Stribs

Hi..

Im going over to the US on the K1 and getting married end of April. I have never driven in the UK. Does this affect me getting a permit in the US? i have read on the Pennsylvania dvla site and they state i need to provide a social security number when applying for a learners permit.

When can i apply for a social security number?

BubbleChog

Wait 10 days after you've been in the country and you should be able to apply for a SS number at the local SS office.

Lx

Noorah101

No, having no previous driving experience should have no impact on getting a learners permit in the USA.

Rene

Stribs

Its tough to get a gage of how long the whole process takes. So i can get social security number before getting married. That would be good.

Noorah101

What "whole process" are you referring to? Yes, you can get a SSN before getting married.

Rene

Stribs

From getting a learning permit to being legal to drive. Im sure it is state specific and i will have to chase them up.

I thought all you needed to work was a SSN, are you able to work before marriage without applying for a temporary work permit which j was told could take 3 months and a big expense.

Owen778

Once you have a permit, the length of the process depends on:
1. How long it takes you to be competent to pass the driver test.
and
2. How early a date you can get when you make the test appointment.

Bear in mind you may also have to do a written test or instruction before getting the permit, depending on your state and your age.

Also, bear in mind that most (all?) US driving tests are very easy compared to the UK.

Pulaski

You will be treated as a new driver in the US, and most people here on BE were able to do an abbreviated process to get a full US state-issued licence because we already had the road/ behind the wheel experience. In addition to any required classroom training you will likely have to complete a number of hours of driving lessons and/or accompanied driving experience before you can take a road test.

Stribs

I had heard the test was reasonably simple. I had a test in the UK but reversed to wide around the corner so failed. Never tried again. Expensive business.

Where my fiancee lives does not have great public transport, so feel i need to drive to open job opportunities so hoping a pain free process.

Stribs

That's the bit i feared getting so many hours behind me logged. I hoped being 28 was get past that

Pulaski

I saw on your post that "passed" mine, that you had lessons and took a test in the UK. Depending on the requirements, you might be able to attest to enough behind-the-wheel time to satisfy your local state requirements.

Noorah101

Regarding permission to work, you need to apply for an EAD when you submit your AOS package.

You should ask immigration form and process questions in the Marriage Based forum.

Rene

Stribs

Sorry that just came up.

Thank you for the driving information all

Nutmegger

If you look at the PA state driver's manual, it appears that the number of hours logged requirement only applies to those under the age of 18.

Owen778

I can't comment for Pennsylvania, but that isn't true for Texas. Don't assume that everywhere is the same as what you did.

Here are the instructions for Pennsylvania:
Getting Your Driver’s License

Basically, they are:
- Get medical form done by a doctor or other healthcare provider
- Study for knowledge test
- Visit Driver License Center, with medical form, all immigration documents, SSN card, proof of ID and residency, a check or money order (credit cards not listed!)
- Pass eye screening and knowledge test at Driver License Center
- Schedule and pass a road test

Nothing about driving hours or anything similar. Just like Texas, the rules are different for under-18s.