Driver's License Question

[hhuberla]

Hi,

Is a UK driver's license valid in the US? If not, will I need to retake a test or can a license be 'converted'?

If this is state dependant then I'm interested in Illinois in particular.

Thanks (again)
H

[twostep]

Services for Motorists

[Bevdeforges]

Originally Posted by twostep

Services for Motorists

The site is a bit of a maze - takes a few clicks to get the information you want. Just for convenience, I'll quote one section of the Illinois site that seems to be relevant to the discussion:

>>Drivers moving to Illinois may use their valid driver's license from their home state or country for 90 days. You may obtain an Illinois driver's license or identification card only if you are becoming a legal resident of Illinois. If you have a valid driver's license from another state or country, you may use it to drive in Illinois throughout your stay (if you do not plan to become a permanent resident of this state). Illinois does not recognize the international driver's license.<<

Cheers,
Bev

[hhuberla]

Originally Posted by Bevdeforges

The site is a bit of a maze - takes a few clicks to get the information you want. Just for convenience, I'll quote one section of the Illinois site that seems to be relevant to the discussion:

>>Drivers moving to Illinois may use their valid driver's license from their home state or country for 90 days. You may obtain an Illinois driver's license or identification card only if you are becoming a legal resident of Illinois. If you have a valid driver's license from another state or country, you may use it to drive in Illinois throughout your stay (if you do not plan to become a permanent resident of this state). Illinois does not recognize the international driver's license.<<

Thanks Bev! I clicked around the maze a bit and learned a lot but didn't see this. I have my answer I think.

I take it I will probably have to retake my driving test (daunting!). Does anyone know how difficult this is compared to UK standards?

Hans

[Bevdeforges]

Originally Posted by hhuberla

Thanks Bev! I clicked around the maze a bit and learned a lot but didn't see this. I have my answer I think.

I take it I will probably have to retake my driving test (daunting!). Does anyone know how difficult this is compared to UK standards?

Hans

Unless things have changed dramatically, the written exams in the US are much, much easier than anything in the UK or much of Europe. The driving exams are pretty basic - but it pays to study up a bit on what the tricky bits are. (Ask any high school kid taking driver's education in school - they have all the latest on the driving test!)

Usually in the US, you can go into the Department of Motor Vehicles and get a booklet for free that sums up all the rules of the road you'll need to know for both the written and driving test. No need to go through a driving school.
Cheers,
Bev

[twostep]

Go through the questions for the written test particullarly the off ones concerning alcohol/drug use. The driving test is common sense - school bus/rail crossing/parking ... Make sure to make a show of checking mirrors when changing lanes, being very cautious.
Personally I came to my first driving test with a pick up truck with 52 inch mudders and refused to parallel (how many lls?) with the question on whose insurance will pay. No problem. I still cannot park a truck:>)