You must also provide proof by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service, authorizing your presence in the country. In order the obtain the permit, you will need to bring your foreign license and present the documents required to pass the 6 Point ID Verification.

You must also provide proof by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service, authorizing your presence in the country and confirming validity of your foreign license. If you cannot show proof of driving experience you will be subject to the GDL Program requirements.

After you get the permit, visit any Driver Testing Center to take a vision test, knowledge test and possibly a road test if required.

You are not required to surrender your foreign license when MVC issues your New Jersey driver license.

Now if you go and figure out each scenario on the list you'll see just about every visa category CAN get a license except K visas. You're going to need to wait on your greencard for an NJ license. BUT, given you have the IDL/IDP according to this, you can drive.

[chizkeyk 0]

Hi,

I was able to use my Philippines Drivers License for 6 months while waiting for my NJ Drivers License.

Chizkeyk...

PS: Welcome to the Garden State!!! Hope to see you.... :jest: