Drivers License

[Kez/JWolf 6]

In VA you now need a SS number in order to take the driving test. I was amazed at the two part test (especially since a girl I sat next to in the waiting room informed me that as I hadn't studied for the multiple choice questions part of the test, there is no way I would pass. I was terrified thinking it would be really hard. OK so the first question is : "spell your name correctly". Seriously - and when I got that one right, I got a point !!! yeah !!

The remainder of the questions were a little harder - like this gem: What should you do at a red light? (a) stop ( B) increase your speed © honk your horn and shout loudly (d) indicate to turn left .......... I am very surprised I passed......

The actual driving test was a drive around the large car park with a left turn to turn into the parking space (took 3 mins in total).

Yep I had the same expirence with getting my license... did not read the handbook before but passed the written test... it was very easy... did the road test which consisted of driving to the trafic lights turn left on to the next set of lights turn left, take the next left into the parking lot, pull up behind the Police vehical and stop.... congratulation you passed.... and that was it, took all of 5 mins...

Kez

[KimberlyandMark 1]

Does anyone know about how long a UK drivers license is good for in Alabama? And can I add my fiance to my car insurance with his UK DL?

Thanks,

Kim

[Richard-UK 2]

Does anyone know about how long a UK drivers license is good for in Alabama? And can I add my fiance to my car insurance with his UK DL?

Thanks,

Kim

Hi Kim

I think it depends a great deal with which company you have your policy.

We have coverage arranged in Florida with Progressive Insurance using our UK Licences for 12 months.

However I have been offered a cheaper policy with Geiko who will insurance us assuming that we get our FL licences within one month.

I think each company has its own rules.

When my daughter joined her husband in Florida she was able to drive on her UK licence straight away on his policy.

Best wishes

Richard

[KimberlyandMark 1]

Does anyone know about how long a UK drivers license is good for in Alabama? And can I add my fiance to my car insurance with his UK DL?

Thanks,

Kim

Hi Kim

I think it depends a great deal with which company you have your policy.

We have coverage arranged in Florida with Progressive Insurance using our UK Licences for 12 months.

However I have been offered a cheaper policy with Geiko who will insurance us assuming that we get our FL licences within one month.

I think each company has its own rules.

When my daughter joined her husband in Florida she was able to drive on her UK licence straight away on his policy.

Thanks Richard! I have insurance with Progressive and will contact them when Mark gets here in Jan. How long is hi UK drivers license good for?

Kim

Best wishes

Richard

[sharo 0]

Ok here's my 2 cents worth on this topic. Although I'm currently living in the UK I have previously moved to the US (NC at that). Insurance works completely differently in the US than it does in the UK. In the US for the most part people have something on their insurance which allows other people to drive their vehicle and be covered by the vehicle owners insurance. When we were visiting the States this summer I drove MIL's car and since I have a valid NC license then I am covered by HER insurance policy.

I would suggest a quick trip to your local DMV in Charlotte. They will be able to tell you exactly what documentation you will require to be able to apply for a license and you can also get a drivers manual while you're there to start looking over for when you want to take your test. Which I'll also add is nothing like UK tests. When I went for my US license I just showed up on the day with relevent paperwork, no appointment. Went and sat the theory (in the DMV) passed that then went out with a trooper and did my test. If you can drive in the UK then you should have no problems whatsoever passing the test. For the most part it is ridiculously easy and I'm not sure mine lasted as long as 10 minutes..... Then for something like $20 I had license in hand the same day.

Ok now I seem to have completely forgotten the question at hand. But in my humble opinion provided you have the paperwork required, then 1 getting a license should be easy and is really cheap to get so I would just go on and get it sorted ASAP. That way you're set for 5 years or so and don't have to worry about it at a later date.

[Robyn-n-Kris 72]

This is something Kris and i have toyed with. For now he has a state ID as he's not sure he even wants to deal with the roads here in TX. (the drivers are a bit aggresive and scary!) We shall see though.

[DoneWaiting 15]

Ok my take on the previous question and the prior quotes:

Driving Record [experience] is a factor regarding insurance. Even though carriers may have different rates and charges, the driving experience as well the credit record are factors all companies take under consideration. But this was not the question..

The USA allows drivers with Driver's International License or English written License to have driving privilege in the US up to 12 month as long they have residency in any of the states. The DMV require proper documentation to properly issue a drivers license. Since we all know that takes more than 30 days to obtain all legal documentation, DMV allows drivers to use their current license accompany with proof of entry [immigrant visa].

Insurance: If you are a family member residing at the same address, you are obligate by law to disclose all drivers with privilege to all vehicles. Yes, US Insurance Companies have a protection clause to undisclosed drivers but, in the event of a loss, you may have a problem. They also have a clause regarding miss-representation..

Does anyone know about how long a UK drivers license is good for in Alabama? And can I add my fiance to my car insurance with his UK DL?

Thanks,

Kim

[DoneWaiting 15]

Another take regarding Driver's License and exchanges:

Ask your local DMV first...

Consider obtaining an international Drivers License. Ask your DMV if International License for can be exchanged. NY allows IDL to be exchanged for Canadian Citizens, may work the same in your current state for other countries.

just a thought,

[Brit Abroad 166]

MOST US states work on the principle that you can drive legally here with a UK driving licence so long as you carry your passport with you at all times. The passport is the key to being allowed to use it, as it shows your date of entry. It's generally a YEAR from that DoE, even if you subsequently get your green card. Once you pass your state license test, they will invalidate your UK licence here by either punching a hole through it or red stamping the reverse that it's no longer valid in the US. I was also told that in some states they will confiscate it and return it to DVLA.

Regarding the insurance: My husband had me bring my UK insurance paperwork and we presented that to the insurer here, along with the paper section of my driving licence (showing no points) and the insurer didn't start me on the "no previous insurance" rate, we got a hefty discount because of my history in the UK. It's always worth trying and asking for credit based on former experience. EDIT: There was no problem getting insured on the UK licence either, and we extended it for six months as I went home while hubby was training in another state.

Footnote: The problem with retaining your UK licence is that it is technically not legal in the UK any longer, either. Once you are no longer resident, you are not deemed to be entitled to a UK D/L.

Edited December 9, 2009 by Brit Abroad