A native US driver spends time driving in the UK - he tours around his town and talks about the biggest differences between the US and UK driving experiences. Getting Your UK Driving License: A Rite Of Passage For Americans Posted by delialloyd on May 23, 2011 in Expat Living Few events in adolescence carry more symbolic weight than that blissful moment when you get behind the wheel of your car and drive it for the first.

Before we begin, it is important to note that, like with many other things in the US, different states have different rules for driving and transportation. And while most of the regulations and procedures are usually similar, they are not universal. Therefore, for state-specific information, you will need to visit the website or get in touch with the relevant state agency responsible for transportation.

Using Your Foreign Driver’s Permit

Visitors to the United States can typically continue using their foreign license for a while as long as it is written in English. However, if this is not the case, you will apply for an International Driving Permit from your country of origin. The permit serves as a translation of your original license so it is important to have them both on you whenever you’re driving.

And while tourists and visitors can benefit from this arrangement for one year, if you establish residency in the US, depending on the state you are living in you only have 30 to 90 days to get your US driving license. In most cases, this means that you will have to apply for a new driver’s license as if you were getting it for the first time. However, some countries have reciprocity agreements with the US that allows their citizens to simply exchange their original license to the American one.

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How to Apply for a US Driving License

The majority of expats that wish to obtain a driving license in the US will have to go through the full application process. The details of the procedures, like the documents you need to present and fees you need to pay, will differ from state to state but the general steps are usually the same.

Step 1: Get Your Documents Ready

Before you go to the local branch of Department of Motor Vehicles, make sure you have all the right documents on you. Typically, at least some of the following documents are required for application:

• A form of ID that has your name, picture, and your date of birth on it (passport)
• Your Social Security Number or a proof that you cannot obtain one
• Proof of lawful presence in the US (visa, permanent resident card, citizenship certification, etc.)
• Proof of residence in that state (state ID, utility bill, bank statement, etc.)
• Your international driver’s license
• Passport photo (in some cases this will be taken during the application process)

You will then need to fill out an application form with your personal details.

The legal age for driving varies throughout the country, so make sure that you are eligible to apply for a license. However, if you are 21 or older, this will not be a problem.

Step 2: Pay Your Fees

The fees for a driver’s license, once again, depend on the state you are residing in. Some states charge a one-time fee that can be anything from 30 to 90 USD, while others might charge you a small sum (5 USD or so) every year. Depending on the state this step can also come in later, as in some places you are charged for application and in others, for issuing the document.

Step 3: Take Your Tests

In order to obtain your license, you will need to pass both a written and a practical test.

Written tests include 20 to 50 questions about the traffic rules and regulations of the state. The tests might be timed or not and you might have an option to take the test in your native language as well. You can study your state’s DMV handbook and practice taking the test online.

Once you passed the written test, you will have to schedule your practice exam. Apart from driving, expect to be asked to show your parking and reversing skills and the knowledge of vehicles and its controls. The exam can take from 30 to 40 minutes.

If you fail to pass the practice exam the first time, some states will require you to wait a few days or week before you can try again. There might be additional fees for extra tests that you take. Also, in some places, three failed attempts mean that you have to restart the application process all over again.

Step 4: Get Your Vision Tested

While the law does not require you to pass a thorough medical exam to get a driver’s license, you do need to get your vision tested before you are certified to drive. You can usually do it at your local DMV office or get a medical professional to issue you a vision test report.

If you need glasses or contacts in order to drive, a special restriction might be placed on your license. Drivers with very low vision might also get additional restriction that will only allow them to drive during daytime or if they are wearing special lenses.

This step might also come in earlier, before you take your practical exam.

Step 5: Get Your License

Once all the documents are submitted and the exams are passed, you will get issued a temporary license that will be valid 30 to 90 days, depending on the state. You will get your permanent license mailed to your address.

Driver’s license in the US can serve as a form of an ID that you can use to vote or prove your legal age or, in some cases, even board a domestic flight.

In most states, driver licenses are valid for eight years, but it varies. Some states require a renewal after four years, while others let you keep your license until you turn 65. You can check the license renewal regulations of your state online.

Reciprocity Agreements

Uk Driving License America

Some US states have so called reciprocity agreements with other countries. This means that if your driving permit has been issued in one of these countries, you will be able to simply exchange it for a US driving license of that state (and typically vice versa) without having to take any tests. Those countries include:

Again, note that the eligibility for the exchange depends on the state you are in, as reciprocity agreements are state-specific. Also, keep in mind that you might still be required to pay the appropriate fees and get your vision checked to get your US license equivalent.

If your country is not on this list, it might still be worthwhile to enquire whether there have been any new agreements made.

