Drivers Licence - Experiences

[Justdazed 1]

So I've been living in the US for just over a month and I've decided it's about time to get my Drivers Licence. I've been told that not only do I have to do a driving test but a written test as well --- which frusturates me to no end (I moved down from BC where I had my class 5 licence). I should also add that I brought down my car from Canada and it has been properly insured for the states.

Has anyone else gone for their US Drivers Licence? Have you been able to use your own car?

[Waiting in Vancouver 6]

It is intresting that you have to do a driving test ... I wasn't expecting to have to do that ... Which state are you living in now ??

[Justdazed 1]

It is intresting that you have to do a driving test ... I wasn't expecting to have to do that ... Which state are you living in now ??

I've been told that I have to do a written AND road test to get my WA licence.

I'm not trying to go against their word but the employee's at the local DMV were I should I say.... pompous jerks and have never really given me a straight answer. They would cut you off mid-sentence and one employee told my husband and I to shut up, then pointed to a sign that stated "harassment of a goverment employee is a felony".

[Waiting in Vancouver 6]

It is intresting that you have to do a driving test ... I wasn't expecting to have to do that ... Which state are you living in now ??

I've been told that I have to do a written AND road test to get my WA licence.

I'm not trying to go against their word but the employee's at the local DMV were I should I say.... pompous jerks and have never really given me a straight answer. They would cut you off mid-sentence and one employee told my husband and I to shut up, then pointed to a sign that stated "harassment of a goverment employee is a felony".

Ya the employees here at the local DMV in our town in Illinois are the say way ... I had to run down there to renew our license plate for my wife because she was at work and they really were bitchy to me ... My wife tells me that they are always that pleasant ROFL ... I think some people were never meant to be in customer service type jobs ...

I mean if you really hate your job that bad maybe they should consider finding a new career ....

[YuAndDan 153]

Look here for info:

http://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/moving.html

How to get a Washington State driver license

If you have a valid out-of-state driver license

* Visit a driver licensing office.

* Bring with you:

o Proof of identification, including your out-of-state license.

o Cash or check to pay the $45 fee for your first Washington driver license ($20 for your application and $25 for your license).

o Your social security number, which is mandatory to help enforce child support laws. Your social security number will be verified but does not appear on your license.

* Complete a driver license application, which includes:

o Address.

o Physical and mental fitness statement.

o Previous driver licenses information (if any).

o Suspensions, revocations, or cancellations of prior driver licenses.

* Take a vision test and demonstration of color recognition.

* After completing the steps above, written and drive testing is waived unless there is a medical/physical condition which indicates that testing is required.

* You must turn in your out-of-state license to the Department of Licensing so it can be invalidated.

If you still have a valid license it should be a fairly simple process, WA only mentions OUT-OF-STATE which Canada is of course out of state.

[Justdazed 1]

Look here for info:

http://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/moving.html

How to get a Washington State driver license

If you have a valid out-of-state driver license

* Visit a driver licensing office.

* Bring with you:

o Proof of identification, including your out-of-state license.

o Cash or check to pay the $45 fee for your first Washington driver license ($20 for your application and $25 for your license).

o Your social security number, which is mandatory to help enforce child support laws. Your social security number will be verified but does not appear on your license.

* Complete a driver license application, which includes:

o Address.

o Physical and mental fitness statement.

o Previous driver licenses information (if any).

o Suspensions, revocations, or cancellations of prior driver licenses.

* Take a vision test and demonstration of color recognition.

* After completing the steps above, written and drive testing is waived unless there is a medical/physical condition which indicates that testing is required.

* You must turn in your out-of-state license to the Department of Licensing so it can be invalidated.

If you still have a valid license it should be a fairly simple process, WA only mentions OUT-OF-STATE which Canada is of course out of state.

I'll try that, but they can easily say "out of state" being a US state other then WA, I'm sure.

[bebop + rocksteady 0]

I used my own car when I took my driving test when I was 16 here in Indiana.

