International Driver's License while going through AOS (merged)

[Pinkrlion 2,607]

You need to check with your car insurance policy. Although my state allows you to drive a vehicle with an international driver's license (which is a separate license from your regular driver's license from your country) for up a year. My car insurance carrier stated that they only allow for up to two months and then he would not be a covered driver, so he had to work on getting his driver's license.

[Boiler 43,394]

Which State allows new residents a year?

[lizascissors 65]

You can drive on your foreign license if the state you're in allows it. My hubs is driving on his UK license. Also, some insurance carriers will actually let you add your spouse to your insurance if they get an international driving license. (Geico does for sure, I'm not sure about other carriers). Also, you can apply for a driver's license before AOS. You don't have to be a citizen or LPR to get a license. Some states require a SS#, so you'll need that (at least NY requires it). If you aren't from Canada, you'll be treated as someone who has never had a license before (no reciprocity for foreigners, sorry guys)- this may require getting a permit or having to go through a driver's education course (again, this depends on what state you're in).

[Boiler 43,394]

Its an International Driving Permit. Just a translation.

[nobbie 105]

If you're applying for AOS and hopefully EAD/AP you'll get your combo card after 2-3 months then most states will let you take the test and the licence will be valid for the duration of the combo card, 1 year. So the easiest thing to do is take the test and be done with it.

The test here in MD is an absolute doddle. parallel park, reverse in to a parking space then a drive round the block and it's done. Written test is only 25 questions and you're allowed to get 3 wrong anyway so anyone with 1/2 a brain will pass.

[N-o-l-a 7,167]

Yes, as nobbie mentioned, you'll have to renew the license whenever your documents expire. Because we used the CR-1/I-551 stamp in the passport, the license was only good until that end date (which was one year after entry).

[YandP 6]

Thank you everyone for your inputs and advices!

Seems like I should just take the computer test now while still waiting for the EAD card and once i get it, do the road test and get a CT license.

I don't know about K-1, but my (now ex-)husband came in on a CR-1, and we were first in CT for a year before relocating. He put off getting a CT license until 6 months after he arrived, despite me reminding him that as a resident, he really needed to get one. We happened to get pulled over one night in Killingworth coming home from seeing friends (tail light out, didn't know) while he was driving on his UK license. The cops didn't cite him for it, but reminded him he absolutely needed to get one ASAP (and I had to drive home). He was worried that he was going to fail the test, despite having driven in the UK for 20 years without a single ticket... :-/

Anyway, if you're worried about the CT test, don't. It's fairly easy. I did it as an adult (I had never gotten a driving license before in the US), and I wasn't required to parallel park or do a three point turn. The only "hard" thing I had to do was back into a parking space at the end of the test. Mostly it was turn right, turn left, merge into traffic. Make sure the car you're doing it in is in good condition (all lights working, up to date insurance) and trust yourself! I did it in Hamden and it was a breeze.

thank you so much, i was indeed a bit worried about how complicated it is to take the test in CT I feel much better now

[YandP 6]

I just wanted to write an update if anyone ever is having the same question

DMV got back to me with this e-mail-reply:

you are able to drive in Ct with your IDP and out of country license for a period of 1 year

Just to clarify ( because I e-mailed them one more time ) IDP is the driver's license issued by your country with English translation.

[Boiler 43,394]

Non residents can in most if not all States.

Residents are different, some States are more generous than others but none give you a year.

[asisflyer 47]

K-1 is a Non-Immigrant Entry It seems easier to argue that a Non-Immigrant Visa is visiting and on an International Driving License during AOS

CR-1 is an Immigrant Entry - This seemed more blatant as its immigrant visa.... but if you were a few months off the plane, it would be easier to argue.

This will likely come down to Officer Discretion since they will not likely be versed in the immigration standards nor the domiciliary/residence standards of the

given state in all likelihood.

What is definition of "visitor" in the CT statute? What is definition of "residency" in CT.

Many states have their own definition of residency also -- and deemed residency ( some argue that residing for 90 days is resident )

Some states say when you work there.. Others when you stay N# of months . Some its domicile linked.

[Boiler 43,394]

Nothing to do with Immigration which is a Federal issue, this is about driving, a State issue.

[asisflyer 47]

Nothing to do with Immigration which is a Federal issue, this is about driving, a State issue.

Correct - A State issue - adjudication of which by state agencies and respective LEO staff may rely on definitions of residency, domicile, and intent for which the immigration status may have evidentiary value.

did you just want to argue?

[VOL 425]

Texas they seem to only care if you have insurance on the vehicle.

Driver Licenses they will overlook most of the time......