driving in TX after poe

[pmarshall 9]

Hi all

OK so where do we stand with driving in TX once we POE ? Im confused after reading a few posts. I believe us UK VJ'ers have to take a theory and practical test to get a licence ? But when do we apply ?

Also how comes i can visit the US and hire a car without taking a test ? Strange.

Im planning ahead as being without transport may mean a lot of days stuck in the house ;-)

Thanks

Paul

[sweetswinks 400]

Hi all

OK so where do we stand with driving in TX once we POE ? Im confused after reading a few posts. I believe us UK VJ'ers have to take a theory and practical test to get a licence ? But when do we apply ?

Also how comes i can visit the US and hire a car without taking a test ? Strange.

Im planning ahead as being without transport may mean a lot of days stuck in the house ;-)

Thanks

Paul

Hi there!

You can drive on your UK licence until you can go to a DMV and apply for a USA licence. I'm not sure when exactly because I have read that the DMV requires you to have proof of address, so your Social security card.

And as for the renting cars/not needing a test for that. Same deal, you are renting a car on your UK licence because you are not a resident (when visiting). In order to get a USA licence (as a resident) you must complete the USA written exam and Driving test.

[pmarshall 9]

Hi there!

You can drive on your UK licence until you can go to a DMV and apply for a USA licence. I'm not sure when exactly because I have read that the DMV requires you to have proof of address, so your Social security card.

And as for the renting cars/not needing a test for that. Same deal, you are renting a car on your UK licence because you are not a resident (when visiting). In order to get a USA licence (as a resident) you must complete the USA written exam and Driving test.

Renting for 2-3 months isn't really ideal haha looks like ill have to get a bus everywhere.

Paul

[blk 87]

Hi all

OK so where do we stand with driving in TX once we POE ? Im confused after reading a few posts. I believe us UK VJ'ers have to take a theory and practical test to get a licence ? But when do we apply ?

Also how comes i can visit the US and hire a car without taking a test ? Strange.

Im planning ahead as being without transport may mean a lot of days stuck in the house ;-)

Thanks

Paul

Hi check with the DMV where you are going to live as you might only have to do the written test as you have a full UK licence, I know that here in NJ as I have a full UK licence that when I go & get my US licence I only have to do the written test.

Brian

[sweetswinks 400]

Renting for 2-3 months isn't really ideal haha looks like ill have to get a bus everywhere.

Paul

Your SSN should only take a few weeks once you have been married and applied!

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Hi there!

You can drive on your UK licence until you can go to a DMV and apply for a USA licence. I'm not sure when exactly because I have read that the DMV requires you to have proof of address, so your Social security card.

And as for the renting cars/not needing a test for that. Same deal, you are renting a car on your UK licence because you are not a resident (when visiting). In order to get a USA licence (as a resident) you must complete the USA written exam and Driving test.

Hey Sweetwinks, just some information for you. A SSN is in no way, shape, or form, a proof of address. Like a passport, it is not tied to your address. It is a number to track your retirement benefits, that is all. it is not proof of legal status or proof of much.

Each state has different requirements for a DL.

Your SSN should only take a few weeks once you have been married and applied!

A K-1 is eligible for a SSN upon arrival. There is no need to marry first.

OP:

You can check the Texas rules, but most people cannot drive until they get their EAD at least. Expect some down time in the US when you arrive.

[pmarshall 9]

Hey Sweetwinks, just some information for you. A SSN is in no way, shape, or form, a proof of address. Like a passport, it is not tied to your address. It is a number to track your retirement benefits, that is all. it is not proof of legal status or proof of much.

Each state has different requirements for a DL.

A K-1 is eligible for a SSN upon arrival. There is no need to marry first.

OP:

You can check the Texas rules, but most people cannot drive until they get their EAD at least. Expect some down time in the US when you arrive.

Looks like ill be buying a push bike ;-)

Thanks

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Looks like ill be buying a push bike ;-)

Thanks

Aww, you can buy a bike with pedals, that's legal!

You can minimize the downtime by preparing your AOS packet in advance and sending it out ASAP after the wedding. Good luck!

Edited April 15, 2014 by Harpa Timsah

[Kiwinyc 62]

You have to present a Social Security Card and an EAD in order to get a TX Drivers license. You will have to sit the full tests, theory and practical. You can drive on your UK license until then although Texas says you can only do that for a maximum of 3 months so you may spend some of that time in a grey area while you wait for your EAD to arrive.

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/driverLicense/index.htm

Edited April 15, 2014 by Kiwinyc

[pmarshall 9]

You have to present a Social Security Card and an EAD in order to get a TX Drivers license. You will have to sit the full tests, theory and practical. You can drive on your UK license until then although Texas says you can only do that for a maximum of 3 months so you may spend some of that time in a grey area while you wait for your EAD to arrive.

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/driverLicense/index.htm

As you say i can drive on my UK licence but what can i drive ? Fiancees car ??

[Kiwinyc 62]

Assuming she gives you permission yes. Check that you're still covered by her insurance of course. Or you can drive a rental car. Whatever is available to you...

[pmarshall 9]

Assuming she gives you permission yes. Check that you're still covered by her insurance of course. Or you can drive a rental car. Whatever is available to you...[/quo

Her insurance said it's fine :-)

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

~ Moved from K-1 Process to Moving Here and Your New Life in America - topic about getting license, not K-1 process ~

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Hi all

OK so where do we stand with driving in TX once we POE ? Im confused after reading a few posts. I believe us UK VJ'ers have to take a theory and practical test to get a licence ? But when do we apply ?

Also how comes i can visit the US and hire a car without taking a test ? Strange.

Im planning ahead as being without transport may mean a lot of days stuck in the house ;-)

Thanks

Paul

My husband drove on his UK license until he got a TX license. He even got a speeding ticket on it. It's not spelled out anywhere, but are you really anything more than a visitor until the USCIS grants you something that says you can stay, ie EAD or a greencard? I dunno. We argued that point with the highway patrolman who knew zip about immigration and he did not cite my husband for failure to have a TX license within 30 days, which was the rule in 2008.

Agree that you will need EAD and SSN to get a license.

Agree in TX her car is insured and you can drive it with her permission.

Agree you will take written (computer) test and driving test.

Just adding another TX experience to what Kiwi said well.

[2ndMessiah 184]

Some car insurance companies will cover you with a foreign license, but it will have a premium. Progressive is one such insurer,

Another thing to remember is, although you cant get round this great nation without a car, surprisingly the standard of driving in the US is not particularly brilliant. If you passed the UK driving test the US one should be a breeze. The first time I got behind the wheel of my wife's car was when I took the actual driving part of the test. Just remember to drive on the right.

Edited April 15, 2014 by 2ndMessiah