International Driving License

[csk2b1 44]

1 hour ago, EmilyW said:

I'm an Australian and I'd say it was three months before I stopped saying - out loud to myself - stay to the right, stay to the right.  Even now, I tend to drive too close to the left side of the lane naturally.

And being from Australia,  it must have been really difficult driving on the opposite side of the road then combined with driving the right way up as opposed to upside down under.

[EmilyW 1,528]

Just now, csk2b1 said:

And being from Australia,  it must have been really difficult driving on the opposite side of the road then combined with driving the right way up as opposed to upside down under.

In a Mad Max car no less.

[Pinkrlion 2,724]

The issue I had was not the international license, but the car insurance did not accept it, so I was considered an uninsured driver which is illegal in my state, so check that also.

[Coco8 1,042]

To get the license you might have to get a learner's permit, keep it for 30 days, and then do the test. You might need to take a couple of classes. Most states are pretty strict with the test and it is pretty easy to fail. Most people I know that were from other countries failed the first time. The test has several parts and you have to know the exam to pass, which is why you might better off taking at least 3 hours of classes with an instructor (you pay by the hour).

 

You can start by downloading the rules from the state you will be living in and learn the rules. You will have to take a writing test before you get the learner's permit or the driver's license.

 

Some states do not allow you to take the test unless you have a learner's permit for 30 days. Others, allow you to take the test directly but only if you have a driver's license from another country. It varies a lot.

Edited May 25, 2018 by Coco8

[Crazy Cat 42,381]

9 hours ago, uv1996 said:

If I get an international driving license and drive around for the first few months with that, I may get tickets on that license. If I get the US license and get tickets on that, my insurance premium may shoot up. So basically like, practice a little bit on the International Driving License before you go out and seek the US driving license.

This is incorrect!  As stated by @JFH , you must comply with the laws of the STATE IN WHICH YOU WILL BE A RESIDENT. 

[Dutchster 1,107]

1) Each state is different, so I would definitely check up on your state's laws
2) Usually, International DL's are being issued to those who are going on holiday. Cops will accept IDL from tourists, not so much from establishing residents. 
3) While your state might allow you driving on a IDL, your insurance might not. No insurance = not driving a car
4) In Tennessee I was allowed to drive on my Dutch license for 30 days, so that gave me at least 30 days to kind of get the feel of driving here --even though not much differs. 

[databit 328]

New Hampshire is the only state without mandatory driving insurance, and there you have to show you have the money to pay for any accident!

 

I don't see how you can drive without insurance, especially in New Jersey and New York. And those areas have heavy traffic. 

[Ontarkie 14,507]

~~Thread moved to Moving here and your new life, from General Immigration - The OP is asking about DL in the US.~~

[Ontarkie 14,507]

An international driver license will not work for you.

These are simply translation of what license you carry from the country issued. They are only good for tourist, something you will not be as soon as you enter with your visa.

 

You must follow State law, that can be 10 or 90 days to get it switch. 

 

You will most likely need to start from scratch. There are not many States that will except a DL to be switched over to a US DL, and the list of Countries that they do except is pretty small. 

 

Do not drive around on your Indian DL past the day they allow for that State. Many and I mean many members have ended up in court. State laws trump even if your insurance will cover you. 

[Citizen24 6]

47 minutes ago, Ontarkie said:

An international driver license will not work for you.

These are simply translation of what license you carry from the country issued. They are only good for tourist, something you will not be as soon as you enter with your visa.

 

You must follow State law, that can be 10 or 90 days to get it switch. 

 

You will most likely need to start from scratch. There are not many States that will except a DL to be switched over to a US DL, and the list of Countries that they do except is pretty small. 

 

Do not drive around on your Indian DL past the day they allow for that State. Many and I mean many members have ended up in court. State laws trump even if your insurance will cover you. 

Thank you so much for this. I''ll work to get the US License soon as I get  there. Thank you  

[Citizen24 6]

7 hours ago, databit said:

New Hampshire is the only state without mandatory driving insurance, and there you have to show you have the money to pay for any accident!

 

I don't see how you can drive without insurance, especially in New Jersey and New York. And those areas have heavy traffic. 

I understand that I'll just have to apply for a US License, only then will I get insurance and I'm gonna need insurance.

Thank you for your help!  

[Citizen24 6]

9 hours ago, Dutchster said:

1) Each state is different, so I would definitely check up on your state's laws
2) Usually, International DL's are being issued to those who are going on holiday. Cops will accept IDL from tourists, not so much from establishing residents. 
3) While your state might allow you driving on a IDL, your insurance might not. No insurance = not driving a car
4) In Tennessee I was allowed to drive on my Dutch license for 30 days, so that gave me at least 30 days to kind of get the feel of driving here --even though not much differs. 

I'll confirm at the DMV about the rules that apply at New Jersey. Thanks  

[Citizen24 6]

9 hours ago, missileman said:

This is incorrect!  As stated by @JFH , you must comply with the laws of the STATE IN WHICH YOU WILL BE A RESIDENT. 

I understand.. I'll look up the laws that apply for New Jersey and prepare accordingly. Thank you  

[Citizen24 6]

10 hours ago, Coco8 said:

To get the license you might have to get a learner's permit, keep it for 30 days, and then do the test. You might need to take a couple of classes. Most states are pretty strict with the test and it is pretty easy to fail. Most people I know that were from other countries failed the first time. The test has several parts and you have to know the exam to pass, which is why you might better off taking at least 3 hours of classes with an instructor (you pay by the hour).

 

You can start by downloading the rules from the state you will be living in and learn the rules. You will have to take a writing test before you get the learner's permit or the driver's license.

 

Some states do not allow you to take the test unless you have a learner's permit for 30 days. Others, allow you to take the test directly but only if you have a driver's license from another country. It varies a lot.

Thank you so much. That is really helpful information and I'll get to it right away.

[Citizen24 6]

11 hours ago, Pinkrlion said:

The issue I had was not the international license, but the car insurance did not accept it, so I was considered an uninsured driver which is illegal in my state, so check that also.

Yes I'll definitely check. Thank you