Driver's license

A driver's license (US English) or driving licence (UK English) is an official document that states that a person may operate one or more types of motorized vehicles, such as a motorcycle, car, truck, or a bus, on a public roadway without in-vehicle supervision. The laws relating to the licensing of drivers vary between jurisdictions. In some jurisdictions, a license is issued after the recipient has passed a driving test, while in others, a person acquires a license before beginning to drive. Different categories of license often exist for different types of motor vehicles, particularly large trucks and passenger vehicles. The difficulty of the driving test varies considerably between jurisdictions, as do factors such as age and the required level of practice.

History

Karl Benz, inventor of the modern automobile, had to receive written permission from the Grand Ducal authorities to operate his car on public roads in 1888 after residents complained about the noise and smell of his Motorwagen.^[1] Up until the start of the 20th century, European authorities issued licenses to drive motor vehicles similarly ad hoc, if at all.^[1]

The first mandatory license requirement for driving was introduced in the Motor Car Act 1903 in the United Kingdom. Every car owner had to register his automobile with his local government authority and be able to prove registration of his vehicle on request. The minimum qualifying age was set at 17. The license gave its holder 'freedom of the road' with a maximum 20 mph (32 km/h) speed limit.^[2] Compulsory testing was introduced in 1934, with the passing of the Road Traffic Act.^[3]

Prussia, then one region of the German Empire, introduced compulsory licensing on September 29, 1903. A test on mechanical aptitude had to be passed and the Dampfkesselüberwachungsverein ("steam boiler supervision association") was charged with conducting these tests.^[1] In 1910, the German imperial government mandated the licensing of drivers on a national scale, establishing a system of tests and driver's education requirements that was adopted in other countries.^[1]

Other countries in Europe also introduced driving tests during the twentieth century, the last of them being Belgium where, until 1977, it was possible to purchase and hold a license without having to undergo a driving test.^[4]

As automobile-related fatalities soared in North America, public outcry provoked legislators to begin studying the French and German statutes as models.^[5] On August 1, 1910, North America's first licensing law for motor vehicles went into effect in the US state of New York, though it initially applied only to professional chauffeurs.^[6] In July 1913, the state of New Jersey became the first to require all drivers to pass a mandatory examination before receiving a license.^[7]

Driver's licenses used for identification purposes

Many countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States, have no national identification cards. As many people have driver's licenses, they are often accepted as de facto proof of identity. Most identity cards and driver's licenses are credit card size—the "ID-1" size and shape defined in ISO/IEC 7810.

Europe

Many European countries require drivers to produce their license on demand when driving. Some European countries require adults to carry proof of identity at all times, but a driving license is not valid for identification in every European country.

In the United Kingdom drivers are not required to carry their licence. A driver may be required by a constable or vehicle examiner to produce their licence, but may provide it in a specified police station within seven days;^[8] the police issue a form for this purpose.^[9]

In Spain, Sweden and Finland, the driver's license number is the same as the citizen's ID number.

In Poland, Romania and Spain, a special vehicle registration card and proof of obligatory insurance is also a driving requirement.

Asia

In Hong Kong, a driving license in Hong Kong carries the same number as the holder's ID card, but has no photograph. Upon inspection both must be presented. Plans to make the newly phased in Smart ID contain driving license information have been shelved.

Similarly, the Saudi Arabian government require all drivers to carry an ID card in addition to a license and present them whenever requested. In Saudi Arabia using a license instead is only permitted if the request is made for on-site inspection/identification purposes, especially at checkpoints. Expatriates may be requested to present their visas as well. Women, however, are not allowed to drive at all.

In Japan, South Korea, and Singapore driving license cards are widely used as identification.^[10]

Japan

Japanese driver's licenses bear one of the following 3 colors on the expiration date.

Green

New Drivers (First license in Japan) Valid for 2 to 3 years. Drivers with under one year of driving experience are required to to display a "New Driver Tag" (Young Leaf Mark) on their vehicle. This holds true if the driver acquires a license for a different class of vehicle, regardless of the length of driving experience on their previous license. However, such a mark does not indicate necessarily the color on the driver's license. A driver with a young leaf mark on their car could very well be a gold driver. This is because the gold status does not disappear with a change in vehicle class.

