Ibrahim Gardner
International students can obtain a driver's license in the state of New Jersey by visiting one of the Motor Vehicle Commission's (MVC) regional centers. The MVC has a 6-point ID verification system, and one of the documents required is a Social Security Number (SSN). If you do not have an SSN, you will need a Letter of Ineligibility from the Social Security Administration. In addition, you will need to bring a valid passport, proof of enrollment, and a completed medical form. If you have a foreign license, you may be exempt from certain tests, but this depends on your country of origin and the status of any reciprocity agreements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can apply? | All nonimmigrant visa holders (including F-1 and J-1 students and scholars) |
| Where to apply? | One of the MVC's regional centers |
| Documents required | Valid passport, student ID, proof of enrollment, Social Security Card (or "Letter of Ineligibility"), proof of previous driving experience (if applicable) |
| Other requirements | Pass vision, knowledge and road tests; obtain a Temporary Learner's Permit and complete a period of supervised driving (if under 21 or a new driver) |
| Additional notes | International Driving Permit allows visitors to drive for up to one year; some countries have reciprocity agreements with New Jersey that waive certain testing requirements |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
International Driving Permit vs. US driver's license
International students can only obtain a driver's license from the state in which they reside. Each state has its own driving rules and regulations. The guidelines for obtaining a New Jersey driver's license are detailed on the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission's website.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not the same as a U.S. driver's license. An IDP is a form of identification that many countries recognize and allows you to drive legally in a different country. It is a document that translates your identifying information into different languages. The IDP is carried along with your U.S. driver's license. The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only organizations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue IDPs. IDPs issued for use in the U.S. are valid for 1 year.
If you are a citizen of another country and are living permanently in the U.S., you may be eligible to apply for a driver's license from the state where you live. The residency requirement for obtaining a U.S. driver's license varies across states. For instance, Pennsylvania requires that non-immigrants' entry documents have a program completion date of at least one year to be eligible for a Pennsylvania ID Card or Driver's License.
If you obtain a valid International Driving Permit in addition to a valid driver's license from your country of origin before coming to the U.S., you may rent and drive a car before obtaining a U.S. driver's license. However, it is important to note that the United States does not issue International Driving Permits to international visitors.
Student Loans for International Students at Community Colleges
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Required documents
International students can obtain a driver's license in the state in which they reside. Each state has its own driving rules and regulations. To obtain a New Jersey driver's license, you must pass the Vision, Knowledge, and Road Tests. If you are an international student, you must bring the following documents with you when applying for a New Jersey driver's license:
- A valid passport
- Student ID and proof of enrollment (recent acceptance letter or official transcript)
- Social Security Card (if you have one). If you are not eligible for a Social Security Card, you must complete the DMV's Affidavit of No Social Security form. You will need to obtain a letter from the Social Security Administration confirming that they cannot give you an SSN. This letter is called Form SSA-L676.
- Your foreign license (if you have one). If your foreign license is not in English, you may need to provide a translation of the license and an Apostille or a notarial certificate.
- Your medical provider must complete the back of the application (DL-180)
- Non-immigrants' entry documents (I-20, DS-2019, or I-797) with a program completion date of at least one year
- Proof of residency in New Jersey (e.g. current utility bills)
- Proof of previous driving experience (if applicable)
Please note that you may also need to wait 10 days from the date of entry into the U.S. before applying for a driver's license.
Working as a CPA: Options for International Students
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Social Security Number
International students can obtain a driver's license in the state in which they reside. In New Jersey, the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) issues driver's licenses. One of the documents required as part of the 6-point ID verification system is a Social Security Number (SSN).
If you are eligible for an SSN, you should obtain this before going to the DMV. To be eligible for an SSN, you must be employed or have tax reporting requirements. If you are eligible, you can apply online and then go to a local Social Security office to provide your documentation. Once approved, you will receive a Social Security card with your number by mail within 14 days.
If you are not eligible for an SSN, you will need to request a 'Letter of Ineligibility' (also known as Form SSA-L676) from the Social Security Administration. This letter confirms that they cannot give you an SSN.
