Legal Question in Traffic Law in Texas

Re: instruction permit(driver license)

First, in Texas, you can drive a private, non-commercial motor vehicle with a valid out-of-state driver license for up to a year if your home country has a reciprocity agreement with the U.S. To check for reciprocity agreement status you can follow the link to the Texas administrative Code, title 37, part 1, chapter 15, subchapter E

http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.ViewTAC?tac_view=5&ti=37&pt=1&ch=15&sch=E&rl

=Y.You can also contact License Issuance by e-mail at [email protected].

Secondly, if you have a driver license from your home country, you should not use it alone, even with the reciprocity. You also need to carry an International Driving License (IDL). An IDL is a translation booklet which enables officials in other countries to comprehend your actual state or nationally issued driver license. The IDL indicates that you have a valid driver license and that you are allowed to drive in the US. Since an IDL is not valid in the country of issue, you need to apply for it in your home country. Finally, an IDL by itself does not constitute a legitimate permit to drive; you must hold a valid driver license in conjunction with the IDL.

If your home country does not have a reciprocity agreement with the U.S. or you are planning to stay

in the U.S. for more than one year, you will have to apply for a Texas driver license to legitimately

drive in this State. You can apply for your state driver license at the DPS office. If you have a new passport, this should not be an issue.