Bob

tell 'em to sod off, it ain't your license to hand over anyway...or just say you don't have it with you, as it's handy having a UK license anyway *l*

Bob

Different state, different rules...most do require a learners permit before allowing someone to take a test though...in maine if under 23, have to have a learners permit for 6 months before being allowed to take a test for instance...and a UK license is good for 12 months in this state...

sanj2010

AIG will cover you. I was in exactly the same situation as you about a year ago and signed up for AIG's inbound USA programme. They will insure you on your British licence.

PM if you want further details.

Sanj2010

jamjar

The crucial word here is ILLINOIS. Driving Licenses are regulated by each state. It is not a federal thing. The regulations, requirements etc vary from state to state.
And when I lived in New York, not only did they want me to get a learner's permit but they also told me I had to take a 30 hour driver's ed. course! (I already had a Georgia license but that's another story.) Which is why I now have an Ohio drivers license.

elfman

And I am 100% certain that in New York state you DO need to get a learner's permit before you take the test - unless they've changed the rules since I took my test in New York two years ago, which I doubt. However, despite the NY DMV stating on their website that they take your UK license off you - in this case you're right, they didn't even ask to see mine at any point.

elfman

30 hours??? Dearie me, the one I had to take in NYC was only 5 hours, which broke down as follows:

2 hours of crappy quality instructional videos dating from the early 80s
1 hour of the instructor emphasising repeatedly that you shouldn't turn up at the test pissed
1 hour in Krispy Kreme across the street
1 hour to do a laughably easy test which really took only 20 mins to complete

Fanghorn

Thanks everyone - you have renewed my hope./..........for now anyway.


Going to hassle the DMV tomorrow.

Cheers

jamjar

Yeah I have no idea where the 30 hour thing came from --probably someone at the DMV talking out of their ass. I wasn't half shocked though because when I got my license in Georgia, (my first driver's license, I didn't have British one) I got my learner's permit and then went back a couple of weeks later took a very short and easy multiple choice test, drove around the block with the instructor and that was it -- I had my license

dbj1000

The ability to talk fluently from one's arse is the only requisite qualification for working in the DMV.

...although a healthy hatred of other races and an inherent belief in your own superiority despite overwhelming mental limitations are traits that are always looked upon favorably.

Those rejected by the DMV are automatically shortlisted for the Social Security Help Desk jobs.

scrubbedexpat099

Sounds like a good job opportunity for British Expats....

anotherlimey

I moved to NY when I first came to the US; as far as I remember I got my SSN within 14 days of arriving.

I can't remember getting a learners permit for driving, I drove on my UK license for a few weeks, then I had to do a written test at the DMV, then I attended a classroom session on driver safety one evening and got a certificate to prove I had attended, after that I registered for my driving test with the code number from the classroom certificate.

The process was pretty easy, the worst thing I had to put up with was the line at the DMV - so get there early.

BigDavyG

This is how I would envisage things working.
If your UK license is valid for a limited period of time after your arrival why would you need a learner's permit ??? Surely this makes absolutely no sense.
Personally I would go to the DMV and try to get the NY license asap and not mention anything they don't mention to you first.

rbtuk

Your UK driving license should be OK for up to 1 year after which you have to take the driving test within the State you are resident. You do not have to get a learners permit as your UK license will be recognised as an international license. You will however have to take the full test - no big hassle.

Insurance can be gained but you have to get a broker who is prepared to spend some time on the phone with head office explaining your special circumstances. For me this was Nationwide, and initially it was only a short term at extreme cost while I built a record.

Englishmum

Wrong, wrong, wrong.

Each State is like its own little country with its own laws. Which is why some States have the death penalty for some crimes whilst others don't for a similar crime.

Personally, I would not want to take the risk of driving without a licence in the US and then find out if involved in an accident or if the car is stolen that the insurance company won't pay out as I'm considered an uninsured motorist......

Ray

I concur...