learning to drive

[britishstudent]

Does anyone know if it will be possible for me, as an international, to learn how to drive and get a state licence in new york? I've never had the need to drive and never learnt but moving to Ithaca it sounds like a good idea.

[luvalicious]

According to the NY DMV, yes. See here: http://www.nysdmv.com/license.htm#drive ... hernations

To sum, if you have a foreign license it's apparently valid, but you can also get a NY license provided you pass their tests and have the proper documentation. This process as per NY appears somewhat different than in MI where my boyfriend and many of my friends did it, so hopefully someone from NY can come along and shed additional light.

You might want to practice driving before you leave/get a license at home first. The driving test can be a difficult and overwhelming thing for anyone, and many of the international students I know were extremely overwhelmed by undergoing the entire process in a foreign country.

[Minnesotan]

Then again, if you take driver's training in the UK, then in the US, it might be a bit confusing. It might be better to first learn the laws in the country in which you plan to drive.

[rising_star]

Are you sure you want to drive in Ithaca? Driving in the snow and on snow and ice is a different beast altogether.

[gomez]

Ya surely you can learn driving there and can get license also.You have to show the foreign license and the rules will be given by the members there in the department.Kindly you can ask from them.

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gomez

[ruatipoki]

Totally easy

Ive done the test in Hawaii and DC, they are quite lenient in the US

first of all, go online and download the questions for the theory test for NY state, then you will have to sit the theory.

Once you pass that you could even get the driving test the same day.

for example I completed the theory and driving test in 3 hours

the only thing also s you will need a full licensed driver to bring you there,

and then to use their car

hope that helps

[ScreamingHairyArmadillo]

the only thing also s you will need a full licensed driver to bring you there,

and then to use their car

hope that helps

This can be the hard part! Just look up driving schools and let them know your situation; they'll set you up with a driving instructor. I'm not in NY (Ohio here), but for an example it cost me $450ish for 8 hours behind the wheel lessons and another 80 to use the driving school's car for the test. So it can be expensive if you don't know anyone, but it was worth the money to me.

[zerolife]

I have to disagree with luvalicious.

The driving test in the US is super easy. In my opinion, most of the people don't belong on the street. What will be harder for you is to find someone crazy enough to loan you a car and sit with you while you practise. You won't be able to drive by yourself until you get the full license. Unless you have a very close friend with a car, I would suggest to spend some money on driving school.