Blue

Drivers who have fewer than 5 years of clean driving history or who do not have a clean driving record but more than 5 years of driving history. Valid for 3 to 5 years depending on age, violation history, etc.

Gold

In addition to the regular license, the Gold Driver's License (ゴールド免許, Gorudo Menkyo), or Superior Drivers License (優良運転者免許証, Yuryo Untensha Menkyosho), is a special designation of license given to "superior drivers" (優良運転者) in Japan. Holders of such licenses can be identified by the gold band printed over the expiration date of their driver's license.

The Gold License is granted to any driver who, at the point of license renewal, has at least five years of clean driving history (no driving infractions).^[11][12] According to implications in the Road Traffic Laws Reforms that took place on May 10, 1995, all such licenses are marked with a gold band over the license's expiration date as well as the word 優良 printed in black, below.

Those who hold a gold license have the added benefit of qualifying for the Superior Drivers Course at the time of renewal, a significantly shorter and less-expensive renewal process. In some cases, they can bypass the main license center and have their license renewed at a separate Superior Drivers License Renewal Center.^[13]

Moreover, because such license holders are proven to have been free of accidents and moving violations for at least five years, they are deemed low-risk and qualify for optional car insurance discounts. To qualify, drivers must be accident and violation-free for 5 years and 41 days prior to their birthday on their license's expiration. The period in which the license holder's driving history is reviewed begins on the 40th day prior to their birthday of that year. Should the license holder be deemed to qualify, they will receive a decision in the mail with the word 優良 printed on it.

Even the so-called "Paper Drivers" who hold licenses but never drive, who technically are without violation or accident, can lose their eligibility to obtain a gold license for several reasons including if their car is used by a drunk driver or to support drunk driving in any way.

North America

In the United States and Canada, driver's licenses are issued by the states or provinces, respectively, and do not look the same nationwide. They are also used as a de facto identification document. For persons not fit, not eligible, or who otherwise choose not to acquire a driver's license, state (United States) or provincial (Canada) agencies – usually the same as the issuer of driver licenses – will issue an identification card with similar attributes to a driver's license. Identification cards do not enable a person to operate a motor vehicle, a fact typically noted on the ID via the phrase 'Not a driver's license' or similar wording.

South America

In Venezuela, the driver's license number is the same as the citizen's ID number.

The number of a driving license issued by the Dominican Republic has the same number as the holder's Dominican Republic ID card.

Licenses for different categories of vehicles

In a number of countries (including the United States, New Zealand, Australia, UK, Ireland and sometimes Canada as well) people who drive commercially are required to have special licenses. The cost of taking the series of tests and examinations to obtain these licenses usually means that an employer would subsidize his or her drivers.

Africa

Morocco

The legal driving age of Moroccan citizens is 18.

South Africa

The minimum driving age in South Africa is 17, when you may drive with an adult whom holds a valid driving license, after passing your learners license theory test. At 18 you can obtain a driving license after passing the road test. Small motorcycles may be driven from the age of 16. To obtain a license, applicants must pass a written or computer-based test to obtain a learner's license, and then pass a road test to obtain the driving license. Categories for licenses include CODE B (normal vehicles), CODE C1 (LDV), CODE EC (heavy trucks), CODE A (motorcycle). The learners license theory test will contain three sets of questions with multiple answer options; you will have to select the correct answer. Some driving license test centres use computers for the test, whereas other centres require you to complete the test using a test paper and pen.^[14]

Egypt

Egyptian citizens are entitled to a driver's license once they have reached the age of 18. To obtain their licenses, applicants must pass a driving test as well as several computer tests.

In order to pass, all a person had to do was drive six meters forward and then reverse six meters. However, the test was updated to make it more difficult, now the applicant has to answer 8 out of 10 correct answers in a computer test, then pass a forward & reverse S-track test in addition to an assessment of parking skills.

