10 days in the US - an update
Aug 23rd 2016, 2:00 am
#31
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 70
Re: 10 days in the US - an update
I got a rental at first in the hope that I could do that but the company I hired it from said it wasn't allowed with them. I believe some do though so you'll have to call them and do some research.
I looked up a local instructor and paid him $100 for a one hour lesson and to borrow the car for the test - I believe this is a pretty standard thing in the US for foreigners. The lesson was well worth it as I learned a few things I didn't know before that helped me pass the test. It was a good deal really!
The written test wasn't hard but you should do some practise tests online. While driving is similar all over the world there are things that are unique everywhere and questions that will trip you up. Same goes for the practical.
Good luck!
I looked up a local instructor and paid him $100 for a one hour lesson and to borrow the car for the test - I believe this is a pretty standard thing in the US for foreigners. The lesson was well worth it as I learned a few things I didn't know before that helped me pass the test. It was a good deal really!
The written test wasn't hard but you should do some practise tests online. While driving is similar all over the world there are things that are unique everywhere and questions that will trip you up. Same goes for the practical.
Good luck!
Aug 23rd 2016, 11:35 am
#32
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 12
Re: 10 days in the US - an update
I got a rental at first in the hope that I could do that but the company I hired it from said it wasn't allowed with them. I believe some do though so you'll have to call them and do some research.
I looked up a local instructor and paid him $100 for a one hour lesson and to borrow the car for the test - I believe this is a pretty standard thing in the US for foreigners. The lesson was well worth it as I learned a few things I didn't know before that helped me pass the test. It was a good deal really!
The written test wasn't hard but you should do some practise tests online. While driving is similar all over the world there are things that are unique everywhere and questions that will trip you up. Same goes for the practical.
Good luck!
I looked up a local instructor and paid him $100 for a one hour lesson and to borrow the car for the test - I believe this is a pretty standard thing in the US for foreigners. The lesson was well worth it as I learned a few things I didn't know before that helped me pass the test. It was a good deal really!
The written test wasn't hard but you should do some practise tests online. While driving is similar all over the world there are things that are unique everywhere and questions that will trip you up. Same goes for the practical.
Good luck!
Aug 26th 2016, 11:50 am
#33
Just Joined
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 11
Re: 10 days in the US - an update
May I say congrats!
I am just about to file my application for my E2 visa - probably middle of next week, but I'll be on the other side of the country.
What's the business if you don't mind me asking?
I am just about to file my application for my E2 visa - probably middle of next week, but I'll be on the other side of the country.
What's the business if you don't mind me asking?
Aug 26th 2016, 2:06 pm
#34
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 48
Re: 10 days in the US - an update
Hello
How long was the E2 visa for?
How long was the E2 visa for?
Aug 26th 2016, 4:27 pm
#35
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Thread Starter
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 70
Re: 10 days in the US - an update
It's a 5 year visa for a music publishing company.
Aug 26th 2016, 4:50 pm
#37
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 12
Re: 10 days in the US - an update
That's us arrived safely and sound in the US with our E2 visas yesterday.
Husband is off just now to get the keys to the office and I'm sorting out appointments with the DMV and SS office.
Good luck everyone on their new ventures in USA.
Husband is off just now to get the keys to the office and I'm sorting out appointments with the DMV and SS office.
Good luck everyone on their new ventures in USA.
Aug 26th 2016, 5:09 pm
#38
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 64
Re: 10 days in the US - an update
Good luck to both of you. We land in December just before Christmas. Let us know how you get on.
Aug 27th 2016, 1:26 am
#39
L2, GC, Surrey, OH, TX!
Joined: Aug 2007
Location: Surrey to Dallas (via Ohio)!
Posts: 6,363
Re: 10 days in the US - an update
Under who's definition of "resident"?!
Residency is defined differently for tax, driving licenses etc.
I was also driving on my UK license over the GA period defined, and so long as you don't actually have to produce your license that's not a problem for you but IF you have to produce your license... Well, it depends on how the police officer feels that day?! Sometimes maybe the accent helps wing-it... Other times I dunno.
Edit: To clarify, just in case anyone thinks I'm saying its a good idea to drive without following the required state regulations... I'm not.
Residency is defined differently for tax, driving licenses etc.
I was also driving on my UK license over the GA period defined, and so long as you don't actually have to produce your license that's not a problem for you but IF you have to produce your license... Well, it depends on how the police officer feels that day?! Sometimes maybe the accent helps wing-it... Other times I dunno.
Edit: To clarify, just in case anyone thinks I'm saying its a good idea to drive without following the required state regulations... I'm not.
Aug 27th 2016, 3:53 am
#40
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 147
Re: 10 days in the US - an update
Well, I don't think I said it was well. Nor did I say it was good.
On the message you were trying to send though, I agree...
Good point for others reading who don't know the US. As I said after being picked up on my wording about this already...
Originally Posted by me
To clarify, just in case anyone thinks I'm saying it's a good idea to drive without following the required state regulations... I'm not.
All my eye-watering insurance costs were through a very well known rental company who hired me the car for 6 weeks. I'm not sure if you are qualified on the limited information here to determine if my insurance was invalid, or where liability would lie, or even if there was a path to cost recovery for anyone in litigation had I had a bump at the time years ago; but you are making a valid point.
It's fair to mention accidents, especially here in the south, given the standard of driving... There are accidents on a daily basis with regular issues on the roads because of them (not to mention serious injuries and deaths)...
Especially when people are driving around with mobile phones to their ears etc... Something we UK citizens don't believe when we first witness it! (Still surprises me)
Last edited by Hanco; Aug 27th 2016 at 4:17 am. Reason: Clarity
Aug 27th 2016, 6:59 pm
#41
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 902
Re: 10 days in the US - an update
Don't forget that the E-2 visa makes you a US resident. So possibly annual FBARs and worldwide tax on everything is to come along with plenty of annual information returns. If you own a company in the UK you may want to close it before moving. If you own unit trusts or investment trusts or OEICS (including in an ISA) you will want to sell these before moving. If you own UK property you will want to learn about the 2 out of 5 year rule and foreign currency mortgage gains...
Aug 28th 2016, 7:21 pm
#42
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 110
Re: 10 days in the US - an update
Don't forget that the E-2 visa makes you a US resident. So possibly annual FBARs and worldwide tax on everything is to come along with plenty of annual information returns. If you own a company in the UK you may want to close it before moving. If you own unit trusts or investment trusts or OEICS (including in an ISA) you will want to sell these before moving. If you own UK property you will want to learn about the 2 out of 5 year rule and foreign currency mortgage gains...
I thought the E-2 visa status was non-resident alien (at a federal level)?
Aug 28th 2016, 7:54 pm
#43
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Mar 2015
Location: NC, USA (ex Yorkshire)
Posts: 4,375
Re: 10 days in the US - an update
There are two types of residency. An E-2 holder can be deemed a resident for tax purposes. This is dependent on the IRS calculations (time spent in the US for example).
