US driver licenses, couple questions

[GotPR?]

But if taking the driving test is required (i.e. if they wont allow you to skip the test based on your foreign license), it can be a hassle, because most DMV's don't allow you to use a rental car. So you have to pay money to a driving school for the use of their car and an instructor for the test, or get a friend's car (which is also difficult in New York so many New Yorkers don't have a car, or they only have it insured for themself to drive)..

Exactly. When I came to the US 10 years ago, I took the rental car to DMV for drive test and a lady at DMV said I had to check with rental car company. I called rental car company and was told they wouldn't allow me to take drive test.

Possible scenario is buying a car with international driver's license(Insurance puts you in some contract like you have to get state license within a month or so) and take it to DMV for drive test.

 

[Hannah7]

I don't know about other people, but if I were you, I would just simply get the driver's license. It works as a license as well as an identification, but that's just my personal opinion.

Good luck.


Stoned!

Driver license would be better, but as Jackolantern mentioned, it usually takes 30 days. I'm leaving back to Europe at the end of the next week.

 

[Jackolantern]

Driver license would be better, but as Jackolantern mentioned, it usually takes 30 days. I'm leaving back to Europe at the end of the next week.

I don't know if it takes 30 days in New York. And if a DL takes 30 days due to immigration verification, the state ID could also take 30 days. But the state ID obviously won't need a test, so there won't be the need to schedule a test appointment (which may have to be done weeks in advance). Contact them or look up their web site to find out.

If their procedure is to mail it to you in 30 days, you can have somebody clear your mailbox for you if you are outside the US when it arrives.

 

[StonedAnt]

Driver license would be better, but as Jackolantern mentioned, it usually takes 30 days. I'm leaving back to Europe at the end of the next week..

As I said, that is something what I would do so it is again a personal preference. It is true that most residents in NYC do not drive, but I found to have a license very useful in many situations including a few emergencies and when travelling out of state.


Stoned!

 

[Jackolantern]

As I said, that is something what I would do so it is again a personal preference. It is true that most residents in NYC do not drive, but I found to have a license very useful in many situations including a few emergencies and when travelling out of state.

Of course it is useful if you have it. The question is whether it is worth the hassle at this time for a newcomer to the US and NYC. The question is not about whether to ever get a license or not, it is about whether to get a license now vs. later after properly settling in. Hannah7 plans to travel outside the US for several months and may end up settling in another state after returning to the US.

 

[Hannah7]

Of course it is useful if you have it. The question is whether it is worth the hassle at this time for a newcomer to the US and NYC. The question is not about whether to ever get a license or not, it is about whether to get a license now vs. later after properly settling in. Hannah7 plans to travel outside the US for several months and may end up settling in another state after returning to the US.

thanks for responses

Yes, actually travel for 6-9 months, so keep fingers crossed As I don't have a time to get reentry permit, I'm just trying to open bank account and get the non-driver ID. Also I am keeping my New York city address until the next arrival at least.

I hope I will not have problem with these basic documents in hand plus some proof paper of final accomplishment from my current university.

I think, for the first time after returning here to the US I can use international dr license, can't I ?

What do you say?