How long to pass test and buy vehicle in PHX?
Jun 22nd 2012, 11:09 am
#1
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How long to pass test and buy vehicle in PHX?
I'm about to book a hire car for our September arrival in Phoenix. Our plan is take the driving test there asap, and buy a 2nd hand vehicle also asap.
What I don't know is how long that may take from start to finish, and also how long I can drive on my UK license?
Maybe two weeks is wishful thinking?
Could it be more like a month? I don't want to think about the hire car cost 
What I don't know is how long that may take from start to finish, and also how long I can drive on my UK license?
Maybe two weeks is wishful thinking?
Could it be more like a month? I don't want to think about the hire car cost
Jun 22nd 2012, 12:07 pm
#2
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Re: How long to pass test and buy vehicle in PHX?
Originally Posted by guitarmaan
I'm about to book a hire car for our September arrival in Phoenix. Our plan is take the driving test there asap, and buy a 2nd hand vehicle also asap.
What I don't know is how long that may take from start to finish, and also how long I can drive on my UK license?
Maybe two weeks is wishful thinking? Could it be more like a month? I don't want to think about the hire car cost
What I don't know is how long that may take from start to finish, and also how long I can drive on my UK license?
Maybe two weeks is wishful thinking?
Could it be more like a month? I don't want to think about the hire car cost Scroll down to #39, it says you have to obtain a license "immediately"....not particularly helpful!!
Jun 22nd 2012, 12:13 pm
#3
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Re: How long to pass test and buy vehicle in PHX?
Mrs HTS waited 3 months before getting her license. No big deal.
I was shocked at how high the value of second hand cars is compared to back home. That said, the driving here in Phoenix is easy on the car - no bends & hills to put strain on a car, and a very dry heat so rust is less if an issue.
I stayed away from second hand cars until knowing the market & procedure better. You can buy second hand in a matter of an hour or two, most of that time is taken by transferring title and getting new plates done.
I was shocked at how high the value of second hand cars is compared to back home. That said, the driving here in Phoenix is easy on the car - no bends & hills to put strain on a car, and a very dry heat so rust is less if an issue.
I stayed away from second hand cars until knowing the market & procedure better. You can buy second hand in a matter of an hour or two, most of that time is taken by transferring title and getting new plates done.
Jun 22nd 2012, 12:24 pm
#4
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Re: How long to pass test and buy vehicle in PHX?
Originally Posted by lisa67
http://www.azdot.gov/mvd/faqs/script...ory=1&Keyword=
Scroll down to #39, it says you have to obtain a license "immediately"....not particularly helpful!!
Scroll down to #39, it says you have to obtain a license "immediately"....not particularly helpful!!
39) What is needed for a person from another country to drive in Arizona?
You may legally drive in Arizona using a valid driver license from another country. An International Driving License or Permit is not required, but is recommended since it can be printed in English, and can be used in conjunction with the driver license from the other country. If an International Driving License or Permit is used alone, it must be issued by a country other than the United States. Vehicle rental companies may have additional requirements.
However, Arizona law requires that you obtain an Arizona driver license (and vehicle registration) immediately if any one of the following applies. If you:
Work in Arizona (other than for seasonal agricultural work) -or-
Are registered to vote in Arizona -or-
Place children in school without paying the tuition rate of a nonresident -or-
Have a business that has an office in Arizona, and that bases and operates vehicles in this state -or-
Obtain a state license or pay school tuition fees at the same rate as an Arizona resident -or-
Have a business that operates vehicles to transport goods or passengers within Arizona -or-
Remain in Arizona for a total of 7 months or more during any calendar year, regardless of your permanent residence.
You may legally drive in Arizona using a valid driver license from another country. An International Driving License or Permit is not required, but is recommended since it can be printed in English, and can be used in conjunction with the driver license from the other country. If an International Driving License or Permit is used alone, it must be issued by a country other than the United States. Vehicle rental companies may have additional requirements.
However, Arizona law requires that you obtain an Arizona driver license (and vehicle registration) immediately if any one of the following applies. If you:
Work in Arizona (other than for seasonal agricultural work) -or-
Are registered to vote in Arizona -or-
Place children in school without paying the tuition rate of a nonresident -or-
Have a business that has an office in Arizona, and that bases and operates vehicles in this state -or-
Obtain a state license or pay school tuition fees at the same rate as an Arizona resident -or-
Have a business that operates vehicles to transport goods or passengers within Arizona -or-
Remain in Arizona for a total of 7 months or more during any calendar year, regardless of your permanent residence.
Mrs HTS waited 3 months before getting her license. No big deal.
I was shocked at how high the value of second hand cars is compared to back home. That said, the driving here in Phoenix is easy on the car - no bends & hills to put strain on a car, and a very dry heat so rust is less if an issue.
I stayed away from second hand cars until knowing the market & procedure better. You can buy second hand in a matter of an hour or two, most of that time is taken by transferring title and getting new plates done.
I was shocked at how high the value of second hand cars is compared to back home. That said, the driving here in Phoenix is easy on the car - no bends & hills to put strain on a car, and a very dry heat so rust is less if an issue.
I stayed away from second hand cars until knowing the market & procedure better. You can buy second hand in a matter of an hour or two, most of that time is taken by transferring title and getting new plates done.
I assume you bought a vehicle though, because she couldn't register one on a foreign license. Or am I wrong on that?
Jun 22nd 2012, 12:31 pm
#5
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Re: How long to pass test and buy vehicle in PHX?
http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=762011
This thread might be an interesting read for the OP
This thread might be an interesting read for the OP
Jun 22nd 2012, 12:54 pm
#6
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Re: How long to pass test and buy vehicle in PHX?
Originally Posted by lisa67
http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=762011
This thread might be an interesting read for the OP
This thread might be an interesting read for the OP
Jun 22nd 2012, 8:08 pm
#7
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Posts: 143
Re: How long to pass test and buy vehicle in PHX?
Originally Posted by guitarmaan
Thanks for the direct link. On reading it I don't think that rule applies to me though, as a new arrival. See below....
3 months is quite a while then. That would be ample for me.
I assume you bought a vehicle though, because she couldn't register one on a foreign license. Or am I wrong on that?
3 months is quite a while then. That would be ample for me.
I assume you bought a vehicle though, because she couldn't register one on a foreign license. Or am I wrong on that?
To be honest, I was too 'chicken' to drive much when I first arrived, freaked me out, which is why I waited three months to get my licence. As a new arrival, you really do only have a couple of weeks to do your written and driving test. You can do both on the same day. Just remember to read the ADOT driving manual throughly - even those sections pertaining to teenagers as you may be asked those questions.
Good luck
Mrs H the S
Jun 23rd 2012, 5:27 pm
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Re: How long to pass test and buy vehicle in PHX?
Originally Posted by HarryTheSpider
Mrs HTS waited 3 months before getting her license. No big deal.
I was shocked at how high the value of second hand cars is compared to back home. That said, the driving here in Phoenix is easy on the car - no bends & hills to put strain on a car, and a very dry heat so rust is less if an issue.
.
I was shocked at how high the value of second hand cars is compared to back home. That said, the driving here in Phoenix is easy on the car - no bends & hills to put strain on a car, and a very dry heat so rust is less if an issue.
.
Also, when you go to the DMV, make sure you have your immigration documents with you. They will only give you a license that lasts as long as your immigration status is good for.
