How to get a driver's license in the USA? – Complete guide

Now, if you intend to live there, it is recommended that you know the step-by-step process to obtain your Drive License, as a driver's license is called in the USA. Since the process is much simpler and less bureaucratic than here in Brazil.

With that in mind, to help you with this mission, below we have prepared complete material on how to obtain a National Driving License in the USA. Good reading! 

What is a Drive License (DL)?

A Drive License (DL), or Driver's License, is an official document that allows a person to operate a motor vehicle on public roads in the United States. In addition to authorizing the driving of vehicles, the DL often serves as a valid form of identification, accepted in various everyday situations, such as opening bank accounts, boarding domestic flights and proving age to purchase restricted products.

Is the Brazilian driver's license valid in the United States?

Yes, your Brazilian driver's license is valid not only in the USA, but also abroad, as long as the document is valid. In other words, with your license you can drive in other countries, however, some rules must be followed before renting a car and hitting the road.

For example, in the USA, to rent a car you must have an International Driving Permit (IDP). Furthermore, the PID can be very useful in cases of accidents or irregularities during your tourist stay in the United States.

This means that you have permission, but you need to obtain a document to do so. It is also worth remembering that the driver's license is valid for 180 days in foreign countries. And, after this period, the driver who wants to continue driving must present his PID and passport to the responsible body or begin the process to obtain his driver's license in the country.

Furthermore, if someone else drives the car you rented, this could cause problems. Well, it is not included in the PID or in the rental contract. Therefore, if the intention is to take turns driving, include everyone when hiring the car rental service and everyone must have a valid PID.

How to remove the PID?

Well, to have your International Driving Permit (IDP) in hand, just follow a step-by-step guide right here in Brazil before traveling. Since 2006, Brazil has followed the standard of the Vienna Convention, which is accepted in more than one hundred countries, which makes this documentation much easier.

Thus, to obtain the PID, the driver must:

• Have a valid driver's license;
• Access the website of the State Traffic Department of your state of residence in Brazil;
• Go to the “International Driving Permit” tab;
• Fill in the requested data, such as: name, CPF, municipality and date of issue of the first driver's license;
• Generate and pay the invoice with the fee, in reais, for issuing the PID.

Once this is done, the request will be analyzed and the PID will arrive at the address registered by the Post Office. In other words, it is important to highlight that, first, the PID must be collected before the trip and the driver must consider the document delivery time. Second, the PID's validity period will be the same as that of the Brazilian CNH, with the same medical restrictions and license category.

In other words, if your license states that the driver has vision problems, if you are stopped in the USA driving without glasses or contact lenses, you may be fined. 

Another example, your driver's license category is A and in the USA you rent a car, which belongs to category B. This is also wrong and can lead to serious fines.

Is there a National Driver's License for tourists in the USA?

No, as the driver's license is valid within the United States. However, as US states have their own jurisdiction, some states may require specific documentation, in addition to a driver's license. 

In these cases, it is necessary to research which state you are going to travel to or live in and find out in advance. 

Click here and check the complete list of states that accept Brazilian driver's licenses in the USA.

Remembering that proof of address can be a rental contract, bank correspondence or bills such as electricity, water or gas. And, if you do not have a SSN, due to your type of visa, you will need to go to the Social Security Office to obtain a document justifying the absence of Social Security.

Documents delivered and valid, you will pay a fee and take the theory test. In other words, English has to be up to date! Furthermore, a valuable tip is to search the internet or get a book with North American traffic regulations from the Secretary of State before taking the test.

So, if you pass the theory test, the next step is the vision test, which can be done right after the test. After these steps, you will take a practical test to assess your driving ability. 

Once the test is completed and approved, your Drivers License will arrive at the registered address!

Now, if you already have a license from your country of origin, simply show your PID and your translated driver's license at the Secretary of State in the region. This way, you can now schedule your practical driving test on the same day.

Once the test is done and the driver is approved, just go back to the Secretariat and wait for the Drivers License to arrive.

