Can I transfer my UK drivers license?
#1
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Joined: Mar 2008
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We are moving to Wisconsin. Will I be able to get a Wisconsin drivers license without taking tests etc.?
Thank you for any help
Thank you for any help

#2
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Joined: Feb 2008
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No. You will need to take a written test (multiple choice on a computer) and "skills" test (driving test). Everyone on here says the skills test is a doddle though.
Go to your future state's DMV/BMV website and you should be able to download their equivalent of the "highway code" in PDF format.
Go to your future state's DMV/BMV website and you should be able to download their equivalent of the "highway code" in PDF format.

#3
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Posts: 38


Thank You

#4
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In Wisconsin the test is among the toughest ! ............ I think you have to drive more that half a mile and use the steering wheel


#5
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I should point out that your British licence will be valid for the first 3 months


#6

The tests are easy: for the written one there will be a booklet and you should give yourself at least 30 mins to read it before taking the test, and for the driving one you'll pass as long as you don't kill more than three children on your 2 mile drive.

#7

Just a note - as we found out yesterday....
You cant buy a car (dont know about leasing...) without a state driving licence....and you cant get your state driving licence without your social security number (well here in GA anyway)
We have to give back our (work paid for) rental at the weekend, and hubbys SSN is nowhere in sight.....and I cant drive!!! i can see an expensive car rental coming on...
You cant buy a car (dont know about leasing...) without a state driving licence....and you cant get your state driving licence without your social security number (well here in GA anyway)
We have to give back our (work paid for) rental at the weekend, and hubbys SSN is nowhere in sight.....and I cant drive!!! i can see an expensive car rental coming on...
Last edited by mellybrown; Apr 6th 2008 at 10:07 pm. Reason: I cant spell!!

#8
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Did you mean you can'T buy a car? Cos you said CAN.

#10

I live in IL and my driving test included hill parking, which is kind of hilarious if you have any idea how flat IL is! Be prepared to have this and possible encounters with things like school buses, both of which are not familiar to UK drivers but are really big parts of US driving. It is worth reading the local 'highway code' before attempting the written or even driven test. It's not necessarily the drive down the block people make it out to be.

#11
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I live in IL and my driving test included hill parking, which is kind of hilarious if you have any idea how flat IL is! Be prepared to have this and possible encounters with things like school buses, both of which are not familiar to UK drivers but are really big parts of US driving. It is worth reading the local 'highway code' before attempting the written or even driven test. It's not necessarily the drive down the block people make it out to be.
(btw they don't test hill parking in San Francisco - probably because trying to find a parking space in San Francisco would make the test last too long ...)

#12

There are few US-centric questions, such as the school bus, right on red (and left on red occasionally), and then some state by state stuff you will need to learn. In some states headlights have to be on whenever wipers are on, and in others you have to slow down 10mph and change lanes if possible when passing a police car doing a traffic stop, etc.
It's not a tough test--but worth reading through the little handout before you take it.
It's not a tough test--but worth reading through the little handout before you take it.

#13

I think the only way of failing a US driving test is to turn up drunk.
and even then I think you've got a 50 / 50 shot.
and even then I think you've got a 50 / 50 shot.

#14

I wasn't asked anything about my license when I bought mine. I only had a learners permit at the time but at no point was it requested, not even when I registered it at the court house. Maybe it varies from state to state.
