Should I keep my US drivers license if I attend drills in the US but go to college in Canada?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 21:09:13 -0400

I am a member of the Montana Guard, I go to drill (it's only 4hrs away), though I am on a student visa in Canada. I have an American POV that needs to be insured, however US insurance companies won't take me due to my vehicle being in a different country 28 days a month. Canadian Insurance won't take me unless I have a Canadian driver's license. Can I get a Canadian driver's license or is that a big no no? Thanks!

Response by SGT Frank Pritchett made Oct 20 at 2017 9:17 PM

SGT Frank Pritchett — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 21:17:18 -0400

The object is to be legal, when I was in Germany I applied for and received a German Drivers License, When I was in Saudi Arabia I received a Saudi Drivers License. It won't hurt if you had both American and Canadian License so that you can be legal and have Insurance, but to back yourself up you could check with USAA Auto Insurence because they might have a special program that will fit you.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Oct 20 at 2017 9:40 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 21:40:35 -0400

SGT Frank Pritchett Great, reasoned response!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2017 9:56 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 21:56:10 -0400

In Canada, you need to have a million-dollar liability insurance insurance. To get Canadian insurance, I think you need to have a Canadian driver's license. I had to surrender my license from California because Alberta provincial law prevents me from having both licenses. I guess you could still reapply for your state license just don't let Canada know about it.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Oct 20 at 2017 10:28 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 22:28:37 -0400

I had three cars insured in Germany for three years through USAA. I am guessing you are under 25. You are paying a liability "tax" if you will. When you turn 25 and a clean driving record, your insurance will drop.

I would not forfeit your US license, I would just see if you can get a Canadian license too. Will they accept an international license from AAA? You need to retain a US license to support your military driver's license.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2017 10:48 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 22:48:17 -0400

Have as many licenses and certifications as possible to fall back on. I've had my class b CDL for a few years just in case.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2017 3:43 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Oct 2017 03:43:27 -0400

If you end up dropping your State Drivers License I would get a State ID instead. That way you'll have a Canadian Drivers License, if that's the route you go, and an American ID that's not your CAC. The State ID won't let you operate a vehicle but can be useful.

Response by SPC Nathan Barnes made Oct 22 at 2017 7:20 AM

SPC Nathan Barnes — Sun, 22 Oct 2017 07:20:20 -0400

You may want to check with the Highway Patrol, give them a call let them know all the ins and outs. To get the problem solved. Yes also check with AARP ins . they may solve the problem, one thing I do know when serving your state DL is good not sure about your situation

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made Nov 6 at 2017 1:40 PM

CW5 Jack Cardwell — Mon, 06 Nov 2017 13:40:16 -0500

One of the requirements for military operators of Army Motor Vehicles is a valid civilian driver's license issued by a State, District of Columbia or a US possession. Can be valid license from any State. This is for driving off installation. As soon as you leave the Armory gate you are " off installation ".