Ghana

Driver's licensing in Ghana is conducted by the nation's Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority. The legal driving age is 18.

Kenya

The legal driving age is 18.

Tanzania

Driver's licenses are issued by the Tanzania Revenue Authority. The legal driving age for motor vehicles is 18 and for motorcycles is 16.^[15]

Asia

India

In India, being a state matter, each Indian state has a "Regional Transport Authority or "RTOs" (Regional Transport Offices) that issues licenses. Minimum age is 18 years for all vehicles, however motor cycle having engine capacity below 50 cc (3.1 cu in) may be driven at age of 16. In India, people aged more than 50 years have to undergo strict medical tests in order to obtain a license that has limited validity and requires renewal every five years. In India, a commercial driving license is valid for 3 years and requires to renewed.

Indonesia

In Indonesia, to drive a motor vehicle, one must own a legal Indonesian Driving License which is called (Surat Izin Mengemudi) or SIM in Indonesian. It is a card which legally permits one to drive a motor vehicle. In Indonesia, there are classes for each driving license for which is allowed to drive a type of motor vehicle:

• A – to drive private passenger or cargo vehicle with weight allowed not exceeding 3,500 kg (7,700 lb)
• A Public (A UMUM) - to drive commercial vehicles and goods carrier to the amount of weight that is allowed does not exceed 3,500 kg (7,700 lb)
• B1 – to drive private passenger or cargo vehicle with weight allowed exceeding 3,500 kg (7,700 lb)
• B1 Public (B1 UMUM) - to drive passenger vehicles and general freight allowed amount of weight over 3,500 kg (7,700 lb)
• B2 - to drive heavy equipment vehicles, towing vehicles, or motor vehicles with attractive patch or trailer train individuals with severe or patches are allowed to train more than 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) trailer/s
• B2 Public (B2 UMUM) - to drive commercial vehicles for towing or pull cart trailer with heavy patch that are allowed to train more than 1,000 kg trailer
• C – to drive motorcycles (two-wheeled motor vehicle)
• D – special vehicle for disabled person

The classes above also are allowed by the age of the driver according to the class of the driving license. The ages are accordingly issued to the different classes of the driver's choice:

• 17 years old for issue of Driving License class: A, C, and D
• 20 years old for issue of Driving License class: B1
• 21 years old for issue of Driving License class: B2

Israel

Lebanon

Malaysia

The minimum age for obtaining driving license varies between 16 to 21, although there is a concern about teenage driving safety.^[16]

As of November 2011, any drivers could renew their license on his or her birthday, rather than expiry date.^[17]

Pakistan

The minimum age for eligibility for learner's permit is 18 years ; as the driver's information is saved against the Computerized National ID Card number which is issued at the age of 18. The License Issuing Authorities vary to each district and work under the relative District Police.

New credit card format driving license has been introduced. The license bears the digital photo, signature and blood group information of card holder. The record of violation is stored automatically in the database. To obtain a driving license one must register for the learner's permit at any of the local District Police's designated license offices and after 42 days can apply for test for a regular full license.

The test phase consists of a theory based test followed by a short practical test. Only the ones who pass the theory test are allowed to take the practical test. The whole test stage is a single day process where both the tests are to be taken the same day. The driving license currently issued holds basic information of the Driver including Name, Father's Name, Date of birth, Address, Authorized Vehicle Types, Emergency Contact, Blood Group, Fingerprint Impression, Driver Photo. The license also has a magnetic strip though its viability is yet to be made public.

Sri Lanka

New E-Smart Card driving licenses are available in Sri Lanka. These cards are intended for the use in the proposed "Point System".

In Sri Lanka, a driving license is the official document which authorizes its holder to operate various types of motor vehicles on public roads. They are administered by the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT). The minimum age is 18 years for all vehicle types.

European Economic Area

The European Union has adopted a common format for driving licenses within all 31 EEA memberstates (EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway), and a common set of driving license categories. They were introduced to replace the 110 different plastic and paper driving licenses. The common format with the same information in the same place on all licenses allows the driving license to be understood, even if it is in a different language.

