View Full Version : Drivers Licence
I've read the other posts on this subject, but I just want to be sure. I've just moved to Florida (I know this is a site about holidays, but this seems to be the only place I can get a straight answer :) ) What paperwork do I need to drive in Florida? Can I use my U.K. licence? Do I have to take a test?
chrizzy100
19-08-2003, 18:39
quote:Originally posted by mattb
I've read the other posts on this subject, but I just want to be sure. I've just moved to Florida (I know this is a site about holidays, but this seems to be the only place I can get a straight answer :) ) What paperwork do I need to drive in Florida? Can I use my U.K. licence? Do I have to take a test?
I could drive in MA for a year on my Brit licence.......then I needed my passport....a letter from SS saying I did not need a SS number to take my test....my old Brit licence....proof that I had a MA address.....
Every State has its own rules.....the best thing to do is to look up the FL DMV online....
http://www.onlinedmv.com/FL_Florida_dmv_department_of_motor_vehicles.htm
Hi Matt
I too have read various other Posts regarding the subject of Driving Licences.
In short it seems that if you are on holiday or staying in the USA under the visa waiver scheme, namley 3 months or 6 if you are lucky, the length of time it takes to get a test appointment and then get your Licence through, there seems very little piont in sitting the US Test as you will be on you way home again.
That said, if it was me and I had taken up residencey in the US on a perminant basis, just for completness, I would apply for my US Driving Licence.
One, it would mean that it is out of the way and I would have gotten all my paperwork in order and two, the US Authorities think nothing of changing the Laws at a moments notice and therefore if they suddenly say that you need a US Licence to drive, then at least you are ahead of the game.
From what I understand, the Theory Test seems somewhat basic, there is the usual Highway Code Section / Traffic Laws etc and an Eye Test, much the same as in the UK.
The "Driving" part seems to be very simple, namely driving around a car park, with a bit of parking, reversing and stopping thrown in for good measure.
If your a half decent driver I am sure that you will have no problem in getting through. :)
DMC
Chrizzy, DMC, ta muchly. Looks like I'm taking the test, then, eh? I went to the drviers licence place this morning, but the queue was insane. At 8:30 a.m! Guess I'll just pack some sarnies and settle down to wait.
chrizzy100
19-08-2003, 19:14
quote:Originally posted by mattb
Chrizzy, DMC, ta muchly. Looks like I'm taking the test, then, eh? I went to the drviers licence place this morning, but the queue was insane. At 8:30 a.m! Guess I'll just pack some sarnies and settle down to wait.
Its always mad in those places....and the people are mostly rude.....you get told one thing one time....and something else the next.....
the Theory Test is easy...but read up on it...I did look for the mock test you can do online.....but I can't find it...a few trick question get thrown in....but most of mine were about the drink diving laws..they are very hot on that up here.....good luck.....
chrizzy100
19-08-2003, 19:17
quote:Originally posted by mattb
Chrizzy, DMC, ta muchly. Looks like I'm taking the test, then, eh? I went to the drviers licence place this morning, but the queue was insane. At 8:30 a.m! Guess I'll just pack some sarnies and settle down to wait.
http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/handbooks/English/exam.html
florida4sun
20-08-2003, 16:50
I will try and give you the correct information:
The test is easy but read the book first, which can be ontained from a test center.
If you are resident you need to get the license wityhin 30 days of being in the country or your insurance is void and the police can haul you in for a spot check.
You do not need and appointment for a test, You can just turn up but its along wait. They will want to see photo id and your i-95, I think also some utility bills in your name.
Martin
quote:Originally posted by mattb
I've read the other posts on this subject, but I just want to be sure. I've just moved to Florida (I know this is a site about holidays, but this seems to be the only place I can get a straight answer :) ) What paperwork do I need to drive in Florida? Can I use my U.K. licence? Do I have to take a test?
I just became resident and just did my test. The law is that you do need to take a Florida driving license within 30 days of becoming resident. What is resident you may ask? The definition of resident is as follows.
You are resident if you live in Florida for more than 6 months, or if you register a child at a public school or accept employment ot file for a homestead exemption. I registered a child in school so had to get a license within 30 days of doing that. If you do none of the above, you have six months to take it in.
YOu take your passport and 1-94 to the test centre with a $20 fee. You dont need anything else. It took me 7 hours to do the test from beginning to end without an appointment. You can pre-book but some ( the one on Ornage Blossom Trail in Orlando eg) have a long waiting list for appointments.
chrizzy100
20-08-2003, 19:11
quote:Originally posted by esprit
I just became resident and just did my test. The law is that you do need to take a Florida driving license within 30 days of becoming resident. What is resident you may ask? The definition of resident is as follows.
You are resident if you live in Florida for more than 6 months, or if you register a child at a public school or accept employment ot file for a homestead exemption. I registered a child in school so had to get a license within 30 days of doing that. If you do none of the above, you have six months to take it in.
YOu take your passport and 1-94 to the test centre with a $20 fee. You dont need anything else. It took me 7 hours to do the test from beginning to end without an appointment. You can pre-book but some ( the one on Ornage Blossom Trail in Orlando eg) have a long waiting list for appointments.
7 hours.....wow......I like the idea better here that you can drive for a year on your Brit licence...I took the screen road test....that took about 10 mins....then I got a test booked a week later...you can just walk in...if the State Troopers there...and he's in a good mood.....he'll just take you straight out....he's a nice guy if you have all your paper work..the guy in front of me got an earful...I was told not to take my passport because it had been seen already...but he wanted it....so he give me time to go home and get it..being a very nice English lady gets you off everytime here....hehehehehe...when I got back he said.....there's no way you did that trip in that time doing the speed limit ......lol....the guys huge...real tall and about 300lbs...and I have a little Saturn coupe ..his gun got stuck on my gear stick....I think he was more that glad to get it over with quick and get out my car....he just took me round the block to make sure I drove on the right side of the road......