Driving in NJ with UK license
#18
Re: Driving in NJ with UK license
I disagree. I moved to the US in 1996, then to Canada 7 years ago. The UK is my home country and always will be.
#19
Just Joined
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 1
Re: Driving in NJ with UK license
I am looking at leasing a car very soon however I am struggling to get an appointment to even start getting a NJ license (initial permit). I had one cancelled and since been unable to book another anywhere in the state.
Since I moved 6 months ago from NY, I assumed I could not drive as only the first 60 days from a move are allowable. However I also read that "The M.V.C. has taken the position that a person who has a valid license in their home country, may lawfully operate a motor vehicle in New Jersey under that license ... for a period of no more than one
Does anyone know if this is accurate for 'non-tourists'?
Since I moved 6 months ago from NY, I assumed I could not drive as only the first 60 days from a move are allowable. However I also read that "The M.V.C. has taken the position that a person who has a valid license in their home country, may lawfully operate a motor vehicle in New Jersey under that license ... for a period of no more than one
Does anyone know if this is accurate for 'non-tourists'?
I also have a full U.K. drivers license with IDP and went for my Knowledge Test at NJ MVC today, after passing the knowledge test the MVC checked my U.K. license and advised I do not need to take a road test. They advised the next step is to go online and book an appointment for the license however the website is not very clear on which appointment category covers this. Did you also go through these steps? If yes, which appointment category did you choose?
Thanks!
#20
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 99
Re: Driving in NJ with UK license
Hey Tino,
I also have a full U.K. drivers license with IDP and went for my Knowledge Test at NJ MVC today, after passing the knowledge test the MVC checked my U.K. license and advised I do not need to take a road test. They advised the next step is to go online and book an appointment for the license however the website is not very clear on which appointment category covers this. Did you also go through these steps? If yes, which appointment category did you choose?
Thanks!
I also have a full U.K. drivers license with IDP and went for my Knowledge Test at NJ MVC today, after passing the knowledge test the MVC checked my U.K. license and advised I do not need to take a road test. They advised the next step is to go online and book an appointment for the license however the website is not very clear on which appointment category covers this. Did you also go through these steps? If yes, which appointment category did you choose?
Thanks!
#21
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Joined: Mar 2017
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 455
Re: Driving in NJ with UK license
Nobody is normally going to check, but if you were to be stopped by the Police or if you got into an accident then there's a risk that you'd be deemed to be driving without a valid license, which would almost certainly invalidate any insurance coverage that you'd be relying on.
You should be renting or otherwise diving on your US license, and securing any necessary insurance coverage on that basis.
#22
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 99
Re: Driving in NJ with UK license
That's not legal - your UK license is only valid for driving if you actually live in the UK.
Nobody is normally going to check, but if you were to be stopped by the Police or if you got into an accident then there's a risk that you'd be deemed to be driving without a valid license, which would almost certainly invalidate any insurance coverage that you'd be relying on.
You should be renting or otherwise diving on your US license, and securing any necessary insurance coverage on that basis.
Nobody is normally going to check, but if you were to be stopped by the Police or if you got into an accident then there's a risk that you'd be deemed to be driving without a valid license, which would almost certainly invalidate any insurance coverage that you'd be relying on.
You should be renting or otherwise diving on your US license, and securing any necessary insurance coverage on that basis.
#23
Re: Driving in NJ with UK license
Are you likely to be caught? Maybe not. However if you are, you can end up in a world of hurt.
#24
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 99
Re: Driving in NJ with UK license
Hey Tino,
I also have a full U.K. drivers license with IDP and went for my Knowledge Test at NJ MVC today, after passing the knowledge test the MVC checked my U.K. license and advised I do not need to take a road test. They advised the next step is to go online and book an appointment for the license however the website is not very clear on which appointment category covers this. Did you also go through these steps? If yes, which appointment category did you choose?
Thanks!
I also have a full U.K. drivers license with IDP and went for my Knowledge Test at NJ MVC today, after passing the knowledge test the MVC checked my U.K. license and advised I do not need to take a road test. They advised the next step is to go online and book an appointment for the license however the website is not very clear on which appointment category covers this. Did you also go through these steps? If yes, which appointment category did you choose?
Thanks!
#25
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 99
Re: Driving in NJ with UK license
I have been looking further into this one year thing and noticed that in the NJ Drivers Manual 2021 it states under section 'Laws Governing Driver Licenses':
However when you look at 39:3-10 it does not appear to cover this scenario at all: https://lis.njleg.state.nj.us/nxt/ga...sh:10.1048/Enu
A motorist who is a foreign national with a valid license from another country may drive with that license for up to a year; the motorist may also be eligible for a New Jersey driver license. (N.J.S.A. 39:3-10)
#26
Account Closed
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2
Re: Driving in NJ with UK license
I have been looking further into this one year thing and noticed that in the NJ Drivers Manual 2021 it states under section 'Laws Governing Driver Licenses':
However when you look at 39:3-10 it does not appear to cover this scenario at all: https://lis.njleg.state.nj.us/nxt/ga...sh:10.1048/Enu
However when you look at 39:3-10 it does not appear to cover this scenario at all: https://lis.njleg.state.nj.us/nxt/ga...sh:10.1048/Enu
#27
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 99
Re: Driving in NJ with UK license
Additionally, the manual calls out the fact the motorist who is permitted to drive with a foreign license for a year, can also be eligible to apply for a NJ license. However in order to apply for a NJ license as a non-US citizen you require temporary visa status (per https://www.state.nj.us/mvc/driverto...oncitizens.htm). You also need the 6 point ID which includes proof of NJ residency.
Therefore I can't see how the definition of visitor can only mean tourist. Everything I can find written about this is ambiguous at best.
Last edited by Tino; Jun 16th 2021 at 7:50 pm.
#29
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 99
Re: Driving in NJ with UK license
I am, for less than a year so far. My point was that as it's written, it does not say that it applies only to visitors. On the contrary it seems to suggest it also applies to those who are eligible for an NJ license, therefore must be NJ resident.
#30
Account Closed
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2
Re: Driving in NJ with UK license
Not sure I would want to rely on that unless you are desperate.
I seriously doubt that is what is intended, would be illogical but would not be the first time regulations have been badly written.
I seriously doubt that is what is intended, would be illogical but would not be the first time regulations have been badly written.