What is the average time it takes to obtain a driver's license? What documents are required to obtain a driver's license in the United States? Find out the answers to these and other questions.
Obtaining a driver's license in the United States can make life a little easier for overseas students. Driving a car allows you to do things like do errands, explore your new house, and go places with friends.
In the United States, you can get a driver's license from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). Every state has its own set of regulations for obtaining a driver's license, but this guide will teach you the basics and point you in the right direction for state license information.
Your campus adviser can assist you in learning all you need to know about obtaining a driver's license. They know how to apply for a driver's license and can show you how to acquire all of the necessary information. Taking the time to speak with your advisor before applying for a US driver's license can make the process go much more smoothly.
Driving in the United States with a foreign license is possible depending on where you are from. If you are a seasoned driver, check with your advisor to see if your license is valid in the United States.
You may be eager to receive your new driver's license as soon as you arrive in the United States, but wait. Your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record must be active before you may apply for a state license as an international student. It can take up to ten days for your SEVIS status to update once you arrive in the United States. Local systems may take another two business days to update with your Active status after that.
As a result, if you seek a US driver's license too soon, you will be denied. These systems will have time to update if you wait at least two weeks.
You must demonstrate that you are an international student studying in the United States in order to obtain your non-US citizen driver's license. The following documentation should be available to you:
Contact the DMV in the state where you are studying for more information on paperwork and other requirements for a US driver's license. Many international-friendly colleges have links to their state DMV or RMV locations in the list below.
Make sure all of your important documents are consistent by double-checking them. Check out the following details:
If you find any problems or discrepancies, speak with your university counselor about how to correct them before applying for a driver's license in the United States. Inconsistent data can cause your application to be delayed. Before you apply, double-check that all of the information is right. This will save you time.
Find your local DMV station by asking your advisor or using the links in the list above. When you go to the DMV, you'll be able to:
To prevent having to wait in line for a lengthy time, try to arrive at the DMV a few minutes before they open in the morning. Some DMVs even publish wait times on their website or mobile app so you can see how busy they are on the day you plan to visit.
Remember to bring your glasses or contacts to the DMV if you wear them. You may be requested to take a vision exam as a new driver.
It's possible that you won't acquire your driver's license straight immediately if you're a first-time driver. Instead, after passing a written test, the DMV may award you a driver's license. This gives you the ability to drive with some limitations.
Review the papers accompanying your permit before beginning your driver's training in the United States to ensure that you meet all requirements. You can practise driving at a local driving school. Find one in your neighborhood by speaking with your college counselor.
What is the average time it takes to obtain a driver's license? On the day you apply, certain DMVs will grant you a temporary driver's license. After a week or two, your driver's license card should arrive in the mail, but you can drive with the temporary driver's license until then.
Finally, if you are unfamiliar with driving on the right side of the road, it may be beneficial to practise with an American friend. It will help you enhance your driving skills—as well as your friendship!
So if you have any confusion or questions regarding anything, we are here to help you. So don’t wait up, get in touch today with ITPathFinder and get answers to all your questions.