Social Security, Drivers License, Bank Account, Insurance, Apartment
#16
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,259
Re: Social Security, Drivers License, Bank Account, Insurance, Apartment
b) Yeah, unknown if there would be issues though. This is what I did (3 week rental), and prayed I didn't need the insurance. I took out the cheaper of the two CDW options and as it happens it was a good job as I cracked the bumper! ..... driving too fast down a slope into Wendy's parking lot.....must have been hungry....
Last edited by BritishGuy36; Jul 23rd 2009 at 11:14 pm.
#17
Dallas
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 220
Re: Social Security, Drivers License, Bank Account, Insurance, Apartment
I thought if you were on a non-immigrant visa you could drive on your UK license for a year before you had to get a state one?
#18
Re: Social Security, Drivers License, Bank Account, Insurance, Apartment
The insurance company were simply interested in if I was legally allowed to drive as far as PA were concerned. They did not want to be informed as and when I got a PA license. They were also prepared to take into account a letter I brought across in respect of UK driving history, and to apply that history to the records. Insurance was (and still is) just over $100 per month on a very comprehensive policy.
I visited the insurance company in person, sat down and talked through all this - I think that is a much better approach than just trying to do things online or over the phone. Quite often I find there's a lot of 'non-standard' things that they can do when you follow a very personal communication path.
#19
Re: Social Security, Drivers License, Bank Account, Insurance, Apartment
It probably (of course) differs by state, but PA recognises a foreign license backed up by an International permit for 12 months, irrespective of visa type. A US out-of-state licence is only good for 60 days though. Go figure!
#20
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,259
Re: Social Security, Drivers License, Bank Account, Insurance, Apartment
International 'permits' are merely translations for your original foreign license, and are hence useless for UK license holders.
#21
Re: Social Security, Drivers License, Bank Account, Insurance, Apartment
As I actually drove on an Isle of Man license...! Not sure how many of those the PA authorities see each year.
#22
Re: Social Security, Drivers License, Bank Account, Insurance, Apartment
Unless you've only got the old style paper license, then they are handy as they have a photo element. Doesn't make any difference to the rate of insurance though and anyone claiming that it does is pulling a line.
#23
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 271
Re: Social Security, Drivers License, Bank Account, Insurance, Apartment
Thanks for all the advice everyone, I'll pick up an international certificate from the post office for my License.
In another weird twist, the dealership says they'd be happy to sell me whatever car I want without a PA license. In fact they said they've sold to people without any sort of license. I think it's because it's a collector car dealership, so they're happy to sell it to you under the assumption that you're not going to drive it, you're just going to keep it in a glass jar in your mansion.
In another weird twist, the dealership says they'd be happy to sell me whatever car I want without a PA license. In fact they said they've sold to people without any sort of license. I think it's because it's a collector car dealership, so they're happy to sell it to you under the assumption that you're not going to drive it, you're just going to keep it in a glass jar in your mansion.
#24
Re: Social Security, Drivers License, Bank Account, Insurance, Apartment
H1-B at age 22 - congratulations
#26
Re: Social Security, Drivers License, Bank Account, Insurance, Apartment
Not only do these rules vary state-by-state, but in a relatively recent thread, someone finally convinced me that you cannot drive in Texas for a full year on a UK license. I did when I arrived (well, about 7 months) with no trouble, but then I wasn't stopped by the police. Someone here got a ticket for providing a UK license when they'd been here for longer than 30 days, and I seem to remember that it all depends on whether you are "resident" in Texas, which you are as soon as you rent or buy a place here.
#27
Just Joined
Joined: May 2009
Location: Minneapolis, MN, USA
Posts: 20
Re: Social Security, Drivers License, Bank Account, Insurance, Apartment
Not only do these rules vary state-by-state, but in a relatively recent thread, someone finally convinced me that you cannot drive in Texas for a full year on a UK license. I did when I arrived (well, about 7 months) with no trouble, but then I wasn't stopped by the police. Someone here got a ticket for providing a UK license when they'd been here for longer than 30 days, and I seem to remember that it all depends on whether you are "resident" in Texas, which you are as soon as you rent or buy a place here.
#28
Re: Social Security, Drivers License, Bank Account, Insurance, Apartment
I am in pretty much the same situation (same age, too!) as the original poster. In my case, as far as I can tell, Minnesota requires you to sit a driving test within 60 days, although the web site does say this applies to resident "from another state", which I take to mean another US state. It doesn't specifically say anything about people from another country. I've found a couple of other web sites that suggest one can drive on a foreign licence for a year in MN, so it's all slightly confusing! I think my intention will be to try to take a test as soon as I can, regardless.
In a way, the argument is moot. A US driver's license is a need for so many *other* things than driving that getting one ASAP makes very good sense.
As evidenced by the test, a DL is a different creature in the US vs the UK.
#29
Just Joined
Joined: May 2009
Location: Minneapolis, MN, USA
Posts: 20
Re: Social Security, Drivers License, Bank Account, Insurance, Apartment
Mmh, yes, it does seem that way - as I say, it's one of the first things I'm hoping to try to sort out when I arrive. With regards to other things the OP mentioned and the "catch-22" situations, I'm looking at getting a bank account set up before I head out, which should hopefully help things a bit.
#30
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,259
Re: Social Security, Drivers License, Bank Account, Insurance, Apartment
A UK license on its own is not acceptable. It must be supported by the International permit. Yes there's a translation element to the document but because there are so many variations on a theme for foreign licenses that additional document is required. At least, it is in PA. If EITHER the foreign license or International permit expire then PA won't let you dirve.