How To Get A Driver’s License In Syracuse
It’s a simple reality of life in America. You have to have a driver license. As an international student, you will need to have a valid and easily understood I.D. to not only drive in the states, but also to be eligible for better rates on car insurance—a massive savings over a 4-year student stay.
Moreover, a driver license can help you enjoy life’s simple luxuries, such as staying in hotels, entering bars, and possibly applying for a job. The following steps make this process clear and easy. Let’s dive in.
1.Get a Learner Permit
First of all, people in New York State who apply for a driver’s license must present 6 points of proof of identity. The qualified materials for international students usually include:
- Passport
- I20
- SUID card
- Debit card or credit card
- Transcript:
International students at Syracuse University should bring their SUID card to Steele Hall 106 to receive your transcript. New students can even receive a blank transcript.
- SSN/ A letter of SSN ineligibility:
If you do not have SSN, you are required to get a letter of SSN ineligibility at the Syracuse Social Security Office. Make sure you bring your passport, I20, SUID card, and transcripts, and explain to the staff that you are in the process of applying for a driver license . Note that this letter is valid for 30 days. It must be valid on the date that you take the written exam, so make sure you do some careful planning to avoid repeating this step.
Second, you have to take some practice tests. Most questions of the written exam are selected from practice tests. And you must answer at least 14 out of the 20 multiple-choice questions correctly. You can take the test in many other languages including Chinese, Spanish, French, Greek, Bosnian, Italian, and Russian, amongst several other language selections.
Last, you have to bring all the materials to the DMV and finish the written exam. The most convenient place for SU students to take the written exam would be Syracuse DMV office. In order to reduce the waiting time before exam, you could make a reservation in advance at their official website. After you have finished the exam, the staff will grade your exam immediately. If you pass the written test, you will be charged a small amount of money and receive a temporary permit. You are likely to receive the official one in 2 weeks. But if you do not pass, you can take the test again for no additional fee. There is no limit to how many times you can take the written test.
2.Complete a 5-hour Pre-Licensing Course
This course is about knowledge of safe driving. Every driving school in New York State offers a 5-hour pre-licensing course, which generally costs around $40. You are required to bring your learner’s permit when you take the course. Upon successful completion, you will receive a certificate which will allow you take the road test. Your Pre-Licensing Course Certificate is valid for one year, and it must be valid on the date that you make your road test appointment.
If you are an international student of Syracuse University, Branch’s Driving School is one of the best choices. Classes are offered at the university every Sunday. Online registration is slightly cheaper, costing you a total of $36.
3.Conduct Supervised Practice Driving
Professional driving lessons in New York State are relatively expensive, which means at this point, you should consider obtaining your driver’s license as an investment. A 45 minute course usually charges around $60. If you do not want to go to driving school for any reason, you can hire a private coach or simply ask a friend who is twenty-one years-old or older, with a state registered driver’s license to teach you.
The practice items should include: steering, acceleration, braking, clutch/gears, speed, following distance, traffic signs, signals and markings, stopping position, lane selection and position, communication, observation, anticipation and reaction.
4.Take a Road Test
Firstly, you’d better make an appointment for your road test 2-3 months in advance. There are two ways you could choose: online or by phone (1-518-402-2100).
Next, you need to bring your learner’s permit and original copy of your Pre-licensing Course Certificate to the road test. And you need a vehicle to drive during the test that has a valid registration and inspection, operates properly and is in clean condition. Also, you need a driver that is twenty-one years old or older and has a valid driver’s license to keep you company.
You do not need to pay for the first two road tests. However, if you do not pass your first two road tests, you are then required to pay an additional $10.00 fee. After you pass the road test, you will get an interim license that allows you to drive. You should then expect your your official driver’s license in 2 weeks.
Now that you have received your license, it’s important to re-familiarize yourself with New York state driving laws. Be vigilant, wear your seatbelt and remember to keep proof of your new-found freedom on the road, securely in your wallet or dashboard.