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Croatia

Cyprus

Denmark

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Iceland

The minimum age for getting a driver's license in Iceland is 17 for a B class license, a B class license will qualify a person to drive low powered motorcycles (50 cc (3.1 cu in) two stroke or equivalent, for more powerful bikes one will have to obtain an A class license), Tractors, ATVs and Automobiles that do not exceed a GVWR of 3,500 kg (7,700 lb) or 8 passengers.

The minimum age in Iceland to get a C1 class (vehicles up to 7,500 kg (16,500 lb) GVWR) is 18, for a C class (vehicles exceeding 7,500 kg) one will have to have obtained a 12-point license (obtainable without getting a ticket for a whole year) and have reached the age of 20 years.

The minimum age in Iceland for a D class (and DE clas) license is 22 years old, the same rules apply as with a C/CE class license.

Ireland

Italy

The Netherlands

Norway

The minimum age for getting a driver's license in Norway is 16 for A1, T (tractor), 18 for A-C and 21 for D. The driver's licenses are always revoked when he/she has reached an age of 100.

Poland

Romania

The minimum age for obtaining a driver's license in Romania is 18 ("Minimum legal age in Romania")

Spain

Sweden

United Kingdom

The minimum driving age in the United Kingdom is 16 for mopeds under 50 cc (3.1 cu in), and 17 for cars and motorcycles. Access to motorcycles producing more than 25 kW (34 hp) is restricted to riders with two years experience or aged 21.^[18] The British Overseas Territories and the British Crown dependencies issue their own driving licences. There is no legal requirement to carry a driving license in the UK whilst driving, although it must be produced at a police station within seven days, if required to do so by a police officer.^[19]

In the United Kingdom, one must hold a Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) license to drive a vehicle with more than eight passenger seats for hire or reward, or a Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) license to drive a vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight (Maximum Authorized Mass) in excess of 3,500 kg (7,700 lb). Special licenses are required in order to transport hazardous materials.

Rest of Europe

Albania

Macedonia

Russia

The Russian Empire was one of the first countries to create a driving licence. Russia's first licences were issued in 1900 by Saint Petersburg authorities, and Russia joined an international convention in 1909. However, due to relatively small number of cars, the attempts to create a standardised Russian licence were rather sporadic and limited to major urban areas. No comprehensive system of driver licensing was present until 1936, when the Soviet government organised and standardised traffic and driving regulations, with the statewide system regulated by specialised police authorities.

Since March 2011^[20] there are 9 categories that require a driving licence:

• A: any type of motorbike
• B: motorized vehicle under 3.5 tons (optionally with light trailer)
• C: motorized vehicle over 3.5 tons (optionally with light trailer, up to 750 kg)
• D: bus (has more than 8 passenger seats) (optionally with light trailer, up to 750 kg)
• BE: motorized vehicle under 3.5 tons with heavy trailer
• CE: motorized vehicle over 3.5 tons with heavy trailer
• DE: bus with heavy trailer
• Tram: tram
• Trolleybus: trolleybus

Currently Russia employs a system of driver's licenses very similar to the EU standard with two additional categories:

• A2 similar to European A limited, as A does not limit the specs of motorbikes
  • Bikes with engine displacements lower than 50 cc and speeds lower than 50 km/h are considered mopeds and doesn't require license to drive
• B1 for tricycles and quadracycles.

The current licence style, introduced in 1999, is a laminated plastic card similar to the European driving licence card in dimensions and outward appearance, with the bearer's photo and name (in Latin and Cyrillic scripts) to the left, place/date of issue, allowed categories and signature to the right. The reverse of the card features a detailed list of allowed categories in Russian.^[21] Older booklet-style licenses are also occasionally seen although they are no longer issued and are increasingly rare as a result. The Russian driving license is also sometimes supplemented by a special card called "временное разрешение" (temporary permission), which serves for registering offense points and as a temporary licence if the primary licence has been seized by the authorities for serious traffic offences.^[22] This supplement has been abolished and reinstated a countless number of times as the views of the traffic police change.

