The Texas Department of Public Safety allows you to use your driving license from your country for one year, but it is recommended that you do not drive until you study the driving handbook and are familiar with Texas rules. After one year from the day of your arrival into the United States you should have a Texas driver's license.
INSURANCE
All owners of automobiles are required by Texas law to carry insurance. Liability insurance, the required minimum insurance, covers only the vehicle of the other party with whom you are involved in an accident. It does not cover any damage to you or your car.
INSPECTION
You are also required by Texas law to have an annual Texas state inspection for your car. This inspection ensures that your car is in safe operating condition.
IF AN ACCIDENT HAPPENS
If an accident occurs on campus, you should notify the Brookhaven College Police Department located in Building B, Room B200, 972-860-4190. When dialing from an on-campus telephone, you need to dial only four digits: 4190.
If the accident occurs off campus, you must call the police if someone is injured in the accident. If no one is injured, you do not have to call the police but be sure to get the name, address, telephone number and insurance information of the other person involved in the accident. Always remember to call your insurance company immediately to report the accident.
HOW TO GET A DRIVER'S LICENSE OR A TEXAS IDENTIFICATION CARD
Two Texas Department of Public Safety offices in both Dallas and Carrollton are close to Brookhaven College. They have available a free driving handbook that you should pick up and read thoroughly. After you have read the handbook, take your passport, proof of liability insurance and Social Security card back to the Department of Public Safely office, and there you will take a written exam. You may ask to take the examination orally if you believe your English is not adequate. If you pass the exam, your driving permit is issued immediately and your permanent license will be mailed to you in 15 to 20 days. If you fail the exam, you may take it again until you pass. It is advisable to get a driving license as soon as possible for identification purposes.
Texas Department of Public Safety Office
City of Carrollton
2625 Old Denton Road, Ste. 310
(located at the intersection of Old Denton Road and Trinity Mills)
Phone 972-245-5800
Hours: 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
If you would like just a Texas identification card (useful for cashing checks) you to not need to do anything except take your passport to the Texas Department of Public Safety Office