Should I learn to drive before I go or after?!

[Azsara 110]

Hey I was looking for some advice as to what would be best (price wise and speed wise) regarding learning to drive.

I dont currently hold a driving license and live in the city so its never been an issue. Obviously when I move to the states at the end of this year (hopefully!) driving will be essential!

Is it best for me to learn how to drive now...while I am waiting on my k1 visa in the UK...or when i get to the states? I dont want to spend hundreds of £££ here learning if I just have to do another test in the states! Ill be living in the state of NJ. And from what my fiancee and I have seen so far I may need to redo the whole test process again when I get there. Anyone with any knowledge on this?

[X Factor 1,112]

I live in New Jersey and I had a friend from Africa who drove for years. He had to redo the entire test here. So if you want to save $$$$$ wait until you get to NJ

[Boiler 45,689]

UK test hard and expensive.

US test easy and cheap.

[QueenOfBlades 224]

I've wondered this myself. What if you already have a UK licence? Do you have to re-test/take lessons over in the US or can it be transferred?

[Azsara 110]

thanks guys. I had a sneaking suspicion that may be the best option

[Azsara 110]

I've wondered this myself. What if you already have a UK licence? Do you have to re-test/take lessons over in the US or can it be transferred?

I tried to research it a month ago with steve and from what we could tell it depends on the state u live in but taking the test in the US is undeniably sooo much cheaper than here and so many people say its easier.

[QueenOfBlades 224]

Yes my fella said his test was quite easy in the grand scheme of things. I took my test Jan 2012 and he was surprised at the stuff we have to do for ours nowadays. Just seems a shame that I finally passed my test and I can't use it to drive over there but I'm not 100% sure.

[Boiler 45,689]

You can for a while, which varies by State.

[Azsara 110]

Yes my fella said his test was quite easy in the grand scheme of things. I took my test Jan 2012 and he was surprised at the stuff we have to do for ours nowadays. Just seems a shame that I finally passed my test and I can't use it to drive over there but I'm not 100% sure.

Yea I think u can drive as a tourist would for like X amount of days then u have to do test

[Pooky 3,809]

In NJ, you will at least have to pass the written (computer-based multiple choice) test, even if you have a UK licence. Whether you are made to take the on-road test will depend on who you get at the DMV. I was fortunate to avoid the driving test because I aced the written test and the woman there thought there would be little point.

Two things to consider, though. One, a UK licence is basically forever. Two, if you come to reside in NJ, you have, I believe, 60 days to obtain your NJ drivers' licence.

Whatever you choose, have fun driving.

[scotinmass 588]

I've wondered this myself. What if you already have a UK licence? Do you have to re-test/take lessons over in the US or can it be transferred?

You have to take the permit and road test. The UK license is not recognized here.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Hey I was looking for some advice as to what would be best (price wise and speed wise) regarding learning to drive.

I dont currently hold a driving license and live in the city so its never been an issue. Obviously when I move to the states at the end of this year (hopefully!) driving will be essential!

Is it best for me to learn how to drive now...while I am waiting on my k1 visa in the UK...or when i get to the states? I dont want to spend hundreds of £££ here learning if I just have to do another test in the states! Ill be living in the state of NJ. And from what my fiancee and I have seen so far I may need to redo the whole test process again when I get there. Anyone with any knowledge on this?

Here's what it takes to get a NJ license. http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/Licenses/AdultRoad.htm

Go through the 6 point ID tool to see what you need to present. http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/Licenses/DocumentSelector/index.htm

Most states expire your permit or license when your I-94 expires (90 days on a K1). That's all you have in writing to show you are allowed in the US. You might have to wait on EAD which has a one year expiration.

[Azsara 110]

Thanks for your advice every one. Does any one know then, how quickly id be able to take my test and start driving? Do i need to wait for my adjustment of status thingy? Whats the longest I coudl expect to not be able to drive for?

[BaBamSam 239]

Thanks for your advice every one. Does any one know then, how quickly id be able to take my test and start driving? Do i need to wait for my adjustment of status thingy? Whats the longest I coudl expect to not be able to drive for?

As soon as you have your social you are eligible to apply for your driver's permit, I believe. You definitely don't have to wait the 3+ months until you have your work permit and such.

If you are 21+, you will go to the DMV and pass a written test (multiple choice and pretty easy), pass a vision test to prove you can see, and then you'll get your examination permit, which allows you to drive with a licensed adult in the passenger seat (who is not intoxicated). After at least three months on that permit, you test for you provisional license which lets you be unsupervised while driving for a year and then you can test for your full license. (source).

It is much cheaper to learn in the US, but I believe the UK is much more difficult and, therefore, a bit better at "preparing". My fiance is going to take lessons in the UK and then get his license in California, but California is easier/faster than NJ, I believe.

[QueenOfBlades 224]

So just to confirm, having a full UK driving licence is pretty much useless once in the US?