Drivers License

[Robert5988]

When I investigated buying a car recently, the insurance company told me that it was now mandatory for a Florida driving licence to be held before they could issue insurance.

I have friends staying with me at the moment who are driving for the first time in the USA. Whilst they agree that driving is generally more pleasant they are appalled at the tailgating that goes on in all lanes and at all speeds. I suppose it stems from the fact that if you leave more than a couple of car lengths gap you will be 'undertaken' and 'cut up'.

[flyrr100]

Guys. Don't sweat the Florida driving test. In fact, don't sweat any US driving test.
It's a little more involved than driving around a parking lot. But it's still a doddle.
You will need a Florida license if you plan to insure a car here. Also a Florida license comes in handy as general ID. Many forms you'll be filling out will ask for two forms of ID. A passport will be ok for one but most places will like to see some form of US ID. Also, when you get speeding tickets the points will need to be put somewhere!

[Ray9]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Robert5988
When I investigated buying a car recently, the insurance company told me that it was now mandatory for a Florida driving licence to be held before they could issue insurance.
[/quote]Not true... but there are less companies that will take on a non US licenced driver than there ws a few years back ..Progressive Ins .. still will..at a price..

[Robert5988]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:quote:
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Originally posted by Robert5988
When I investigated buying a car recently, the insurance company told me that it was now mandatory for a Florida driving licence to be held before they could issue insurance.

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Not true... but there are less companies that will take on a non US licenced driver than there ws a few years back ..Progressive Ins .. still will..at a price..[/quote]
Ray9,
Well firstly it is true that the agent told me it was mandatory!

However after your(quoted) post I rang Progressive Insurance(1-800-274-4499) and 2 other auto insurance brokers. They all came up with the same information; that it is possible to issue insurance but it is mandatory to get a Florida driving license within 30 days.

This ties in with the posts Blott and Florida4sun made earlier in this thread.

[flyrr100]

If I remember correctly, when you go to tag and title your car the folks at the title agency will require a local licence and proof of insurance to issue a registration.

[Frosty]

Ok so everybody agrees its easy to pass, but how do you go about applying?

Do you just turn up at the test centre or do you have to book an appointment?

How long does it take to get your turn?

How long are the licenses issued for?

Neil

[blott]

You can either just turn up and wait your turn or book an appointment.

It depends on how many people there are waiting - could be an hour to six hours. Trick is apparently to turn up early before it opens.

Your Florida driving licence will be mailed to your US address within 30 days and is valid for the length of time remaining on your visa so that both run out at the same time.

When you go the next time, you have to renew it (but not take another test) and the same procedure applies, ie mailed within 30 days and valid for the length of time remaining on your visa.

[esprit]

Appointments for tests are running weeks ahead, four at least. The quickest way is as a walk in, queue up at 7 am with the huddles masses, big queues and it takes a while but you can take theory then practical and walk out with a license. I think I started at 7 am and had a license by 3 pm. You have to take your passport and I-94 with you plus proof of insurance for the car.

[Ray9]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:[i They all came up with the same information; that it is possible to issue insurance but it is mandatory to get a Florida driving license within 30 days.[/quote]
This is true if you are Resident ..but not if you are a non-resident ..I have car dealer friends that come over for a few days a 3 or 4 times a year.... none have a florida licence .... and carry the insurance all year round from progressive...and have done for years ...My wife has been an Insurance agent for 20+ years here..
She know a bit about it .. Me!! I just pay the bill....

[Frosty]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:You have to take your passport and I-94 with you plus proof of insurance for the car.[/quote]

Julie,
i assume that the rental agreement would be sufficient as proof of insurance, otherwise you would be stuck in a circle:-
- need licence for insurance - need insurance for licence.......

Neil