The legal driving age within the Russian Federation is 18 years (16 for motorcycles and 20 for buses)^[23] and to obtain a licence one must be physically fit to drive (including certificates of mental fitness and no record of substance abuse). One must also pass a test administered at a local traffic police authority and pay a fee. Tests are divided into theory and practice. The theory test is usually a computerized multiple-choice test on various traffic rules. Twenty multiple-choice questions are asked, only two incorrect answers allowed for a passing grade.^[24] A road test is then administered which includes a demonstration of basic driving skills (steering, slope starting for manual transmission vehicles and backing-up), obstacle course as well as a skills examination for road driving. Four minor errors are allowed for the road driving examination—the obstacle course is pass-fail. The number of retries is unlimited.

North America

Canada

The age to obtain a driver's license in Canada varies by province, as do the necessary procedures. The minimum age for obtaining a driver's license to drive unaccompanied in most provinces is 16.

Caribbean

In Barbados, a person 16 years or over can apply for a Learner's Permit which allows them to drive for a specified period with an accompanying tutor. During that period they will be tested on their driving skill and their knowledge of road signs and traffic laws. On passing both the written and driving test the license is issued. Once issued a driver's license is valid for a period of one to five years depending on which period of time the driver chooses to pay for. On the expiry of the period for which the license is issued, it will become renewable on the last day of the driver's birth month and will again be valid for the time period for which payment is made. Visitors and non-nationals who are the holders of a valid driver's license issued in their country of residence or origin are not allowed to drive automatically in Barbados but must go to a police station to have a temporary local driver's license issued. The license is issued on payment of a fee and the production of the visitor's existing license.

Costa Rica

Every vehicle driver must carry a driver's license (Licencia de Conducir), which is issued by COSEVI (Consejo de Seguridad Vial) of the ministry of transportation and public infrastructure (Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transporte).

For this license to be granted there are three needed tests, practical driving (includes driving a car in simulated streets), theoretical driving (a multiple selection written test based on booklet issued by the education department or after taking a special course), and finally a medical test performed by a medical practitioner that tests eyesight, blood pressure and attests the presence of other diseases and behavior of the driver.

Every citizen can solicit a driver's license at age 18, after being issued the first time, the license must be renewed after two years, and every successive occasion after five years.^[25] Foreigners may also obtain a drivers' license if they have residency.

Besides this document the driver must carry the national identity card (Cédula de Identidad), however both documents use the same identification number, the national identity card being the basis of the driver's license number.

El Salvador

All driver's licenses are given by the government agency SERTRACEN (Servicios de Tránsito Centroamericanos S.A. de C.V.).

One needs a minimum of 15 years to receive a driver's license (a juvenile license).^[26] To get a new license, one needs to pass a vision test, a written test, and a driving test. These tests are given at accredited driving schools. Foreigners with a license from another country can obtain an El Salvador license if they have residency. They will also have to pass a vision test.^[27] The driver's license number is the same as the person's Tax ID number.

El Salvador licenses (as well as vehicle circulation cards) contain a chip which can be read by putting the card in a chip reader.

There are several categories of drivers' licenses in El Salvador:^[28]

• Juvenil Particular—License for minors, allowing them to drive cars and pickup trucks
• Motociclista—Motorcycle license
• Particular—License for adults, for cars, vans up to 17 passengers, and pickup trucks.
• Liviana—Taxis, Light trucks up to 5 tons, and buses up to 30 passengers.
• Pesada—Buses greater than 30 passengers, and trucks greater than 5 tons.
• Pesada T—Trucks with more than 3 axles.

Jamaica

A citizen may obtain a learner's permit once he or she is age 17. A learner will get their driver's license upon being proven competent, only through the results of both a written and practical test. This license expires on the holder's fifth birthday after the date of issue.

Mexico

Driving licenses in Mexico are regulated by each state, and they all have different rules and requirements. However, all state driving licenses are recognized across Mexico, and international licenses with an IDP are also recognized as well.

