Connecticut Grants Foreign Driver’s License Holders New Opportunity to Drive Legally in the State
Connecticut is making it easier for foreign nationals living in the state to obtain a driver’s license. The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has announced a new initiative that allows foreign driver’s license holders to apply for a Connecticut driver’s license without having to take a road test.
The initiative, which went into effect on January 1, 2022, streamlines the process for foreign nationals who have a valid driver’s license from their home country. To qualify for the new program, applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a foreign driver’s license that is valid or expired for less than six months.
In the past, foreign nationals in Connecticut were required to take a written and road test to obtain a driver’s license, even if they held a valid driver’s license from their home country. This often posed a barrier for many foreign nationals who faced language barriers or had difficulty scheduling and passing the tests.
The new initiative is a welcome change for many foreign nationals in Connecticut who rely on driving to get to work, school, and other essential activities. By eliminating the need for a road test, the DMV hopes to make it easier for foreign driver’s license holders to navigate the process of obtaining a Connecticut driver’s license.
To apply for a Connecticut driver’s license under the new initiative, foreign nationals must visit a DMV office in person and provide the following documentation:
– A completed driver’s license application form
– Proof of identity and legal presence in the United States
– Proof of residency in Connecticut
– Social Security number (or proof of ineligibility)
– A valid or expired foreign driver’s license (for less than six months)
– Payment of the required driver’s license fee
Applicants will also be required to pass a vision test and provide proof of insurance for the vehicle they plan to drive in Connecticut. Once all documentation has been submitted and the necessary tests have been completed, the DMV will issue a Connecticut driver’s license to qualifying foreign nationals.
The new initiative has been lauded by immigrant advocacy groups and foreign nationals in Connecticut who have long struggled to obtain a driver’s license. “This is a game-changer for many of our community members who have been driving without a license due to the previous road test requirement,” said Maria Sanchez, a community organizer in New Haven.
The initiative is also seen as a step towards improving road safety in Connecticut by ensuring that all drivers on the road are licensed and insured. “By granting driver’s licenses to foreign nationals who already have driving experience, we are promoting safer roads for all Connecticut residents,” said DMV Commissioner Sibongile Magubane.
While the new initiative simplifies the process for foreign nationals to obtain a driver’s license, it does not eliminate the need for all foreign nationals to take a written test. Applicants who do not hold a valid or expired foreign driver’s license will still be required to take a written test to obtain a Connecticut driver’s license.
Overall, the new initiative marks a positive development for foreign nationals in Connecticut who have faced challenges in obtaining a driver’s license. By removing the road test requirement for qualifying foreign driver’s license holders, the DMV is making it easier for these individuals to legally drive in the state and contribute to their communities.
