Obtaining a New York State Driver's License

Last updated: November 12, 2001

Automobiles

Automobiles are expensive to buy, insure, and maintain. If you do decide that you need a car and you purchase one, you must register it with New York State. To do this you must have a New York State driver's license. Please note that you cannot use your driver's license from your home country or an international driver's license for this purpose. The Department of Motor Vehicles issue licenses and has an excellent booklet on motor vehicle rules.

Unless you are familiar with cars, buy from authorized car dealers. The Yellow Pages of the Telephone Directory indicate which dealers the manufacturer authorizes. If you have a friend who knows about cars, motors, and dealers, perhaps he/she will help you.

How to buy a used car:

1. Be educated. There are many things you should know about a car before you purchase a good one. You can get good advice from Edmund's Web site.

2. Look for cars for sale in the classified section of the local newspapers, and on school bulletin boards.

Driver's License

An international driver's license or a driver's license from your home country is good for use in the New York State for a period of only 30 days from your arrival. You have to get a New York State driver's license if you are going to stay longer than that and drive as well.

Motor Vehicle requires a Social Security number to apply. If you do not have a Social Security number you must to get a letter from the Social Security Office in Troy stating that you are not eligible for a Social Security number.

Automobile Accidents

New York State law requires that all cars on the road be insured. Insurance agencies can be found in the Yellow Pages of the Telephone Directory. The agent will inform you of the basic policies available and the minimum coverage required by law.

If you are driving a car and are involved in an accident, stop and wait until the police arrive. Be sure to get the name and address of the other driver, his/her license number, and the name of his/her insurance company. The other driver will want the same information from you. You should not argue with others at the scene, nor should you admit responsibility.

Notes of Caution:

Never leave your keys in the car. Be sure to lock the doors and close the windows when parking.

If you are given a ticket for a traffic violation do not argue with the police officer. If you think that the reason for the ticket is invalid, request a hearing at traffic court.

In the winter, you may find it necessary to purchase snow tires. It is advisable to leave them on until spring (early May).

Children under the age of 10 are required by law to be restrained with a seatbelt while traveling in an automobile. Children under the age of four are required to be in a regulation car seat (for infants and toddlers) and securely fastened. The fine for not obeying this law is $50.00.

A Mandatory Seat Belt Law is in effect in New York State. It states that all passengers in the front seat, and passengers in the back seat who are under the age of 16, must wear seat belts. Failure to obey this law will result in a $50.00 fine.

Another law states that whenever you are using wipers during rain or snow, the headlights of your car must be turned on. The law is in effect for both night and day times.