dagntate

ok..im a legal permanent resident here in the us. I have my british license, is it ok to drive with this, or do i need to get a ny state license, if i do, can i have both licenses, or do i need to give up my uk license (dont really want to do that!) anybody help?

Manc

you'll need to get a NY license sooner or later.

I still have both licenses.

Ben

NY state like to take your old UK license off you! Just forget to take it with you when you go and get your license It isn't hard to get a NY license. Just take your passport with you which should contain your visa status and you will have to do both a computerized test and a quick driving test. Just make sure you study the drinking limits and stopping limits, then you will have no problem passing the computerized on. The physically driving one is rediculously easy.

As far as driving on your UK driving license, I understand the law is if you are here visiting your UK license is valid for one year. If you are living here as your home for a while (as you are) you are supposed to get your US license within a month, or at least try to anyway. Never heard of anyone yet that has had a problem driving on their UK driving license for longer than they were supposed to and I have no idea what a cop would do if you got stopped either.

PBC_1966

I think you'll find all states have a requirement to obtain a local license once you take up residence in their state. The period allowed for changing varies though, typically 30 days but some will allow you to drive on an out-of-state license for 60, or even 90 days (ditto license plates).

Dan725

Better to get a local licence anyway, your insurance will most likely be cheaper and easier to find

snorkmaiden

We actually got stopped just over a month after we arrived in DFW. The nasty little power hungry cop that got us gave my husband a ticket for not having a Texas licence despite us telling him that the law said we could drive for a year.

My husband opted to go to the courthouse rather than pay the fine and took with him a copy of the law regarding his right to drive for one year on his UK licence. The judge said something along the lines of "the state trooper shouldn't be allowed on the road if he doesn't know the law" and that was the end of that.

It is really easy to get a licence here though, it only took me a few minutes and they like to see your licence for ID for all kinds of things here in Texas so it's handy to have one.

Manc

They can want all they like, I believe they have no authority to take it off you though.

snorkmaiden

They didn't even ask to see mine here in DFW so I still have it.

britchicknyc

Just don't take your UK one with you. They never ask if you have a foreign license, although I think my examiner was a little surprised that I wasn't nervous, but competant. After he said I did "very well" and I said well have been driving for 5 years now!!!

James Box

You are also supposed to return your UK licence to DVLA if you are no longer a UK resident, but I don't know anyone that has...

Manc

When my UK photo license runs out in 2009, I intend on applying for a new one, granted I'll have to go back to the UK for a week or so. but c'est la vie.

mattbutt

Is that when you will be 75?

Englishmum

You're supposed to return your NHS Medical Card to the local Family Practitioner's Office too when you are no longer a UK resident (so your GP doesn't continue to get paid for having you on his/her register) but I don't know anyone who has done that either! (Just think of all of those GPs getting income on our behalf when hardly any of us have even seen our British GPs for many years!)

Bob

Yeah, but depending on the state as to how tough they are with it, the guy that lived downstairs still has his Texas plate and license and has been living in Maine for five years

Manc

no when the photo card expires.