Driving License/Bank Account

[heatherandtezz 0]

Apololgies if this is the wrong forum..

I'm trying to find out when i can apply for both of the above. Will I be able to start learning to drive in the US before I apply for EAD/AOS? Or will I have to wait till then? I've read the following here

"Any document based upon decisions by the Department of State, Department of Justice, or the Department of Homeland Security that's specific to your situation"

Will they accept a EAD/AOS 'application is processing' letter?

Also,

I would like to open a US bank account as soon as I can. Will I be able to do this with just a social security number, or will I again have to wait till EAD/AOS?

Thank you

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

For bank account you don;t even need a SSN, though that makes it a lot easier. (And a K-1 is entitled to a SSN). Generally for a DL you will need at least the EAD.

[Frances&Bryan 6]

the above post is right about the bank account.

as far as the driver's license it's specific state by state. for example, here in Florida, they will accept NOA1 hardcopy for AOS/EAD.

If you go before ur i-94 expires, they might give it to u, but only for the time that the 1-94 is good for. again, this is for the state of Florida!

Good luck!

[ChicagoSarah 127]

I agree with both above posts. Bank account shouldn't be a problem, and a SSN will make sure you can get one with no problem.

Driver's license is state dependent, and you are traditionally allowed 90 days on your foreign/out of state license AFTER becoming a resident of your current city/state. The forms of identification for a license in MA (through your link) do list the EAD card, so I doubt they'd accept the NOA1. If you have your UK license still, waiting the 90 days for your EAD card to get your license shouldn't really cause any issues. And I was able to add my fiance (now husband) to my auto insurance immediately, and he won't get his EAD or IL driver's license until January or February of 2014. I'll just have to update his information once he gets a US license.

Good luck!

[h13rma 35]

I'm in Massachusetts, and they need the EAD to do the drivers test, Dorchester is reputedly the easiest test in the Boston area. The theory test is easy except for the fact it is pitched at Junior operator certificates so asks a lot of questions that aren't relevant to anyone over 18. Buy the book and read it a couple of times paying attention to the JO sections. Top get a test you fill in an online form, and its months till you can get a test, if you are free, just keep checking the website and you will get a cancelation. You need to do the test in a car that has an emergency brake thats accessible to the examiner, I had to do it in my brand new volt instead of my wives beat up malibu for this reason. The test is ridiculously easy twenty minutes tops, but that goes someway to explain the standard of driving in boston.

[h13rma 35]

Oh and TD Bank let me open an account without an SSN

[Bugs 455]

Banks like to ask for SSN, although legally they are not allowed to require one. State ID and drriving requirements vary by state. If you have to wait though, you can study up on the written test (of traffic laws) as they require passage of that before any kind of learner's permit or driving test.

[heatherandtezz 0]

On the driving permit/licence thing...

One of the primary identifications I could use is the i94 departure record. Now I have to learn from scratch as I didn't drive in the UK, and I've asked the dmv if I need this primary identification for the permit as well as the licence. My i94 expires on February 11th. If needed, would I still be able to use the i94 so close to the expiration date, or will I just have to wait for the EAD?