Going to get Washington State Drivers License

[jundp 191]

YES...i do beleive it is illegal to possess Two DL's ....

My husband did not have to give up his German license, nor did he have to take a test of any kind. He presented his German license, his valid passport with K1 visa, and his SSN (which he had from a previous time living in the US). He did the eye check, filled out the form, took a photo and paid the fee.

[ScratchIt 12]

In South Carolina they didn't take my Ontario license away from me(yay!) although I think they were supposed to..lol and they only took one of my Ontario license plates..so I have kept my Ontario plate on the front of my car.

You might want to make a phone call to either your local sheriff's dept or tax collector to see what restrictions there may be on having 2 different plates on 1 vehicle. Here in Florida it is a big no-no.

[Pauley 2]

And 2 weeks later...A full 4yr license...No restrictions....

Funny too, how my Green Card was valid at the time for 2 yrs and my Driver's license was valid for 4 yrs.....Oh well...

Actually, it kinda is a semi-restriction... NYS driver licenses are typically good for 8 years. Maybe it'll be 8 when you renew it.

[antda 13]

Actually, it kinda is a semi-restriction... NYS driver licenses are typically good for 8 years. Maybe it'll be 8 when you renew it.

Lol..By restriction I meant...Not in years, but rather a restricted conditional license, in terms of how, when, etc. one can drive.....

See, in Ontario one has to get tested a few times and are "restricted" in ways if they don't pass those tests to advance to the next "level"....You start with a G1 (learner's permit, lots of restrictions, written and road test #1), then a G2 (some restrictions, road test #2), then a G (unrestricted....).It's stupid how they do it up there (lol.I'm sure many other people from Ontario can understand about this too). Wish I had learned to drive in NYS in the first place, instead of in Ontario. And licenses there in Ontario are normally valid for 5yrs for each level, and if you don't move up to the next level then you have to start all over again.

Lol..You thought the DMV was bad...Try dealing with the MTO! What a nightmare! (I swear, it doesn't get any worse than that..lol...)

But yeah, Canadian licenses are valid for a direct transfer (no further testing required) for an American New York State one....

However, they will have to "surrender/trade in" to the DMV their Canadian license for an American one....

I personally didn't mind the 4yr NYS "restriction" (though I didn't see it as a restriction at the time)...when I got my NYS license..

Was surprised actually, as my green card at the time was only valid for 2 yrs...In this instance the USCIS is even more "restrictive"...lol.....

By the way, after US Citizenship, I renewed early and also got a 8yr Enhanced Driver's License!

Good for cross border USA/Canada land travel too! No need for an American passport right away there.....

Lol...Now I have 2 valid NYS driver's licenses...A non-enhanced one, and an enhanced one.....Oh well.....

Overall, I love the NYS DMV...They are the best!

Ant

Edited March 2, 2010 by Ant+D+BabyA

[Pauley 2]

Lol..By restriction I meant...Not in years, but rather a restricted conditional license, in terms of how, when, etc. one can drive.....

See, in Ontario one has to get tested a few times and are "restricted" in ways if they don't pass those tests to advance to the next "level"....You start with a G1 (learner's permit, lots of restrictions, written and road test #1), then a G2 (some restrictions, road test #2), then a G (unrestricted....).It's stupid how they do it up there (lol.I'm sure many other people from Ontario can understand about this too). Wish I had learned to drive in NYS in the first place, instead of in Ontario. And licenses there in Ontario are normally valid for 5yrs for each level, and if you don't move up to the next level then you have to start all over again.

Lol..You thought the DMV was bad...Try dealing with the MTO! What a nightmare! (I swear, it doesn't get any worse than that..lol...)

But yeah, Canadian licenses are valid for a direct transfer (no further testing required) for an American New York State one....

However, they will have to "surrender/trade in" to the DMV their Canadian license for an American one....

I personally didn't mind the 4yr NYS "restriction" (though I didn't see it as a restriction at the time)...when I got my NYS license..

Was surprised actually, as my green card at the time was only valid for 2 yrs...In this instance the USCIS is even more "restrictive"...lol.....

By the way, after US Citizenship, I renewed early and also got a 8yr Enhanced Driver's License!

Good for cross border USA/Canada land travel too! No need for an American passport right away there.....

Lol...Now I have 2 valid NYS driver's licenses...A non-enhanced one, and an enhanced one.....Oh well.....

