Hi
I have been under the impression that I need a New York state drvers license in order to drive here legally. Today I was talking with an immigrations lawyer, he told me that I can drive here on my British license. I knew that you can drive here on a UK license, but I thought there was a time limit on how long you could use a UK license. Can anyone tell me if it's legal to drive here with a UK drivers license? Thanks.

Varies by State, look on the DMV web site for yours.

Here's the link to the Department of Motor Vehicles Guide. That should (hopefully) help you out a little.

Thank -you for the link, much appreciated.

You're supposed to get a New York State licence as soon as you become a New York State resident.

(The DMV defines 'resident' for driving licence purposes.)

Hi,

Thanks, I was looking at the DMV website and it says you are classed as a resident after being in New York State for more than 90 days. So I have been here more than 90 days so I would have to get a New York driving license.

Hi Pauline,

Good luck on your own immigraiton journey! In answer to your question, I am not sure about a UK license, as all I know is from my own experiences with a Canadian license (which I drove with before I finally exchanged my old license for a NYS license). However, for more information you can check out the following link for more information:

http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/license.htm#d...romothernations

I don't think NYS has a direct licensing exchanging agreement with the UK either, so I think you might have to take the NYS written and road test for your license too. Good luck with your driving endeavours, nevertheless.

By the way, which part of NYS are you living in/from?

Ant

Hi Ant,
Thanks for your reply. I am living in Rome NY.

Hi Pauline,

Good luck on your immigration journey. Thanks for your reply too. Hmmmm...Rome, NY, isn't that near Syracuse, NY? I haven't been to Rome, NY, yet, but who knows, maybe I'll drive by there someday, as my husband and I love travelling and taking road trips too.

Oh, and also feel free to post on the "Anyone from/living in/moving to NYS (New York State)" message thread that I started on the "Moving here and Your New Life in America" forum area too.

Ant

Yes Ant Syracuse is about a 45 min drive from here. We are out the country here, nice scenery, it would be a good drive for you both.

You probably should. They are less strict with out-of-state licenses (my wife still drives on her
California license - after 2 years in New York) but a foreign license is likely to cause problems.

Hi Pauline,

What a co-incidence! I live in the countryside area in a small town around here too. I am about 2 hours away from Buffalo and an 1 hour away from Rochester. I agree, the NYS countryside is beautiful! It is nice to drive around here (yes, even driving in the lake effect snow weather on country roads with blowing snow is nice). Ahh.....'tis the joys of country living and driving....Definately worth the travelling!

Ant