NO drivers license test UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

IP,

When my hubby picked up his application for a license several weeks ago, he was told to get it back to the STX DMV as "close to the time when they opened as possible, because they wouldn't accept it after they had reached their paperwork limit for the day." He got his physical and turned in the application right as they opened the next morning -- they gave him a beat up booklet that he was told to return and got booked for the written test two weeks later (which is later this week). We'll let you know if they administer the test or not.

He was also instructed to bring two passport sized photos with him -- is that a usual part of this process?

Please keep us posted on anything you learn.

HC

Hello Hipcrip,

Its been quite a while since I took my drivers test on St. Thomas but I recall them asking for 2 pictures; they were stapled to the permit/application form (the same form that has the medical stuff on it).

--Islander

Ha, ha! Paul, I have been waiting 6 months for my renewal! The computer keeps breaking just as I show up at the door!! Add this to Gasps's list of woes!

Thank you, Islander the ever helpful. Between the Settlers' Guide, you, Island Paul, and the other helpful folks on this board, I've pretty much been prepared for everything that's come up in the last year....except being asked to provide our own photos for a drivers' license. A little surprise is good now and then to keep you on your toes (key word, of course, is little)!

In some ways, I'm actually relieved that I don't have the ability to drive anymore -- I can't fathom how I'd ever get the DMV to bless the hand controls installed our car and can't bear to think about all of the additional hoops they'd require license me to drive using them.

HC

Here on STT, Blazing Photos will happily snap your photo and hand you two id sized copies for $10.

If I'm not mistaken, you also need to bring your own photos when getting your Passport renewed, right?

Yep, you are correct about the passport photos, IP. In fact, passport photos were what the DMV folks recommended my husband bring with him. He was told, however, that they wouldn't accept a scan of his current passport photo that was reprinted on photo paper at 1200 dpi resolution -- being able to produce the pics in house would have saved an extra stop on the way home from the doctor's office.

HC

Look at the bright side .... you get to put the photos you like on the drivers license. What would they pay in the states for that?

Pamela

Do you have to have a physical just to get a driver's license or can you get one with a license from a state? Mine has not expired yet and I just wanted to get one from the VI before it expires. I have not started on this journey and keep putting it last on my list. 🙂

Teresa

Yes, even if you still have a current license you need to pay for the visit to the doctors office....cost me $70, partly because I did not know my blood type. If you know yours it might be less.

The doctor does the eye chart business....it was really a joke and I was mad as hell for having to pay for such BS.

ps - did you guys get moved? let me know

When you get your VI drivers license, do you have to turn in the one you have from the states?

Also, my husband has a commercial driver's license, is it the same as the states for driving big rigs?

Thanks.

Nancy

Update:

All seems to be functioning at the STX DMV. Kelly showed up at his designated testing time this morning (along with a dozen others), and the written test started on time. After he passed with a 100% score and went to the cashier to get processed, he made a massive protocol error that he thought was going to cost him BIG.

As the woman at the cahier's window took his old license (they do keep the old one and shred it), she noticed that it had expired and made a comment to that effect that included telling him that those without a valid US license must also take a road test. Before he remembered just where he was and what the guidelines are for getting along, my darling but momentarily brain-fogged spouse piped up and said. "Well, it was valid when I started this whole process. I just had no idea it was going to take weeks and weeks to get my USVI license because IN VIRGINIA..." GACK!!

Fortunately, that is when his mind engaged and he immediately apologized for the comparison, noted that she must be tired of such comments, and humbly added that it would never happen again. He must have demonstrated real remorse because she let him slide instead of punishing him with the road test.

After all the hooha about bringing two photos with him, neither of the pictures he provided were used on his license -- the DMV took its own photo for the actual license! The two pics you provide are just for your file. Fortunately, hubby had learned his lesson with the expired license incident and didn't even cock an eyebrow when he found this out. *grin*) However, he did tell me and now I am trying not to start speculating on why they didn't just keep a copy of the one they took instead of adding another hoop to jump through, not to mention the added cost, for prospective drivers. (It's really hard to stop pondering that -- it's like telling me to not think of a polar bear on roller skates right now!)

