Driving Question
 

Hey!

I'm moving to Memphis with my partner in January and had some questions about driving, mainly for her.

I will be going out on a J1 visa, but she will only be on a B2 for a few months until she gets a job and she with then convert to a H1B (my new employer will sort this out for us).

I will buy a car and get a license ASAP (public transport in Memphis is pretty non-existent) - my question is: Will she be able to get a license on a B2 visa - or will she have to drive the car under her UK license - and is this possible with insurance etc?

Thanks!

Re: Driving Question
 

No.


Yes.


She will likely not be eligible for insurance... certainly, not inexpensively! Once she gets an H-1B visa, she should be in a better position.

Ian

Re: Driving Question
 

Possibly: http://tennessee.gov/safety/driverli...temporary.html

Re: Driving Question
 

It looks like, from this link, that she would be eligible for the same license I would be - you can get a temporary one even with the visa waiver!

Thanks!

Re: Driving Question
 

Presumably the car and insurance will be in your name, not hers. Even if she drives it on her UK license initially, make sure she is listed as an authorized driver on the policy, otherwise you may be in for a nasty surprise if God forbid she gets into an accident.

Re: Driving Question
 

yeah i would put it in my name and get her authorised on it!

thanks for the info guys!

Re: Driving Question
 

That sounds so simple!

Re: Driving Question
 

a hint of sarcasm? the immigration department said it should be no problem!

she is a teacher and just needs to be out there to get a post really!

Re: Driving Question
 

Good luck with that. I think you will find it much more difficult that you do. I don;t know what kind of teaching post she is looking for or what the rules are in the state you will be going to but it is not uncommon to require a masters degree in education from an accredited university plus a teaching license issued by the state. Even a US teacher licensed in one state can have problems getting a job if they move states and are often required to re-sit exams. Also not sure what immigration department you are talking about but it doesn't sound like they are being realistic.

Re: Driving Question
 

I only needed advice on driving!

It is St Jude children's hospital immigration department. My partner is fully aware what is required of her to teach in Tennessee, we have not entered into this decision lightly. She will require accreditation of her teaching masters that she did in the UK by the TN authorities to get a license, which although is a pain, is do-able (although to teach privately this isn't always required). She spent the morning with a principle of a school out there as well as a morning St Jude education department (which is where she ideally would like a job - unfortunately no positions at the moment). It is a gamble, and hopefully it will pay off, if not we will come back. My new boss and the people at St Jude have been very helpful and will support us through this process as obviously if she is unhappy or things aren't working out then it may affect our stay out there.

Sorry to be a little defensive but I hate it when people assume you haven't done your research and know exactly what is required.

Re: Driving Question
 

It's safe to say that 95% of posters looking for information haven't done any research. You're the odd one out, so to speak. No offense was meant.

Ian

Re: Driving Question
 

You'd be amazed. If you've done your research and know indeed exactly what is required, you're an absolute exception. People come here (and the other immigration boards) all the time having not the slightest idea but the most ridiculous expectations. I'm sure no offense was meant.
Goes for USCs, too. The other day at work I was asked if I had gotten a big check when I arrived state-side. WTF, I wish, LOL.

Re: Driving Question
 

Fair enough! It just makes you feel like you're under-prepared and makes you worry about decisions you've made when people start questioning them!

It's a big move as it is - and there's enough to be worrying about.

Fingers crossed she will find something good - I really don't wanna have to deal with any other outcomes really!!

A lot of issues are so personal to the individual, with respect to certain nuances about their situations, a lot of it you just have to put your balls on the line and see what happens!