Overall, I love the NYS DMV...They are the best!

Ant

Ah yes, Yvonne's told me about the different license classes. I think one of my earliest posts (many many months ago; I made a few erratic posts here and there before I started posting regularly in January) was asking if her G2 would transfer directly to a NY state class D without needing to take any additional road tests, like she would have needed in Ontario.

[antda 13]

Ah yes, Yvonne's told me about the different license classes. I think one of my earliest posts (many many months ago; I made a few erratic posts here and there before I started posting regularly in January) was asking if her G2 would transfer directly to a NY state class D without needing to take any additional road tests, like she would have needed in Ontario.

Pauley-Yes, Yvonne (your wife?) can trade in a G2 Ontario license directly for a NYS class D license..No problems...

All she needs is: The former/current Canadian Ontario G2 license, SSN card, US Green Card, marriage certificate (if in married name), proof of NYS residency, and $45..... 10 mins in and out....with a temp license...and 2 weeks later....a 4 yr license....That was easy!

No need to go through G level testing in Ontario! No need for further testing in NYS (except for an easy eye test)!

Lol....Your wife will love the NYS DMV too! They are the best!

Btw...Do you have an NYS EDL? Those are great to have too, especially if travelling to Canada a lot......

Ant

Edited March 2, 2010 by Ant+D+BabyA

[Pauley 2]

Pauley-Yes, Yvonne (your wife?) can trade in a G2 Ontario license directly for a NYS class D license..No problems...

All she needs is: The former/current Canadian Ontario G2 license, SSN card, US Green Card, marriage certificate (if in married name), proof of NYS residency, and $45..... 10 mins in and out....with a temp license...and 2 weeks later....a 4 yr license....That was easy!

No need to go through G level testing in Ontario! No need for further testing in NYS (except for an easy eye test)!

Lol....Your wife will love the NYS DMV too! They are the best!

Btw...Do you have an NYS EDL? Those are great to have too, especially if travelling to Canada a lot......

Ant

That's pretty much what I expected. Thanks for the refresher

[ScratchIt 12]

You might want to make a phone call to either your local sheriff's dept or tax collector to see what restrictions there may be on having 2 different plates on 1 vehicle. Here in Florida it is a big no-no.

Follow-up: Washington State Statute

RCW 46.16.240

Attachment of plates to vehicles — Violations enumerated.

</B>The vehicle license number plates shall be attached conspicuously at the front and rear of each vehicle for which the same are issued and in such a manner that they can be plainly seen and read at all times. However, if only one license number plate is legally issued for any vehicle such plate shall be conspicuously attached to the rear of such vehicle. Each vehicle license number plate shall be placed or hung in a horizontal position at a distance of not more than four feet from the ground and shall be kept clean so as to be plainly seen and read at all times. In cases where the body construction of the vehicle is such that compliance with this section is impossible, permission to deviate therefrom may be granted by the state patrol. It shall be unlawful to display upon the front or rear of any vehicle, vehicle license number plate or plates other than those furnished by the director for such vehicle or to display upon any vehicle any vehicle license number plate or plates which have been in any manner changed, altered, disfigured or have become illegible. License plate frames may be used on vehicle license number plates only if the frames do not obscure license tabs or identifying letters or numbers on the plates and the plates can be plainly seen and read at all times. It is unlawful to use any holders, frames, or any materials that in any manner change, alter, or make the vehicle license number plates illegible. It shall be unlawful for any person to operate any vehicle unless there shall be displayed thereon valid vehicle license number plates attached as herein provided.

[Malrothien 6]

Follow-up: Washington State Statute

RCW 46.16.240

Attachment of plates to vehicles — Violations enumerated.

</B>The vehicle license number plates shall be attached conspicuously at the front and rear of each vehicle for which the same are issued and in such a manner that they can be plainly seen and read at all times. However, if only one license number plate is legally issued for any vehicle such plate shall be conspicuously attached to the rear of such vehicle. Each vehicle license number plate shall be placed or hung in a horizontal position at a distance of not more than four feet from the ground and shall be kept clean so as to be plainly seen and read at all times. In cases where the body construction of the vehicle is such that compliance with this section is impossible, permission to deviate therefrom may be granted by the state patrol. It shall be unlawful to display upon the front or rear of any vehicle, vehicle license number plate or plates other than those furnished by the director for such vehicle or to display upon any vehicle any vehicle license number plate or plates which have been in any manner changed, altered, disfigured or have become illegible. License plate frames may be used on vehicle license number plates only if the frames do not obscure license tabs or identifying letters or numbers on the plates and the plates can be plainly seen and read at all times. It is unlawful to use any holders, frames, or any materials that in any manner change, alter, or make the vehicle license number plates illegible. It shall be unlawful for any person to operate any vehicle unless there shall be displayed thereon valid vehicle license number plates attached as herein provided.

