Can driving, ""Get me into trouble?"" (Am on 2 yr. GC now)

[raven52 233]

I have had my 2 year GC for a few months now, and I have a good job. I also, have my 6 month driver's license, and have become a good driver. In South Carolina, a drivers permit like this requires, that a licensed driver be with me. Sometimes I drive to work ""BY MYSELF"" and have no provlems. IF I was stopped in a "road check" what kind of problems would I have, as far as my 2 year GC, which I already have, and with the state of South Carolina, as I only need a couple of months until I can take my "perminet" drivers exam. Any comments appreciated!

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Uh, you are driving without a license. That is kind of a big deal.

[raven52 233]

Harpa,

I have my 6 month drivers permit, and passed that test, but sometimes I drive to work by myself, but supposed to have alicensed driver until I pass my final test after 6 months, (about 2 months from now) I value your opinion, as I have read many of your posts, and value your opinion!

[MacUK 983]

Harpa,

I have my 6 month drivers permit, and passed that test, but sometimes I drive to work by myself, but supposed to have alicensed driver until I pass my final test after 6 months, (about 2 months from now) I value your opinion, as I have read many of your posts, and value your opinion!

If the law says you need to have a licenced driver with you and you go out driving alone then that is breaking the law.

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

If stopped, then yes you would be in trouble for driving without a licensed driver present. You would have to check the Cali laws to find out what the exact penalties would be.

~ Moved from K-1 Process to Moving Here and Your New Life in America - topic not about the K-1 process ~

[raven52 233]

I realize I would have a "bad" problem with the state of South Carolina, but would it bother me being on my 2 year Green Card, in other words, would I be in trouble with USCIS???????????????

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

No. No need to mention traffic violations on the I-751 for ROC. You do have to disclose them on the N-400 if you file for citizenship, but a traffic citation will not stop you from being approved for naturalization.

Since you are asking about an immigration aspect, I am going to go ahead and move this post once more.

~ Moved from Moving Here and Your New Life in America to General Immigration-Related Discussion ~

[carton025 38]

If you get stopped, you will get a ticked for driving without a driver's license, your car may be towed and that will create more expenses. I hope you have car insurance because if not that will be another ticket. You are running a big risk. A cop will tell you that there are alot of people out there driving without a license, we are in no hurry eventually we will catch them.

Best of luck!

[SusieQQQ 11,586]

Out of interest, I know in my country of origin, if you are involved in an accident while driving like this (1) you are automatically presumed at fault as you are (effectively) unlicensed (2) for the same reason, insurance will usually refuse to pay. Does it work like this in the US too?

[raven52 233]

No, the "car" is insured, and we ae not of meager economic means, it is a problem to have someone avaliable to ride to work with her, every day, most days are covered, with a driver, just not all, have great insurance, no problem and you are wrong about the """"IF""" accident situation, at least in this state. The ""CAR"" is insured!

[SusieQQQ 11,586]

No, the "car" is insured, and we ae not of meager economic means, it is a problem to have someone avaliable to ride to work with her, every day, most days are covered, with a driver, just not all, have great insurance, no problem and you are wrong about the """"IF""" accident situation, at least in this state. The ""CAR"" is insured!

Take a chill pill dude, I wasn't "wrong" because I made no statement, I asked a question... In all countries I am aware of it is always the "car" that is insured, but in some the car only remains insured if it is driven by a licensed driver, so lucky for you this apparently isn't the case in your state. Odd that the insurance company takes that risk but I'm sure their actuaries know what they're doing. Fwiw in CA my cousin had to check that his insurance allowed us to drive his car on a foreign license - it did - but we still needed a valid license for the CAR to remain insured while we were driving it.

The reason I asked is worse case would be - and you didn't actually answer the question on this bit - if unlicensed driver is automatically assumed at fault and an accident results in a death, then it is no longer just a traffic offence.

[Gwapo1ako 14]

Yea, def ILLEGAL to be driving by yourself if you have a permit or non-permanent drivers license. If you get caught, then you get a ticket and your insurance costs will be much higher, that's IF the insurance even decides to take you or continue to take you.

Have someone drive you to work on those days OR take something called public transportation (bus) OR get a taxi

You said you are not of meager economic means, so it would be better that on those days, utilize those options.

[jan22 3,056]

At the risk of being blasted like a previous poster was, I strongly suggest you speak to your insurance company. I have two family members in the insurance field and they have always said that car insurance is only valid when the car is being driven by a licensed driver. She may have passed all the tests, but is still under a kind-of probationary period that requires a licensed driver to be with her in order for her to legally drive. Therefore, she is not by insurance standards alicensed driver.

There could be serious implications for your legal status if you were involved in an accident that was determined to be your fault if there was significant property damage and/or injuries, since you are knowingly and willfully breaking the law by driving without a license. Not to appear preachy -- but is it worth the risk?

Edited February 8, 2014 by jan22

[Pinkrlion 2,724]

Driving without a license can mean an arrest with a fine and jail time. That will be a question on your application, have you ever been arrested. Also, If you violate the permit rules, they will deny you a driver's license. Depending on state laws, driving without a license, also means driving without insurance which can Lead up to felony charges.

Edited February 8, 2014 by Pinkrlion

[Pinkrlion 2,724]

No, the "car" is insured, and we ae not of meager economic means, it is a problem to have someone avaliable to ride to work with her, every day, most days are covered, with a driver, just not all, have great insurance, no problem and you are wrong about the """"IF""" accident situation, at least in this state. The ""CAR"" is insured!

The car maybe insured, but not with you as the driver, and the insurance company will not pay the claim, as you were driving illegally.