Driving whilst on K1

[TamsynE 0]

Hi all!

I'm wondering if you could offer me some advice. I will be emigrating to Texas in the next few months on the K1, and it is essential to drive! Being in the country and having a 6 month old daughter I was wondering what options I have.

I have a full UK license and a history of no claims. It is worth getting an International Driving Permit? I understand that I can drive on a UK licence for 12 months as a visitor, but then within 30 days as a resident... does this mean that once we start the AOS I must apply for a TX license?

Also, can I just drive my fiancés truck in the meantime as its insured? I understand that the vehicle is insured and not specifically drivers? Or does there have to be a certain insurance as I'm on a foreign license?

So sorry for al the questions, it's just been worrying me!

Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance!!

[N&S 32]

Can't really say much to Texas specific, but it might be worthwhile to check with the DMV if you can get your UK license transferred (worked for my German license in MA). With regards to driving your fiancé's car - normally an insurance that covers everyone would still need to be adjusted when there is another driver living in the same household. When my now husband and I looked into that it would have been very expensive to add me to his insurance with my foreign license (we're talking 100+ $$ a month more) so I got the MA license as soon as I had the marriage certificate (mainly cause I changed my name and didn't want to go have to change the ID again) and actually brought his insurance down

Good luck!

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

We live in TX so I'll give my experience/opinion. I've battled the Texas DPS on more than one occasion.

I have a full UK license and a history of no claims. It is worth getting an International Driving Permit?

No. It's to translate your foreign license into English. Might be useful with a French or German license.

I understand that I can drive on a UK licence for 12 months as a visitor, but then within 30 days as a resident... does this mean that once we start the AOS I must apply for a TX license?

You fall into that K1 limbo area. I would say you are a visitor until the US government gives you authorization to live here. My husband drove on his UK license. He even got a ticket. He said he "lived" here since October. Then a long discussion on why he didn't get a license within 30 days. Cops do not know immigration laws. In hindsight, he should have said he was visiting. The law has changed to give 90 days now.

My husband had to wait on his EAD. Now there are some better guidelines. http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/DriverLicense/documents/ImmigrationStatusChart.pdf

See the last thing on p.6. It says your NOA1 showing you have filed for AOS allows you a one-year license. A K1 is listed on p.16. It says your visa will allow you a 90 day license. (I wonder if my repeated communication to DPS headquarters helped point out K1s fell in a gap in 2008) Keep in mind, each time you go to get a license, you wait several hours in line and pay again, ie pay for a 90 day, pay again to extend to 1 year with NOA1, pay again to extend to 2 years from greencard expiration, pay again to get a normal 6 year license) At least they handed out 6 years with the conditional GC back then). I think personally, I would be a "visitor" until filing for AOS.

And a brand new law in effect yesterday, May 7--

Beginning April 2, 2012, you must prove that either your residence or your domicile is in Texas and that you have lived here for at least 30 days in order to apply for an original Texas noncommercial driver license or ID card.

Here's the link. No clue why the difference in dates, but mandatory yesterday according to several news sources. http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/DriverLicense/residencyReqNonCDL.htm

Also, can I just drive my fiancés truck in the meantime as its insured? I understand that the vehicle is insured and not specifically drivers? Or does there have to be a certain insurance as I'm on a foreign license?

You are correct. If your husband gives you permission to drive the truck, then it is covered if you have an accident. My State Farm agent told me to just have husband drive that way until he got a TX license. Then once he had a TDL, they added his info to the policy. FYI: It didn't cost additional to add the second driver.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

I'm wondering if you could offer me some advice. I will be emigrating to Texas in the next few months on the K1, and it is essential to drive! Being in the country and having a 6 month old daughter I was wondering what options I have.

I have a full UK license and a history of no claims. It is worth getting an International Driving Permit? I understand that I can drive on a UK licence for 12 months as a visitor, but then within 30 days as a resident... does this mean that once we start the AOS I must apply for a TX license?

Also, can I just drive my fiancés truck in the meantime as its insured? I understand that the vehicle is insured and not specifically drivers? Or does there have to be a certain insurance as I'm on a foreign license?

Regarding insurance my husband company did NOT permit me to be insured on a foreign licence. My husbands grandmothers insurance DID cover me on a foreign licence. Have him call his company and find out whether he can add you on a foreign licence or not. It REALLY depends on the policy.

