Hi OP. I moved to Connecticut from the U.K. last year. I can drive on my U.K. license for a year, but I needed an SSN to buy a car because I wanted to get it on finance. With only passport and U.K. license the NY-based dealership were able to give me a temporary NY registration to drive the car out of the dealership, but for my Connecticut registration I needed to send a photo of my state learner driver permit.
Now the dealership I was working with was particularly incompetent, so it’s possible this isn’t the case. You should visit a dealership in Connecticut and speak with them, as they will definitely know.
I do recommend getting your state learners permit sooner rather than later however. I genuinely learned a lot about Connecticut road signs and markings, rights of way etc. that are slightly different to the U.K.
It’s not hard, but you do need to study to pass the test. The hard part for you (as it was for me!) as a recent arrival will be getting two pieces of mail with your name and a Connecticut address on it.
>I checked the state DMV website and my understanding is that an International Driver Permit is only needed if your license is in a language other than English or Spanish.
This is my understanding of it too. I've asked the same questions on the DMV contact form, but I think you're right-- I should book an appointment.
sconzey t1_j5a6vcb wrote
Reply to Info about car registration by ItalianResearcher
Hi OP. I moved to Connecticut from the U.K. last year. I can drive on my U.K. license for a year, but I needed an SSN to buy a car because I wanted to get it on finance. With only passport and U.K. license the NY-based dealership were able to give me a temporary NY registration to drive the car out of the dealership, but for my Connecticut registration I needed to send a photo of my state learner driver permit.
Now the dealership I was working with was particularly incompetent, so it’s possible this isn’t the case. You should visit a dealership in Connecticut and speak with them, as they will definitely know.
I do recommend getting your state learners permit sooner rather than later however. I genuinely learned a lot about Connecticut road signs and markings, rights of way etc. that are slightly different to the U.K.
It’s not hard, but you do need to study to pass the test. The hard part for you (as it was for me!) as a recent arrival will be getting two pieces of mail with your name and a Connecticut address on it.
Good luck OP, and welcome to Connecticut!