USA Driving License?

Question

I am English and have been working in Colorado for a while now and haven't yet gained a USA driving license. I want to buy a car....... but have no clue how to gain a license?

I went to the local DMV but they were no help at all?

My questions are: Can I just apply for a licence and gain one? Do I need to take a test? What are the proceedures?

I am on a J1 Visa and working as a teacher.

Thank you very much for any help received

Mike

Answer 1

Requirements for a New Colorado Driver License

* Two forms of identification from Colorado's acceptable document list including:

* Birth certificate―certified county, state, or U.S. abroad versions

* Out-of-state driver license

* Valid passport

* Resident Alien Card

* Valid foreign passport with immigration visa

* Naturalization certificate

* Tribal identification card

* Social Security number; this does not have to appear on the actual license

* Provide a Colorado address

* Passing of the written and driving test

* Passing of vision test with at least 20/40

* Passing of the physical fitness quotient as determined by the license officer

License and Permit Fees
Basic license

* $15.60 ages 21 to 60 (valid five years)

* $8.10 ages 61+ (valid five years)

* $15.60 ages 16 to 21 (expires 20 days after 21st birthday)

* $25.60 ages 16 to 21 transferring a permit to a license (expires 20 days after 21st birthday)

Commercial license

* $25.60 (valid four years)

Instruction permit

* $10.60 (valid three years)

Written Test
No appointment is necessary for the written test, and it is administered on a first-come, first-serve basis, with Mondays and Fridays being the busiest days at most driver license offices. If a center closes at 5 p.m., then testing stops at 4:15 p.m.

The exam is cobbled together from the Colorado Driver Handbook and features multiple-choice questions on a variety of topics including road sign identification, general safety practices, and legal issues.
Driving Test

It is a rite of passage for many: nerves and jitters, a stranger in the passenger seat wielding a clipboard and pencil, calling out directions here and there, but otherwise silent, calculating every move into a grade, and controlling your driving existence. To some, passing the driving test feels a bit like winning the lottery. Walking back into the office and up to the counter for the final steps of the process (i.e., picture-taking and fingerprinting) is a great sense of accomplishment.

But first you need an appointment at a full-service driver license office. Be on time to the appointment, because the schedulers pack them tight and if you are tardy you will most likely have to reschedule.

Keep in mind that if an office closes at 5 p.m.; the last call for testing is 4 p.m. Moreover, make sure the vehicle you are taking the test in has verification of insurance and is in general working order. One light out and it is back to the drawing board.

The test is designed to measure you basic handling competence and general knowledge the road. Skills evaluated include: traffic interpretation, turns, lane management and merging, speed control, stops, and signalling.

When you finish (and pass) you will be issued a temporary paper license, while your official version with photo and fingerprint will be sent via mail.

If you do happen to fail the test, you generally have to wait one day until you take it again, but it ultimately is at the discretion of the examiner.

Answer 2

The US has an agreement with the UK that allows someone with a license from the UK to drive for a period of up to one year in the US. This does not include UK provisional licenses.

International Driving Permits are generally not required in the US, but it is helpful to carry one. These are only valid when carried with your UK license.

Many states have ID's easily obtained at the DMV. I'm not sure if Colorado is one of those states, but if you get one it can make it much easier to get into clubs or purchase alcohol (assuming you are over 21) or in your case, proving identity to a dealership. Many establishments do not like to accept out of state IDs (including passports) since they cannot be sure if they are real or not due to lack of exposure to them.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

You don't need a Colorado license (each state issues it's own) to purchase a car. You can drive any where in the US with your UK license. If you want a Colorado license you need to do is go the the DMV and take the written test and exchange your license for a Colorado one. I really don't think you need to get a Colorado. license.

Answer 4

I believe if you have a copy of your visa, passport and an address you can get a drivers license. You have to take a written test and a driving test. You have to go to the denver driver license bureau to pick up a book and study for the test, or if you feel confident you can take it right then. Try this link, its a pdf link for more info. http://www.revenue.state.co.us/mv_dir/Rules/ID%20Regs%20Amended204-13.pdf

Answer 5

Not sure if the Visa matters but you need to get a driving permit first. Assuming state law is the same all over. The dmv should be able to help but if not call your local state police barracks.

Answer 6

do you have a drivers license from your country?
if its still vaild it should be vaild for driving in Colorado
you will probally only need colorado license if you settle
in Colorado..
here this should give you more info it tells you dont need a coloroad license

http://www.fin.ucar.edu/hr/foreignvisitors/visa_helpful_information.html#driver

Answer 7

The regulations are different for every state but....
This web site should help you.
http://www.dmv.org/co-colorado/apply-license.php

Good Luck!