Can I drive in the USA With a british driving license?

Question

i am 18 years old and i am thinking of living in California for my gap year, i hold a full UK license but wondered if i can buy a car tax and insure it at my age and with only a UK lisence?

Answer 1

Depending on the state, there is no such thing as "Car Tax" as it is done in the UK.

You pay the fees for license plates (and renewals thereof) and that is all.  Some states charge "property tax" (South Carolina being one of them) on top of license fees based on the value of your car.

Answer 2

Different states have different laws regarding driving licenses, typically if you are a resident (live in the state), then you have 10-30 days to get your in State driving license. You will need to provide proof of residency and proof of legal status after that you can go out and purchase a car and insurance. Be careful though you will not get a good deal on a car from a dealership as they won't trust you to pay off the loan if you are only going to be around 1 year.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Hi, i got a lot of my questions answerd here, so i tought it is time for me to give some contribution.

I was in the US on visitor visa, had a Bosnian(eastern europe) licence. Most of the major insurance agencias did not want to sell mi insurance and then I went to "Trustway" and got the insurance.

I got my US licence 5 mon after that and, by the way, I was pulled over by cop for speeding and showed him my foreighn licence(and insurance) and everything was fine.

So, you should try with small local insurance agencias.  

Answer 4

There are alot of insurance companies that will insure you despite you having a license from another country. I assume a car tax is the paper that shows you're the owner of the vehicle. All you need to get insurance is your driver's license and the registration to your vehicle. The vehicle doesn't have to be under your name. The best part is the insurance companies doesn't require you to obtain a driver's license from California. I specialize in risks like yours. If you're interested shoot me an e-mail.

In regards to getting a California license, as long as you're not a resident or take a job here then you're okay to drive with your UK license. However, if you partake in any of the two options mentioned you need to apply for a California license within 10 days.

Hopefully this helps.