How I Obtained a New Jersey Driver’s License with a Chinese License

How I Obtained a New Jersey Driver’s License with a Chinese License

Are you living in the USA and looking to convert your Chinese driver’s license? Let me share my smooth experience of getting a New Jersey driver’s license using my Chinese license! 🚗✨

Address Matters

First off, I currently live in New York but used my friend’s address in New Jersey for this process. To avoid any issues, I made sure to update my bank’s contact information beforehand. 🏦

Scheduling an Appointment

It’s crucial to schedule your appointment in advance. I used the NJ MVC Appointment Scheduling system. I specifically selected the Freehold location, and I must say, the staff there was incredibly patient and helpful! 👍

Failing to book early can lead to long waits as some locations may require a two-week advance schedule. Luckily, Freehold was quite accessible, allowing appointments even for the same week. 💪

Important Note About MVC Offices

Not all MVC offices accept Chinese driver’s licenses for conversion without a road test. Even the Freehold location can deny road test exemptions for various reasons, like damage to your license, issues with the photo, or insufficient validity of the driver’s license.

Required Documents

Here’s a list of the documents I prepared to ensure a smooth process:

• Identification proof worth 6 points: Passport + I-94 (2 points) + SSN (3 points) + Bank Statement (1 point) with a New Jersey address.
• An English translation of my Chinese driver’s license, which I got from a highly recommended lawyer in New York for $40. 💵 It arrived within 3-5 business days by mail.

Day of My Appointment

I scheduled my appointment for 10:15 AM and made sure to arrive on time. Here’s how the process went:

1. The staff first verified my appointment details.
2. I then waited for my turn at the ID check window, where they reviewed my identification documents.
3. Next, I paid $10 for the written test, which I could take the same day (this may differ by MVC office).
4. Vision check: I could wear my glasses if needed 🤓.
5. Then came the written exam! I passed the test by answering at least 40 out of 50 questions correctly. 📝
6. After passing, they checked the validity of my Chinese license and translation.
7. At last, I paid $24, received a temporary paper license, and my actual license will arrive in about 14 days! My license is valid for 4 years (for reference). 🎉

Preparing for the Written Test

To get ready, I utilized the question bank provided by the lawyer, which included over 600 questions covering the majority of potential test topics. Although I encountered a few unknown questions, I was well-prepared. Remember, you only need to get 40 out of 50 questions right to pass! 🚀

The testing computer had a touchscreen and allowed me to select English or Chinese as the language. Don’t hesitate to ask questions during the process! 😊

Final Thoughts

Converting a driver’s license from China to the USA may seem daunting, but with the right preparation and documentation, it can be a smooth journey. Sharing experiences can help others navigate this process successfully! Good luck to everyone! 🛣️