Drivers Licence

[Andie 147]

Just thinking ahead (way ahead) - I've always been able to drive in the US on VWF and B1/2 visas in the past so what happens when you arrive on a K1 - I've seen posts which say you have to wait for AOS, but I haven't seen anything relating to NZ. Can anyone who has done this let me know how it works. Thanks,

[jkelly07 120]

get a international drivers license before you come to the us its good for one year,many foreign people come to visit the us drive rental cars, business people that traval back and forth,some states you need a green card to apply for driver license and must show two or three forms of proof of residency.

[Lainie B 465]

Just thinking ahead (way ahead) - I've always been able to drive in the US on VWF and B1/2 visas in the past so what happens when you arrive on a K1 - I've seen posts which say you have to wait for AOS, but I haven't seen anything relating to NZ. Can anyone who has done this let me know how it works. Thanks,

It depends on the state you are moving to.

You can probably use your NZ licence (no need for an international licence)for a certain period (depends on the state) and then you can get a US licence either with your EAD or your GC (again, depends on the state). Which state are you moving to?

[Andie 147]

It depends on the state you are moving to.

You can probably use your NZ licence (no need for an international licence)for a certain period (depends on the state) and then you can get a US licence either with your EAD or your GC (again, depends on the state). Which state are you moving to?

We used to have an International Driver's Licence (a piece of paper) and I used that but they changed the system some years ago to a card for our standard licence and no International Driver's Licence since then. I was told that was ok when I was visiting and that's all I've taken in the past, but I wondered why people sometimes say on here that a disadvantage of the K1 (as opposed to CR1) is that you wont be able to drive straight away.

Edited July 28, 2012 by Andie

[Lainie B 465]

We used to have an International Driver's Licence (a piece of paper) and I used that but they changed the system some years ago to a card for our standard licence and no International Driver's Licence since then. I was told that was ok when I was visiting and that's all I've taken in the past, but I wondered why people sometimes say on here that a disadvantage of the K1 (as opposed to CR1) is that you wont be able to drive straight away.

I'm not sure why they say that - it depends on the state. I never had an issue driving with my Australian licence until I was eligible for a US licence with my EAD. I even checked with the DPS here (Oklahoma) and they said that I was allowed to drive with my foreign licence form as long as it took until I was eligible for a local one. I believe some states say that you can only drive with your foreign licence for a certain period,and if you don't have your EAD or GC by then you have to stop driving. If you're moving to Florida, check with the DPS regulations there, or see if you can find a similar question from someone in Florida here on VJ.

Edited July 29, 2012 by Lainie B

[Andie 147]

I'm not sure why they say that - it depends on the state. I never had an issue driving with my Australian licence until I was eligible for a US licence with my EAD. I even checked with the DPS here (Oklahoma) and they said that I was allowed to drive with my foreign licence form as long as it took until I was eligible for a local one. I believe some states say that you can only drive with your foreign licence for a certain period,and if you don't have your EAD or GC by then you have to stop driving. If you're moving to Florida, check with the DPS regulations there, or see if you can find a similar question from someone in Florida here on VJ.

Thanks for that.. I just checked online and it says they do issue an International Licence here, though when I called recently I was told they dont ...LOL

Anyway, it seems it is valid for 12mths so long as you carry your standard licence as well. I also checked on the Florida requirements and they accept an International Licence.

Another (small) problem solved

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Thanks for that.. I just checked online and it says they do issue an International Licence here, though when I called recently I was told they dont ...LOL

Anyway, it seems it is valid for 12mths so long as you carry your standard licence as well. I also checked on the Florida requirements and they accept an International Licence.

Another (small) problem solved

Not necessarily "solved".

An international licence is your NZ licence, not the "international drivers permit" (IDP) that I think you're referring to. You don't need anything outside of your regular NZ licence. The IDP is beneficial if you're going to a country that doesn't speak the same language, it's basically a "translation licence" type deal.

The florida site says this: http://www.flhsmv.gov/ddl/idp.html about the IDP. It's referring to USC's going overseas as it mentions "must be accompanied by a valid United States driver license at all times." which of course doesn't apply to you.

According to links I was reading online, you are able to drive on your NZ licence for up to 6 months. Be careful to state you are a VISITOR to Florida until you are actually a resident. California for example give you 10 days from becoming a "resident" to get a CA licence but the police disagree with what "resident" means and have been known to fine people who are awating AOS driving on a foreign licence after they admit they live in CA (thus a "resident" of CA).

The main issue I had was that my husband car insurance company would not insure me on a foreign licence. Made it basically impossible to drive because I was too scared to drive uninsured!

[Andie 147]

Not necessarily "solved".

An international licence is your NZ licence, not the "international drivers permit" (IDP) that I think you're referring to. You don't need anything outside of your regular NZ licence. The IDP is beneficial if you're going to a country that doesn't speak the same language, it's basically a "translation licence" type deal.

The florida site says this: http://www.flhsmv.gov/ddl/idp.html about the IDP. It's referring to USC's going overseas as it mentions "must be accompanied by a valid United States driver license at all times." which of course doesn't apply to you.

According to links I was reading online, you are able to drive on your NZ licence for up to 6 months. Be careful to state you are a VISITOR to Florida until you are actually a resident. California for example give you 10 days from becoming a "resident" to get a CA licence but the police disagree with what "resident" means and have been known to fine people who are awating AOS driving on a foreign licence after they admit they live in CA (thus a "resident" of CA).

The main issue I had was that my husband car insurance company would not insure me on a foreign licence. Made it basically impossible to drive because I was too scared to drive uninsured!

Thanks for clarifying. I had wondered about considering myself as a visitor until everything is formalised, so sounds like that is the best idea. I'm only really worried about the first few months, so it sounds as though I will be fine with that.

Yes, insurance - I would take a comprehensive travel policy when I leave NZ - is there any reason why I wouldn't be covered for a short time after arrival in the US on the K1. I am definitely too scared to drive uninsured also.

I'm not considering the licence or insurance as a long term measure - just thinking about how to match up the pieces.