Are english driving licences valid in america?

Question

is a 20 year olds driving licence valid in america to drive a car out there?

Answer 1

I was there for 6 months in 1996 and drove on my British licence all the time, hired cars, and was even pulled by the Police (Highway Patrol) for speeding. The licence was accepted by all who needed to see it.

Incidentally, I wasn't charged on the speeding offence!

Answer 2

yes  

Answer 3

Yes, as far as the law is concerned a U.K. license is valid throughout the U.S.A. for all normal tourist purposes, even for a 6-month stay.   If you are looking at renting a car though, you should be aware that many car-hire companies impose their own minimum age restriction on drivers, sometimes 21, sometimes a little higher.

If you are moving to the U.S. to take up official residence, however, then you will be subject to local licensing laws, which vary from state to state.  

Most states allow you 30, 60, or sometimes 90 days from becoming resident in which to obtain a local license.  You will normally have to take an eyesight test and a written test on driving rules, and you might also have to sit a short practical test as well, although that can be waived at the examiner's discretion for existing license holders (Americans moving from one state to another have to get new licenses too, since all driver & vehicle licensing is handled at state level.)

To Paul E:   People coming to the U.K. to establish residency are actually allowed 12 months on their overseas license.  EU license holders plus those from several other countries can simply obtain a U.K. license by paying the appropriate fee, but all others have to sit the full U.K. tests.

Answer 4

Vacation yes, but if you are staying for more than a month or so you need to look into that.  You might have to take the test.

Answer 5

Yes, it is valid for up to 1 year or until you become a resident.  

Answer 6

Yes, because of international agreement.  There is a Geneva Convention on Driving Privileges.

Answer 7

Sure are dude..Regards

Answer 8

I would say only if you are on holiday but if you go to stay you will have to sit their driving test.

Answer 9

Yes but when I went to America you couldnt hire a car if you were under 23 with one company and 25 with another.

Answer 10

Yes because British driving licences are the best.

Answer 11

I know that if you come in to the UK with an international licence, you can drive on it for six months before you have to take the test in this country, so I would imagine it is a similar rule in America.

Answer 12

Yes when we went on holiday in America we got a hire car and that was fine we are from the UK so I don't see why you couldn't, just remember to drive on the right side of the road because it can get confusing.