moving on k1 and drivers license..

[jptl85 25]

hi all,

i hope you are all doing well! so, i moved over on a K1 on the 16th June, and just wanted to share my experience with you all of getting a drivers license..

Obtaining a drivers license

i moved to VA, so i can only speak for this DMV, however the lady at the DMV said she thinks it is fairly similar all around the country. Again, i can't say for sure! To obtain a license here you need a social security number, proof of address (Bank statement / utility) and your passport with visa. If you have a UK driving license take the photo card and counterpart with you too. The way it works is, if you have a foreign driving license, you do not need to hold a learners permit, and you can get a drivers license straight away - however you need to take the theory and practical tests again.

I went to the DMV on the 2nd July at 12pm. By 2.30pm, i had a drivers license. Fill out the forms, show them the relevant documents and then take the theory test, and if you pass you will take the road test (in your own car).

The only catch is, the license will expire on the same day as your i-94 in your passport. However, i believe you can use the receipt (NOA) for your i-485 to extend for up to one year once you get that. Then when you get your GC you go back and extend it again!

the reason i post this, is this is one of the things i was most worried about when i moved, and wanted to assist others (especially anyone moving to VA)!

hope this helps!!

Jay

[Boiler 45,956]

Very different in Colorado, you need EAD and have to do the test.

Every State is different.

[kzielu 1,149]

The only catch is, the license will expire on the same day as your i-94 in your passport. However, i believe you can use the receipt (NOA) for your i-485 to extend for up to one year once you get that. Then when you get your GC you go back and extend it again!

Pretty sure receipt isn't going to extend anything - you will at least need an EAD, since the receipt means nothing more than USCIS received your package.

[Anna&Adam 0]

I believe (and will find out for sure when I go to the DMV tomorrow) in Cali you MUST have the EAD and, for all the people changing their maiden name, have updated your name at the SSA for the name you intend to have on your ID/License.

A foreign driver's license means nothing here (except a Canadian one). You have to sit a written test for a permit, and a driving test for the actual license. Plus I'm pretty sure you'll have to do the test on another day. Booking an appointment takes a while at my local DMV.

[tnl30 0]

Every state is different, here at Iowa you must have your EAD or GC,SS, and prof of residence, drivers license from another country except Canada are accepted.

[agrabs 241]

Need at least EAD in Missouri as well. Actually, you can go to the DMV and pay to take the test and if you pass the DMV will issue you a temporary paper one to use until your license is issued, only instead of getting your license in the mail you will get a letter from the state saying that there is not enough time left before the 194 expires to issue your license so it has been denied. You will then have to pay to re-take the test when you have your EAD in hand.

[rjm_cmyk 75]

I think you may find there is a general rule that they will only give a drivers licence for the duration of your current immigration status.

I-94 - here in Cali must have 60 days to run or you won't get one.

PGC - suspect but haven't checked that it will be two years

When I got my permit (not licence) last week they said I could drive on my UK licence but only with a US driver in the car with me. Mind you this morning they told me I could get an International Driver's permit from AAA. My driving test is next week so won't bother.

Talking of which - those of you who have had your test - did you still need to take along a licensed driver with you - even though you still have a full UK licence ?

Edited July 8, 2014 by rjm_cmyk

[Boiler 45,956]

I went by myself.

YMMV

[nobbie 105]

I went on my own, test is a joke, round the block and back in 10 mins, that was it. No reversing round a corner, no emergency stop, no 3 point turn no hill start. Bloke said they make it short in order to get the required number though, explains a lot about american drivers, standards are very low.

[rjm_cmyk 75]

What I find most scary about US drivers is their age. They don't appear to be old enough to take their cycling proficiency test and need a booster seat but they have a two ton SUV

[jptl85 25]

Pretty sure receipt isn't going to extend anything - you will at least need an EAD, since the receipt means nothing more than USCIS received your package.

pretty sure my receipt just extended my drivers license for a year.. works in VA they don't accept EAD but will provide a new temporary license for one year based on pending AoS when you show receipt..

Edited August 20, 2014 by jptl85

[nobbie 105]

In MD, as a foreigner you have to take (before anything else) a 3 hours drug and alcohol course which is a right laugh considering how people in the US treat drinking and driving.

[Kiwinyc 62]

Here in TX you need EAD. I drove for the 5 mths it took to receive that on my UK license and then too the (pitifully easy) test(s). I was covered by my husbands car insurance before and after getting the TX license. (In TX the car is insured if the driver has been given permission by the owner to drive it, doesn't matter what license you have.)