If you are an F-1 student, you must obtain valid employment authorization before applying for an SSN. This can be done by obtaining a valid, unexpired Employment Authorization (EAD) card from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services. If your employment is based on optional practical training, you can submit a Social Security Letter Request to the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS). If your employment is based on curricular practical training, optional practical training, international organization employment, or severe economic hardship employment, an OISS letter is not required.
International Students: Trade and Investment Opportunities
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Road test waiver
International students can obtain a driver's license in the state in which they reside. Each state has its own driving rules and regulations. To apply for a New Jersey driver's license, you can visit one of the MVC's regional centers.
A road test waiver cannot be guaranteed when a license from another country is presented to the NJMVC to transfer. Licensing Center representatives have the authority to verify and grant a road test waiver based on a full review of the documents provided. If a road test waiver cannot be granted, the applicant will be required to schedule a road test.
If you are transferring from another state, the knowledge and road tests are waived so long as you have a current, valid, non-provisional driver's license that is in good standing, issued by any of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Territories of American Samoa and Guam, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands.
If you are transferring from a country that has a reciprocity agreement with New Jersey, you may be exempt from the requirement to take the knowledge and skills (road) tests. The following countries have reciprocity agreements with New Jersey for applicants 18 years or older, for a non-commercial (Class D) driver's license:
- France
- Germany
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- Canada
- Mexico
Documents required to qualify under reciprocity agreements:
- A valid foreign license with translation
- Proof of identity
- Proof of NJ residency
- Proof of Social Security Number
- Verification of lawful presence in the U.S. (12-month minimum)
International Students: Effort Grades at DCCCD
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Vision, Knowledge and Road Tests
International students can obtain a driver's license in the state in which they reside. Each state has its own set of rules and regulations for obtaining a driver's license. In New Jersey, all first-time driving permit applicants must undergo a vision test, a knowledge test, and a road test.
Vision Test
The vision test assesses an applicant's eyesight and is administered at motor vehicle agencies offering driver testing services. To pass, you must have 20/50 visual acuity, with or without corrective lenses. If you rely on corrective lenses to pass the test, your license will include a restriction stating that you must wear them while driving. Failing the test will require you to consult a doctor and complete Form ST-14, which can be obtained from any motor vehicle agency with testing facilities.
Knowledge Test
The knowledge test can be prepared for by studying the NJ Driver Manual. The test is available in multiple languages, including English, Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), French, Spanish, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, Hindi, Albanian, and Turkish. Oral tests are offered in English and Spanish, and interpreters are available for those who require one. To take the test, you must visit a driver testing center with your 6 Points of ID and purchase an examination permit. You can then make an appointment for the knowledge test.
Road Test
The road test evaluates your understanding of safe driving practices and your ability to apply the rules of the road. Before taking the road test, you must successfully complete the knowledge and vision tests and meet the supervised driving practice requirements. These requirements vary based on age, with individuals under 21 years old needing to practice supervised driving for at least 6 months, and those over 21 years old needing to practice for at least 3 months. To schedule the road test, you need to make an appointment and ensure your vehicle meets the requirements, including valid registration, insurance, and inspection stickers. Additionally, the vehicle must allow the Safety Specialist access to the emergency brake from the passenger seat.
Finding Part-Time Work: International Students' Guide
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
You must be a nonimmigrant visa holder (including F-1 and J-1 students and scholars) and have a Social Security Number (SSN) or a "Letter of Ineligibility". You will also need to pass the Vision, Knowledge and Road Tests.
You will need to pass the 6-point ID verification, which includes a valid passport, a Social Security Card or "Letter of Ineligibility", and a visa stamp or approval letter for a change of status.
No, you are not required to surrender your foreign driver's license when applying for a New Jersey driver's license.
Licensing Center representatives have the authority to verify and grant a road test waiver based on a full review of the documents provided. If a road test waiver is not granted, you will need to schedule a road test.
You can apply at one of the MVC's regional centers. The closest center to Montclair State University is:
Wayne Regional Service Center
1578 Route 23 North Wayne, NJ 07470
