Drivers license WA state (moving from UK)

[Dawn2021 26]

Hi there

 

Sorry if this has been asked before, but I couldn't find anything specific (and honestly, I can't make sense of the WA department of licensing website!!)..

 

I'm moving to be with my husband in Seattle, WA in August and I'm trying to pre-prepare for what I'll need to do/write instructions for myself before I head off! 

 

I currently have a UK driving licence and I'm just wondering what steps I need to take to get a WA one.. and whether I'd be able to drive my husbands car in the meantime (short term) after arrival - and whether I would be able to be insured short term with a UK licence? 

 

Any WA specific information would be hugely appreciated! 

Thanks,
Dawn 

[arken 4,197]

15 minutes ago, Dawn2021 said:

Sorry if this has been asked before, but I couldn't find anything specific (and honestly, I can't make sense of the WA department of licensing website!!)..

 

Just need to look a bit deeper.

https://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/moving.html

[Crazy Cat 41,851]

@Jorgedig might have some valuable info.

[SalishSea 17,829]

32 minutes ago, Dawn2021 said:

Hi there

 

Sorry if this has been asked before, but I couldn't find anything specific (and honestly, I can't make sense of the WA department of licensing website!!)..

 

I'm moving to be with my husband in Seattle, WA in August and I'm trying to pre-prepare for what I'll need to do/write instructions for myself before I head off! 

 

I currently have a UK driving licence and I'm just wondering what steps I need to take to get a WA one.. and whether I'd be able to drive my husbands car in the meantime (short term) after arrival - and whether I would be able to be insured short term with a UK licence? 

 

Any WA specific information would be hugely appreciated! 

Thanks,
Dawn 

Hi there!

 

My husband came here with a New Zealand driver's license, which he was able to use for 30 days.  Then he had to take both the written and the road tests to get a Washington state DL.  This was all pre-COVID, so I'm not sure how the DOL is currently handling the testing, but the road tests are now entirely administered on behalf of the state by contracted private driving instruction companies.  There should be a list of them on the DOL website.

 

Since you will be an LPR upon entry, this doesn't really apply, but for others:  Washington is one of the few states that licenses drivers without regard to immigration status.  You have to show that you're a state resident (i.e. utility bills with your address, etc), but for K visa holders, it is not tied to an I-94 or conditional GC or anything.  And along those lines, the RealID license is not required, and is only available for citizens - so immigrant drivers can still get a regular license.

 

Also - your husband can probably call his auto insurance co to add you as a driver on the policy with your UK license.  That is what we did, and as soon as he had his WDL, we called back to update them with the number.

[Dawn2021 26]

38 minutes ago, Jorgedig said:

Hi there!

 

My husband came here with a New Zealand driver's license, which he was able to use for 30 days.  Then he had to take both the written and the road tests to get a Washington state DL.  This was all pre-COVID, so I'm not sure how the DOL is currently handling the testing, but the road tests are now entirely administered on behalf of the state by contracted private driving instruction companies.  There should be a list of them on the DOL website.

 

Since you will be an LPR upon entry, this doesn't really apply, but for others:  Washington is one of the few states that licenses drivers without regard to immigration status.  You have to show that you're a state resident (i.e. utility bills with your address, etc), but for K visa holders, it is not tied to an I-94 or conditional GC or anything.  And along those lines, the RealID license is not required, and is only available for citizens - so immigrant drivers can still get a regular license.

 

Also - your husband can probably call his auto insurance co to add you as a driver on the policy with your UK license.  That is what we did, and as soon as he had his WDL, we called back to update them with the number.

Thank you, thank you, thank you! That's all really helpful! Super appreciative. 🥰

[Ed&Midori1031 330]

I must warn you about WA drivers.  My wife has been here for over 2 years and she still gets stressed out with the driving here. 

[Dawn2021 26]

On 7/6/2021 at 10:16 PM, Ed&Midori1031 said:

I must warn you about WA drivers.  My wife has been here for over 2 years and she still gets stressed out with the driving here. 

 

🤣  🤦‍♀️.  I get it, I drove there for a month when I was only visiting! Though I will say at least it's slower in WA than some states, especially when it's still on the "wrong" side of the rode for me (my slow-driving sensibilities cannot handle CA!!)! 😄

[Ed&Midori1031 330]

On 7/28/2021 at 1:42 PM, Dawn2021 said:

 

🤣  🤦‍♀️.  I get it, I drove there for a month when I was only visiting! Though I will say at least it's slower in WA than some states, especially when it's still on the "wrong" side of the rode for me (my slow-driving sensibilities cannot handle CA!!)! 😄

O for sure.  I'm originally from CA.  The best way I describe the difference between the two states is, when WA state apped limit is 60, people drive 45.  In CA if it says 60, people drive 85 haha.