Dangerous drive: 25 die on I-95 in 12 months

[Adam White]

What are the speeds of the Autobahn in Germany, some crazy breakneck speed, and far as I know, there are no concerning negative effects.

European drivers are much better trained than US drivers.  It is much harder to get a license and requires a mandatory number of hours of instruction and a really tough driving test, not just parallel parking.  A friend in England told me he spent over $2000 to get his license.  That was a long time ago and things might have changed.

I recently obtained my provisional licence - a learner's permit. I am still not 100% sure what I need to do to get a valid UK licence, but I am pretty sure I am required to do a certain amount of driving lessons in addition to two tests (one is a written 'theory' test and I think the other one is a test where you have to react to obstacles on a screen or something like that). I already know how to drive - I'd imagine if you didn't know how to drive, it would cost quite a bit of money.

[Gunnar]

Adam: If you have a valid US license could you not get a UK one based on this ? In my case - that was 20+ years ago though so things may have changed - I just had to prove that I had driven in Germany with my US license for more than 6 months and then I got a German one (plus I needed a translation of my Florida license made by a certified translator which in you case should not be a requirement  )

[Adam White]

Adam: If you have a valid US license could you not get a UK one based on this ? In my case - that was 20+ years ago though so things may have changed - I just had to prove that I had driven in Germany with my US license for more than 6 months and then I got a German one (plus I needed a translation of my Florida license made by a certified translator which in you case should not be a requirement  )

No, sadly. When I moved here I would've been able to drive on my FL licence for a period of time - I can't remember how long, but it was less than a year, I think. That was over 8 years ago. I looked into it again (as I still have a valid FL licence) and was dismayed to learn that I have no option but to go through the testing, etc. Probably for the best, as I am not too used to driving on the left and the signs are not that familiar to me, either.

I have found that when I'm cycling and things go wrong, I tend to automatically move to the right. Not really all that wise.

[Gunnar]

Ah, I see.

Just checked this website and it seems that at the least you would have needed to take the written and driving test (i.e. not automated exchange).

https://www.gov.uk/exchange-foreign-driving-licence

Speaking of drivers licenses. I first took my license when living in Orange Park (as an exchange student). When I moved back to Germany I got the German license but kept my FL license which I renewed whenever it was due.

For me, this was mostly for psychological reasons - using it as and ID I didn't fee like the foreign guy / tourist and generally feel more attached to what to me is my second home.

Sadly though, the regulations were changed for non residents in Fl a couple of years ago, making it impossible (for practical purposes) to get an FL license as a non-resident.

As I understand it, this was done as a measure against illegal immigrant. Funny though, when I got mine I was always asked if I was a legal resident, or not, which I truthfully replied to, so I don't really see the issue here.

Then again, the state of Florida has every right to establish regulations they deem necessary, but I still find it sad - really miss having my FL license.

[Adam White]

Ah, I see.

Just checked this website and it seems that at the least you would have needed to take the written and driving test (i.e. not automated exchange).

https://www.gov.uk/exchange-foreign-driving-licence

Speaking of drivers licenses. I first took my license when living in Orange Park (as an exchange student). When I moved back to Germany I got the German license but kept my FL license which I renewed whenever it was due.

For me, this was mostly for psychological reasons - using it as and ID I didn't fee like the foreign guy / tourist and generally feel more attached to what to me is my second home.

Sadly though, the regulations were changed for non residents in Fl a couple of years ago, making it impossible (for practical purposes) to get an FL license as a non-resident.

As I understand it, this was done as a measure against illegal immigrant. Funny though, when I got mine I was always asked if I was a legal resident, or not, which I truthfully replied to, so I don't really see the issue here.

Then again, the state of Florida has every right to establish regulations they deem necessary, but I still find it sad - really miss having my FL license.

I've been able to keep mine because my parents still live in Florida (they moved to Sarasota, though) and I nominally maintain that as a residence. I think I will probably just try to get the UK licence and then not worry about keeping the FL one - assuming I can drive on a UK licence when I come home.

I still think of Jacksonville as my first home and have always assumed I'd move back at some point. I've been missing it a lot lately.

[thelakelander]

My view on I-95, on my way back to town, earlier today:



The first time I've driven a full mile in the wrong direction to make it back to a previous exit instead of waiting....

[Adam White]

My view on I-95, on my way back to town, earlier today:



The first time I've driven a full mile in the wrong direction to make it back to a previous exit instead of waiting....

I used to live in Riverside and work at BoA. Scenes like this were surprisingly common on the evening commute. So frustrating.

[spuwho]

The EU and the US have reciprocity on drivers licenses now.

But I would still recommend you contact AAA if you are going to drive in the US more than 90 days. They assist with International licensure.

The accident on 95 yesterday was significant for some reason. Many, many people were effected throughout the city. I heard more about this one than most.

[Adam White]

The EU and the US have reciprocity on drivers licenses now.

But I would still recommend you contact AAA if you are going to drive in the US more than 90 days. They assist with International licensure.

The accident on 95 yesterday was significant for some reason. Many, many people were effected throughout the city. I heard more about this one than most.

Thanks for the heads up. I'll look into that. I'm considering getting off my ass and taking care of the licence thing before the end of this year.

I hope everyone is alright after that accident. It's sometimes worth remember that other people are affected far worse than you (the guy stuck in traffic) - the people in the accident are probably wishing they were just stuck in traffic.

[thelakelander]

It's sometimes worth remember that other people are affected far worse than you (the guy stuck in traffic) - the people in the accident are probably wishing they were just stuck in traffic.

Of course! This goes without saying. Nevertheless, driving I-95 and I-4 every week or so for work, between here and Central Florida......this is a pretty common sight.  IMO, we're way overdue for investing in alternative forms of mobility and altering our land use regulations, in order to provide citizens with options for getting around.

[Adam White]

It's sometimes worth remember that other people are affected far worse than you (the guy stuck in traffic) - the people in the accident are probably wishing they were just stuck in traffic.

Of course! This goes without saying. Nevertheless, driving I-95 and I-4 every week or so for work, between here and Central Florida......this is a pretty common sight.  IMO, we're way overdue for investing in alternative forms of mobility and altering our land use regulations, in order to provide citizens with options for getting around.

Absolutely. I was referring to my own impatience - I spent countless hours complaining on the way to or from work.