katq

Hi, I was wondering if it is possible to drive in the US on a UK license after getting the spousal immigrant visa. As far as I understand once you are a resident you are required to obtain a driving license from the state where you reside, but will I still be allowed to drive on a UK license for a certain period before I apply for a US one?

lisa67

It does vary state by state as to how long you can drive on a uk license before having to do the state test. Some State's it's 30 days, some 90 days etc. Best bet is to google for your state's DMV.

Brat1

Depends on the State, here in CT you have to get your US license within 30 days of arriving. Look up your local DMV and they'll be able to tell you

katq

Thanks, I was asking about California: I did try to read on their website and it looked like you can drive on a foreign license if you are visiting, but not if you are a resident....that didn't seem right, but it is probably right...I will check with them anyway, I just thought there is one common rule, but it doesn't surprise me that there isn't, since every state has a different license too and you have to change it if you change the state

Nutmegger

It makes sense if you look at it this way: if you visit for a vacation you don't need to get a CA license; but once you begin to live there, you need to get one within a certain period of time.

margaretmwilson

I am in Florida and it was 30 days, you also have to take a theory test and a driving test. I passed both so I guess they are very easy.

NAR14

Definitely check with the local DMV where you are moving to. Like people have said it's different in different states. I'm in Texas and my local DMV told me I could use my UK license here for 12 months, so there doesn't seem to be a general rule.

Check it online, and then I would go and see someone face to face once you have moved over to check again.

katq

Yes, but in UK at least you have a year to take the UK test and you can drive on a foreign license until then - with only 30 days you are really stuck and have to do it straight away - not when you have the time for it...

katq

Thanks I will check with them just thought I would ask...it would be good if you can use a UK one for 12 months in CA too

NAR14

Definitely, I was very pleased to hear I was allowed 12 months. I was expecting to have to get it right away, but this gave me some breathing room.

My 12 months runs out in May though, so I'm going to have to sort it soon.

Good luck!

fatbrit

Don't procrastinate. Your DL is your primary ID. You should plan to get it as soon as possible after arriving.

lisa67

According to this:
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/DriverL...ingtotexas.htm

You only have 90 days

NAR14

Yeah, I probably shouldn't have waited as long as I have, I'm a terrible procrastinator. Or is that, a good procrastinator...

Nutmegger

Sorry, their state, their rules!

NAR14

Apparently that is for when moving from another US state into Texas. You could use your, say DL from New Mexico for 90 days before having to have a Texan one. With me being an international arrival, I was probably given more time as GC and SSC stuff can take a while. Again, that seems to differ state to state though.