You are correct. If your husband gives you permission to drive the truck, then it is covered if you have an accident. My State Farm agent told me to just have husband drive that way until he got a TX license. Then once he had a TDL, they added his info to the policy. FYI: It didn't cost additional to add the second driver.

Not always no. As i say above, my husbands insurance did not cover my foreign licence.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Regarding insurance my husband company did NOT permit me to be insured on a foreign licence. My husbands grandmothers insurance DID cover me on a foreign licence. Have him call his company and find out whether he can add you on a foreign licence or not. It REALLY depends on the policy.

Not always no. As i say above, my husbands insurance did not cover my foreign licence.

Insurance is dictated by the State Insurance Board so it could vary by state. I have always known Texas to cover the car no matter who is driving. We lend our car or borrow a pickup all the time. My investment broker drove our sports car while we used his truck to pick up the UK goods from the Port of Houston. If the driver is going to be driving permanently, then they want to add the name. That concept is not natural to UK people.

I suppose companies that sell over the internet can have their own national company business models. I have a local State Farm office where they have known me forever. I went to the prom with the agent. (He took over from his dad.) He said the car is covered, but wait for the DL number so it would be easier to add the driver. So that's my story, but I agree people should ask their hometown agent. Calling an 800 number in Chicago might get a different response. I dunno.

[TamsynE 0]

We live in TX so I'll give my experience/opinion. I've battled the Texas DPS on more than one occasion.

No. It's to translate your foreign license into English. Might be useful with a French or German license.

You fall into that K1 limbo area. I would say you are a visitor until the US government gives you authorization to live here. My husband drove on his UK license. He even got a ticket. He said he "lived" here since October. Then a long discussion on why he didn't get a license within 30 days. Cops do not know immigration laws. In hindsight, he should have said he was visiting. The law has changed to give 90 days now.

My husband had to wait on his EAD. Now there are some better guidelines. http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/DriverLicense/documents/ImmigrationStatusChart.pdf

See the last thing on p.6. It says your NOA1 showing you have filed for AOS allows you a one-year license. A K1 is listed on p.16. It says your visa will allow you a 90 day license. (I wonder if my repeated communication to DPS headquarters helped point out K1s fell in a gap in 2008) Keep in mind, each time you go to get a license, you wait several hours in line and pay again, ie pay for a 90 day, pay again to extend to 1 year with NOA1, pay again to extend to 2 years from greencard expiration, pay again to get a normal 6 year license) At least they handed out 6 years with the conditional GC back then). I think personally, I would be a "visitor" until filing for AOS.

And a brand new law in effect yesterday, May 7--

Beginning April 2, 2012, you must prove that either your residence or your domicile is in Texas and that you have lived here for at least 30 days in order to apply for an original Texas noncommercial driver license or ID card.

Here's the link. No clue why the difference in dates, but mandatory yesterday according to several news sources. http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/DriverLicense/residencyReqNonCDL.htm

You are correct. If your husband gives you permission to drive the truck, then it is covered if you have an accident. My State Farm agent told me to just have husband drive that way until he got a TX license. Then once he had a TDL, they added his info to the policy. FYI: It didn't cost additional to add the second driver.

Thank you so much for the help! For some reason I wasn't notified that anybody responded! Matthew is with State Farm so fingers crossed all is good til i get a TX licence!

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Thank you so much for the help! For some reason I wasn't notified that anybody responded! Matthew is with State Farm so fingers crossed all is good til i get a TX licence!

Not *fingers crossed*... he needs to call. Do you really want to risk the problems associated with being an uninsured driver? There's police charges if you're in an accident and not covered by insurance, if you have an accident and someone is hurt YOU will be sued, rather than your insurance, if your vehicle is written off/damaged YOU pay for repairs (not your insurance). Seriously, it'll take a quick phonecall now (so you can plan) and preferably something in writing about him adding you to the insurance policy once you're here. No drama, less stress.

Edited May 16, 2012 by Vanessa&Tony

[TBoneTX 46,262]

At the time, State Farm added Mrs. T-B. with no hassle or extra charge.

