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Posted by Adam Stec on September 17, 2001 at 23:32:59:
In Reply to: Re: Can I drive with Ukrainian driver's license? posted by siania on September 17, 2001 at 08:43:50:
:
: You will have to check the Department of Motor Vehicles in the State where you live. A Driver's License is not a federally issued document.
: From the DMV website for New York State:
: http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/license.htm#driversfromothernations
: Drivers From Other Nations
: New York honors all valid foreign licenses. By law, New York will honor a valid driver license issued by any other nation to a resident of that nation. You should not apply for a New York State license unless you become a resident of New York.
: Non-US Resident Applicants. Although there is nothing in the Vehicle and Traffic Law which prohibits a non-US-resident from applying for and receiving a New York State license, we recommend against this because it is not necessary; New York will honor your foreign license.
: If you have a license from any nation other than Canada, you must pass a written test, complete a 5-hour pre-licensing course and pass a road test to qualify for a New York license. Your foreign license is valid for driving, but not for waiving the tests and course for new drivers. See New Drivers- How to Apply. When you receive your New York license, you must surrender your foreign license. Your foreign license will be stored at the local DMV office and destroyed after 60 days. If you will need your foreign license because you will be returning to you home country, ask the examiner that your foreign license be filed. You may then request that license back by going to the office where it is filed and surrendering your NYS license.
: IMPORTANT NOTE: When you apply for a driver license in New York State, you must provide your Social Security Number on the application or a letter from the US Social Security Administration stating that you are not eligible for a Social Security Number.
: International Driving Permit. An International Driving Permit is not a license to drive. By itself the permit is not valid for driving in New York State. The permit merely confirms that you hold a valid license in your home nation. New York honors the underlying license, not the permit. However, a permit is helpful because it informs authorities, in several languages, that you have a valid foreign driver license. NOTE: U.S. residents usually obtain International Driving Permits from local auto clubs affiliated with the AAA. The DMV does not issue International Driving Permits.
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: : I've been staying here for two weeks. I am preparing to get a driver's license and I will get it in a month (I don't have Social Security Number yet). But I need a car now. Can I drive with my Ukrainian driver's license and if yes, how long?
You may drive with a foreign driver's licence, however, if you get pulled over for any traffic violation, you are most likely to get a ticket for not having proper licence. You may plea not guilty to this violation and go to court, but it is going to take several months or even over a year before you have a chance to appear before a judge. You might be long gone and they may judge against you while you are absent. Therefore, I suggest that you get the NY Driver's Licence while you have a chance. It is also a good ID.