Changing a UK drivers license for US license
#1
Just Joined
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 7
Changing a UK drivers license for US license
Hello, i was wondering if when i move to the US and become a citizen there, can i just exchange my license to get the US one? what would i have to do?
#2
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2009
Location: Berkeley, CA
Posts: 927
Re: Changing a UK drivers license for US license
It depends on the state but usually you have to take at least the written test and probably the road test. Fortunately both are (in most states) extremely easy.
#3
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 7
Re: Changing a UK drivers license for US license
Well, it's going to be Florida... any idea how much it would cost and that? i would be joining my fiance's insurance as well, if that would help...
#4
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Joined: Feb 2012
Location: Purgatory (PU, USA)
Posts: 860
Re: Changing a UK drivers license for US license
It's a piece of cake. I got my license while I was still going through the immigration process and wasn't yet a permanent resident. If you learned to drive in the UK, you'll pass easily here. When you see the awful standard of driving, you'll soon realise that any idiot can get a license.
#5
Re: Changing a UK drivers license for US license
Just learn to drive with your blinker on and you'll be fine!
BTW, it will take several years before you become a citizen. Unless it's changed sine I did it, you must be here and married to a USC for a minimum of three years before you even qualify (5 for any other reason)!
BTW, it will take several years before you become a citizen. Unless it's changed sine I did it, you must be here and married to a USC for a minimum of three years before you even qualify (5 for any other reason)!
#6
Re: Changing a UK drivers license for US license
You mention a fiance, so I assume you are coming to the USA on a K-1 visa? If so, then once you have your SS number, you can go to DMV and take the written test and driving test and get a US license.
You can expect to renew the license each time a piece of your "evidence of status in the USA ID" expires...first it will be your I-94, then it will be your EAD, then it will be your 2-year green card, then it will be your 10-year green card (unless you become a USC before the 10-year card expires).
Rene
#8
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 22,105
Re: Changing a UK drivers license for US license
#9
Re: Changing a UK drivers license for US license
Test from scratch, you do the theory and road test.
Only a couple of states will allow you get a license without doing the full test, just the theory and eye test and Florida isn't one of them.
Citizenship has nothing to do with it.
Only a couple of states will allow you get a license without doing the full test, just the theory and eye test and Florida isn't one of them.
Citizenship has nothing to do with it.
#10
Re: Changing a UK drivers license for US license
You can drive on your UK license for a year. Its easy once you get here.
#11
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Joined: Oct 2012
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Re: Changing a UK drivers license for US license
No money back, no guarantee.. >.>
But seriously, so when i get there,if i talk to the Florida driving agency or whatever, they can let me drive for up to a year on my UK license before i apply for the tests that i need to take?
#12
Re: Changing a UK drivers license for US license
Take that with a pinch of salt until you get some kind of confirmation, you may find that the year is for tourists, and once you are a resident or get a job then a different set of rules applies.
#14
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 22,105
Re: Changing a UK drivers license for US license
It's really not a big deal, I wouldn't make it one. From experience the UK driver's test was more complicated than you'll find the one here. After you arrive and get your SS number, you'll be able to go down and apply for one.
Here, read up on it: http://www.dmvflorida.org/first-time-driver.shtml
#15
Re: Changing a UK drivers license for US license
No, the Florida Division of Motor Vehicles cannot do that. Florida law requires that if you have an out-of-state drivers license you must obtain a Florida license within 30 days of becoming a Florida resident.
Regards, JEff
Regards, JEff