Driving licences
 

Ok another question has arisen, we move to USA 31May first month we will be living in Manhattan so don't really need a car however we are then moving to New Jersey, Chesterfield, Burlington.

We will need to buy cars and obviously take a driving test, however someone has now mentioned that we can not buy a car without a valid licence and that we cannot sit a test without our own vehicle.

Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks
Tracy

Re: Driving licences
 

You can usually drive on an international drivers license for up to a year.

And, I don't think I've needed my drivers license to buy a car. If you buy one from a private party, I certainly doubt you'd be asked for it.

I suppose people who don't have a car borrow one from a friend or something - actually, the friend would have to drive them to the testing center. Perhaps a co-worker or something?

I would suggest researching the New Jersey department of motor vehicles for the exact regulations.

Sorry, I don't remember what visa you will have, there are some restrictions for how long they will issue licenses for, depending upon the visa type and length.

Re: Driving licences
 

Most, if not all of the information that Tracy has given you is State-dependent.

Some states only allow you to drive for 30 days on a foreign license, some allow a year. Many allow only 30 days for an out-of-state (but still US) license, but allow longer for a foreign license.

If you are entitled to a Social Security Number with your visa then I believe you have to wait to get it before you can take the test. However, if your family members are on non-work visas (like the H4) they should be able to swear or sign an affidavit saying they're not entitled to an SSN and take the test without one.

Even if you're allowed to drive for a year on your UK license, I suggest you don't. We did, and it just means putting off the inevitable, and paying $$$ for car insurance in the meantime.

Re: Driving licences
 

When you arrive in the US apply for a Social Security number immediately...you will need one and life will be difficult until you have it.

If you have a valid UK licence you will only have to sit a multiple question verbal test. Do not give in your UK licence...it is not a requirement in NJ. You can drive on your UK licence for 60 days. Take your passport with you as they will want to see your visa. Take a look at NJ DMV website:

http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/

http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/Licenses/...n-Citizens.htm

If you are considering leasing or obtaining finance for a car you will have to provide an insurance certificate before the car dealer will allow you to take possession of the car.

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check this out tracy http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/Licenses/FirstTime.htm

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I presume they already have a UK licence if so this is the page they need:

http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/Licenses/...n-Citizens.htm

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You don't have to drive to obtain your NJ License if you have a current UK license, it's a knowledge test only. Brush up on this.

NJ Handbook

You will need to meet the 6 point ID to apply for it.

6 Point ID

Sample test here.

Sample test


Good luck, I failed my theory first time much to everyone on BE's amusement. That will teach me to read the handbook first. :D

Re: Driving licences
 

check the other driving thread on NJ...

You can use drivers ed person's car for the test, or a rental, you don't have to own it...just have to show proof that it's road legal...and you can use your international license for a month..you don't need a license to buy a car, tho in NJ, you do to register it, but judging by the pillocks that "drive" there, a one handed epileptic monkey on crack could pass the test....sorry Gruff :D

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We bought our vehicles from a dealership in GA using an International Driving License and an insurance binder.

Re: Driving licences
 

No such thing as an International Drivers License, and you do not need a translation if its in English.

A Dealer Insurance Binder is likely to be horribly expensive.

Re: Driving licences
 

Thank you, Boiler. Someone else who knows the difference between a country's driver's license and an international one.

Re: Driving licences
 

To clarify... there exists in the world a document called an "International Drivers License". However, it's not a driving license, in the sense having one bestowes the right to drive. It is simply a translation document, translating what's on your National driving license into English.

BTW When using a UK license to rent a car (in the USA), you will need to show the little plastic ID type card AND show the big green piece of paper.

Re: Driving licences
 

Cobblers!! I've rented cars atleast 8 ot 9 times and NEVER shown the paper part of the licence.

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The permit is handy though if you've an old license that doesn't have the photo...but other than that, it's pretty worthless...

Re: Driving licences
 

An Internional Drivers Permit

I find it hard to believe anybody here would know there is a paper counterpart, I have mine but until mentioned I had completely forgotten about it.

Completely gutted when I could not find my old paper license, would have had some fun when asked for a DL.

Re: Driving licences
 

I thought the same thing, but then last year I was turned away from an Avis car rental in London because I couldn't show my UK paper counterpart. I was absolutely furious, and after telling them what I thought of them they brought out the manager, who claimed that it was a legal requirement to always see the paper counterpart to any UK license presented.

I then went to a Hertz and had the same problem. They showed me their printed rules where they now state that it is required to show both the card and the paper license to hire a car in the UK.

...so I went to a different office and showed my US license :)

Then later in the year I watched as Avis turned away TWO people in front of me for not having their paper counterparts.

I don't know if it was always a rule, but was ignored, or if it's a new rule, but they seem to be much tougher now. Not a problem if you have a US license to show though.

NOTE: This ONLY applies when renting a car IN THE UK on a UK license. Over here they don't know a paper part exists.

