Hi all,

Well my POE experience went well at Denver - no problems whatsoever. Unfortunately I was unable to get a Colorado Driver's Licence as apparantely they only convert Canadian, French or German ones! So I've got to do the written and practical tests again *grumbles*. In any case, am lining up a job interview with a Security Company next week, and with a USCG recruiter in 2 weeks time! Hopefully something will come through for the short term and will be able to get a few more $'s in. Also my in-laws are letting me use one of their cars to get some practice on which is very helpful! Will also be sorting out a secured credit card to build up some credit in the next few days.

We are vaguely considering taking a vacation to one of the other states which allows British Driver's Licences to be converted...although I don't know how that would work in terms of residency etc.

Anyhow, just thought I'd check in and let people know how my first few days in the US have been progressing.

Congrats!! Sounds like all is going well.

I too have to do the whole written and driving test here in order to get my Louisiana drivers license. I picked up the book from the DMV- I'm going to to go after I get my SSN. What a pain- I never thought I'd ever have to go through that again

Hi - you mention some states which allow UK driver's licenses to be converted - do you have a list of which states those are?

I wondered that, too, although I'd be surprised if you could get one from one of those states if you weren't a resident.

I'm very surprised that there is any as there is no reciprocal agreement between the UK and US to exchange licences without a test.

That's because the authority to issue driver's licenses is a state function (thus the federal govt cannot enter into an agreement on the behalf of individual states).

I had to do my driving test again....... I was nervous as I passed my last UK test over 30 years ago!!!
But... as my examiner said "The US test is very rarely failed by UK people, the UK test is much harder!"
She was right.... I passed.
Just swot up on the theory...... you can get sample tests for most states online from the DMV websites.
Don't worry...... no big deal..... just go for it!!!

The authority to issue is, the agreement between governments on the acceptance of each others driving licences is a federal matter. It is one of the federal functions that cannot, in theory, be overridden by a State. Sat through a very interest 6 hour lecture given by Portland State University lecturer on US law and the topic of what is what formed a good part of it.

It was also part of my job in the UK and there is an agreement between UK and US on driving licences and the fact that they are only acceptable as visitors or residents for 12 months.

I took Claudeth to IHOP the next morning after she arrived


Denver

LOL.........I don't know why but I remember you telling that right after she got here........

Sorry about the license issue...Georgia doesn't convert Canadian driving permits either. My husband had to wait for his EAD before the DMV in Georgia would let him take the tests.

My apologies for the confusion - I should have said that I was going to check to see if any other states would convert British Driver's Licences, and then consider taking temporary residence there. As it is, I think doing the test will probably be good for me anyway, and have started studying up, and will be practicing with one of the in-laws cars over the weekend!

I'm guessing that as my UK Licence is allowed on a temporary basis, I can use that for the next month or so before I take the test? (While practicing in my in-laws car - which I'm insured on).

Jasman - my wife & I LOVE IHOP! I remember when I came to visit back in Easter '06, and they were doing a limited edition cinnamon pancake I think....we told the waiter that I'd come all the way from England just to try it

I've just introduced my husband to IHOP...he's been twice in a month and LOVES it! Thank goodness there's one 30 minutes away.

Yes, I figured there would have to be SOME sort of agreement in place on the federal level. But it seems many states are overriding it, so obviously the system is breaking down somewhere. I suppose maybe the feds don't intervene because of 'state's rights'???

Welcome to the US

I guess it is one of those relatively unimportant matters for American citizens and really only effects someone like me coming to the US to live only once and then it is done with so nobody it that concerned with it being "done properly". The usually problem where theory and practice part company.