Getting an american driving licence on a J1

Claasman

Well, title says it really. I am going on a J1 to NY in May. Hope to do a bit of driving there so i was wondering is it possible to get an american driving licence there? I already have a full irish one, its just that the american one might be handy:rolleyes: from time to time...

Mods: I also posted this in student travel so feel free to delete if necessary.

skelliser

i think and i could be wrong but a international drivers license/permit is what ya need

Stark

Afaik, you're allowed drive on your Irish license for up to a year over there.

The Real B-man

skelliser wrote: »

i think and i could be wrong but a international drivers license/permit is what ya need

Uncle of mine got this going to the states only costs like €5 well worth it some states afaik wont accept and irish licences only a international drivers permit

http://www.aaroadwatch.ie/drivingpermit/

Gregor Samsa

skelliser wrote: »

i think and i could be wrong but a international drivers license/permit is what ya need

You don't need an international drivers' permit to drive in the states if you have an English language licence. All an international drivers' permit does is provide an official translation of your licence details for officials in other countries that can't read your actual licence. You still need your actual licence with you and it it this, and not the IDP, that allows you to drive.

The OP is asking if he is allowed to apply for a US licence while over there on aJ1 - I'm sure he knows he can drive over there on his Irish licence.

OP, you could do it, but it's not a good idea if you're not staying there, because you'll have to surrender your Irish licence if you get an NY one. See this page for details:

http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/license.htm#driversfromothernations

You would only *need* an NY licence if you become an NY resident: http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/resident.htm i'm not sure if that applies to your situation or not.

Claasman

phutyle wrote: »

You don't need an international drivers' permit to drive in the states if you have an English language licence. All an international drivers' permit does is provide an official translation of your licence details for officials in other countries that can't read your actual licence.

The OP is asking if he can apply for a US licence while over there on aJ1 - I'm sure he knows he can drive over there on his Irish licence.

OP, you could do it, but it's not a good idea, because you'll have to surrender your Irish licence if you get an NY one. See this page for details:

http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/license.htm#driversfromothernations

phutyle, thanks a mill, just what i was looking for:D

ztoical

where in new york are you going? Its about the only state with decent public transport in the whole country - lived in the city for four years and never needed a car. Maybe if your way up state but otherwise its a lot of hassle.

LuckyStar

i was just thinking, imagine if it was the other way around, and an American was coming to Ireland wondering if they can get a licence within 3 months... :rolleyes:

L1011

They could get a permit and effectively drive scot free on it like everyone else

Stark

Yup

Besides, America's a different kettle of fish. In many states, the driving test is the equivalent of showing up for a go kart ride. Our test is more comprehensive and necessitates that people can actually fail it. Hence it takes more time to get through the same volume of people (not to mention the wasters who don't show up for their appointments).