How to get US Driving License for G4 visa holders in New York ?

This month I decide finally to get US driving license. First to have US ID with address and age and to drive a car of course. This is quite easy if you compare to the many European countries but there are some surprise and things you need to know.

1. To get Driving license you MUST have Social Security Card
2. Test is easy 20 questions you need to answer at least 14 correct. I read manual from DMV site and practice online on this site , and pass it at the first attempt.
3. For G4 visa holders you MUST go tot the Manhattan Midtown DMV Office 31W and 9th Avenue. The best if you registered online first, so you bypass long lines.
4. Unfortunately Your Lerner Permit will be valid only for duration of your contract (UN ID Card). You will need to extend this every time you extend your contract (12$ Fee). Permit itself is valid for 5 years but you will need to extend Permit to take practical test.
5. Pay $77,50 (may 2015) for your Learner permit, and it will be send to you by mail in two weeks.
6. You need to get classes about driving security.
7. And finally you can sing in for practical test.



For now I'm on step 5 and I will update article in next moths after I hopefully pass practical test.

UPDATE 2016

OK I passed the test at the first attempt, you can practice on this website questions on the real test are very similar. You have 20 questions at the test and can make up to 4 mistakes.

Before going to practical test you MUST get 5 hour class about rules of the road etc, cost of this is usually around 50$. Also driving school will schedule your practical test date and time. Take at least one hour driving lessons before test, instructor will show you whats mandatory and you will practice in the area of the test.

On the exam you can expect parallel parking and turning car on three and some basic driving stooping, you can't get more than 40 points if you get more you fails and need to reschedule your exam. Practical exam cost is around 100$.

After you pass DMV Instructor will print your temporary driving immediately, plastic card will be send to your mail in 2 weeks.

Important: If your spouse will want to have US driving license she or he need to go to Social Security Office first to get letter that they can't have separate SSN number and with this letter you can go to DMV.

Good Luck !