Cass (bebop the great)

[YuAndDan 153]

I'll try that, but they can easily say "out of state" being a US state other then WA, I'm sure.

It wouldn't hurt to try, just a visit to the DMV, which you would do any way, US/Canada tend to share database with regard to things like driving records. A friend of mine ran through one of those electronic toll booths in Toronto a while back they ran his NY plate, and called up address data from the NY DMV and sent him a fine. So I suspect they wont have a problem with replacing your BC license.

Edited September 13, 2006 by YuAndDan

[Justdazed 1]

I'll try that, but they can easily say "out of state" being a US state other then WA, I'm sure.

It wouldn't hurt to try, just a visit to the DMV, which you would do any way, US/Canada tend to share database with regard to things like driving records. A friend of mine ran through one of those electronic toll booths in Toronto a while back they ran his NY plate, and called up address data from the NY DMV and sent him a fine. So I suspect they wont have a problem with replacing your BC license.

I've asked two people and they both said "no" that's why I'm unsure of whether I can or not.

but I'm on the phone with them as we speak so cross your fingers!

[onesassygirl 0]

I was researching Driver License requirements in Nevada (where I will be moving to) and it lists several documents I can use as proof of identity together with my SSN (when I eventually get it). These three, I feel, are the only ones I may be able to use (once I get my hands on them):

- Resident Alien Card or I-551 Receipt

- Valid Foreign Passport stamped “Processed for I-551”

- Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) with Visa or Passport

Can anyone explain, at what point in this whole K1/K3 Visa-to-AOS process will I receive any of the above documents? (i.e. what is the I-551? do we receive a resident alien card? do I have to apply for an I-94 or will this be issued at the POE?)

[Justdazed 1]

I was researching Driver License requirements in Nevada (where I will be moving to) and it lists several documents I can use as proof of identity together with my SSN (when I eventually get it). These three, I feel, are the only ones I may be able to use (once I get my hands on them):

- Resident Alien Card or I-551 Receipt

- Valid Foreign Passport stamped “Processed for I-551”

- Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) with Visa or Passport

Can anyone explain, at what point in this whole K1/K3 Visa-to-AOS process will I receive any of the above documents? (i.e. what is the I-551? do we receive a resident alien card? do I have to apply for an I-94 or will this be issued at the POE?)

you would obtain that information when you receive a green card

[Kathryn41 3,205]

In Georgia they have different criteria for 'out of state' and 'out of country'. As a Canadian I had to provide personal identification, proof of residency and proof oflegal immigrant status - which was an EAD. I was required, as my previous Canadian Driver's License was 'out of country' to do the eye exam, the written test and the driving test. I also had to surrender my Ontario Driver's License as it is illegal to have more than one Driver's License in your possession in Georgia.

[onesassygirl 0]

I was researching Driver License requirements in Nevada (where I will be moving to) and it lists several documents I can use as proof of identity together with my SSN (when I eventually get it). These three, I feel, are the only ones I may be able to use (once I get my hands on them):

- Resident Alien Card or I-551 Receipt

- Valid Foreign Passport stamped “Processed for I-551”

- Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) with Visa or Passport

Can anyone explain, at what point in this whole K1/K3 Visa-to-AOS process will I receive any of the above documents? (i.e. what is the I-551? do we receive a resident alien card? do I have to apply for an I-94 or will this be issued at the POE?)

you would obtain that information when you receive a green card

so you're saying i can only get a driver's license when i get my green card???

[Justdazed 1]

I googled I-551 and Resident Alien card and all my hits came back with information regarding a green card - so I can't say for certain.

Edited September 13, 2006 by Megz

[onesassygirl 0]

I googled I-551 and Resident Alien card and all my hits came back with information regarding a green card - so I can't say for certain.

and the I-94 - is this that piece of paper/card that they give us on the plane and/or before proceeding to customs to fill out? if so, then customs has always kept mine... they have never given it back to me.