English Muffin

I just had my first experience of the DMV and it wasn't pleasant. However, I did pass my written test this morning and have my road test on Wednesday. I do hope I pass because I don't want to have to go there again for a loooooong time if possible.

fatbrit

Here's a word of advice -- if you don't pass, I wouldn't mention it on here.

English Muffin

No worries. I passed with flying colours.

fatbrit

Excellent news!

Jerseygirl

Congratulations.

melody32

Sorta related reply....

our car insurance agent was able to use my husband's uk driver's license issue date in order for our rates to stay low. originally he was going to use the issue date of his CA license issue date until we explained about the other and the number of years he had it.

JD99

Be aware that if you present your UK drivers license when you apply for a US license, the examiner may keep your UK license when they issue you a new one. Be certain to ask if this will happen before you provide your license to them. In most states, all you need is positive ID, which includes your passport, and possibly, but not always, a social security number. It is not normally necessary that you produce another license to take the test.

Some states don't even require proof that you have a visa to obtain a drivers license. They will issue a license to anyone who can pass the test.

geeandtee

erm....there is another way of failing....squishing the cones when attempting to parallel park a sodding Jeep Cherokee thingie

paul1968mcr

Well in Indiana, there not interested in your UK licence - Just dont mention it to avoid any confusion - Why would they keep it?

Again, we needed visa, passport, EAD, SSN (Actual card if you have one) Bills, anything with name address on help - This was then sent to central verification, takes at least 60 days to get your plastic card after you pass.

We had to go through the above checks even when we wanted to change our address on the licence - they wanted EVERYTHING, wife still has not got hers after 2 months!

To take the test in Indiana YOU MUST have a learner permit, which you have held for 90 days I think, may be 60?

CitySimon

The only reason I could think they might want to keep it would be becuase I believe you are expected to hand in a US license if you apply for a license from another state. I could be wrong there though.

I agree that the best option is to just avoid it all together.


I recall that New York had a tick sheet with points assigned to different forms of ID. I think that all I needed was my SSN card and my UK passport. It was something like you needed 10 points and a passport and SSN card were 6 points each.

I'm glad that NY doesn't have a rule like that. I did the NY written test (just remember that you need to wear a seat belt and not to drive drunk or drugged up and you're good), defensive driving course (just remember to wear your seatbelt and not to drive drunk or drugged up and you're good), had three lessons to aquaint myself with the differences with driving on the right and took my test.

I nearly punched the instructor out during the test though... We'd be driving along and she'd say "Simon says, turn right!... Simon says, do a parallel park behind this car!!!" Frigging hilarious!!!

Thankfully, I decided that punching the instructor would not be a good career move and I passed! Hurray!

As has been said previously, if you could drive in England, you'll have no issues passing your test over here.

English Muffin

I took my test last Wednesday and my examiner answered her mobile phone three times during the course of it! I was speechless!

chicagojlo

My instructor told me about one particular examiner who spent the entire test on his cellphone, only stopping his conversation to bark orders at the girl taking the test. Luckily she passed because the instructor was ready to rip his head off when he found out.
Here in IL you need to take your written test to get your learners permit, and you need your learners permit to have lessons and then to take your driving test. I only had to show my state ID, and of course the learners permit and insurance card. To get my state ID I had to provide a government issued ID (my passport), my SSN card and a utility bill. I believe your SSN card is taken to be proof of your eligibility to get a license.

rdiamon1

When I took my test in IL, I passed the written test and didn't have to do the driving test after showing my UK license (this was about 9 years ago so probably changed since then).

Jerseygirl

Even if you have a UK license?

chicagojlo

No UK license so no idea.