Englishman in New York...

September 3, 2006 12:43 PM

Does my dad need to take a driving test in New York?

My father (who like me is from the UK) has moved out to NY with his work - and is now a resident (I think). What steps does he have to take to get a NY driving license? Will he need to take a driving test again and if so, what should he expect? Any help / advice greatly appreciated!

posted by prentiz to travel & transportation (4 comments total)

If he is relocating to NY, he will have to pass a road test.

If he is staying in NY on any sort of temporary basis - even a rather long-term temporary basis - he should just keep his UK license.
posted by jellicle at 1:25 PM on September 3, 2006

If you have a driver license from any nation except Canada, you must pass a written test, complete a 5-hour pre-licensing course and pass a road test to qualify for a NYS driver license. See "New Drivers - How to Apply".

They say he only *needs* to get a NY license if he is actually a resident, otherwise his UK license will do.
posted by needs more cowbell at 1:26 PM on September 3, 2006

I just got my drivers license in New York, and previously I had a New Hampshire one. As long as your drivers license hasn't expired too long ago and you have plenty of ID (be SURE to take your social security card!! Oddly enough, a birth certificate doesn't count... but a credit card does... wha?) I didn't have to take a drivers test, just fill out the form (from 'needs more cowbell' link above) (MV-44) and take a pretty informal eye test (step back three feet please, read the top line...). The most annoying thing about it was the three hour wait at the DMV. Pretty much in and out though. Be sure to go at 9 AM, or as soon as possible to minimize wait.
posted by eatdonuts at 2:08 PM on September 3, 2006

He will need to be able to take a moderately short test to prove that he can parallel park, complete a "T" turn (at an intersection, not using a driveway), drive in a responsible manner where he doesn't exceed the speed limit, nor go too slow, notice pedestrians, school zones, all traffic signs, etc.

As most of the people above point out, he only needs to get the license if he's a permanent resident here. (I believe he'd need to be an American citizen, etc., before he'd have to worry about it.)
posted by Meep! Eek! at 11:29 PM on September 3, 2006