Planning on going on an American road trip? Road trips across the U.S. have become an almost mythical experience often featured in films and shows. Both the size of the United States and the number of things to see make taking an American road trip an excellent plan. Learn about driving in the USA with a foreign license to make the most of your trip.

Uk Drivers License For Americans Free

What do you need to drive a car in America? Do you need an international driver’s license to drive in the U.S.? Is there a US driver’s license for foreign visitors? Here we describe how to drive in the United States with a foreign license.

What Does the Law Say About Driving in the United States?

Under current American law, all you need in order to drive in the U.S. is a valid driving license issued by your country if you will be in the U.S. for a maximum of 3 months. A foreign license to drive in the United States will be considered valid in 49 states, except for Georgia, which requires a US driver’s license for foreigners, known as an International Driving Permit (IDP). In every other state, your foreign driver’s license, together with your biometric passport for the U.S., are sufficient documentation for you to rent a car or in case you are stopped by the police.

This means that it is possible to drive in America with your Australian, UK, Irish, or New Zealand license. A European driver’s license in the USA is also valid to rent a car and drive in the country.

Those who wish to travel to the United States should bear in mind that they first need to meet the entry requirements. Citizens of 39 countries can obtain the ESTA, an electronic travel authorization necessary to visit the U.S. If you’re not a citizen of one of the 39 nations in the Visa Waiver program, you will have to apply for a US tourist visa at an American embassy or consulate.

But What About in Practice?

Recently, more and more car rental agencies have changed their policies and a greater number require an International Driving Permit to rent a car. It might not be a bad idea to get a US driver’s license for foreigners in your home country before your arrival in America. In the event a car rental agency asks for an IDP, you will already have one.

Moreover, because more and more tourists that visit the U.S. carry an international permit, police have become used to seeing the IDP. As a result, driving in America with just your foreign driver’s license (as opposed to an IDP) can be problematic. Even though driving solely with your foreign license is technically legal, the authorities might be unable to read it if it is written in a language other than English, which can cause delays or misunderstandings.

It is recommendable that you obtain an international driving permit before you arrive in the U.S. and so that you can rent a car without any difficulties.

What Else is Necessary to Drive in the United States?

Generally, you must be at least 21 years of age or older to be able to use your foreign driving license in the United States. You should also be aware that many rental agencies, especially the major ones, ask that customers be at least 25 years old to rent a car. Before organizing your trip, make sure to check if you will be able to rent a car. Driving in the USA with a foreign license won’t be an issue if you meet the age requirements.

Moreover, no matter your nationality, if you wish to drive in the United States you should be absolutely certain that your foreign driving license will be valid during your entire time in the country. An expired foreign drivers license will not be valid to drive in the United States.

Driving in the USA with a foreign license

As a general rule, people who drive in the U.S. must have a valid driver’s license. As mentioned in this article, some states will require an International Driving Permit (IDP) from foreign nationals, in addition to the foreign driver’s license. You can contact the motor vehicle department of each state before your trip.

Short-term visitors should know that the United States does not issue IDPs to foreign visitors. Below, we explain how to get an IDP. Bear in mind that if you want to rent a car, you may need both a driver’s license and an IDP. Before planning your trip find out the rental company’s policies and other requirements. Beware of international driver’s license scams. Only U.S. residents can obtain a U.S. driver’s license.

When driving in the United States with a foreign license is it strongly advised to have all your papers with you at all times. You will need to have your foreign driver license and your passport while driving. Whether you have a European driver’s license in the USA or a license from Australia or New Zealand, make sure it is a valid license.

Obtaining an International Driving Permit

Fortunately, obtaining an International Driving Permit isn’t very complicated. Depending on your country, you will either go to a police station, post office or the government department/ministry that deals with motor vehicles. You will then have to fill out an application form and turn in the requisite supplementary documents (photograph, photocopies of your license, etc.).

Please check your local requirements and keep in mind that this is often possible to request an IDP online as well.

Preparing for Your Trip to the U.S.

Uk Drivers License Renewal

Just like with any trip abroad, it’s helpful to take a moment and think about the potential administrative requirements you will be required to fulfill prior to traveling. Visiting the United States is no different. Even though your country may be part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), you will still need to fill out an online ESTA application. The ESTA for citizens of the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand are then entitled to stays of 90 days or less. This travel authorization is valid for 2 years.

Uk Driver's License Format

With all your paperwork in order, you’re ready to start exploring those American highways! Whether it’s the mythical Route 66 or California’s Pacific Coast Highway, you can focus on making the best memories and living adventures without worrying about driving with a foreign license.