A driver is allowed a learner's permit at the age of 15 (in some states), with the cost of approximately 100 dollars, a duration of a year, and requiring to drive with an adult at all times. At the age of 16, the fee drops to 30 dollars, and a driving permit is issued with some usage restrictions, depending on the state (like a curfew). When a driver turns 18, he or she is allowed a full license.

United States

The eligible age to first obtain a driver's license varies substantially from state to state, from 14 years, three months, in South Dakota to 17 or 18 in New Jersey. In a majority of states one can obtain a license that allows driving without adult supervision by age 16, after passing the requisite tests. Since the driver's license is a commonplace document that carries much of the necessary information needed for identification, it has become the primary method of identification in the United States.^[29]

In the United States, a holder of a driver's license is typically legally allowed to operate a motor vehicle up to 26,001 pounds, if not carrying hazardous materials or more than 16 passengers (driver included). Most jurisdictions when granting driver licenses only permit the holder to operate a road worthy four or more wheeled vehicle. To operate a two-wheel motorized vehicle with a sustainable speed greater than 30 mph (48 km/h) requires an endorsement upon the license, typically after successful completion of a theory and practical test.

On the federal level, motor vehicles with a curb weight of GCWR of 26,001 lb (11,794 kg) or more, a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers (driver included), or a vehicle transporting hazardous materials can only be driven by an operator carrying a Commercial Driver License (Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986). Upon successful completion of theory and practical testing, endorsements can be applied to a CDL to allow legal transport of specialty types of goods:

• T Semi trailer Double or Triple (Written Test)
  • Certain states prohibit triple trailers statewide, such as California,^[30] Florida,^[31] and New York^[32]
  • A Class A license is required to obtain the T endorsement
• P Passenger Vehicle (Written and Driving Tests)
• S School Bus (Written and Driving Test, Background Check, Sex Offender Registry Check and P endorsement)
• N Tank Truck (Written Test)
• H Hazardous materials (Written Test and Background Check through the Transportation Security Administration)
• X Combination of Tank Vehicle and Hazardous Materials (Written Test)
• W Tow truck. (Written Test)
• M Motorcycle License (Written Test and practical)

Various state statues also mandate that CDL must be held to operate vehicles not covered by federal statues.

Oceania

Australia

The minimum driving age varies between 16 and 18 years of age in different States and Territories. After the minimum age, a graduated licensing scheme operates, with state variations.

New Zealand

The minimum age to obtain a Learner License is now 16 in New Zealand, formerly 15.

Cook Islands

Cook Islands driving licenses are issued at police headquarters on Rarotonga, on production of a valid license from the visitor's home country. To use a scooter or motor cycle (the main hire vehicles for tourists) a short test has to be taken by anyone whose home license is only valid for cars, in which a police officer observes the applicant riding up and down the main street of the capital.

South America

Brazil

Peru

The minimum age for a driving license is 18 years old. It is obtained via a test in a car, a computer and the applicant must present a vision test which says they are permitted to drive

Organ donations

Licensing bureaus in many countries add an organ donation option on license forms. Sometimes a small picture of a heart or the term Organ Donor is printed on the driver's license, to indicate that he/she has agreed to donate his/her organs in case of a sudden death, such as in a car accident.

In the United States, this is governed by the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act. In New Zealand and Republic of Ireland, willingness to donate organs for transplant is also listed on driver's licenses. In Australia, the system of notating organ donation requests on licenses was replaced in July 2005 with a national registration system and the issue of special cards. In the United Kingdom (England, Wales and Scotland) Code "115" is printed on the reverse of the licence to indicate your details are on the NHS Organ Donor Register.

