How to Get a Driver's License as an Immigrant in the U.S.

When you need a state license

A driver's license is issued by the state you live in, not by the federal government, so the deadline depends on where you settle.

• New York: you do not need a New York license unless you become a New York resident. Once you become a resident, you must get a New York license within 30 days. The New York DMV says you can drive in the state with a valid driver license from another country.
• California: if you become a California resident, you must get a California driver's license within 10 days.
• Florida: new residents must get a Florida driver license within 30 days of establishing residency.

Check the rules of your own state before relying on your foreign license, and keep it valid while you go through the process.

Documents: identity, Social Security, residency and status

Expect to prove who you are, where you live and, in some states, your immigration status.

• New York: you apply with form MV-44. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to get a New York license or permit. People 16 and older can apply for a Standard license, not for federal purposes, regardless of citizenship or lawful status, and without a Social Security card or ineligibility letter. A REAL ID requires proof of a Social Security number or of Social Security number ineligibility.
• California: California offers driver's licenses for all residents regardless of immigration status. AB 60 licenses are for people who cannot provide proof of legal presence, and AB 60 applicants cannot get a REAL ID-compliant card. If you are eligible for or have been issued a Social Security number, you must include it on your application. Identity documents must be originals or certified copies, and you also prove California residency.
• Texas: DPS asks for proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence, proof of identity, your Social Security number, proof of Texas residency, Texas registration for each vehicle you own, and proof of insurance for each vehicle or a statement that you do not own one.

Knowledge and vision tests

Most immigrants without a U.S. license start with a written knowledge test and a vision test.

• New York: you must correctly answer at least 14 of 20 questions, including two of the four road-sign questions. To pass the vision test you need 20/40 vision in at least one eye, with or without corrective lenses. Class D knowledge tests are offered in multiple languages.
• California: you must pass a vision test and the knowledge test. You get three attempts at each required knowledge test; after three failures you must start the application again.
• Florida: the Class E Knowledge Exam has 50 multiple-choice questions, and you need 40 correct answers (80 percent). Everyone gets a vision test when applying for a license.
• Texas: you must pass a vision exam and a written knowledge test.

Practice tests for your state are the easiest way to get used to the question format before test day.

Learner's permit, courses and practice

If you have never driven or your foreign license is not accepted, you usually begin with a permit and supervised practice.

• New York: while practicing on a learner permit, you must be supervised by a licensed driver at least 21 years old sitting in the front seat. Most drivers must complete an approved 5-hour Pre-Licensing Course, and the DMV advises at least 50 hours of practice before the road test.
• California: an instruction permit is issued to applicants over 18 as well; the provisional permit is only for drivers under 18.
• Florida: you must pass the knowledge exam to get a learner's license. If you have never been issued a driver license in any state or country, you must also complete a TLSAE (traffic law and substance abuse education) course.
• Texas: applicants 18 through 24 need a six-hour adult driver education course; DPS says this is waived for new residents 18 or older who surrender a valid, unexpired driver license from another state, and there is no driver education requirement at 25 and older.

Road test and what happens to your foreign license

• New York: new residents licensed in a country other than Canada must pass the vision test, the course, a written test and a road test. If your license is not in English, bring an International Driving Permit or a certified translation to the road test. When you pass, you hand your foreign license to the examiner, and it will be destroyed unless you give the examiner a written request.
• California: with a license from another country you follow the regular application process and must pass a driving test. An accompanying driver is required to and from the test. Drive tests are by appointment only, the fee covers three attempts, and after a failure you wait 14 days to retest.
• Texas: foreign licenses not in English or Spanish must be translated. With a valid, unexpired license from France, South Korea, Germany, the United Arab Emirates or Taiwan, the knowledge and skills exams may be waived. Others must pass a driving skills test.

A simple order of steps

1. Find your state's deadline for new residents.
2. Gather identity, Social Security (or ineligibility) and residency documents, plus lawful presence papers if your state requires them.
3. Study the state driver's manual and take practice tests.
4. Pass the vision and knowledge tests and get a permit if needed.
5. Complete any required course and practice with a supervising driver.
6. Book and pass the road test.