[TamsynE 0]

Not *fingers crossed*... he needs to call. Do you really want to risk the problems associated with being an uninsured driver? There's police charges if you're in an accident and not covered by insurance, if you have an accident and someone is hurt YOU will be sued, rather than your insurance, if your vehicle is written off/damaged YOU pay for repairs (not your insurance). Seriously, it'll take a quick phonecall now (so you can plan) and preferably something in writing about him adding you to the insurance policy once you're here. No drama, less stress.

I was referring to *fingers crossed* as in fingers crossed there's no charge, I'll get Matthew to check with his agent. Of which I did last night, and it's free.

I'm not stupid enough to drive uninsured, but thank you.

At the time, State Farm added Mrs. T-B. with no hassle or extra charge.

Yes it's free, I just need my name adding to the policy.

Thank you

[VanessaTony 3,567]

I'm not stupid enough to drive uninsured, but thank you.

I wasn't implying you were stupid... you'd be surprised what some agents/people will tell you and claim they didn't. I've been told I'm a USC simply by marrying one and if I simply believed that person (which unfortunately some people would) I could end up in a world of hurt. I just meant get it in writing, you want written confirmation your foreign licence is okay... I was also told by someone else that I didn't need to do anything, that as his spouse I was just covered... After following up I was told that was a big fat lie :S

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

This is from the Texas Department of Insurance:

Many insurance companies use the Texas Personal Automobile Policy, a standardized policy form that offers eight types of coverages. Companies may sell other policies if the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) has approved the policies...

1. Liability

Who it covers:

• you and your family members. (Family members include anyone living in your home related to you by blood, marriage, or adoption. This includes your spouse, children, in-laws, adopted children, wards, and foster children.)
  
• other people driving your car with your permission
  
• family members attending school away from home
  
• spouses living elsewhere during a martial separation might be covered.
  

Note: Some policies won’t cover other people, including family members, unless they’re specifically named in the policy. Your policy’s declarations page should list the names of all of the people covered by the policy. (like the 1-800 and internet companies may differ.)

2. Collision

Who it covers: You, your family members, passengers in your car, and others driving your car with your permission.

(the rest of the coverages have the same statement.)

From State Farm: Auto Insurance Coverage And Deductible FAQ

Auto insurance can be confusing, especially since state laws vary and require different kinds of coverage. Below is a general Q&A so that you can familiarize yourself with a few key terms as you make your way through the quote process.

Q: Who does my auto insurance policy cover?

A: An auto insurance policy typically covers you, your spouse, relatives who live in your home, and other licensed drivers who have permission to drive your insured vehicle.

It really is the policy in Texas if you use the big auto insurance companies. I'm 100% certain it's a State Farm policy. Where they balk is when someone tries to not add their 16 year old son who is going to drive the car on a regular basis so they can avoid the $$$$ additional cost per year for a teenage boy.

[TamsynE 0]

This is from the Texas Department of Insurance:

Many insurance companies use the Texas Personal Automobile Policy, a standardized policy form that offers eight types of coverages. Companies may sell other policies if the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) has approved the policies...

1. Liability

Who it covers:

• you and your family members. (Family members include anyone living in your home related to you by blood, marriage, or adoption. This includes your spouse, children, in-laws, adopted children, wards, and foster children.)
  
• other people driving your car with your permission
  
• family members attending school away from home
  
• spouses living elsewhere during a martial separation might be covered.
  

Note: Some policies won’t cover other people, including family members, unless they’re specifically named in the policy. Your policy’s declarations page should list the names of all of the people covered by the policy. (like the 1-800 and internet companies may differ.)

2. Collision

Who it covers: You, your family members, passengers in your car, and others driving your car with your permission.

(the rest of the coverages have the same statement.)

From State Farm: Auto Insurance Coverage And Deductible FAQ

Auto insurance can be confusing, especially since state laws vary and require different kinds of coverage. Below is a general Q&A so that you can familiarize yourself with a few key terms as you make your way through the quote process.

Q: Who does my auto insurance policy cover?

A: An auto insurance policy typically covers you, your spouse, relatives who live in your home, and other licensed drivers who have permission to drive your insured vehicle.

It really is the policy in Texas if you use the big auto insurance companies. I'm 100% certain it's a State Farm policy. Where they balk is when someone tries to not add their 16 year old son who is going to drive the car on a regular basis so they can avoid the $$$$ additional cost per year for a teenage boy.

Thank you for the advice