kingfisher241049

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/global/ma...license-Us.xml

Elizabeth Webster found that you need patience and papers in abundance when applying for your driver's licence.

The night before I was due to take my New Jersey driving test I refused to go to bed until I had gained 100 per cent in the practice papers.

There was no way that I was going to let my husband, Dr W, beat me in this.

The blood alcohol limits; the stopping and parking distances from crosswalks, stop signs and fire hydrants; dates for studded snow tires (sic) on New Jersey roads; the license (sic) requirements if I want to drive a tractor; documentation that should be carried in the car - all etched into my memory.

Roland Hulme

So weird. For me, it was easy. I passed the computer test (one more question wrong and I would have flunked) and then they just gave me a licence, boom.

no test or anything.

But it cost A LOT because I had 8 points on my licence from New York (heavy right foot) and I had to go to Staten Island to get that sorted out first.

Bob

she only queued for 10 mins and the person spoke English? I don't believe that

Rushman

I had 8 points also for the same reason. Did you do a 4 hour state defensive driving course? You could've gotten 4 of those points taken off if you had.

Roland Hulme

No! I'll look into that!

I've got a clean licence now. Not virginal - just born again.

Damn, smart German cars.... High tech driving course. I know who you are!!

Rushman

Sorry to disappoint you but Im much better looking and better dressed, not going bald and would NEVER own a car with a tan or beige interior...have way more class than that. No disrespect to him though...we do share the very same accent.

ugacrew

I fully understand that being an expat can make the process difficult at the DMV. Yet we Americans face the same issues. I absolutely HATE going to the DMV for some of the reasons the lady in the article stated. All those friggin' hoops and hurdles. Having to have the right documentation at the right time. Being told one thing and then another, especially when you've done research on THEIR website. One of these days I'm going to have a flawless experience when I go. I'm going to have my paperwork. I'm going to be helped by courteous people that actually give a damn and don't smack bubble gum, talk about the soap they are watching with their co-worker, what so-and-so is doing, AND how much they hate their job whilst moving like a snail behind the counter. Arggggh! I'm patient but damn, I've got my limits.

Roland Hulme

I totally agree with what UGACREW wrote.

After rereading that article, two things struck me. First off - all she was basically doing was whining about having to queue for so long (ever been to a British post office, love?)

And then there was that whole: 'They wouldn't accept my passport because it was British.'

I am SORRY but I'm calling bullshit on that one.

I've been licenced, insured, registered and made at least six visits to DMV's in two states and there has never EVER been any question of accepting a British passport.

I think she just made it up to make her article sound better.

Pity - even that fruity little lie couldn't save it from being dreary.

Rushman

Of course you do know that this particular Elizabeth Webster is a frequent and well established member of this forum don't you?

jenniferpa

Having just looked at NJ's requirements I had some difficulty in getting to my 6 points. For a start my UK passport wouldn't work - it doesn't have the right kind of visa in it AND i have an old style green card. My old style card is only worth 2 not 4 points in this strange system. I can well believe she had difficulty. You have a look - it's bizzare. http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/Licenses/...ctor/index.htm

ugacrew

Christ! That's the most convoluted system if I ever saw one. I'm surprised they weren't asking for blood tests, retinal scan, and your shoe size. Remind me not to move to NJ.

neil

I got mine in March 2003, it looks like it might have been easier then - for international drivers you had to go to a regional centre (not just any DMV), the queues were longer but at least the people there knew what the requirements were.

Bob

I've been to grocery stores that wouldn't accept my UK passport because it wasn't US issued before I got my US drivers license for that very reason.

Roland Hulme

Good! Hopefully she'll be able to explain her article. Edit - if she chooses too. What I wrote sounds AWFULLY pissy and judgemental. Apologies.

I'm sorry for your difficulty - but you must have VERY old paperwork. A passport with a valid VISA (which must have expired and been replaced in your case) is worth four points, as is a green card (with must also be pretty old in your case.)

But even in those cases, it's not exactly difficult to come up with a bank statement, utility bill, paystub and insurance card, which is all you'd need to get to six points.

I think Elizabeth's article exagerated and was misleading - if she feels differently I'm sure she'll seek me out and put me in my place (generally not difficult!)

I went through a right bloody saga getting my licence, so I understand her frustration, but I agree with UgaCrew. It's not like we'd never had to deal with this crap back at home.

jenniferpa

Ah NJ - the state that thinks its residents are too stupid to pump their own gas safely (or have they changed that now?).