Jerseygirl

I thought so. I don't think you normally have to go through all that if you hve a UK license. I realise it varies from state to state but if normally if you have a UK license it is quick and fairly painless to obtain a US one.

chicagojlo

I saw on the WI DMV site http://www.dot.state.wi.us/drivers/ that if you were moving to the area and had a foreign licence you could mention it on the application form. It also mentioned that out-of-state licence holders only had to re-take the tests if their licences had expired more than 8 years ago so I don't know if that would apply for foreign licenses too. But that route also required you to surrender your old license...

Jerseygirl

In NJ we only had to take a multiple answer written test. On quite a few DMV websites the rules aren't clear for license holders from other countries.

chicagojlo

So - any WI BEers who had UK licences? Anyone?!

jambojim

Now that's funny.... I live in KY and I'm just now about to sort out my state license. My biggest problem is getting hold of the right person at my local DMV for information relating to fees. No-one seems to ever answer the frigging phone either that or I'm calling a pay phone in the middle of BFE. I am really looking forward to the tests sad as that sounds but I have always wanted to know how the hell you can let children drive cars on the roads over here....well lets face it you can pick up a pint of milk, a loaf of bread and a shotgun at your local Wal-Mart without raising an eyebrow, but you ask for a packet of twenty cigarettes they look at you funny and then ask for ID...I'm nearly 30yrs old...lol Well better to be safe than sorry I guess.

meauxna

Why do you need to call them about fees? Something not listed here?

http://drlic.kytc.ky.gov/general/Eff%207-1-2005.htm

jambojim

thank you.
However I was wanting to know if the price you see there is just for the license itself...what about fees for the written and practical test.

Am I missing it somewhere?

chicagojlo

No fees. Just for the licence. At least here in IL...
$10 for the learners permit (which you take your written test to get) and $20 for the licence (which you take your driving test to get obviously!).

meauxna

I don't think so.. while I've only ever licensed in three states, there has never been a charge for the tests. I've not heard of that elsewhere in the country.

Just pay attention to the special section for non-US citizens.

good luck!

jambojim

thank you
You've all been very helpful.

JD99

Perhaps this explains why no one seems to know how to actually drive in the US!

dagenham-dave

Well, I recently attempted to get my US drivers licence in Washington State. After being informed that my IR-1 Visa in my passport didn't mean I was a permanent resident (something which I attempted to rebuke but was impolitely talked over when trying to do so) and that a letter from the US Government didn't show adequate proof of address, i've decided to ride a bike!

DMV Bastards.

BritishGuy36

Ring up the DMV head office in the state and ask them to contact your local DMV about it maybe....or just go to a different DMV where they aren't idiots and might actually know their own job.

dagenham-dave

Well, for one I know that Washington has strict rules on proving residency. My friend also went to the DMV that day and was told he needed 3 utility bills to prove residency! Three utility bills! Besides, the town where we live is so bike friendly and has a bus system comparable to that of the UK that me and my wife have decided to ride bikes for the forseeable future.

fatbrit

Couple of problems with this:

* Your license is your ID. Without it, many will consider you an undocumented alien. I think the only place I've ever used my license to prove my ability to drive is a car rental place. But I must pull it out several times weekly at other places to get me what I want.

* Your insurance will be loaded when you have a fresh US license history. So it would make sense for you to get the license now even if you aren't buying a car to start the clock ticking on the "new driver premium".

Realize you've had problems with DMV -- and they are indeed some of the dumbest tw@s one could meet. But persevere and you'll get there . One suggestion not yet touted is to find your state representative (since licensing is a state issue) and see if they can get them moving.