Question for the Europeans: why choose the US over Europe?

[Boiler 45,783]

There is no comparison between the Uk and US test. My Mother was the only one in my Family to pass first time.

US test was a joke.

[ceisenbruch 53]

I have never done it myself but based on what my wife tells me the driving exam in the UK is a pain, especially compared with the US. When I was a kid I didn't really worry at all about the test, it lasted like 10 minutes and I was given a license. She said most of her friends had to take it twice, sometimes 3 or 4 times. The pass rate is less than 50% on the first try. Maybe that makes a difference? I have no idea. Bad drivers in the US can be of all ages. Most of the time if I end up stopped at a light next to someone who was swerving, or just being an all around poor driver they have their phone in their hand. It's a huge problem here.

I got really unlucky on my first driving test. Someone nearly t-boned me as I was literally pulling into the DMV parking lot at the end of the test, and the guy failed me because i had to "slam on my brakes" to avoid him.

Everyone in my fiance's family passed UK driving test (his sis and mom had to take it twice). Their insurance is really high though, his sister has been in 2 accidents, and one with an uninsured driver (which wasn't her fault but still).

[Dutchster 1,107]

4 way stop signs are very common here. As far as I know, and we do too, whoever stops first gets to go first. I wonder how my actual drivers test will go. I hear a lot of stories it's easy here.

[Kim Mertens 54]

I took my multiple choice drivers test here in VA yesterday, I scored 39 out of 40, only because I clicked the wrong answer on the one I was wrong on. It was really easy but it is a headache to actually get tested. They asked me a boatload of documents and even then it took them over an hour (waiting time not included). After I passed they said I couldn't get it now because it had to go for elevated inspection to the headquarters... It's so frustrating sometimes. Although my greencard is on the way (approved a week ago) I can't get a permanent driver's license. I can only do my real driving test in January but even that one will only be valid till June and I cannot apply for a permanent one until my temporary one expires. All those extra hoops we have to take are just exhausting, I feel like a circus animal. They always find a way to make you feel like you don't belong. Anywaus, good luck on your test, it's really easy as long as you've studied! Most questions I had were exactly the same as the ones I practiced on the official dmv website, same pictures and everything!

Edited November 1, 2016 by Kim&Clint

[N-o-l-a 7,168]

The written one varies a lot state to state. My New York one was super easy. I went to take the Minnesota one when we moved here and I almost failed. You had to memorize a bunch of completely random speeds and things that had absolutely no normal relevance. A lot of native born Americans even fail it the first time. I think the Danish half might have. The driving test is super easy in most places.

The boatload of documents is also normal for Americans as well unfortunately, especially with these new enhanced licenses.

Oh and the tester was a complete nightmare. He didn't want to let me take the test because my marriage certificate (even though it is in English) didn't say "Denmark" on it. Seriously..... I already had a driver's license from a different state with my married name on it.

Edited November 1, 2016 by N-o-l-a

[Dutchster 1,107]

So my state's website says this about "not eligible for drivers license: Anyone who is not a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident will not qualify for the issuance of a driver license or identification only license." I'm wondering how it will go since I am still waiting for any NOA's, my EAD and of course the greencard. So with what can I prove my permanent residence while my GC is in process? I want to drive lol! I love the roads here

[ceisenbruch 53]

So my state's website says this about "not eligible for drivers license: Anyone who is not a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident will not qualify for the issuance of a driver license or identification only license." I'm wondering how it will go since I am still waiting for any NOA's, my EAD and of course the greencard. So with what can I prove my permanent residence while my GC is in process? I want to drive lol! I love the roads here

the AoS shouldn't take more than 60-90 days, your license is technically valid for at least 1 month after POE. I forget what the holdover in the meantime would be, i mean, it only really matters if you get pulled over and they actually decide to investigate when your POE date was?

[Dutchster 1,107]

^

Yeah, just found out they cashed my check for AOS finally! So I might be able to bring in any NOA's or EAD before my greencard comes in. I just looove to drive, especially the pick up lol!

[Boiler 45,783]

So my state's website says this about "not eligible for drivers license: Anyone who is not a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident will not qualify for the issuance of a driver license or identification only license." I'm wondering how it will go since I am still waiting for any NOA's, my EAD and of course the greencard. So with what can I prove my permanent residence while my GC is in process? I want to drive lol! I love the roads here

No state is that restrictive.

[Kim Mertens 54]

I had those random speeds and braking distances and all as well but since I had to know much more random stuff back in Belgium it still felt really easy to me. The boy ahead of me was taking his test as well and had about half of the documents I needed with him. They needed my ead card, noa1s for the ead, the noa1 for the i485, noa2 for the ead, belgian passport, international passport, original ssn card bank statements, apartment lease, birth certificate, and the list goes on. They made me drive back home for something new twice before I could take the test. I understand, but it's still a lot, especially when afterwards they tell me it needs more inspection. All my proof was right there on their desk, in originals, so that did upset me a little.

[ceisenbruch 53]

yikes, did they ask for the kitchen sink too???

Usually they just need proof of insurance (and obviously ID lol). I wonder what the rest of it was for.

[N-o-l-a 7,168]

I had those random speeds and braking distances and all as well but since I had to know much more random stuff back in Belgium it still felt really easy to me. The boy ahead of me was taking his test as well and had about half of the documents I needed with him. They needed my ead card, noa1s for the ead, the noa1 for the i485, noa2 for the ead, belgian passport, international passport, original ssn card bank statements, apartment lease, birth certificate, and the list goes on. They made me drive back home for something new twice before I could take the test. I understand, but it's still a lot, especially when afterwards they tell me it needs more inspection. All my proof was right there on their desk, in originals, so that did upset me a little.

Oh no, I mean there were random questions about the state too, like "What is the capital of Minnesota?" and "How fast can you drive behind a vehicle that has an orange triangle on it or how fast can said vehicle go?". Like, what? I've been driving my entire adult life and I've never needed to know how fast to drive behind an Amish buggy. The answer should be "slow enough so you don't hit them."

We both got our Minnesota licenses the same week, my husband and I did and we didn't need all that. Only things for him were previous driver's license and greencard and for me previous driver's license, passport, and marriage certificate for different name proof.

We did have some initial trouble in CT the year before because the testing center lady didn't want to take the stamp in the passport as a I-551. That was resolved, though, she had just never seen it.

[Dutchster 1,107]

Lmfao. I'd be happy to give them the kitchen sink, too. I want a new one for a while already.

[ceisenbruch 53]

I've been driving my entire adult life and I've never needed to know how fast to drive behind an Amish buggy. The answer should be "slow enough so you don't hit them."

[N-o-l-a 7,168]

I got to admit this thread illustrates one of the frustrating aspects about America - that each state has these wildly different requirements for things like driver's licenses. I'm a fan of states' rights, but it is kind of silly at times.