General Process for Getting a U.S. Driver’s License

Confirm Eligibility Based on Immigration Status

As a refugee, you are eligible to apply for a driver’s license in most U.S. states, provided you have valid documentation proving your legal presence. Refugees typically receive a Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) upon entry, which confirms your refugee status, and may later obtain a green card (Form I-551) after applying for permanent residency (required one year after arrival).

Key Documents Needed:

• Form I-94 (with refugee status notation).
• Employment Authorization Document (EAD, Form I-766), if available (refugees are authorized to work upon arrival).
• Social Security Number (SSN) or a letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA) stating you’re ineligible for an SSN (common for new arrivals).
• Proof of state residency (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement, or resettlement agency letter).
• South African driver’s license (if valid) and, optionally, an International Driving Permit (IDP) for translation (not required but helpful if your license isn’t in English).
• Note: Some states issue limited-term licenses for non-citizens, expiring with your legal presence (e.g., I-94 or EAD expiration). Check your state’s DMV for details.        

Determine State-Specific Requirements

Since driver’s license rules differ by state, visit your state’s DMV website to confirm requirements. For example:

• New York: Accepts valid foreign licenses (like South Africa’s) for up to one year after establishing residency. You may need to surrender your South African license when obtaining a NY license, but you can request it be filed for return if you plan to go back to South Africa. You’ll need your SSN or SSA ineligibility letter.
• South Carolina: Requires non-citizens to apply at specific DMV branches for international customers and provide documents listed on the International Customers’ Checklist (Form MV-94).
• California: Allows refugees to apply with I-94 or EAD and offers resources for non-English speakers.
• Use www.dmv.org (a non-government site with state-specific guides) or www.usa.gov/motor-vehicle-services to find your state’s DMV.
• Use Your South African Driver’s License (Temporary Option)
  If your South African driver’s license is valid, you can use it to drive legally in most states for 6–12 months after establishing residency, provided it’s in English and has your photo and signature.
• International Driving Permit (IDP): If your license isn’t in English or you face issues with local authorities, an IDP (obtained in South Africa from the Automobile Association) can serve as a translation. Note: The U.S. doesn’t issue IDPs to foreign visitors, and an IDP alone isn’t valid without your South African license.
• Conversion: Some states allow you to convert your South African license to a U.S. license without taking all tests, but this is rare and requires a valid license and possibly a “Letter of Entitlement” from South Africa’s Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC).

Prepare for the Driver’s License Tests

• Most states require new applicants (including those without convertible foreign licenses) to pass three tests: written (knowledge), vision, and road (driving).
• Apply for a Learner’s Permit
• Visit your local DMV with required documents (I-94, EAD, SSN or SSA letter, residency proof).
• Pass a vision test and written knowledge test covering traffic rules, road signs, and state laws.
• Pay a fee (varies by state, e.g., $10–$50).
• Receive a learner’s permit, allowing you to practice driving with a licensed adult (age 21+) in the car.
• Study for the Written Test
• Study Materials:
• Download your state’s driver handbook (free) from the DMV website. For example: https://www.dmvusa.com/?pageid=4

Practice Driving

• Enroll in a driving school for professional instruction (helpful for road test preparation). Search for local schools via your DMV or sites like www.driving-schools.com.
• Practice maneuvers (e.g., parallel parking, three-point turns) in free practice areas, if available (check with your DMV).

Schedule and Pass the Road Test

Find the forms for your state here: https://www.dmvusa.com/?pageid=3

• Book a road test appointment via your DMV’s website or in person (fees vary, e.g., $15–$50).
• Bring your learner’s permit, proof of insurance, and a registered vehicle (or use a driving school’s car).
• Demonstrate safe driving skills (e.g., obeying traffic signals, proper lane changes). Failing a test (e.g., hitting a cone or running a red light) requires rescheduling.
• If you pass, pay the license fee (e.g., $25–$100, depending on state and license type).
• Receive Your Driver’s License
• After passing all tests, you’ll receive a temporary license (paper) while your permanent license is mailed (typically within 30 days).
• If your South African license was surrendered, confirm with the DMV if it’s stored for return (e.g., New York stores it for 60 days).
• Your license may be limited-term, expiring with your I-94 or EAD. Renew it in person with updated immigration documents before it expires (online renewals are often unavailable for non-citizens).
• Once you have a drivers license, refer to this page for any changes: https://www.dmvusa.com/?pageid=5

Special Considerations for South African Refugees

• If you’re an Amerikaner, the process may include additional support from federal agencies. Check with your resettlement coordinator for state-specific DMV guidance.
• Costs: Budget for fees (permit, tests, license) and potential driving school costs ($200–$500). Resettlement agencies may offer financial assistance.
• South African License Verification: Contact RTMC at www.rtmc.co.za or Apostil.co.za for a driver’s license confirmation letter (4–15 days, ~$50).

Tips for Success

Start Early: Apply for your SSN or SSA eligibility letter soon after arrival, as it’s often required. Visit www.ssa.gov for details.

• Contact Your Resettlement Agency: They can help with documents, translation, or transportation to the DMV.
• Practice Thoroughly: Use free online quizzes and driving school to boost confidence for tests.
• Check Reciprocity: A few states (e.g., South Carolina) have reciprocity agreements with certain countries, but South Africa isn’t typically included. Confirm with your DMV.
• Avoid Scams: DMV services are government-run; beware of unofficial sites charging extra fees. Use .gov websites for official information.