Drivers License in the US

[*Snowdrop* 604]

Yes, every state is different but all require you to pass a writen exam for a leaner's permit and then the actual driving test

Study the state manual online (even from Germany now), take several practice exama and Good luck

That's not actually true. In some states you can simply exchange your foreign driver's licence for the state one without taking the written exam or the road test. It only applies to certain countries and is different for each state.

As the OP is from Germany she is very lucky to be moving to Virginia because if she gains her German driving licence before arriving she will not have to take the road test there but will simply exchange her German card for the Virginia one.

[MeekMeek 3]

I just took my computerized test 2 months ago..25 multiple choice questions...very easy, even without studying.

After that they made me keep a permit for 30 days to get some driving practice.

Last week I passed my road test..it took a total of 5 minutes. The guy from the DMV made me drive around the block once,

checked if I can park the car properly and if I can drive backwards parallel to the curb without hitting it and made me do a

3-point turn.

It all cost me under $50, unfortunately Rhode Island is a state that doesn't let you transfer a german lisence into an american

one.

[NikLR 13,232]

Yes, every state is different but all require you to pass a writen exam for a leaner's permit and then the actual driving test

Study the state manual online (even from Germany now), take several practice exama and Good luck

No they don't. If you have a driver's license in certain countries, some states allow you to just exchange the license, as if it was from another state without any tests or exams. If you're starting from scratch you are correct but not correct you already have a license. It varies by state. Edited December 2, 2015 by NLR

[kattaklizm 11]

Don't worry about driving here in America. Here they don't have driving schools as in Germany. As soon as you get here and receive your state/federal issued ID you are good to obtain learner's permit. This permit allow you to practice with your husband while he is assisting you and sitting next to you in the car.

No worries, German driving schools are the toughest.

Edited December 3, 2015 by kattaklizm

[military-wife 9]

I am in Virginia and I asked if they can transfer my Canadian license to an American one and they can absolutely do it!

the first time I did my road test in Canada I was really nervous and failed it. Don't be too hard on yourself, it can happen to anyone. Then I did it again and aced it. I even parallel parked during my exam. The exam was probably 15 minutes or less.

At the DMV close to my place, they require that you have a SSN, so you might need that as well as your work permit.

Edited December 3, 2015 by military-wife

[mrandmrsBRS 116]

thanks everyone for your replies.

Now I am pretty sure to start all over again in america.

It doesn't really make sense to spend another 300, maybe 400 € and maybe fail again.

Since it is a lot cheaper in america it won't hurt to fail lol

[nobbie 105]

Don't worry about all this exchange stuff, wait until you get to the US, the test is so easy it's ridiculous, you can do it in an automatic so you don't even need to use gears and a clutch, and it's cheap. My written test (multiple choice on a PC), road test and getting my licence valid 1 year due to my EAD was $9. When I renewed it for a 5 yr licence it was $45.

You don't even have to worry about driving on the "wrong" side of the road so it'll be easy for you.

You will however have to worry about American drivers, they're terrible.

[DJ6372 111]

Ok so I passed my CA driving test yesterday

Drove round the block twice, reversed down a street for about 10ft, didn't kill anyone................passed

Yes its that easy, and I'm a Brit used to driving on the CORRECT side of the road and the CORRECT side of the car lol

​

[military-wife 9]

Road test in the U.S. are known to be really easy. My sister even told me that in her state (Louisiana) they didn't even ask her to parallel park. In Canada, they fail you if you can't do it properly.

[PingandPong 3]

Hey,

I have a question.

I just failed my road test and I am very devastated.

Now, that I am running out of time, I won't be able to get my drivers license here in Germany.

How do I get my drivers license in america? And what do I need?

Do I have to go to a driving school like here in Germany?

Or can my husband practice with me a couple times and then take the test?

TIA

As others have said, every state is a little different. I got my German license a couple of decades ago. Now in Texas I made my US license from scratch. No problem. One ~100 page book which I learned in one day, a written test and driving with an officer around the block. That's it. Much easier and cheaper than to do it in Germany. So it's really a no brainer: Do it here in the US instead of doing it in Germany with a conversion. The funny thing is: With the US license you can also drive in Germany/Europe if you're on vacation there.

[military-wife 9]

I'm going on Monday to get my Canadian license transferred to an American one. I will let you guys know how it went.

[mrandmrsBRS 116]

As others have said, every state is a little different. I got my German license a couple of decades ago. Now in Texas I made my US license from scratch. No problem. One ~100 page book which I learned in one day, a written test and driving with an officer around the block. That's it. Much easier and cheaper than to do it in Germany. So it's really a no brainer: Do it here in the US instead of doing it in Germany with a conversion. The funny thing is: With the US license you can also drive in Germany/Europe if you're on vacation there.

thank you =) that is exactly what I am going to do.

Schönen Nikolaus übrigens

I'm going on Monday to get my Canadian license transferred to an American one. I will let you guys know how it went.

good luck

[PingandPong 3]

thank you =) that is exactly what I am going to do.

Schönen Nikolaus übrigens

You're welcome, thanks and schoene Weihnachten und viel Erfolg!

[falcngrl 3]

FYI for anyone coming to Louisiana - only German and one other country (Sweden or a Switzerland I forget) are automatically approved for a license. Everyone else over 18 must pay for driving school (6 hours and written test PLUS 8 hours driving and road test). It costs about $450 for school and tests, then you go get your license. However, many of the schools want your SSN first. Mine let me start with the letter showing I'd applied but wouldn't let me do the road test until I had the number.

[military-wife 9]

In Virginia, Canadian, French, German and South Korean licenses are accepted and transferred (I heard the lady say it to her coworker).

I went to the DMV here in Virginia last Monday and I got it transferred to an American license in about 15 minutes. She took my picture and gave me a "temporary license" paper to drive until I get the actual card.

Total cost in VA is 20$ to transfer. She said I should receive it within 7 days.