I know there is a time limit but have frogotten 6 Months?

Need to give us a state. Also, give us a visa type -- there can be visa-specific complications.

This is state specific. Please check with the DMV or equivalent of the state you will be moving to.

In the case of NC where I live, residents have 60 days to get the State's driving license.




NC Penguin

Not sure where we will settle Alabama or Fl. Thanks for reply

I think it's Catch 22.
A UK license is valid for 12 months, but most (if not all) States insist that you get a license within 30-60 days.
Horrifying I know but to get my Virginia license I actually had to take a computer and then a road test, and I've been driving for over 35 years !
Mind you the test was easy.

Oh the visa is IR1

I told hubby that the test is a LOT easier in USA. I had to take my test here 45 min. in the states about 5 to 15 lol

Also be a little careful when you to take your test - I have heard that some people have had their British License taken from them. I have a NYS licence as well as my British one. I just made no reference to the fact I had one, and didn't take it with me to the test.

If you are going to live here - just do the test. The questions are easy peasy and the driving test less than one mile.

Mine went like this"

"OK reverse out of the parking spot and go to the end and turn right.
At the junction turn left.
Take the next right.
Turn left back into the car park and park.
OK, come inside and we'll issue you your license"

About 5 minutes

Florida is 30 days. You'll want one as first priority when you land anyway for both ID and auto insurance reasons. So, no procrastination!

Florida info here.

Georgia State has a regulation that all resident aliens have to submit their licenses before being issued a new Georgia one. I gave them the card but kept the DVLA wallet and form that goes with it. I was going to say I lost the card and get a replacement but it's not like I'm going to need it. I'll hang onto the wallet just incase.

In Georgia, you have to get a license within 30 days of becoming a resident here.

Same as mine

My examiner looked horrified when I told her my test in the UK took 45 minutes.

But I threw her a horrified look back when she said this is the same test everyone gets. Including 16 year olds :scared:

90 days for SC. Driving test was easy.

When you do take the test, show them your UK licence they don't need to see it but I think it makes a difference if they know you've already been driving. My examiner actually said "oh don't worry about this test then it's so easy you could do it with your eyes closed!!!!!!" :scared:

I'd have to disagree. The examiner would likely take it for arrogance and make your life more difficult. Plus, they might then want to swap your license (like Georgia, above). They have no right to it - it's not subject to American law. So keep it hidden.