Driving licences

[msmob]

I always had thought it was an EU convention that residents of non-EU nations who are Vienna Convention members who become resident in EU nations had to re-take a driving test after six months

Over the weekend SC was told in FR that having become resident the DL could simply be exchanged ? ! ..I did not believe it - but TWO RU ladies resident in FR confirmed that is what they'd done !

Also, IRL does not permit Russians to drive on their RU licences - other than hire cars and with a IDP ? 

Does this 'right' vary from state to state in the US..?

What about 'Oz / NZ / Canada


It's quite a 'biggy' - as I'd hate to have to take another test

[Wayne]

This varies in each state in USA. In Michigan, my step-daughter could drive for 6 months on a Ukrainian license. When she applied for a Michigan license, she had to take both the written test and road test. The written test was available in Russian. She had to do the road test twice because a stop light bulb was burned out on our car and we did not know it. First thing on the road test is they check out all the lights and safety items on the vehicle. You take the written test at the government office, but the road tests are done by private individuals.

At least she did not have to start with driver training classes. And she is a good driver!

[supraman]

In Oz , they can drive on their foreign license as temporary resident ( Russian or Ukraine ) --must carry their visa and certified translated foreign license when driving . Once permanent visa is granted they have 3 months to get an Australian license . With them no longer able to use their foreign one after this time .  Same class restrictions apply   ie auto  , manual,,
  My wife drove for 2 years before having to do a test .
     

[msmob]

Thanks for the responses, so far ... appreciated .. It is interesting how different states interpret