Getting Driver License while in visa extension.. Yes you CAN!
Having a car and being able to drive in US is as important as food and water, especially in smaller cities with limited public transportation. It is strongly recommended to get a car and driving license within a month of moving- otherwise you are basically handicapped.
But by the time I realized this, gave the written exam and perfected my right side driving skills my I-94 had expired and the extension approval was expected to take at least another 6 months! Apparently one of the main documents a new immigrant will need to apply for drivers license is a valid I94 :(
https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/forms-documents/Documents/IdentificationRequirements_English.pdf
With the infamous Minnesota winter just around the corner I was running from pillar to post -frantically googling, checking with friends, driving instructors hoping to find a way out but all said you will not be able to apply for a new driving license till you get a the extension approved. Then I wrote to DMV to on a lark and was happy to see their prompt reply - Yes you can! just need the original copy of notification of receipt (form I-797C)... and TADAAA.. I got my new Minnesota Driving license :).
Having a car and being able to drive in US is as important as food and water, especially in smaller cities with limited public transportation. It is strongly recommended to get a car and driving license within a month of moving- otherwise you are basically handicapped.
But by the time I realized this, gave the written exam and perfected my right side driving skills my I-94 had expired and the extension approval was expected to take at least another 6 months! Apparently one of the main documents a new immigrant will need to apply for drivers license is a valid I94 :(
https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/forms-documents/Documents/IdentificationRequirements_English.pdf
With the infamous Minnesota winter just around the corner I was running from pillar to post -frantically googling, checking with friends, driving instructors hoping to find a way out but all said you will not be able to apply for a new driving license till you get a the extension approved. Then I wrote to DMV to on a lark and was happy to see their prompt reply - Yes you can! just need the original copy of notification of receipt (form I-797C)... and TADAAA.. I got my new Minnesota Driving license :).
