#Us driving test vs uk driving test full#

However, it remains your responsibility to know the different laws of any state you are likely to drive through. Once a licence has been obtained, it is then valid in all states of the USA. Proof of residence and visa will be required too. This involves an application, theoretical test and practical test. This means that you may have to apply for a licence as if you were a new driver, in your new state of residence. There is currently no reciprocity agreement with the UK when it comes to driving licences, like there are with other countries (including Canada, Germany and France). You can only drive on your UK driving licence for up to 90 days. IDPs must be obtained before travel, in the UK prior to moving.įor those moving long term, you will need to apply for a US driving licence. It is sometimes worth applying for an IDP regardless of the state you’re driving in, as it may be requested by an insurer if you’re making a claim after a road accident, for example, or if you want to rent a car. If you have an old-style paper driving licence, you will also need another form of photographic ID, such as a passport, and an IDP. In some states, you are also required to have an International Driving Permit (IDP).

#Us driving test vs uk driving test full#

In order to drive in the USA in the short term, you simply need to have a full UK driving licence.

If you’re moving to the USA, this guide covers driving licences, and driving rules and regulations. It’s also worth noting that, unlike the UK, there are country-wide differences too, with each individual state having the power to set their own laws. However, when it comes to driving State-side, there are some notable and important differences to be aware of as a British expatriate.ĭue to the vastness of the country, most expatriates in the United States will have a car and use it for both commuting and leisure purposes.

Indeed, the writer George Bernard Shaw is thought to have once said that, “England and America are two countries divided by a common language” (though some sources attribute that to Oscar Wilde instead). The UK and the USA have a somewhat symbiotic relationship.