Converting my CDL

Discussion in 'Trucking Schools and CDL Training Forum' started by sunflyer, Apr 29, 2012.

  1. sunflyer

    sunflyer Bobtail Member

    26
    11
    Apr 29, 2012
    Dayton OH
    0
    I'm from Europe and getting married soon and I need to get a job. I have been driving a semi over here for about 8 years. What do I need to do to get my drivers license valid for driving a truck in the US ?


    Thanks :biggrin_255:
     
    Cranky Yankee Thanks this.
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. Onetruckpony

    Onetruckpony Medium Load Member

    544
    372
    Jun 11, 2011
    0
    Call your states Dept of Motor Vehicles.
     
    sunflyer Thanks this.
  4. CondoCruiser

    CondoCruiser The Legend

    19,726
    18,734
    Apr 18, 2010
    Tennessee
    0
  5. pavrom

    pavrom Road Train Member

    3,184
    7,298
    Apr 29, 2012
    NE illinois
    0
    i think 99% you have to pass all exams and get us CDL to be able drive commercially in us
     
  6. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    10,666
    12,189
    May 28, 2009
    Rancho Mirage, Ca.
    0
    You come here, go to DMV office and "transfer" your current license. The caveat is, you will start from scratch, since no state accepts another Countries license. Then, it's possibe you will need to have a "c" license for awhile, before you can get an "A". But I did talk to a guy many moons ago who came here from Australia, got off the plane in Arkansas and was processed in and leaving the yard the same day with a load. (he was prehired). This included getting his CDL.
     
  7. worldtrvlr

    worldtrvlr Medium Load Member

    300
    118
    Nov 29, 2011
    Hope Hull, Alabama
    0
    People from countries like Australia and the UK an convert licenses easily. However, if you are from the EEC, you will need a green card which will enable you to work in the USA. First, you have to have a resident card. You will have to start from a car license and do the whole CDL test from scratch (as if you never drove a truck). Some countries have agreements with the US and some do not-this is why and Australian can driver here (same as a British citizen. When I am in the UK, I can drive a car anywhere on my US license. When I was over there (working-not driving over there) my US CDL expired and I had to start with a car-learner permit here and do the whole CDL test even though I had driven 23 years in the US in an 18. As mentioned, you have to get a legal residence then a green card. Start with the local DMV.
     
  8. OldNomad

    OldNomad Bobtail Member

    19
    5
    Jan 2, 2012
    Tallahassie, Florida
    0
    I think what they are trying to say is that work-based immigration as a truck driver simply isn't going to happen.
    The shortage of qualified truckers is not great enough.

    But if you have (typically) family-based immigration then the only concession you get is that effectively you don't need the learner's permit you can proceed directly to the testing. Both written and on the road testing.

    Just as a general comment, testing for a car license is easier in the US than you are likely to have experienced in Europe, but truck driver testing is at least as hard.

    If you are marrying a US citizen in the US then it is important that you enter the US on a 6 month visa such as a tourist visa, and NOT a 3 month visa waiver. If you have a tourist visa you will be allowed to work legally a day or two after your immigration application is received and you don't need an immigration attorney. If you use a 3 month visa waiver you will need to hire an immigration attorney and may very well have to wait until your immigration application is decided, and that could be a year. If you want to pursue this issue further, this is not the right forum, try an immigration forum or hire an immigration attorney.
     
    Last edited: May 1, 2012
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.