Step by Step Guide to Getting an American Driver's License

Getting a driver's license in the US may seem like a complex process, but with the right steps, you can prepare yourself properly. Here's how the process works:

1. Make the payment for the chosen plan
   Choose the plan that best suits your needs and pay the corresponding fee. This payment is required to begin the process of obtaining your driver's license.

2. Submit the required documentation
   Gather and submit the required documents: a valid passport, Form I-94 (U.S. Entry-Exit Record), and proof of current address. These documents will be essential to verify your identity and residency.

3. Study for the written and practical test
   Prepare in advance for the written test, which covers U.S. traffic laws and driving rules. Then, practice for the practical test, which will assess your driving skills. Study materials are available on each state's DMV website.

4. Attend your DMV appointment
   After passing the written test, you will need to schedule an appointment at the DMV to take the practical test. Arrive at your scheduled time with the necessary documentation.

5. Get your driver's license
   If you pass the practical test, some states will issue your license the same day, directly at the DMV. In other states, your license will be mailed to you.

How long is a US driver's license valid for?

The validity of a driver's license in the United States varies from state to state. In general, the validity can be from 4 to 8 years, depending on state regulations. It is important to check the specific rules of the state in which the license was issued, as some require more frequent renewal for certain groups of people, such as the elderly.

How to renew driver's license in USA?

To renew your driver's license in the US, you generally need to follow these steps:

1. Check Renewal Notice: Some states send renewal notices by mail or email before the expiration date.
2. Complete the Renewal Form: It can be done online, by mail, or at a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office.
3. Pay the Renewal Fee: Fees vary by state and license type.
4. Carry out necessary exams: In some cases, a vision exam or, for elderly people, a practical test may be required.
5. Send Documentation: You may need to present identification documents or proof of residence.

In which American states can immigrants get a driver's license?

Several American states allow immigrants, regardless of legal status, to obtain a driver's license. Some of these states include:

1. California
2. Colorado
3. Connecticut
4. Delaware
5. Havai
6. Illinois
7. Maryland
8. Nevada
9. New Mexico
10. New York
11. Utah
12. Vermont
13. Washington
14. Washington D.C.

These states generally require applicants to show proof of identity and residency, but not necessarily legal immigration status.

How do the tests to obtain a driver's license in the USA work?

Tests to obtain a US driver's license generally include:

1. theoretical exam: Assesses the candidate's knowledge of traffic laws, traffic signs, and safe driving practices. This exam can be taken in digital or written format.
2. Vision Test: Assesses the candidate's visual acuity to ensure they can drive safely.
3. Practical exam: It consists of a driving test where the candidate demonstrates their driving skills, including basic maneuvers and obedience to traffic rules.

Testing requirements and structure may vary by state.

How to get a truck driver's license in the US?

To obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in the USA, you must:

1. Obtain a CDL Permit: Similar to a learner's license, it allows the candidate to practice driving trucks under supervision.
2. Meet Age Requirements: Most states require applicants to be at least 18 years old to drive within the state and 21 years old to drive between states.
3. Complete a Training Program: Many states require applicants to complete an approved truck driver training course.
4. Pass Theoretical and Practical Exams: Includes a theoretical exam on transportation and safety regulations, as well as a practical exam that assesses the candidate's ability to maneuver and operate a truck.
5. Health check up: A medical examination is required to ensure that the candidate is fit to drive commercially.
6. Submit to Background Checks: In some cases, it may be necessary to undergo criminal background and driving history checks.

Specific requirements may vary from state to state, so it is important to check with your local DMV for detailed information.

Do you need help to resolve all the issues related to moving to the USA?

Your dream is to move to the United States, but do you know little about how to start this process? Well, we can help you!

Here in the Dispatcher 55, since 2015, we have been assisting Brazilians residing or with some ties to the United States in the processes related to their documentation, especially in renewing passports and apostille of American documents. 

In addition to taking care of the entire process, we provide assistance from start to finish until we are sure that the requested document is already in our client's hands.

All this because we believe that it is possible to deal with bureaucracy in an easy and uncomplicated way. Click here and see how we can help you make this dream come true!