Driver's License Question (Alberta Specific)

[zilchfox 296]

Hiya,

Right now I have a GDL Class 5 license and I've been driving for 8 years on it. For those not familiar, aside from a few limitations (0% alc tolerance, cannot teach others to drive, and less demerits to start with), it's basically identical to a full drivers license -- I can drive where I want, at any time I want, by myself. I've never had an issue driving to the US with it in the past, but when I move to Georgia, will they consider this a full license (because aside from a few limitations, it basically is) or will they consider it a learners and I'll need to take a drivers test before getting a Georgia drivers license? I don't believe GA has the same "in-between" license that Alberta has.

Should I take the full drivers test here in Alberta before I move, or would it just be a waste of time/money for me?

If it matters, aside from a minor speeding ticket a few years ago, my record is clean with no accidents.

Edited March 19, 2016 by zilchfox

[kris&me 572]

Georgia recognizes unexpired driver’s licenses issued to and held by residents of other countries as long as the "Out Of Country" license is unexpired. Generally, you may drive in Georgia for up to one year on an unexpired foreign license. Please note that if the driver's license issued to you in your home country is not printed in English, then you will also need an unexpired International Driving Permit

You will have to take both written tests and driving test / you do not have to apply for learner's permit but pass the 2 tests / instruction manual online as some of our laws here are strange like stopping for a funeral procession from both directions and not being able to park on side of the road in a cul de sac so read the manual i am out of Georgia now an in Tennessee not far away

good luck and welcome to the US

[Ms Hogan 295]

Ask your fiance for the contact information for the closes DMV to where you will be moving and ask them specifically. I had a license for 20 years before moving to the U.S. and I had to do both a written AND driving test. It was a waste of time but I have to admit it was kinda fun to go through it again. If they are going to make you do a test either way when you get here then it would be a waste of time to bother in Alberta IMO. You may wind up doing two tests for no reason! I would call and ask.

[morgan.croft 210]

Another Canadian moving to GA! ?

Would be nice if they had reciprocation where our Canada DL would allow us to get a DL down there without retesting.

[NikLR 13,231]

Looks like Canadians have to take the tests all over again. Don't bother upgrading your GDL.

Drivers from nations not having a reciprocal agreement with the Department of Driver Services, including Canada and US Territories, must pass Georgia's written, road and vision tests to be issued a Georgia driver's license. Knowledge (written) tests must begin at least 30 minutes before center closing time.

http://www.dds.ga.gov/drivers/dldata.aspx?con=1747371440&ty=dl

You also must get a Georgia driver's license sooner than 1 year!
http://www.dds.ga.gov/drivers/dldata.aspx?con=1741471757&ty=dl

If a non-US citizen establishes residency in Georgia, he or she must obtain a Georgia driver’s license within thirty (30) days. A non-US citizen would be considered a resident of Georgia if he or she meets any of the following criteria:

• If a person accepts employment or engages in trade in Georgia, and enrolls his or her children in private or public school within ten days after the commencement of employment; or
• If a person has been present in the state for 30 or more days.

[Jknee 3]

I'm not in GA, but close by in North FL. I found a ton of conflicting information for getting my FL drivers license, and ended up just going to my local DMV to ask. My Alberta Class 5 was perfectly fine to switch over to a FL one, and I did not have to take the test, apparently that can vary from county to county. My advice would be to definitely talk directly to your local DMV to get the right answer, as there's a lot of confusing info out there!

[HollywoodNorth 22]

Yes, it's a state specific thing, check with the DMV, and double check because sometimes a local DMV will get things wrong from time to time.

In California/Nevada for a example, if you have a foreign drivers license you would have to take a drivers test regardless of the origin country/province. Other states take Canadian licenses and will straight swap them for a new state license, some may require a written test, some don't.

[oncefuturealien 45]

Also, if you're in California, try a DMV office in a more rural area if you're nervous about your test...for one thing the appointments tend to be available earlier, and for another, your driving test will be in that area, as opposed to somewhere with crazy highways and heavy traffic.

[NikLR 13,231]

OP is moving to Georgia....

[oncefuturealien 45]

OP is moving to Georgia....

Mine's just a general tip for California since the post before mentioned California :shrug: it may apply in other states, too, though.

[NikLR 13,231]

Mine's just a general tip for California since the post before mentioned California :shrug: it may apply in other states, too, though.

I know why you posted it. LOL