Clare37

I gave up my UK license for a Georgia ID almost 2 years ago. At that time I wasn't ready to drive; I had never really driven in the UK and I needed a Georgia ID. I am now in the process of applying for a Georgia Driving License. I went for the knowledge test today and was asked if I had previously had a license. I informed them that I had previously had a UK license but had given it up at another DDS center in order to get my Georgia ID two years ago. I was told that before I could take the knowledge test, I would have to get a "clearance letter" from the UK to explain the status of my UK license. I am really confused because I had assumed that when I gave up my license to get my Georgia ID, it would be on record that I had given up my license/ they would have made a note of the driver number / other pertinent information etc. I still have a photocopy of the license as well as the original form that accompanied the UK license. I don't understand why I need to get a "clearance letter" since I am applying for a US license "from scratch"/ not asking for any exemptions or anything. I would appreciate any advice on this. E.g. does the request for a clearance letter sound correct or do you think the person did not understand my situation? If correct, is it difficult to get a clearance letter/ is the UK used to dealing with these kinds of requests? Many thanks.

Vimto

When I came to Georgia almost 3 years ago I started from scratch.
I walked in to simply take the knowledge test, the receptionist asked why I didnt want to take the whole thing (knowledge, eye and practical) I said that as I didnt have an appointment for the practical I just wanted to try the knowledge first, he told me that they could 'squeeze' me in for the practical.
The knowledge test has some questions about causes of accidents and unique Georgia laws so best to brush up on their version of the highway code.
The practical was as you have probably read a bit of a joke, the reversing, parking, stopping at STOP signs, emergency stop was done in the parking lot of the test centre, we then went for a swing round the block for all of 5 mins, no hill starts, reversing round corners, 3 point turns. It was a walk over, within 2 hours I emerged with a full licence.

here are a couple of links from the Georgia Department of Driver Services site
http://www.dds.ga.gov/drivers/DLdata...47371440&ty=dl
http://www.dds.ga.gov/drivers/DLdata...41471757&ty=dl

Mummy in the foothills

Can you go to a different DMV office?
I'd not even mention the UK license, ask to do the drivers test and use your Georgia ID as proof of who you are.
It seems mentioning foreign licenses and ID's in the US only complicates things as they haven't a clue what to do with them.

chartreuse

From one of Vimto's links:

So there's the cock up - the folks at the DMV two years ago should have given you your UK licence back, but didn't. Don't bother pursuing this - the DMV will never, ever admit that any of their staff might have made a mistake.

You might be best off just going to another office, saying "No" when (if) they ask you the question and go from there.

Patrick Hasler

You should NEVER surrender your UK licence for any US one ! .... I was told that by NY Driver licence center. The only licences you should give up are those from other states. UK ones are exempt, they are not in contradiction of any US driving laws and you may need them on a trip to the UK.

mamasue

I surrendered my Uk license for a GA one.....
I don't see it as a problem....
I use my GA license in the UK.

Bob

It's not your license to surrender though...it's government property, much like a passport.

meauxna

Don't worry about it; if it's not a problem for you, it doesn't matter.

davymac

i failed the ohio test ,an the girl said its ok ,you still have your uk licence to drive stupid isnt it

lapin_windstar

Stupid and likely incorrect! I can't find it on the Ohio DMV website but many states require you to get a local license within x days if you're going to living there.

PS how did you fail???

davymac

i didnt observe a pedestrian,so had to wait 7 days an passed it

helwardman

For a trip to the UK, why not use your US license?

mamasue

I concur.... I've done that on 2 occasions now... never been a problem!!
It's actually more correct than my UK license was... it was in my old name before I married.... and I haven't lived on the address on it for years...I never changed the details.... so it wasn't legal in the UK anyway!!

Patrick Hasler

I use my US licence on every visit, but I still hold my UK one, it's my right and if I moved back I would need it, a US licince is only valid for 90 days over there, in the same way a UK one is only valid here for 30 days.

chartreuse

Minor pedantic point here, but from what I remember from SWMBO moving over, immigrants from the US get 1 year on their US license.