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Driver's License HELP!

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Japaneezy
Posts: 1039 - Karma: 4,267
Sup NS,

I recently moved to Colorado (Denver) as an international student, and quickly realized that I needed a car to survive around here. CO is HUGE. Anyways, I've never applied for a drivers license, and have no prior experience in driving at all. I've researched a lot on google and I just can't figure out each step to get one. I am 20 btw, if that helps at all.

Any advice or detailed steps on getting a license is hugely appreciated. (+K)

Thanks NS!
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Oct 22 2014 6:24PM
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CaptainObvious.
Posts: 5711 - Karma: 20,627
Do you already have a driver's license? If you don't, you'll have to take the tests and get one like any 16 year old. I'm not sure about international stuff, but whatever situation you're in will require you to go to the DMV in order to get your next steps.

In colorado there are two types of DMVs one handles car registrations only. One handles licenses only. You should make damn sure you're going to the right one before you leave cause it will take you close to an hour and you don't want to wait that long for nothing.

go here:
http://www.dmv.org/co-colorado/dmv-office-finder.php

Put in your zip code under where it says, "What's your location", and find the LICENSING office closest to you. Then go, wait in line, and ask them. Bring any and all documents you have. (birth certificates, licenses, passports, fucking everything)
Oct 22 2014 6:28PM
0 0
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CaptainObvious.
Posts: 5711 - Karma: 20,627
SteezyJapaneezyAnyways, I've never applied for a drivers license, and have no prior experience in driving at all.


This shit just clicked. So ignore the part about previous licenses. You're going to have to take the test.

Go here:
http://www.dmv.org/co-colorado/practice-tests/

Switch to the "Driver's License" tab and purchase the $24.99 package that gets you all your prep work. Do that shit, then find a friend who will teach you how to drive. You'll have to take not only a written test, but also an actual driving test.
Oct 22 2014 6:31PM
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Japaneezy
Posts: 1039 - Karma: 4,267
TheSeaCaptainDo you already have a driver's license? If you don't, you'll have to take the tests and get one like any 16 year old. I'm not sure about international stuff, but whatever situation you're in will require you to go to the DMV in order to get your next steps.

In colorado there are two types of DMVs one handles car registrations only. One handles licenses only. You should make damn sure you're going to the right one before you leave cause it will take you close to an hour and you don't want to wait that long for nothing.

go here:
http://www.dmv.org/co-colorado/dmv-office-finder.php

Put in your zip code under where it says, "What's your location", and find the LICENSING office closest to you. Then go, wait in line, and ask them. Bring any and all documents you have. (birth certificates, licenses, passports, fucking everything)


Thanks a lot for the help man, I appreciate it. Ive never had a drivers license before. But I'll make sure to go to the right DMV.
Oct 22 2014 6:31PM
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broto
Posts: 9039 - Karma: 25,659
well i'm not familiar with the process for international people. however, i know for a US citizen, you generally get a learner's permit for 6 months or a year and can sign up for a road test to get your license after that.

to get a learner's permit all i had to do was take a short written test, i think it was 20 questions. it's pretty easy.

http://www.dmv.org/co-colorado/drivers-permits.php

http://www.dmv.org/co-colorado/apply-license.php

FYI the dmv sucks. but getting a license in America is generally way easier than in any other country because driving is a necessity for most people (USA is fuckin huge!!).
Oct 22 2014 6:31PM
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Japaneezy
Posts: 1039 - Karma: 4,267
TheSeaCaptainThis shit just clicked. So ignore the part about previous licenses. You're going to have to take the test.

Go here:
http://www.dmv.org/co-colorado/practice-tests/

Switch to the "Driver's License" tab and purchase the $24.99 package that gets you all your prep work. Do that shit, then find a friend who will teach you how to drive. You'll have to take not only a written test, but also an actual driving test.


Gotcha. But the first step is to visit that DMV you were talking about right?
Oct 22 2014 6:33PM
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CaptainObvious.
Posts: 5711 - Karma: 20,627
Triple post, but fuck it.

Here's a PDF of the driver's handbook. Good place to start.

https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/sites/default/files/DriverHandbook.pdf
Oct 22 2014 6:33PM
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Japaneezy
Posts: 1039 - Karma: 4,267
brotowell i'm not familiar with the process for international people. however, i know for a US citizen, you generally get a learner's permit for 6 months or a year and can sign up for a road test to get your license after that.

to get a learner's permit all i had to do was take a short written test, i think it was 20 questions. it's pretty easy.

http://www.dmv.org/co-colorado/drivers-permits.php

http://www.dmv.org/co-colorado/apply-license.php

FYI the dmv sucks. but getting a license in America is generally way easier than in any other country because driving is a necessity for most people (USA is fuckin huge!!).


Thanks man, it's pretty complicated considering all the options they here. I just want to take whatever test I have to take, buy a car, and drive.
Oct 22 2014 6:35PM
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broto
Posts: 9039 - Karma: 25,659
SteezyJapaneezyGotcha. But the first step is to visit that DMV you were talking about right?


well, yeah, but you can do some preparation before going to the DMV (study the rules of the road, someone posted a resource for that above) so that when you go you can take your permit test and get a permit. i don't know how familiar you are with american roadways and their rules. step 1 at the DMV is to take a permit test so it would be rather pointless to go there unprepared.
Oct 22 2014 6:36PM
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CaptainObvious.
Posts: 5711 - Karma: 20,627
SteezyJapaneezyGotcha. But the first step is to visit that DMV you were talking about right?


