An au pair is legal to drive on an International Driver’s License for six months or an English translation of her National Driver’s License (Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia) until she has all of the pieces that are required to get a VA license.
How to get a Driver’s License:
- Practice the test at http://www.dmv.virginia.gov/dmvweb/kats/sne_intro.asp
- Open a Bank Account
Effective immediately, to apply for a driver’s license (holders of German, French, South Korean or Canadian driver’s licenses) or a learner’s permit (all other countries) your au pair must bring:
- