Driving in NYC on a UK license - should I get a NY license?

Question

Hi,

I have been driving in NYC for 8 years now on my UK license, which IS allowed btw :). What I need advice on, however, is whether I ought to get a proper NY license. I got my green card a couple of years ago and I would like to get a motorcycle. Problem is, to get a motorcycle license, I need to have a proper NY license!

Also, apparently getting a NY license means having to give up my foreign license. I need that, however, for when I go back to the UK at xmas!!

Any ideas?! Thanks :)

Answer 1

Actually, you are NOT allowed to drive in the US on a foreign license if you are a resident.  The website below is the NYS DMV site addressing this.  Therefore, if you are in an accident you might find that your insurance on a rental car or of the person whose car you borrowed is invalid and you will be liable for all the costs.

You are supposed to surrender your foreign drivers license but if you claim not to have one, what will they do.  Please note that you will be able to drive in the UK as a visitor on your NY license.