I would call the DMV first and ask them about your international status and your age. As mentioned above, kids generally have to have a learner's permit for 6 months before they can get their license. I believe that's only necessary because they're not 16 yet. For example, if you never got your permit and you're now 20, I think you're allowed to just go try for a license.

This, however, is a question suited for the DMV. Call them first, ask them what to do as an international or as a 20 year old.

They'll tell you one of two things:
1) you still need a permit for X months before you can get a license. In which case you'll have to go in and take the written test for a permit. it's based completely on the content of that pdf I posted. So that's all you need to study.

2) you do not need a permit, you can take your license test whenever. In this case, you'll still have to study and spend some time learning how to drive (although it would be illegal for you to do this without a permit). fuck....now that I'm writing all this out I'm realizing you're probably going to need a permit. Maybe not for 6 months, but I think that's step 1.
Oct 22 2014 6:37PM
0 0
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Japaneezy
Posts: 1039 - Karma: 4,267
brotowell, yeah, but you can do some preparation before going to the DMV (study the rules of the road, someone posted a resource for that above) so that when you go you can take your permit test and get a permit. i don't know how familiar you are with american roadways and their rules. step 1 at the DMV is to take a permit test so it would be rather pointless to go there unprepared.


That clarifies a lot. I came to the states during September, so I have no goddamn clue when it comes to the rules.
Oct 22 2014 6:38PM
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Japaneezy
Posts: 1039 - Karma: 4,267
TheSeaCaptainI would call the DMV first and ask them about your international status and your age. As mentioned above, kids generally have to have a learner's permit for 6 months before they can get their license. I believe that's only necessary because they're not 16 yet. For example, if you never got your permit and you're now 20, I think you're allowed to just go try for a license.

This, however, is a question suited for the DMV. Call them first, ask them what to do as an international or as a 20 year old.

They'll tell you one of two things:
1) you still need a permit for X months before you can get a license. In which case you'll have to go in and take the written test for a permit. it's based completely on the content of that pdf I posted. So that's all you need to study.

2) you do not need a permit, you can take your license test whenever. In this case, you'll still have to study and spend some time learning how to drive (although it would be illegal for you to do this without a permit). fuck....now that I'm writing all this out I'm realizing you're probably going to need a permit. Maybe not for 6 months, but I think that's step 1.


Thanks for all the help man, I wish I could give you some more K, I already had you on 10/10.
Oct 22 2014 6:39PM
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Japaneezy
Posts: 1039 - Karma: 4,267
But can you already buy a car with just a permit?
Oct 22 2014 6:40PM
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270on420out
Posts: 7495 - Karma: 50,836
SteezyJapaneezyBut can you already buy a car with just a permit?


No. You also cannot rent one (in most cases) until you are 21-25
Oct 22 2014 6:55PM
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soulskier
Posts: 17805 - Karma: 3,821
Seems the captain already has you covered but if all else fails check out http://www.idchief.ch/
Oct 22 2014 7:25PM
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howlongcanausern
Posts: 4982 - Karma: 1,737
god dammit, fuck dmv.org that's not even an official site....


OP: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dmv/new-colorado-another-country


During your driver's license office visit, expect the following:
1Present your required documents to driver's license employee for review

2Take the written exam

3Take an eye test

4After successfully passing the written exam and eye test, purchase an instruction permit for $14.00

5Take the drive skills test

6After successfully passing the drive skills test, purchase driver’s license for $50.50


Boom good luck OP
Oct 22 2014 7:29PM
0 0
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saskskier
Posts: 4772 - Karma: 9,984
How long are you going to be in the US for? You might be out of the country before you are done your learners and can apply for an actual license.

If if your system is anything like Canada, when you have your learners you have to drive with someone who already has their full license (not alone). Also, being an international student with no license from your home country will probably complicate things.

But who knows. I could be totally off base.
Oct 22 2014 7:44PM
0 0
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Japaneezy
Posts: 1039 - Karma: 4,267
momsspaghettigod dammit, fuck dmv.org that's not even an official site....


OP: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dmv/new-colorado-another-country


During your driver's license office visit, expect the following:
1Present your required documents to driver's license employee for review

2Take the written exam

3Take an eye test

4After successfully passing the written exam and eye test, purchase an instruction permit for $14.00

5Take the drive skills test

6After successfully passing the drive skills test, purchase driver’s license for $50.50


Boom good luck OP


thanks man, this is the best advice Ive gotten so far.
Oct 22 2014 8:56PM
0 0
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CaptainObvious.
Posts: 5711 - Karma: 20,627
SteezyJapaneezythanks man, this is the best advice Ive gotten so far.


Well fuck me, right? Lol
Oct 22 2014 9:51PM
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kung_powpow
Posts: 1990 - Karma: 3,669
Are you a student at DU?
Oct 22 2014 10:50PM
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Japaneezy
Posts: 1039 - Karma: 4,267
TheSeaCaptainWell fuck me, right? Lol


I actually purchased the lesson you told me to buy, and its great! So thanks a lot for helping me out man!


kung_powpowAre you a student at DU?


Nah, DU was unfortunately too expensive. Im in CUD. Are you in DU?
Oct 22 2014 10:55PM
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