Bob

reciprocal agreement, US citizens can swap a license over in those countries, so they can here....the US used to with the UK but not for many years.

Manc

I still think they can in DC no?

Bob

I don't know about DC, diplomats probably....but there is one state, can't remember which one it was, Ohio? Indiana? Somewhere pretty random anyway.

tom_1984

This is all really dependent on the purpose of your moving to Dallas and what visa you have. I think the most important things for obtaining insurance are actually a Social Security number and a residence. Are you moving permanently to Dallas? OR is this a work visa? Either way, if you have a social and a dwelling, those are the main things. I think you can drive on your UK license for a year before needing a Texas license. But you need to have some kind of long-term legal residence established (like a green card or work visa) to apply for a Texas license. I think your insurance rate will just be very high since they can't track your driving record or your credit. My situation was made easier because I have joint insurance with my American wife (already established credit).

I think if you are able to, get a Texas license. Its so, so easy and I got mine all in one day.

lisa67

Without looking it up on the DMV web site again, I'm pretty sure, if you are resident (and this means living, not the immigrant term of resident) in TX you only have 90days to get your license.

lonestargirl

90 days if you move from another state, 1 year if you come from another country (although your insurance company may insist on you taking the test within 90 days - many that I spoke to did).

TimFountain

Oh yes, and you'll be getting one of those nice new licenses that singles you out as a 'furrner'. It is portrait rather than landscape and has the words 'temporary visitor' written in red on it. It's only valid as long as your visa or I94, can't recall which.... Either way you'll be renewing more often than most....
You get to thank Rick 'the hair' Perry for that.

http://fcw.com/articles/2008/10/10/v...-approval.aspx

lisa67

For most visas the license will be granted for the duration of your I94.
You must have at least 6 months on your visa
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/driverlicense/

Weeze

I had to parallel park, reverse in a straight line, do an emergency stop, turn right 4 times, turn left 4 times. You get marked on each element. Before you can do the practical test you need to pass the eye test and written exam and take your documentation. Mine was a paper written exam as the office didn't have computers. You fail the practical if you hit the post on the parallel park, if you commit a driving offence or if they have to give you too much advice. I would study before the theory as there are odd questions about the rules and fines for under 18s etc. It has been covered on here before, as some driving offices in Texas seem to be giving a year on your UK license, but mine (and the booklet) only gave 90 days. You can get insurance without a TX license. We did and it made no difference price wise. In Houston the wait is 2 weeks minimum at the moment from theory test to written test as they are busy. Don't know what your local ones will be like.