There are several drivers licensing offices in each state of the United States. The application can be placed in these offices, or the form can be downloaded online from the respective state government website. While applying from the office, the applicant can apply for the voter application also alongside.
Documents required for License Application
While applying for license either online or at the office, it is necessary to present the below documents for verification
Primary identification
The following documents can be used to verify US citizenship:
- Birth Certificate for proof of birth in the US or territories and District of Columbia supplied by the government.
- US Passport
- Certifications of Citizenship or Certificate of Naturalization
Primary identification documents to be produced by immigrants are
- Green Card or Permanent Resident Card
- Passport with US Visa stamp and other required stamps.
- Immigration Judge Order
- Document with A-number proving that the person has been granted asylum in the US. This also applies to refugees.
For Canadian citizens, they have to produce the below documents:
- Canadian passport
- Canadian Birth Certificate
- Canadian certificate of citizenship
- Naturalization Certificate
The documents to be produced by non-immigrants are:
- Government issued employment authorization card
- Certificate of non-immigrant from US Customs and Border Protection with specific documents depending on the classification.
- Passport with US Visa
- Employer or student card
The documents are verified by the Motor Vehicles Department of the respective state, and the legal clauses are checked. The identity of the person, once verified, the identification card or driving license will be processed.
2. Secondary Identification
Social security number and some other documents are required for secondary verification.
The documents requested in the second stage are
Social security card
Paycheck
Military ID
W-2 Form
1099 Form
The name in the documents should be the same. If any issues, it should be verified and cleared before applying for the license.
3. Proof of address
Two papers are required as a proof of residential address. Any two from the below can be produced for that purpose.
- Lease, rent, deed or mortgage agreement.
- State Voter Card
- Vehicle registration document
- Selective Service Card
- Health Card with address
- Insurance policy
- Document from educational institution
- Documentation for shelter address
- Bank account Statement/Utility bills with address
After the documents are submitted, the next step is to subject to tests and verifications to prove that you are fit to drive the vehicle without any problems.
Vision test and Medical Screening
The individual has to undergo a vision test to become eligible to gain a driving license. If the test results express the need for a corrective lens, this will be mentioned on the license. The test also checks for mental of physical issues that can cause obstruction in driving safely.
Driving knowledge test
This is to ensure that the individual has proper knowledge about the various driving practices, signs, signals and laws governing driving in the state. Booklets and driving schools provide appropriate education classes to impact this experience to prepare you to attend the test. The test is conducted on a computer at one of the driving schools in your state or at the driver licensing office. The test detailing differs between the states but mostly it is multiple choice questions, and there is a minimum pass mark. If you do not pass the exam, you can reattempt. After three failed attempts, you will have to reapply with new application and fee. Some states also have different knowledge exams for different classes of driving.
Driving test
For a person to attain the driving license, it is required that he proves his proficiency in safe driving on the roads. The exam can be given at the driving license office or at the third-party skills testing school (TPST). The TPST schools are not implemented in all states, you can check with the driving office for the same. The TPST can conduct driving test except for non-commercial driving license. Driving test if not required for a learner license.
The examiner will ride along with the applicant and check the driving skills bases on various parameters. The examiner will not ask the person to do anything illegal. Try not to engage in conversation during the ride which may distract your driving. Make sure you have a person with proper valid license drive you to the test spot and even take you back.
The parameters checked during the driving test are:
- Absolute control over the vehicle and proper maneuvering skills.
- Keeping an eye for traffic and preventing from creating a traffic issue.
- Driving in lane
- A Proper response to traffic signals and giving turn signals when required.
Some particular skill tests may be provided to check the following like
- Manual parallel parking skill.
- Quick stop when instructed without skidding the tires.
- Taking reverse in a straight line without the use of an automatic backing system. You may use the backup camera.
- Response to signals
- Appropriate use of the clutch.
- Slowing down and observing at intersections.
- Taking proper turns
- Good posture.
- Safe driving adhering to the rules.
The driving test can be attempted only after passing the knowledge test. Make an appointment with the driving school or department after passing the knowledge test. Make sure to appear before time and well prepared with a vehicle in perfect driving condition, insurance documentation, and other necessities.
To pass in the driving test
- You should drive as per the driving rules.
- Follow the instructions of the examiner keenly.
- Drive smoothly. Rash driving will have your license request rejected right away.
- Score high points in the various parameters.
Most of the Driving Offices will issue a temporary driving license which is valid for 45 to 90 days till you receive the original and new license on mail.
