Just thought I'd share my frustration here and perhaps save a few of you from wasting time at the NY DMV.
I previously had a valid NJ driver license for operating cars and motorcycles.
Typically, one can exchange a valid out of state license for an NY license provided that all ID requirements are met and the fees are paid.
However, if the out of state license contains the wording "temporary" (which my NJ license indicates "TEMPORARY INS VISA STATUS"), then the NY DMV will not allow it to be exchanged. Consequently, one must obtain a NY license as if one has never had a driver license, i.e. take the written, obtain a lerner's permit, take a 5 hour course, and pass a road test. Of course, since it is illegal to have concurrent driver licenses from different states, the out of state license must be surrendered to obtain the lerner's permit.
Shouldn't someone who is qualified and licensed to drive to drive in another state be just as qualified to drive in NY, regardless of their immigration status? In other words, is someone less abled or qualified to operate a vehicle because he/she is a non-resident?
I have been driving since I was 15, and had my motorcycle license since I was 18; and all of my driving experience including tests were done in the US. I just cannot see any benefits/added security to making someone retake the tests/courses. In addition to the typical DMV aggrevations, I estimate that it will cost approximately $200 to get my driver license (approximately $46 for the lerner's permit, written test, $40 for the course, and $120 for the road test). It will also waste about 12 hours of my time (waiting at DMV, 5 hours course, waiting for road test). If I want to get my motorcycle endorsement again, it will cost another $400 for DMV fees and a rider's course, plus additional time.
I have a perfect driving record, and I already went through all the troubles once when I was younger... I simply don't understand why all of this is necessary.
I previously had a valid NJ driver license for operating cars and motorcycles.
Typically, one can exchange a valid out of state license for an NY license provided that all ID requirements are met and the fees are paid.
However, if the out of state license contains the wording "temporary" (which my NJ license indicates "TEMPORARY INS VISA STATUS"), then the NY DMV will not allow it to be exchanged. Consequently, one must obtain a NY license as if one has never had a driver license, i.e. take the written, obtain a lerner's permit, take a 5 hour course, and pass a road test. Of course, since it is illegal to have concurrent driver licenses from different states, the out of state license must be surrendered to obtain the lerner's permit.
Shouldn't someone who is qualified and licensed to drive to drive in another state be just as qualified to drive in NY, regardless of their immigration status? In other words, is someone less abled or qualified to operate a vehicle because he/she is a non-resident?
I have been driving since I was 15, and had my motorcycle license since I was 18; and all of my driving experience including tests were done in the US. I just cannot see any benefits/added security to making someone retake the tests/courses. In addition to the typical DMV aggrevations, I estimate that it will cost approximately $200 to get my driver license (approximately $46 for the lerner's permit, written test, $40 for the course, and $120 for the road test). It will also waste about 12 hours of my time (waiting at DMV, 5 hours course, waiting for road test). If I want to get my motorcycle endorsement again, it will cost another $400 for DMV fees and a rider's course, plus additional time.
I have a perfect driving record, and I already went through all the troubles once when I was younger... I simply don't understand why all of this is necessary.