Driving in Michigan

[Lsthorpe1 129]

Hi Guys!

 

So, I have my one way flight booked to America on my K1 visa! Next Wednesday! It's been a long wait! 

 

I'm moving to Detroit, Michigan and I'm 24.

 

Question - Can I drive on a foreign license? What are the rules and regs? Is there anything I need to do before getting behind the wheel? (Obviously get insured) 

 

I know I can probably find all of my answers on google! However, I find it easier to process the information that you guys give me!

 

Thank you!!!

 

 

[TNJ17 1,329]

I don’t know what the law is in Michigan but most states will allow you to drive on your license from your country for 10 to 30 days. Then after that you’re stuck in limbo as you will need to wait until your AOS is complete in order to get your US driver’s license. Check Michigan DMV for specific rules. 

[yuna628 9,713]

4 hours ago, Lsthorpe1 said:

Hi Guys!

 

So, I have my one way flight booked to America on my K1 visa! Next Wednesday! It's been a long wait! 

 

I'm moving to Detroit, Michigan and I'm 24.

 

Question - Can I drive on a foreign license? What are the rules and regs? Is there anything I need to do before getting behind the wheel? (Obviously get insured) 

 

I know I can probably find all of my answers on google! However, I find it easier to process the information that you guys give me!

 

Thank you!!!

 

 

In general you are allowed to drive on your foreign license for a specific period of time as determined by the laws of that state. On average it is somewhere around 30 days maybe more, maybe less. If you want to make obtaining a state driver's license easier for you overall and in less time try these steps:

 

1) after you arrive, check your I94 in a few days and see if you're in there, then head over to the SSA, follow the VJ guides and get your first SSN.

2) get married asap.

3) file for AOS asap, also make sure to file an EAD+AP along with that which should arrive first in about 90-120 days. obviously this will take you outside the period of allowable drive time for most states.

4)while waiting get your name with new address on some official mail - like a bill, a bank statement etc.

5) when the EAD arrives, head over to the DMV with your EAD, SSN, mail, and any other paperwork requirements they ask for.

6) in general you will be given the opportunity to take the written test and road test - which bypasses many state's new driver requirements if you were just starting out (hours and hours of driving time/courses etc)

7) if all goes well you'll have your very first license - in some states it will only be issued for as long as the EAD is good for.

8) when your green card finally arrives, go back to the DMV and get the license updated just like before - and you'll be issued a non-temporary full length license.

9)insurance follows the car not the driver but it can be policy specific and you need to ensure what sort of  coverage the car you drive has before getting behind the wheel. ask them if you need to be added to the policy already on the car or if you need a new policy. You can of course have insurance, but if your wife or family member has a car and gives you permission to drive, you may do so if that car is already insured and it is acceptable under the terms of the policy. Keep in mind if *you* are the person at fault, the problem becomes on that person's insurance. If it's *not* your fault then you are fine. https://www.esurance.com/info/car/car-insurance-follows-the-driver-myth

I think it unlikely you'd be able to obtain insurance until you have a license - you'd also likely be treated as a new driver, so your rates will be higher.

 

[JoannaV 174]

1 hour ago, yuna628 said:

I think it unlikely you'd be able to obtain insurance until you have a license - you'd also likely be treated as a new driver, so your rates will be higher.

 

yuna628 has given you a great response! I'd just add that you *might* be able to be added to your spouse's insurance easily: for some reason there was no problem in adding me with my learner's permit, which I had for many years, and it never changed our rate.

[JoannaV 174]

When you have a bit of free time you can find the Driver's Manual for your state and read through it. Generally these are shorter than the UK equivalent and pretty straightforward. The theory test, in my state at least, might include questions about the laws for young drivers so pay attention to that information even though it's irrelevant to you. But, again in my state, the theory and practice tests are really very simple!

[cookiemonsta 9]

I drove on my UK license for nearly a year with no issues. It says on the DVLA site you can drive on an international license for up to 1-year in a foreign country before you have to apply for that country driving license.

 

I recently got my New York driving license and actually, my insurance increased, as they treat you as a new driver, whereas driving on my UK license my insurance was far cheaper.