British Immigrants in CT : can I transfer my driving license?

Submitted by Immediate_Ad_1379 t3_zvqmq4 in Connecticut

Recently moved to CT, want to transfer my British driving license. Am on a J-1 that will last 3-5 years. Am receiving mixed messages from different websites, some say I can transfer my UK license.

CT state website says: "If you already have a driver’s license from a different U.S. state or territory, Germany, Canada, or France, you can transfer your license to Connecticut without getting a learner’s permit. Out-of-state learner’s permits are not transferable." This makes me think I have to apply for full learner's permit and do the whole process? That right?

Any tips / pointers from immigrants on converting international driving licenses & generally handling US driving bureaucracy greatly appreciated.

Source: [https://portal.ct.gov/dmv/licenses-permits-ids/get-learners-permit?language=en_US]

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100_percenter t1_j1qj4s5 wrote

No, you learned to drive on the opposite side of the road. You need to apply as a new driver. Countries, e.g. France and Germany, and U.S. territories that drive on the right side of the road can transfer a license.

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tuss11agee t1_j1rf0iy wrote

Yeah, I think this is reasonable. There are also some major differences in terms of intersection furniture that you need to learn about.

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dazedmick t1_j1qp1z8 wrote

Brit here who made the same move - short answer, no - you’ll need to take the written and practical test - it’s not that challenging, but a must if you’ve moved here. Welcome to CT!

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blaze1234 t1_j1rgviv wrote

Really a piece of cake, you will laugh

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fprintf t1_j1rq3kw wrote

Compared to the UK test, absolutely. Almost impossible to fail, and in fact most UK drivers will have a rude awakening for the state of drivers in this country based on the ease of the test. It really is atrocious how easy we make getting a license here.

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blaze1234 t1_j1rr5df wrote

Only if you think human lives have great value.

I lived in Australia a long time, DUI is 0.05% and Every. Single. Car. got checked every weekend evening, to the point pubs ran minibusses to get their customers home at night.

Me personally? we need to lower the human population by 80-90% asap anyway so every bit helps...

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Paolo2ss t1_j1t4sar wrote

Getting a license is not easy, a lot of people have to take it 2-3 times. And the UK doesn't make it harder, just more expensive.

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get-finch t1_j1scxs8 wrote

I just converted my Israeli licence to a CT licence, It is a pain but not that bad.

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ucbmckee t1_j1vhmr8 wrote

I've just moved from London, good to see others in the same boat. I've not started the process, but have done some planning. As others have said, it looks like you need to start nearly from scratch. The only difference will be that you don't need to hold the learner's permit for 90 days, but you still need to do the theory test, the safe driving course, and the practical test. I did a bit of research on the safe driving course and was probably going to sign up for this one.

I learned to drive in the US and moved to the UK as an adult, where I had to start from scratch for the British license. I'm not sure about CT, specifically, but the tests I've had in America were far easier than in the UK. For what it's worth, as well, driving on the opposite side of the road isn't nearly as hard or scary many people think. Your brain recalibrates very fast.

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Intelligent_Mode1548 t1_j1vxoze wrote

This is exactly what I had to do just over a year ago, even down to using the same company for the 8 hour course. I know you mentioned that you had done tests in the US, but for OP’s information, ‘The Next Street’ have some great short videos on YouTube, covering how to correctly do any maneuvers you might be asked to do. Very handy to have a look if you don’t plan on taking any lessons.

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ExcitingHost t1_j1spvdt wrote

Good luck, make sure you check the document list on DMV websites and make an appointment before you head out for a DMV. Make sure you check google reviews of DMVs, I’d glad drive an extra 30 mins just to avoid those with bad reviews.

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Intelligent_Mode1548 t1_j1u86ai wrote

You’ll have to take the 8-hour drug and alcohol awareness course too.

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TalkingShitAllMyLife t1_j1y3ah3 wrote

You can use your UK license for 6 months (7 years ago, that might have changed now). You will need to take a pointless 8 hr safe driving class where they show you videos. You will take an easy classroom test and the driving test here is a joke compared to the UK. It's easy just a hassle.

If the J-1 counts as a student visa and you maintain a residency outside the US then you can use your valid UK license while you're here.

You could ask at the DMV. As much as people complain about them I've found most of their staff to be fairly knowledgeable.

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