International and interstate considerations

Many groups of countries have agreed to recognize driver's licenses issued by authorities of any of its members. Examples include the European Union and the GCC, where holders of driver's licenses issued by any member state can drive in all member states. Most countries worldwide will also recognize the licenses of citizens of foreign states wishing to drive as visitors. All EU member countries now issue licenses in a standard format, regardless of the language of the license.^[33]

The International Driving Permit (IDP) (sometimes erroneously called the International Driver's License) is a booklet which is an authorized translation of a driver's home license into many languages (especially languages with non-Latin scripts such as Russian, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, etc.). In some cases, it is obtained from a motoring organization such as the Automobile Association or the equivalent in the driver's home country. In other cases, it is delivered by the same government services that deliver ordinary licenses. The IDP has no validity except when used in conjunction with the driver's own license. The existence of the IDP is necessitated by many countries refusing to recognize driver's licenses written in foreign languages without accompanying translations.

Temporary visitors from the United States to France (less than 90 days) are permitted to drive with a valid US state driver's license. In addition to holding a US driver's license, visitors are advised (but not required) to carry an International Driving permit, or attach a French translation to their US state driver's license.

China, at present, does not recognize IDPs and requires drivers to get an additional Chinese license before being officially allowed on all roads. Holders of foreign licenses are exempt from certain requirements when obtaining a Chinese license.

A minimum driving age often exists regardless of possession of a foreign license; an American cannot drive below the local minimum age in Europe, nor can a 17-year-old Briton drive in mainland Europe where the minimum age is 18.^[34]

Many countries have established a driver's license exchange arrangement after reviews of the foreign jurisdiction's licensing processes. Where standards in the other jurisdiction are comparable in areas such as medical standards, minimum driving age, and knowledge and road testing, an exchange (or honoring) of the foreign jurisdiction's license may occur.^[35] This may also be called Driver's License Reciprocity.^[36]

Issues when moving permanently from one country or one state to another

Most license-issuing authorities require holders of foreign licenses taking up residence in their jurisdiction to obtain a local driver's license within a limited time, typically 6 months or 1 year. In most cases, the driver must follow the full local procedure for obtaining a license, but some jurisdictions have mutual recognition agreements and will exchange the foreign license for a local one without the need to undertake an additional driving test.

An exception is the EU, where licenses do not need to be exchanged since the introduction of the common EU-driver's-license scheme.

Australia

Each state in Australia has different rules for how long a visitor can drive on an international licence or a licence from a different state. For example, New South Wales allows three months^[37] whereas Victoria allows six months.^[38] Drivers that move permanently to another state must change their licence to a local state licence within the prescribed time. This is usually free. In some states, drivers with a full New Zealand licence are treated as interstate drivers.

Canada

British Columbia has a reciprocal license exchange scheme with other Canadian provinces and territories as well other countries provided the license is valid or has been expired for less than three years.^[39] Ontario has a reciprocal license exchange scheme for Canadian provinces and territories, Canadian Forces Europe, and some other countries.^[40] Quebec has a reciprocal license exchange scheme for Canadian provinces and territories, Canadian Forces Europe, American states and other countries.^[41]

France

US state driver's licenses can be exchanged from the 15 states below during the first year of legal residence in France: Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin.^[42]

If you are a resident of France (holder of a carte de séjour or carte de residence), you may drive in France with a valid US state driver's license for a one-year recognition period, beginning on the date of validity of the first carte de séjour (exception for students who are allowed to use their driver's license for the duration of their studies). In addition to having s US state driver's license, residents are also required to attach a French translation done by a sworn translator, or expert traducteur or traducteur assermenté.

Germany

The US Embassy, supported by the American Chamber of Commerce in Germany, continues to actively press all US states, territories, and the federal district to reach an agreement on the reciprocal recognition of driver's licenses with Germany, essentially a waiver of testing requirements.^[43]

If approved, drivers from Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington State, Wisconsin, and Wyoming will be exempted from road and written driving tests.

If approved, drivers from Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Indiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee will be exempted from the road tests only.

