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Sunday, July 05, 2009

I already have a driver license from another country. What will I have to do to get my driver license in the US?

Kisha from California and/or Florida asks: I already have a drivers license from another country. im married here now. i was authorised from the immigration society that i can go get my drivers license. my question is what do i need to do. do i have to do the dmv test, behind the wheel test, or just the vision and hearing test? i need to know that i can be prepared please help.

Jonny Driving School It will depend on what state you are talking about. In California, the quick answer is YES, you will be required to take the written test, the behind the wheel test, and the vision test. Here's a list of what the CA DMV requires (as listed on their website) for your driver's license:

IN CALIFORNIA, to apply for an original driver license if you are over 18, you will need to do the following:

  • Complete application form DL 44 (An original DL 44 form must be submitted. Copies will not be accepted.)
  • Give a thumb print
  • Have your picture taken
  • Provide your social security number. It will be verified with the Social Security Administration while you are in the office.
  • Verify your birth date and legal presence If your current name no longer matches the name on your birth data/legal presence document, see "True Full Name" and "How to Change Your Name" for more information.
  • Provide your true full name
  • Pay the application fee
  • Pass a vision exam
  • Pass a traffic laws and sign test. There are 36 questions on the test. You have three chances to pass.
  • If you have a license from another country, you will be required to take a driving test. If you have a license from another state, the driving test can be waived.
  • Make a driving test Appointment(s) . (Driving tests are not given without an appointment.) You may also call 1-800-777-0133 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, to make a driving test appointment.
  • Provide proof of financial responsibility

    • IN FLORIDA, it looks like if you have a valid license from your home country, you need to bring:

    Age 18 or Older

  • Non-United States Citizen proof of identity.
  • Proof of Social Security number, if issued Chapter 322, Florida Statutes, requires the Department to collect social security numbers for the issuance of driver license and identification cards.
  • Proof of residential address
  • Proof of completion of a Traffic Law & Substance Abuse Education Course OR license from another state, country, or jurisdiction.

    • I also found:

    Note: A new resident exchanging a valid out-of-state license for a Florida license will be required to pass the vision and hearing tests only.

    I would recommend visiting http://www.flhsmv.gov/ddl/geninfo.html#d for full details, as there is a lot of information to consider. But from what I understand, if you are a new resident, you should only have to pass the vision and hearing test if you already have a valid, non-expired license from another state or country.

    At the end of the day, it looks like you have a very complicated situation. Everything I see on the FL website says you need a SSN to get a license in Florida. I would strongly advise you contact the FL DMV to get a definitive answer to your question - they have an online contact form at: http://www.flhsmv.gov/html/contact.html

    Good luck, sorry I couldn't get you the exact answer you were seeking.

    Hope that helps, thanks!

    Jonny Driving School
    DrivingSchoolProgram.com

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    Posted by at 11:00 AM
    Categories: DMV, Drivers License, General Driving Questions