Re: Driving licences
 

My UK license is still the old paper one, never needed to change the address on it, never got any points on it, so no point in changing it for a new photo one, too much of a tight git...and it's valid till I'm 70 instead of valid for 10 years :D

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and it only applies if you have a photo license, if you've got an old paper one, they still have to accept it.. :)

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UK rental companies charge a lower rate for a UK licence.

Re: Driving licences
 

Let's keep this conversation friendly and polite please.

I can tell you from MY personal experiences that, when making a booking, some rental companies Web Sites explicitly tell you to take the paper copy. And some rental clerks do ask to see both parts.

So you've never been asked for the paper part of your license... but maybe that's because the counter staff haven't read the memo from Head Office (saying they need to see it), or maybe the counter staff think your license is from New England (and so don't think the rule applies to you), or maybe the one rental company you use don't require it, or maybe... well, we could go on like this.

(and yes, I have personally encounter all of those situations too!)

Re: Driving licences
 

I was in a similar situation in the UK (with Hertz) a couple of years ago.
However, the very nice clerk told me they could phone the DMV get the confirmation they needed that way. (BTW The reason they need to see the paper part is verify your driving history). She said they usually charge £15 it, but because I was a Gold Car member, they waive the fee.

So, all I needed to do was talk to the DMV agent to confirm that they could release over the phone my personal details: all in all it took about an extra 15 minutes to sort out.

However, this was a couple of years ago now, and I think Hertz have changed their policy since then.

If you use a US license whilst driving in the UK, and you get a speeding ticket (what with all the cameras, it's an easy thing to do!), no points go on your license (yes, you still pay the fine - the rental company pays and charges your credit card).


I rented from Enterprise in Feb last year, at SFO, and was asked. I also rented with National in Oct last year, in another town, and wasn't asked.

Re: Driving licences
 

Easy, get your learners permit (Go to DMV), call up a local driving school, take your 3 or 5 hour silly video course, then book their car for the driving test & they will even get you a quicker test/cancellation. They will charge you for 2 hours. Thats how I did it in Manhattan, many many years ago.
Reg. Frank R.
Ps. Jersey "Use" to swap UK for NJ licenses, no test. Not sure if they still do. Check NJDMV

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Bollocks to you mate! :D

Your 21st post was to tell Rushman to be polite... too frickin' funny! I'll just sit back and enjoy the show.

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Before you can buy a car from a reputable dealer in NJ you have to have proof of insurance. Our local Ford garage arranged insurance through a local broker but we paid way over the odds as we were starting from scratch, I think it was something like $1600 for 6 months for a Focus. Four years later I pay about $800 a year for my RAV4 (through NJM).

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For car insurance...ask your/your husband's employers if they are members of NJ Manufacturers. They are the best and cheapest insurance company in the state.

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I was

I have rented at JFK, O'Hare, Albany Intl and Burlington Airports with Hertz, Avis and Enterprise...all will a pink UK plastic licence and don't even bother to carry the paper part and have NEVER even had a clerk mention the paper part. They just accept the plastic licence and Im good to go. YUou must just have a suspicious looking face.

Re: Driving licences
 

They do, post 7 Frank.
BTW Do not hand over your UK License, they have no right to it, ask to see a supervisor.

Re: Driving licences
 

If you look at the DMV link I posted in post #4 it states that they do not 'swap' licences. ie they do not expect you to give your old licence in. If you hold a UK licence you will only be required to take the written test.

Re: Driving licences
 

What she said.

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Hi,
Thats good if in NJ you only need to do the written test.
In Missouri i had to do both even though i had a valid UK licence.
All States differ with their rules.
Take care.

Re: Driving licences
 

Here in Texas you don't need a social security to apply for a drivers license. However if you have applied for one then you can't have a drivers license until you have the number (typically a month to get it - 10 day wait from entering US for info to be entered in to system, then the usual delays).
So, in Texas at least, it was wiser to apply for the drivers license in the morning - stating you do not have a social security number and signing the declaration, then applying for your SSN in the afternoon. That way you get your drivers license a lot sooner - which is useful to use as I.D.

Re: Driving licences
 

Mine too.

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NY also use to swap UK for NY licence. I missed it by a couple of weeks.
Reg. Frank R.

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They don't do it any longer Frank.

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Thats what I twas saying. They stopped a short while before I went to get my NY licence. I had to do the video/written/driving test.
Reg. Frank R.
Ps. 70f today

Re: Driving licences
 

What I said in previous posts is if you have a UK licence you only have to take a written test and not a driving test in NJ. They no longer require you to swap your UK licence...you can keep it. :)

BTW 60's here...very nice.

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Don't the DVLA require you to surrender your lisence when you leave the country?

I could be totally wrong on this, it's just from memory of reading something somewhere.

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This was my husband's experience as well. This will vary from state to state as some states have announced they have no intention of implementing "Real ID" (effectively checking the applicant's visa status) and they may not require an SSN.

It's madness.

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I don't know anyone who's surrended their UK licence.

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The French are required to.