Hong Kong

As stated on the application form for direct issue of full Hong Kong driving license (Rev. 11/2008),^[44] when a person has documentary evidence to the Commissioner for Transport's satisfaction that all of the following apply, the person is eligible to direct issue of a Hong Kong license:

• The person has held a full driving license (not an International Driving Permit) for three years issued by one of the following countries or territories: Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bermuda, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Guernsey, Iceland, India, Ireland, the Isle of Man, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jersey, Luxembourg, Macao, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, South Africa, South Korea, Namibia, Taiwan, the United Kingdom and the United States.
• The driving entitlement(s) for which one is applying must be equivalent to the class(es) which are authorized to drive by the issuing country or place; and
• The driving license was obtained by passing the relevant driving test(s) in the issuing country or territory; and
• Satisfies one of the three requirements below:
  • The license was originally issued on any date during a period of residence of not less than 6 months in the country or place of issue (entry and departure stamps on a passport, school transcript or employer's testimonial with employment period specified are accepted as proof); or
  • The license has been issued for not less than 5 years immediately before the application; or
  • Hold a passport or an equivalent travel document of the country or territory in which the license was issued.

Singapore

A foreigner above 18 years of age and holding a Work Pass/Dependent Pass/Student Pass may drive in Singapore with a valid class 3, 3A or 2B foreign license, for a period of not more than 12 months. A Singaporean driving license is required after 12 months. Those on short term social visit may drive with their foreign license for up to 12 months each time they enter into Singapore. For licenses not written in English language, an International Driving Permit or translation is required.

Foreign license conversion is only granted for class 2B and class 3 qualified driving licenses.

In order to convert your foreign license to a Singapore driving license, you are required to pass the Basic Theory Test (BTT). Overseas theory test results are not admissible for consideration.^[45]

Sweden

Residents in Sweden having a foreign license can exchange it to a Swedish license, if it is from an EU country, an EEA country, Switzerland or Japan.^[46] Foreign licenses are valid if the holder has not been living in Sweden for more than a year (and some more requirements).

United Kingdom

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), which licenses drivers in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales), but not Northern Ireland, exchanges full licenses issued by:^[47]

• Northern Ireland (although being part of the UK, driving licenses are issued by the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) in Northern Ireland),
• Countries within the EEA and Switzerland,
• The British Crown dependencies (Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man)
• Gibraltar and other British Overseas Territories,
• Australia, Barbados, the Faroe Islands, Hong Kong, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
• Canada (by default, Canadian driver's licenses will only be exchanged for licenses to drive automatic transmission cars, unless documentary evidence is provided that a manual shift test was passed in Canada)

United States

A Driver's License from any US state is valid for temporary use in any other US state, although most states require that a person have a license issued by their state of primary residence. Most states allow residents to convert an out-of-state license to an in-state license without any additional written or road tests.

Delaware has a reciprocal license exchange for Germany, France, and Taiwan to allow holders of those licenses to obtain a Delaware license without any additional written or road tests.^[48]

A District of Columbia driver's license may be obtained while maintaining out-of-country driver's license. D.C. driver's licenses may vary for non-US citizens, depending on visa classification. The written test is required for non-US citizens who possess an out-of-country driver's license.^[49]

Florida has a reciprocal license agreement with South Korea, allowing South Korea licenses to be exchanged for a Florida license, and vice versa, without taking a written or road test.^[50]

A New York State driver's license may be obtained by a resident of another country. If the driver has a driver license from any nation except Canada, they must pass a written test, complete a 5-hour pre-licensing course and pass a road test to qualify for a driver's license.^[51]

Texas doesn't require drivers from Canada, France, Germany, nor Taiwan to take the written and practical tests. But drivers must still agree to a vision test.^[52]

Washington State has a reciprocal license exchange, allowing holders of valid licenses from any other US state, British Columbia, Germany, South Korea, and Taiwan to exchange their license for a Washington State license without taking any written or road tests.^[53]

Virginia has a reciprocal agreement with Canada, France and Germany. The knowledge and skills tests may be waived if the driver meets residency and other requirements.^[54]

See also

• Commercial driver's license
• Driver's Education
• Learner's permit
• International Driving Permit
• Road-traffic safety
• Vehicle category
• List of countries by minimum driving age

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Driver's licenses.

• Information from the European Union in driving licences throughout the Community
• Drivers License General Information Office (Japanese)
• Information On South African Driving Licenses

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