New member hello - emigrating to FL next month!
Hello all,
I've been lurking for a bit but had a question and thought I'd sign up and say hello. I'm a Brit who works for an American company and am transferring to our Florida office next month on a H1B visa. Pretty stressed about the move at the moment but looking forward to a change of scene! Back in '99 I did a study abroad program in the US and was given a social security number. Would that number stay with me for life, or would I need a new one when I arrive? Next question is about buying a car. I'll be looking to pick up something cheap within the first week, paying cash, any problems with doing that? I don't need to get a US drivers license first or jump through any other hoops? Many Thanks, Colin |
Re: New member hello - emigrating to FL next month!
Originally Posted by k2col
(Post 9166286)
Back in '99 I did a study abroad program in the US and was given a social security number. Would that number stay with me for life, or would I need a new one when I arrive?
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Re: New member hello - emigrating to FL next month!
Originally Posted by k2col
(Post 9166286)
Would that number stay with me for life...
Ian |
Re: New member hello - emigrating to FL next month!
Originally Posted by k2col
(Post 9166286)
Next question is about buying a car. I'll be looking to pick up something cheap within the first week, paying cash, any problems with doing that? I don't need to get a US drivers license first or jump through any other hoops?
Rene |
Re: New member hello - emigrating to FL next month!
If you email the Federal Benefits Unit at the London Embassy they will verify your number and send you a printout. I believe I filled out a form, emailed it to them and had the number sent by regular post within a week. Then when you get here, go the SSA office and get a new card which you must have to get a driving licence.
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Re: New member hello - emigrating to FL next month!
Originally Posted by Orangepants
(Post 9167107)
If you email the Federal Benefits Unit at the London Embassy they will verify your number and send you a printout. I believe I filled out a form, emailed it to them and had the number sent by regular post within a week. Then when you get here, go the SSA office and get a new card which you must have to get a driving licence.
Originally Posted by Noorah101
(Post 9167040)
Check with the DMV where you'll be living. You might not need a DL, but you might need proof of US car insurance.
Rene Is there a separate motorcycle test in the US like in the UK? |
Re: New member hello - emigrating to FL next month!
Originally Posted by k2col
(Post 9167209)
Thanks to everyone who replied on this point. I have the card in hand (impressed with myself that I found it after 10 years!) so I think I'm ok.
Many thanks, from further research it seems that I'm ok with the British DL but that taking the Florida license straightaway is worth doing for cheaper insurance, and the fact that I'll need to sooner or later because I'm staying >3 months. Is there a separate motorcycle test in the US like in the UK? I had a similar experience. I did BUNAC back in 1991 got a SSN. I moved to Florida last year and I have the exact same piece of paper from 20 years ago! I recieved an annual SS statement last year and it showed my $85 payment that I made way back then! If you are going to apply for a FL licence you have 10 days to make an appointment. You can do it online. Welcome to the crazy world of driving in Florida! |
Re: New member hello - emigrating to FL next month!
Originally Posted by k2col
(Post 9167209)
Is there a separate motorcycle test in the US like in the UK?
Rene |
Re: New member hello - emigrating to FL next month!
There certainly is a motorcycle test in Florida, regardless of previous experienceas far as I am aware. You are required to take classroom instruction and pass a written test (I think 80%+) before practical instruction and test. Can be done in lots of places, using their bikes - provide own gloves and boots, and helmet if you have one, otherwise use theirs. You will probably find it can be taken at a local Harley store.
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Re: New member hello - emigrating to FL next month!
Originally Posted by k2col
(Post 9167209)
Thanks to everyone who replied on this point. I have the card in hand (impressed with myself that I found it after 10 years!) so I think I'm ok.
Many thanks, from further research it seems that I'm ok with the British DL but that taking the Florida license straightaway is worth doing for cheaper insurance, and the fact that I'll need to sooner or later because I'm staying >3 months. Is there a separate motorcycle test in the US like in the UK? |
Re: New member hello - emigrating to FL next month!
Originally Posted by janette
(Post 9167374)
There certainly is a motorcycle test in Florida, regardless of previous experienceas far as I am aware. You are required to take classroom instruction and pass a written test (I think 80%+) before practical instruction and test. Can be done in lots of places, using their bikes - provide own gloves and boots, and helmet if you have one, otherwise use theirs. You will probably find it can be taken at a local Harley store.
Where are you moving in Fl? |
Re: New member hello - emigrating to FL next month!
Originally Posted by anotherlimey
(Post 9167417)
However many people don't take it, and just ride anyway. Many cops don't seem to care, most motorists don't care for motorcyclists either.
Where are you moving in Fl? |
Re: New member hello - emigrating to FL next month!
If you're transferring, why aren't you getting a L1 visa? Wouldn't have to wait till Oct to start, presuming you don't already have the visa for the last fiscal year, and if you've a spouse, they could work.
Anyway, welcome to BE and good luck! |
Re: New member hello - emigrating to FL next month!
Originally Posted by janette
(Post 9167374)
There certainly is a motorcycle test in Florida, regardless of previous experienceas far as I am aware. You are required to take classroom instruction and pass a written test (I think 80%+) before practical instruction and test. Can be done in lots of places, using their bikes - provide own gloves and boots, and helmet if you have one, otherwise use theirs. You will probably find it can be taken at a local Harley store.
Of course I was the only idiot who turned up with the bike on a trailer, all the others who needed to pass the MSF course to get their endorsement just rode there :sneaky:. BTW, for some odd reason you don't seem to need insurance on a motorcycle in Florida - I leave it to your imagination if that's a good plan given the high blind & deaf retiree density there, but that probably explains why people don't necessarily bother with the DL. Heck, it was good enough for Arnold for a long time. |
Re: New member hello - emigrating to FL next month!
Originally Posted by k2col
(Post 9167209)
Is there a separate motorcycle test in the US like in the UK? Much like you plan to, I relocated with work around 1.5yrs ago. I used to ride in Scotland, but I'm not in a hurry to buy a bike here. Some things to consider: * If you want to wear all the protective gear you wear in the UK - forget it. you'll melt in the summer here. Many of the guys I know here with bikes consider them a winter toy. * Weather. Here in Tampa, in the summer, it rains VERY heavily every other day around 4pm. You don't want to ride home from work in that! * Standard of driving here is much lower than in UK. I see many more accidents here, people reversing on the highway, and everyone seems incapable of driving their huge SUV without being welded to their cell phone, and they don't see anything wrong with drinking a few beers after work before driving home. All of these are serious contributing factors to you and your bike becoming a mere 'speed bump'. Before the trolls jump on me, yes, I've made some sweeping generalisations here, but just be aware that you will need to have eyes on the back of your head and built in air-conditioning if you're going to ride here. Anyway, there's not a decent corner in the whole state, but there are no suicidal sheep here to run out in front of you! :thumbsup: Good luck on the move. |
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