Hello everyone, I am writing on behalf of my husband . We moved to the states almost three months ago, he is Italian, and he has his Green Card. He has been trying to take his driving test, but having a bit of difficulty with the language (they do not offer the test in Italian). He has taken it a few times, and not passed, and were going to try again on Thursday, with a translator. However, if he does not pass this time, there is a month waiting time before he can take it again.

Does anyone know if there is some sort of grace period before he must be driving with an Oregon License. I know it varies from state to state. But I tried calling my local police, and the DMV and no one had any information for me!

He has been driving to work, but just with his passport, Italian license, and green card. Anyone have any information or experiences with this problem? I have read that visitors have a year that they are valid to drive with a license, but since he is a permanent resident, I don't know if that applies to him. Any information would be GREATLY appreciated! Thank you!

Liz

Liz, here is a link to obtaining and international driver's license that is good in the USA. I think it is mainly for tourists but it does say that you can use it till you obtain a driver's license from your state. There is also a link on the page that you can go to to get every states requirements. Hope it helps. Just not sure if it applies. Ken and Chanjun

http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Foreign_Visitors_Driving.shtml

I live in Oregon, when I called the DMV they had all the information to hand.

His problem is going to be his licence being printed in Italian. All an international driving licence is, is a translation of the holders licence into about 10 different languages so it can be understood worldwide. It must be obtained in the country in which the persons original licence was issued. It is only valid if carried with the original licence and that original is valid for the country it is being used in. An EU licence printed in English of with an international driving licence translation the DMV told me was valid for 12 months in Oregon. For some reason in Oregon a German licence can be swapped for an Oregon one without a test.

Not sure if you just asked in your local DMV office, but I fond them lacking in knowledge. I called the DMV head office in Salem 503-945-5000. Call them and ask. The other people to ask or not your local police but the Oregon State Police, they are more used to dealing with different licences and hence are more clued up than the locals.

What office is he using for his test. I avoided the Portland office and went to Gladstone, friendly advice given on the quiet by the DMV.