Exchanging UK driving license
 

After a search on the forum I read on an old thread that is now closed for some reason to not turn over your UK license when applying for a US driving license. He/she went on to say do not do this no matter what American asks you to do so.

Can anyone explain why this person said this? Have most of you held onto your old UK license when applying for your US one?

Re: Exchanging UK driving license
 

You are not able (except in NJ) to swap a UK licence for a US state license, they are just taking it from you.

If you return to live in the UK it is still valid (assuming it is within the validity printed on the licence), so saving the cost and inconvenience of having the licence reissued.

I retained mine. :)

Re: Exchanging UK driving license
 

Most States do not want it, a few in the East I think ask, just do not take it with you.

Re: Exchanging UK driving license
 

Thank you Pulaski, I will try to keep it if I can. My photo on my photo card has expired, living here in France it isn't possible to update so DVLA is sending me a certificate of entitlement so hopefully whenever we are able to arrive in the US this won't be a problem.


It looks as if me and my husband will have to take the test so perhaps it isn't even necessary to show the UK license. Having said that I would think we wouldn't be returning to the UK but was just curious why someone said not give it to anyone if asked. Wasn't sure if this could be an option with authorities.

Re: Exchanging UK driving license
 

Thanks Boiler, we won't take them. I am surprised that they don't ask for it.

Re: Exchanging UK driving license
 

Hang on, do you guys not have French licenses? Some states will actually swap French licenses directly for US ones without a test.

Re: Exchanging UK driving license
 

FIFY :)

It would be funnier if passing the "test" didn't immediately qualify you to hurtle down the road at 80mph or more with no regard for fellow road users and nearby pedestrians. :eek:

Re: Exchanging UK driving license
 

Pulaski. :lol:

Sir_eccles, we don't have French driving licenses, we have just kept our UK ones which is ok to do here. If I knew it would be much easier when we arrived in the US we would turn our UK license in for a French one. We would definitely have to turn them in here though.

It is a little bit of a hassle here but do you know if it would be a lot easier in the US if we did this?

Re: Exchanging UK driving license
 

DLs are State issues.

Would make no difference in CO.

Re: Exchanging UK driving license
 

As Pulaski says, the test is usually so laughably easy it as near as makes no difference. The only "trick" for experienced drivers is to remember to drive properly e.g. properly come to a stop before the line at stop signs count to three then proceed. A quick review of the manual on the dmv website is usually enough to pass the computer test.

Re: Exchanging UK driving license
 

Thank you. I just phoned the DVL in Alabama and because I had a license there MOONS ago I don't have to test! :) However, my husband does. I asked if there was a reciprocal agreement between France and Alabama and she didn't seem to know what I was talking about. She just said my husband would have to test.

I searched but can't find anywhere that shows which US states reciprocate with which country. Does anyone know of a particular site which shows the reciprocal agreements for driving licenses?

Re: Exchanging UK driving license
 

You can't do a straight swap for a NJ DL...if that's what you meant...a multiple question test must be taken. AFAIK they just take it from you.

FWIW I refused to hand my UK DL over to the NJ DMV.

Re: Exchanging UK driving license
 

Badly worded. :o I meant avoiding a road test in exchange for a licence.

FWIW We had to answer a few questions on road sign recognition when we swapped VA licenses for NC ones.

Re: Exchanging UK driving license
 

WJS, you can't swap a french license for an Alabama one. From the french embassy website here is the list of states which do permit a direct swap :
- Caroline du Sud
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Floride
- Illinois (seulement si l’on a un numéro de sécurité sociale américain)
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maryland
- New Hampshire
- Ohio
- Pennsylvanie
- Virginie
- Virginie Occidentale

They don't list Texas, which is a bit strange....I have checked the alabama website and can see nothing about an exchange for france.

Here is a link to the documents you will need to get a license in Alabama.
State of Alabama Law Enforcement Agency

BTW As I found out to my cost in France - not having the photocard part of your license essentially means you have no license. The photocard lists the vehicle classes you are entitled to drive, the paper format doesn't.

Re: Exchanging UK driving license
 

Pretty sure Colorado does not.