Texas Drivers Licence for a UK immigrant

[munkeynutts 0]

Hi all

I am entering Houston, TX, in February on a K-1 fiance visa. Just wondering about the requirements for getting a Texas drivers licence. I have a full UK licence, although it expired a few months ago. Do I need a VALID UK licence to gain a Texas licence? I read somewhere that I just need to show my visa or permanent resident card? If I can show a VALID UK licence, do I just automatically get a Texas licence, or do I need to sit a written test and take a driving test?

Many thanks

Martin

Edited January 15, 2010 by munkeynutts

[hudons 0]

Hi, first off, I don't know that your experience will be the same as you're in a different state but....

I got my drivers license in NH when I was here on J1 and renewed it with my EAD. Generally, you are allowed to drive for 60 days on your UK license (check with Texas DMV) so continue to do that. Call them and ask what you need to get a license.... I needed proof of NH residence, social security card and proof of status - passport, visa papers etc.

I was also required to take a written and practical test again because the DVLA wouldn't release my driving record to me from overseas. However, if you're still in the UK maybe you could start work on that before you leave. The test is easy but obviously it's easier to get your record sent over, or bring it with you.

If in doubt, call them. Non-US citizens have to attend the DMV to get a new license anyway.

Hope that helps!

[letty 1]

Call them and ask what you need to get a license....

Good advise! I cannot remember exactly what I needed but for sure you need to take the written and driving test regardless if you have another liscence. The written test is very easy (compared to what I had to do at home) and also if you have been driving before the driving test is a piece of cake.

Check if they make appointments, I had to go to the DVM office at 7 am in the morning to beat the lines and the first 15 people would be able to drive that day, no appointments were taken!

Letty

[Lansbury 19]

Go to the Texas Department of Public Safety, it is also their DMV and read up on it.

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/administratio...rol/dlindex.htm

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

In Texas visitors can drive with a UK license for one year. However since yours expired, you can't drive until you get your Texas driver's license.

You will take the written and driving test before you can be issued a license. You do not have to produce a foreign license. You are starting from the beginning just like any new driver. In Texas, it's the DPS (Department of Public Safety) that deals with licenses and state id cards (if you don't want to drive, but need photo id.)

There is a yellow book with all the things to study for the written test. It's free if you will go in an ask for it. Be sure and study the first part of the book where it is mostly discussing teenage drivers and penalties for various offenses. The test has alot of those questions, and my husband skipped over that part of the driving manual because he wasn't a teen. Things like "what is the penalty for a teen who......."

You can't get a license until you have something from USCIS showing you have at least 6 months remaining legal time in the US. Many have an I-94 card with a longer time because of their type of visa. A K1 gets an I-94 at POE for just 90 days, so the I-94 to get a license won't work for you. When you get your EAD work authorization card, it's good for a year and you can take the tests and get a license with that. It will expire when your EAD card expires. You can go back after you have your GC and get a regular Texas license that's good for 6 years (for an additional fee). Or you can wait until you have your GC to get started if you're not in a hurry to drive.

The written test gets you a learner's permit so you can practice driving. When you think you're ready, go back and take the written test. You take the test in your own car with a State Trooper riding along grading you. My husband took his written and driving test the same day since he had practiced in the US (on his UK license) every time he came to visit. UK people always say the tests are so easy in TX compared to the UK tests.

DPS offices do not take appointments. Be prepared to wait. A small town/rural office would be better than a big city office probably. For one thing, you don't have to take the driving test in city traffic and they may not be as crowded. Never go on a school holiday because that's when all the teenagers go get their first license and it's more crowded. We went to the DPS Tuesday to do an address change and it took over 2 hours and that was an office I was told (by our closest office) was not very busy.

Edited January 15, 2010 by Nich-Nick

[Nik+Heather 121]

rin and john found an obscure (and deeply buried) link for Texas which allows you to get the DL once you have the NOA1s for your AOS application.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...t&p=3580198

[hudons 0]

I'm pretty sure that if you can show them a copy of your driving record then you don't have to take the driving tests. At least in New Hampshire. That means a full history on DVLA headed paper. Obviously check with Texas.

The test is really easy compared to the British one.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

rin and john found an obscure (and deeply buried) link for Texas which allows you to get the DL once you have the NOA1s for your AOS application.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...t&p=3580198

That's a very good document they found and I replied to their last post concerning a Texas DL.

I'm pretty sure that if you can show them a copy of your driving record then you don't have to take the driving tests. At least in New Hampshire. That means a full history on DVLA headed paper. Obviously check with Texas.

The test is really easy compared to the British one.

How can you be "pretty sure" if you haven't walked in a Texas DPS office and tried to get a license? You live in New Hampshire and any experience you have there does not apply to another state. I am positive that in Texas a foreign person must take the written and driving tests to get a Texas Driver's License.

[Kar_98 10]

Texas: have somebody _with_ a US or CDN license drive you to the DPS.

Show them insurance, inspection and registration on the car.

Show them your SSN, and at least the EAD (I-766).

Take "written" test. Take vision test. Scoot around the block.

Receive paper license afterwards.

Receive plastic license in the mail a couple of days later.

Cost $24.

Your Euro license doesn't mean jack.

This is how it's done, and there's no "but I'm special I want it easier" to it. It's easy and cheap enough.