shining light

Just wondering how the Licenses work in the USA. looking at a couple of earlier threads, it seems each State has its own, and even an American national who moves from one State to another has to obtain a new license, is this correct?

If I moved to the USA from the UK I guess I would have to take both the written and actual driving test?

Would I pay more for insurance as a foreigner?

In general, (to those who came from the UK) would you say Car insurance is more or less than the UK?

Thanks

Brat1

What state are you moving to???? You are right, each state has it's own license and when you move from one state to another, you have to change your license so that is correct.

Where I am I had to take the written and practical, and an 8 hour class on driving/alcohol/drugs. Pretty straightforward.

Insurance if you have no history here is expensive. Ours has now come down a bit since we've had our licenses/cars over a year but all in all I would say it's more expensive than the UK, in our circumstances anyway.

shining light

Thanks Brat1, that is useful to know.

sir_eccles

Just to clarify a few points.

When a foreigner lands in the US and wants a US license, with a few exceptions you generally need to do a written and practical test in the state in which you reside.

When anyone with a license from one state moves to a different state they must get a new license. The old license is surrendered and a new license is issued, generally there is no test.

steve100100

Yes as above. States issue licenses, not federal govt.

Example: I moved from the UK to California and had a British license. Had to take a written test and driving test.

Six months later, moved to TX, no driving test but had to take a written test and surrender CA license.

Not sure about insurance cost. My mother in law and wife are on the same policy and I got added to theirs. I know it really didn't increase the cost much.

steve100100

While we're on the subject, lots of folks here say how easy the tests are.

I failed the CA test twice in Glendale. Someone suggested trying another DMV office. So I went to either Burbank or north Hollywood, I don't remember. Passed, no problem.

She talked all the while about English castles.

I'm not ashamed to admit this.

Anian

The written test in WA is very easy (not really written since it is multiple choice on touch screen). I got the first couple wrong but then got the remainder correct and it stopped as soon as I hit the magic number of correct answers. The practical wasn't too hard, I passed first time but I got the minimum score, and despite that the tester said I was a very good driver. I'd had many lessons in the UK but never got to take the actual practical test, so I guess that paid off.

shining light

Anian, You look a bit young to me to be driving, how do you reach the pedals?

Bob

There is generally no test for those over 21 and/or with 3 years experience.

As for insurance, generally it's more expensive here and being someone with no US credit history and no US driving history, it will be more expensive still...think back to when you were a spotty 16 year old oink and it'll be more pricey, unless you go with state minimums, which you'd be stupid to even contemplate.

Deeks

Meaning I wouldn't be covered enough to pay a costly lawsuit? Or to pay a huge medical bill?

Bob

Both.

Legal minimums wouldn't cover getting a plaster for a broken leg around my way, after paying the ambulance

Also got to worry about uninsured drivers, and that's a problem around my way because we're near NH and they aren't required to have car insurance up there.

CAdreaming

here in CA i have to take both written and practical test

Deeks

I'm really not liking my return to the US.

md95065

There is, generally, no such thing as "generally" when it comes to the way that different states handle things like this except that they are generally all different.

RickWG

I know some people who are still using old UK "Until 70" licences & if they get stopped by the cops state that they just got here 2 weeks ago.. I stil have mine that was issued in 1977, but I have no idea where it is.