The poster that has the two license plates is in South Carolina.

[ScratchIt 12]

The poster that has the two license plates is in South Carolina.

You are 100% correct! nice catch.

Here is what SC has to say about it: Title 56, South Carolina Code of Laws

SECTION 56-3-1360. Use of license plate on vehicle other than vehicle for which plate was issued.

No person shall drive or operate any motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer or pole trailer on a highway displaying thereon a vehicle license plate which was issued for any other vehicle, and no person shall give, sell, lend, steal or borrow any vehicle license plate issued for a particular vehicle for the purpose of using such license plate on any other vehicle. (posters comment: If the plate was not issued for that vehicle it would be in violation, per Captain Campbell, SCHP)

I owe someone a beer!

[biglos 0]

Okay! Went to attempt to get my Washington State Drivers License, gave them my SSN, showed my passport with my Visa in it, but didn't have any utility bill (my OOPS) to show proof that it my permanent address....so she processed the DL application (good for 90 days) and I have to go back with proof of my residence....guess I gotta put my name on the garbage bill.

[ZansGirl 0]

Okay! Went to attempt to get my Washington State Drivers License, gave them my SSN, showed my passport with my Visa in it, but didn't have any utility bill (my OOPS) to show proof that it my permanent address....so she processed the DL application (good for 90 days) and I have to go back with proof of my residence....guess I gotta put my name on the garbage bill.

Seriously??? DAMN!!!! Guess I had best go get something from the water company or something to show I live there...ack....what a pain in the a$$

[nickkp 0]

Hey guys,

I have a question for those who might know about transferring a BC DL to a WA DL. I have a BC Class 7L driver license (Learners) and when I had called the WA DOL about transferring it over, they didn't even seem to know what the BC learners was. They just wanted to know if I had a valid BC Driver license. I went to one of their offices today here in WA and the woman that I spoke to insisted that it was not a license, but a learners permit. She also didn't even seem to realize that it is actually considered a driver license in BC, but with restrictions. Down here they don't get a learners license, they get a permit. So I was then told that I would have to take their knowledge test and driving test.

In the end, it is not really a big hassle for me to do that, but I was wondering if anyone else has been in a similar situation and was able to prove to the WA DOL that the BC Class 7L is indeed a drivers license.

Thank you for your time!

[lynamon 0]

I moved from B.C. to Washington State and got my WA dl in Sept 08, they just punch a hole in it and give it back to you (just found it in my drawer). You are lucky, they just changed it right after I got mine to being treated like moving from another state. I had to take my written and road test again.....pretty scary after having my license for 28 years!!!!!

I was in a similar situation here in Ohio. After taken the written I thought that they would book me for a road test another day but they were able to fit me in ... I was worried that I would fail and not be able to get home ... I felt 16 all over again lol. They didn't request my Ontario license.

[ZansGirl 0]

Hey guys,

I have a question for those who might know about transferring a BC DL to a WA DL. I have a BC Class 7L driver license (Learners) and when I had called the WA DOL about transferring it over, they didn't even seem to know what the BC learners was. They just wanted to know if I had a valid BC Driver license. I went to one of their offices today here in WA and the woman that I spoke to insisted that it was not a license, but a learners permit. She also didn't even seem to realize that it is actually considered a driver license in BC, but with restrictions. Down here they don't get a learners license, they get a permit. So I was then told that I would have to take their knowledge test and driving test.

In the end, it is not really a big hassle for me to do that, but I was wondering if anyone else has been in a similar situation and was able to prove to the WA DOL that the BC Class 7L is indeed a drivers license.

Thank you for your time!

....in BC you have the big L on the car??? If so..I would consider that a Learners as you cannot drive without a licenced driver..and that is consistant with the learners permit in WA...graduating to the big happy N would be a regular licence but with restrictions..but still not a valid licence in the state of Wa...