If you need to drive in the US, it is important for you to realize that different laws apply within each state of the country, and the most thorough information is available at:

WWW.DMV.ORG

However, here is some useful information about driving in New York State:

A valid driver license from another country is also valid in NYS. You do not need to apply for a NYS driver license, unless you become a resident of NYS.

According to NYS law, a resident of another country can get a NYS driver license. The DMV does not recommend this because:

• NYS recognizes your foreign driver license if you remain a resident of the nation that issued the license. You do not need to have a NYS driver license to drive in NYS unless you become a resident of NYS.
• If you have a driver license from any nation except Canada, you must pass a written test, complete a 5-hour pre-licensing course, and pass a road test, to qualify for a NYS driver license.
• You must show a Social Security Card. If you are not eligible for a Social Security Card, you must provide a letter or form SSA-L676 from the US Social Security Administration (SSA) that states that you are not eligible. The SSA Letter or form must have been issued no more than 30 days before the date of your application. You must also show the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) documents that the SSA used to determine that you are not eligible for a Social SecurityCard.
• When you receive your NYS driver license, you must surrender your foreign driver license to the DMV road test examiner. The local DMV office keeps your foreign driver license, and then destroys the license after 60 days. If you plan to return to your home country, and use your foreign driver license, ask the road test examiner how to make sure that your foreign driver license is not destroyed. If you need to get your foreign driver license, go to the local DMV office where you applied for your NYS driver license.

International Driving Permit: An International Driving Permit is not a driver license. The permit only verifies that you hold a valid driver license in your home country. Your foreign driver license, not the International Driving Permit, allows you to drive in NYS. You may contact the authorities in your home country to get an International Driving Permit. If you are not a resident of the US, you cannot apply for an International Driving Permit in the US.

You are not required to have an International Driving Permit to drive in NYS, but the permit has value. The permit verifies, in several languages, that you have a valid foreign driver license. A police officer who cannot read the language on your foreign driver license can read the permit.

If you feel that you need to get a NYS licence, here are some useful tips:

The process to apply for a non-commercial driver license in NYS includes the following steps:

• Apply for a learner's permit. Pay the application fee and the driver license fee. Pass the vision test and the written test. Receive your permit.
• Practice for your road test.
• Take a driver education course or a DMV-approved pre-licensing course.
• Use your driver education certificate, or pre-licensing course certificate, to make an appointment for your road test by phone or on-line.
• Pass your road test and receive your NYS driver license.

You can download form CCRP-1 (Original Driver License) http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/forms.htm#ccrp1 here. The form includes a summary of the complete process. Use form CCRP-1 to make sure that you have the documents and forms you need to apply for your driver license.

For further, and most up-to-date, information, always refer to the official website of the Department of Motor Vehicles: www.dmv.org