While there, Spouse Man also planned to get a crip parking permit for our car. Note to the other folks with mobility problems: you will need a doctor's letter to get a USVI handicapped parking permit -- it's not enough to simply provide them with a permit or placard from a US state that indicates you are permanently disabled. I'm not sure if a letter from a mainland doc will be accepted by the DMV folks or not. The permit for the dashboard is your only option -- handicapped license plates are not available here. There is a charge of $10 to get the USVI permit, which took me by surprise as I've never been charged for an original permit (only replacement ones if the original was lost). Since the VA placard we came down here with has been accepted without question for almost a year now, we decided to hold off on paying for a USVI permit until the VA one expires in 2009.

One final comment -- the USVI drivers' license design is GORGEOUS! With the stunning color picture of the shoreline and water, it's definitely the most beautiful license that's out there.

Perhaps we can hold a drivers' licensing party down here if Island Paul, East Ender and all of the other folks affected by the STT DMV test ban decide that a trip to the STX DMV is actually the path of least resistance. *wink*

HC

Hello HC,

So the process hasn't changed. I recalled the 2 pictures being just for attaching to the application and not for the license. Now here is somewhat of an explanation.

The medical form/application is the same form given when you apply for a Learner's Permit. So you have to take your own 2 pictures to attach to the application because it is going to serve as your driving permit while you learn to drive or take drivers ed and if an officer was to stop you then your picture needs to be attached to the permit.

Ok, that makes sense so far.

Since the same form is used when folks are changing their license then I think they just stick with the orginal program of getting the pictures because... well... because the form has a spot that says staple pictures here. 🙂 and because that permit/medical form/application is going in your 'file' so all the files need to be the same... with picture attached.

Ok back to polar bear on skates...

PS. If the machine isn't working or they don't have the right supplies you don't always get that pretty license... instead you get one that looks like a college id that says Police Dept. on it.

--Islander

HC,
Those photos aren't for the license. They get stapled to some forms and kept. They will take another photo for the license. It's an interesting process.

Ric

The machine is working now. Hurry down!
Ronnie

The machine?????????? Do you mean da comuta? Is it really really working???? Oh do tell, I guess I'll have to take my own advice and call on Monday!!! Thx Ronnie...maybe I'll finally get legalized! Sure hope I get the REAL license and not the zerox version.

And oh yes, I was pleased to learn that the not such great photos that I had taken are NOT the ones used on the license...perhpas that one will be ?? Well, hopefuly more smiley!

I am laughing as I read your posts and write this one. 🙂 I have never had so much anxiety to get a driver's license as I have right now to get one in the VI. I feel like it is an audition for a Broadway play or something. If you don't impress the people in the first appearance - you are out! 🙂 I guess I will have to take a deep breath and get on with it.

I love HipCrip's story about her hubby. I have to tell my husband once in a while to "let it go" when he gets upset about someone's driving or actions. He remembers where he is and we all go on with our day. Back in the States, someone's bad driving could ruin our day. Now in the VI, we literally forget about it and go on, unless it is funny and we may talk about it later. 🙂

Teresa

Pretty funny Teresa but I've felt the same tension with respect to getting my license...........better put on a happy face or something!

Was told Monday later afternoon (in the morning it was NOT happening), that yes the test was to be given on Tuesday. LOL I had other things I HAD to do!!! So next week! 4sure!

I finally got my renewal. I paid, had the digital picture taken and was driving around with my old license stapled to a piece of 8 1/2 X 11" paper for 6 months. For my patience, I received an extra year on the new license. When I said "See you in 2010" to Director Olive, he said, "We'll be in a new building then." Yeah, right! 😉 And the computer will be down there, I bet!

Oh this thread is making my sides hurt.I can just picture how things can get SO ludicrous as to be hilarious.Needless to say I'll probably have my stories to add on the dreaded DMV saga when I take my turn at the gauntlet.At least I won't be walking in unawares....THANKS!!!! They'll probably want fresh DNA by then!!!!

Trying yet again - will call Monday AM 4/16 to see if a rumor of the computer being DOWN AGAIN, is true. Ugh! Had hoped this would be the magic accomplishment week!

So, I'll be on island later today (in Ft Lauderdale Airport now) and then I'm leaving June 27th and returning August 3rd permanently. Should I just wait for my return in august to attempt this saga, or should I try as soon as I get there. Anyone have a clue if my 90 days will start when I come back or right away? Thanks

I would suggest waiting - why? You have other priorities that are probably more important overall to the happiness of your life on the island. For sure!

jbr12: There are folks that go without local licenses for years. I know someone who has been here 20 years without one! Wait until you get settled in, then apply. DO NOT let your stateside license expire, though!!

My stateside doesn't expire til 2007, so I guess I'll just wait until the craziness of my move settles. thanks!