Drivers Licence (Atlanta: relocate, home, move)

[Stinkifatcat]

HI,
We are hoping to relocate to Atlanta this year and I was wondering what the procedure is for altering our drivers licences.

How long do we have to change the licence?
How much does it cost?
What does it involve? A theory and practical test? Just a paper exercise swap?

My husband and I both hold UK drivers licences.

Thanks in advance!

[CityFan]

It is suggested that you change your license within 30 days after move in. Transfering fee is $20 for another 5 years. You need US passport and SSN. For foreigners, consult with license office hotline. In UK, driver seat is on right side. How can you learn to drive sitting on left side? It's so much different.

[rcsteiner]

Originally Posted by Stinkifatcat

HI,
We are hoping to relocate to Atlanta this year and I was wondering what the procedure is for altering our drivers licences.

In Cobb County, we went to the Cobb Department of Driver Services and stood in line.

How long do we have to change the licence?

30 days.

How much does it cost? What does it involve? A theory and practical test? Just a paper exercise swap?

My husband and I both hold UK drivers licences.

You might find the Georgia Department of Driver Services - Driver's License Information web site to be helpful.

[bayarea-girl]

What ever you do get your license as soon as possible. Don't wait after 30 days to get it. A couple of years ago when I lived in GA I waited beyond 30 days to transfer my license and got a huge ticket.

[RainyRainyDay]

I moved to GA from Canada. Unless the rules have changed from six years ago (which I doubt), holders of non-US licences have to take a full driver's examination just like a new driver. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news! There was a theory test (there's a booklet you can use to study for this) and a road test. It was a slightly anxiety-provoking revisit to my teenage years. However, I got 100% on the road test and the examiner observed that "Canadians are always good drivers".

If you're coming from the UK on nonimmigrant status, in many cases a dependent spouse will not be eligible for SSN (Social Security Number). In this situation, I think the GA driver's licence authorities accept a letter from the SSA (Social Security Admin) stating that you are not eligible for an SSN. Check for current info about this, though.

[Stinkifatcat]

HI,
Thanks for those quick replies!
Have looked at that website which explains it quite clearly for drivers from other nations.Looks like you're right Rainy days! We are going to have to do a theory AND practical test. EEeeeek! Thought those days were over!

[new2atlanta]

I also had to take the theory and practical test two years ago when I move to GA. If you come from another country is useful to learn about certain "traffic rules" like how to get in and out of the highway, 4 way stop. For me was a quick traffic lesson.
The practical test is easy, but if you not use to drive on the left side, that would be different.
I went to the Cobb Department of Driver Services and stood in line. It would take a couple of hours depending of many people are there.

[irvm]

Originally Posted by Stinkifatcat

HI,
Thanks for those quick replies!
Have looked at that website which explains it quite clearly for drivers from other nations.Looks like you're right Rainy days! We are going to have to do a theory AND practical test. EEeeeek! Thought those days were over!

Just be sure to drive on the right side of the road - which in this case IS the right side.

[globalnomad]

In Georgia, I understand that they make you surrender your previous drivers licence.

According to international parents at the school where our kids attend, this is a huge problem for overseas families as it is very costly and difficult to obtain a Europrean licence (not sure about the UK) and they don't want to lose their foreign licences.

These parents were advised to get an international drivers permit (IDP) and surrender the inexpensive IDP rather than their real licence (which you need anyway when you return home).

[InkedParrot]

I am gonna move to Atlanta from oregon next year. I have a suspended license for unpaid fines. I found out that after I pay my fines off I have to retake my driving tests again since its been so long since I had it. Not looking forward to that. I pulled 100% back when I first got it and I know I can do it again. anyways, I guess I am off topic here but thanks for the above information!