When UK spouse moves to the USA driving licence question

Would my wife have to re do her driving licence immediately if she moved to the USA or can she drive on her UK licence for a year or so?

She is worried if we ever moved back she would be lost without her driving licence and she said she did not think she would pass if she took it in the states even though I think she drives really well over there.

Sorry I dont know but I will say this, tell your wife she has nothing to worry about because passing your driving test in the US is the easiest thing EVER compared to taking it in the UK!  I drove around a track for 10 minutes!  Try looking at the DMV site for the state you're moving to. That should tell you what you need to know.

Thankyou we will, it will be awhile before we move back I think but we will look and see.

Thanks again

It'll depend on the state where you're living.  Most have rules saying that new residents must obtain a state license within 30-60 days.

My wife is going to have heart failure.

My wife drives well over there but she only feels confident if I am in the vehicle with her she wont drive anywhere other than local shops.

If we went on holiday could she do a driving test there? or do you have to live there before you can I am thinking that she could have a practice run first and if she passed then she is set if she failed then at least she can try again.

She is a very experienced driver anyway, but she did not have to do the written test in the UK she passed way before it came in and I think that is what bothers her most about a test in the USA.

If we went on holiday could she do a driving test there? or do you have to live there before you can I am thinking that she could have a practice run first and if she passed then she is set if she failed then at least she can try again.

She needs to prove residency when applying for a license.  I can only speak for NC, but the requirements there are to show a social security card or evidence of contact with the SSA, evidence of residency in the state, and evidence of insurance (I think this only applies for first-time applicants).

I took my test in MD and it was a piece of p!ss, even the 'written' test was easy. The driving test itself was on a closed course.

As Lola said she will need to show various pieces of evidence to prove that she is eligible to take the test - proof of residency is the most important.

Details for eligibility should be found on the relevant state's DMV site.

Thanks that sounds great and thanks again we will look at the site not that we will be going soon I am going for my ILR shortly so as long as I get that we will be here for a while, especially as I can not find out about health care for me over there I got medicare/medicad before I moved here now I can't seem to get any info on if I would be entitled to it again. I would never move back without it due to my disability it would cost a fortune without insurance for me to get treatment if I ever required it and that would not be fair on everyone else.

What's with all the closed course driving test in the US??  They take you into traffic in Virginia for about 10 minutes around the DMV.  It's easy either way.  Just remember to check your mirrors, belts, etc.

What's with all the closed course driving test in the US?? 

I wondered that as well - it doesn't reflect real driving situations at all apart from maybe the ability to crawl around a car park!

At least when I took my test in Cyprus they let you out on the road for it!!

Do what many of us moving from US to UK have done - take driving lessons.  It's nice to have someone else in the car with you who could also brake if necessary.  And then study the booklet for the written test - it's by far easier than the one in the UK (at least in PA & NJ - had to do it in both states)!

Do what many of us moving from US to UK have done - take driving lessons.  It's nice to have someone else in the car with you who could also brake if necessary.  And then study the booklet for the written test - it's by far easier than the one in the UK (at least in PA & NJ - had to do it in both states)!

My dad used the emergency brake when teaching me eons ago.  When my wife moved over from the UK I just took her in my car and practiced.  She didn't drive much in the UK and didn't even get her UK drivers license.  Instructors are not really needed but if you've got money it can only help.  Almost anyone can pass in the US first time!

Most states also have online practice tests for the written portion on the state DMV web sites.

I have been a member of britishexpats.com for years, and found that website very helpful. We plan on moving back to the US, and it helps to get a general idea about possible aggravations/difficulties my husband may face.

She can create an account, go into the USA section and ask her state specific license question and hopefully a Brit in that particular state will chime in. Also, if you're planning on moving within a year, you can gradually build up familiar contacts for her in the area.

A while ago I read there some states "force" you to relinquish your UK license for an American one. The general rule is you're not supposed to carry more than two state licenses, but the DMV isn't prepared to deal with an international license situation.

Please clarify on BE, but the usual suggestion when asked if you're already a license holder is to just say no.

HTH

Laura

Perhaps it was because I was 15 but I honestly didn't think the written and practical tests were a 'piece of cake' in California. There was none of this closed test course business. You were out on the road with real drivers and it was for more than 10 minutes because there were skills you had to show. People do fail the first time too.

I think it is hard to generalize because states and their test centers can be vastly different depending on the population of the area.

If I had to do it again, I'd say the book work is most important if you already have driving experience.