Vehicle registration and drivers license fir new residents. (Dallas: road test, distance)

[momof2dfw]

Originally Posted by Cowboys_Fan2010

No. Not really, mom. It took 5-7 minutes at the NV DMV to get your DL after they took your picture.

Well, to be fair. When I got my DL renewed two months ago I was in and out of the DPS office in less than 5 minutes . I did go to the location in Rockwall and walked right in and was out of there in 5 minutes. However, there were only 2 windows at that location and no one in line but if there was a line it would take much longer w/ only 2 people working. At some of the other locations the waits can be over 3 hours.

It could be worse. You could be getting a CDL renewed. When dh went for his this summer within 3 weeks he got his license in the mail but that too was only a temporary even though it was made just like a real drivers license. It was only good for 2 months while they completed the Homeland Security Background check even though that itself has to already be done BEFORE you go to get it renewed. They just allow more time for it to get all processed. Talk about a crazy waste of money though by printing TWO licenses.

[Mr.Bungle]

I just had a bit of deja vu. I do like how you get a new license when you change your address. Back in CA you had to go to the DMV, wait, then have them stamp a business card sized piece of paper with your new address that you hand wrote on it.

[rooch]

does anyone know if there's a vastly different process for a person who has an out of state expired plate?

I have to transfer my ID/Plate to TX this week, but don't want to get hit with any surprises for my Michigan plate being expired.

[crmorgan7]

I was thinking I would go get my car inspected tomorrow since I don't start working until next week. About how much can I expect to pay for the inspection, registration/tags, and drivers license?

[mitotex]

I'm in the midst of this process now after moving from Michigan. Got to tell you, the Texas process sucks big time. In MI they eliminated inspections a number of years ago after determining that 99.xx% of the cars that were required to take them passed, so it was just a money maker for the garages and cost the state $$ to enforce. There you just walk into the SS office and get your DL and registration taken care of on the spot. I may have waited 20 minutes tops when I've done it there. The fact that you have to go to two different offices here is an unnecessary inconvenience for everyone. In CA you can also do it in one office, but they make you take a written drivers test even when transferring a license from another state. Not a big deal, but they ask ridiculus questions specifically tailored to make sure you read their little pamphlet (how many feet before the RR crossing should you stop if the lights are flashing and the gates are down? Uh, far enough away so the train won't hit me). My wife failed twice before the guy recommended she read the book.

Anyway, I've gotten through my registration (luckily I had a bunch of cash on me or would have had to run to the bank and return since it's the only way to pay for a newcomer) but still haven't found the time to get back and get my DL.

[TheViking85]

Somewhat same topic: Anyone know if the DMV around here are picky about issuing licenses to foreign nationals with valid license (international and national in home country)?

The Norwegian drivers license is supposed to be recognized but I know some other Norwegians have had troubles with this in the past and had to actually take the license tests.

Any particular office you'd recommend going to?

[Willsson]

Originally Posted by TheViking85

Somewhat same topic: Anyone know if the DMV around here are picky about issuing licenses to foreign nationals with valid license (international and national in home country)?

The Norwegian drivers license is supposed to be recognized but I know some other Norwegians have had troubles with this in the past and had to actually take the license tests.

Any particular office you'd recommend going to?

TxDPS - Moving to Texas

If you have a VALID out-of-state driver license, or a VALID out-of-country driver license from France, Canada, or Germany, in your possession, please bring it to the driver license office to surrender. The written and driving examinations will be waived, but you must still pass a vision exam.

Locations: http://www.txdps.state.tx.us//admini...dex/search.asp < by city or county. My experience shows me that going to a more outlying office will help to avoid long lines and bad attitudes. But I think (not sure) you may have to go to an office in your county of residence. Call them to verify. I would know but renewals can be done online so I haven't been to an office in quite some time.

[TheViking85]

Originally Posted by tofurkey

TxDPS - Moving to Texas
Locations: Texas Department of Public Safety - Driver License offices < by city or county. My experience shows me that going to a more outlying office will help to avoid long lines and bad attitudes. But I think (not sure) you may have to go to an office in your county of residence. Call them to verify. I would know but renewals can be done online so I haven't been to an office in quite some time.

Thanks, looks like I'll have to do a driving test, though we'll see, I'll try and get out of it.

...doesn't make the slightest bit of sense, considering how much goes into getting a license in Norway as opposed to here.

[momof2dfw]

Originally Posted by TheViking85

Thanks, looks like I'll have to do a driving test, though we'll see, I'll try and get out of it.

...doesn't make the slightest bit of sense, considering how much goes into getting a license in Norway as opposed to here.

FYI, if you do have to take the driving test you have to have an appointment. You can only make the appointment on the DAY OF the test and IN PERSON, not on the phone. That may mean going and standing in line early that morning and having to come back to take the test later in the day. The spots fill up fast. Very few places have a just show up and take the road test.

[Willsson]

Buckle up before starting the car. Make sure the cop is also buckled up.
Keep both hands on the wheel.
Always use turn blinkers.
Look both ways. Be sure to look thru the back window when backing up.
Come to complete stop at Stop sign.

Considering all the people in the U.S. with driver's license, it shouldn't be difficult. Would probably be harder to stand in line.