Natasha27

Florida Drivers License - Non US Citizens

this is all i had found on the DMV website previous to writing on here.
I cant take my test as they are all booked up until May. Which is fine, but its after my international license runs out. BUT, my actual UK license is good until 2023.

Going to try giving the DMV a call, ive emailed but so far nothing.

Makes sense about the insurance. Sneaky!

MidAtlantic

On that very website click on Drivers manual and it says:

Who is Required to Have a Florida Drivers License?
Florida requires anyone driving a motor vehicle on public streets and highways to have a valid Florida drivers license. If you move to Florida you are required to get a Florida drivers license within 30 days of becoming a resident. This is important because if you are a Florida resident and are pulled over but you do not have a Florida license you could be subject to fines.

lansbury

You Have 30 Days

Florida law requires that you get a Florida drivers license within 30 days of becoming a resident of Florida. You are a resident if you do one of the following:

• Enroll your children in a Florida public school
• Accept employment
• Register to Vote
• File for a homestead exemption
• Reside in Florida for more than six consecutive months

But if only that last condition applies to make her a resident she has 6 months plus 30 days before she needs a Florida license. That assumes Florida does not comply with the Driving Licenses Convention, which until they are asked who knows.

MidAtlantic

Agreed, and (if your assumption is correct) whether she has a valid British license or International whatever then becomes irrelevant.

Pulaski

Good advice under the circumstances, but generally speaking, the best advice is to get a local license as soon you are allowed and are practically (test slots permitting) able to! I am not aware of any circumstance where it is beneficial to delay obtaining a local license until the last possible minute.

Bob

Well it can be in MA, depending on your birthday because the license is valid for 5 years till the date of birth in MA, so if your birthday is in a months time, you essentially lose 11 months taking it straight away.

lansbury

I couldn't agree more, especially as the various State driving tests are so much easier than the UK one.

Awesome Welles

I wouldn't be too concerned - you're just another of the multitude of people driving around Orlando without a valid license or insurance.

scrubbedexpat099

But probably does not speak the lingo.

g1ant

You are considered a resident of Florida if you:
Reside in Florida for more than six consecutive months.

And if you are a resident, you are required to have a Florida licence.

Who needs to get a Florida driver license | FL-DHSMV Answers

Jerseygirl

Of course they would. It's money for old rope...you've paid your premium but they won't be paying out if you have an accident if you do not have a valid licence.

lansbury

Yes I read that and even posted it above. As she said she started living in Florida in October, six months is April. Then she has 30 days to get her license which takes it to May.

scrubbedexpat099

See above, she has been driving without a valid license for a looong time.

lansbury

I missed the "I've been here a year now", somewhere else she implied she had been here since October. In which case her UK license is invalid in Florida by which even system you use State or international convention.

Pulaski

Post #1 says she's (present tense) here on a fiancée visa. She also says she has a "temporary green card". Something does not add up.

ETA I think the OP is just confused about everything.