Recent experiences with NJ drivers license from foreign (European) license - road test yay or nay?

[TabeaK 517]

Hi guys!

My slightly OCD personality is researching all the stuff I need to deal with after my upcoming move. One of them is the DL issue.

Been researching the official NJ websites, but they are neither very clear nor user friendly. I am aware of the multiple documents I will need for ID purposes and that I will most likely not be able to get a DL before receiving my EAD (immigrating on K1). What is not entirely sure is the testing procedure. The manuals are not clear on whether or not a road test is needed when possessing an unexpired foreign (German( DL with an international driver permit showing driving experience. A vision test and questionnaire is alway needed based on what I read.

So, any recent immigrants to NJ who got DLs? What was your experience? Bonus points: Which DMV office did you go to?

[TabeaK 517]

Giving this a little push.

[jfgk1987 303]

Okay I'll give this a shot...

I lived in NJ for 2 years and during this time my husband and I talked about the whole license exchange thing. NJ is very odd; apparently there's treaty that NJ uses to determine if you have to take the driving test and if you're country is not on the list then you have to do it. They'll make you do the permit exam regardless. This was the answer I got at the DMV in Moorestown NJ.

[TabeaK 517]

Okay, as I have done it now, I'll answer my own question.

All the following occured at the Freehold DMV in Monmouth County, NJ.

If you want a license prior to AOS/EAD it is imperative you go to the DMV/MVC with 60d or more left on your I-94, otherwise they will not give you a license in NJ.

You also need 6 points ID + proof of address + SSN. I used my passport + K1 visa + valid I-94 (with 61 days left on it) - total value 4 points. As secondary ID, I used my marriage certificate (3 points). I also needed to show them my SSN card and a proof of address (I used a letter UPS sent me). First, I went to reception where they checked my docs and made me fill in two slips of paper (first application for license in NJ). They collected all my evidence and questioned me as to my immigration status. They then took all the docs to "verify with homeland security" - they asked me to wait 15mins while that occurred. Then they called me up and said everything was okay, but that I needed to test and pass today, otherwise they couldn't give me a license as the validity on my I-94 would be too short (<60d).

So I went to a window, where they checked my docs again and made me buy a permit ($10). With that I went to another window, where they checked my docs once again, gave me a vision test and had me do the knowledge test (computer based, need to get 40/50 correct). They also checked my pre-existing German driver's license and International driving permit - this satisfied their requirement for past driving experience and they waved the road test. After passing the knowledge test, they sent me to yet another window - where my docs were checked again, they took a picture, I paid about $8 in license fees and they printed my license on the spot. They gave me 6 months validity on my license (until June 27 2016), which is 3 months longer than my I-94 is valid for (my AOS is pending). So I will go once I get my EAD to extend the license.

All in all, very easy process and the Freehold DMV-people were very corteous and knowledgeable. Was in and out in 1.5h.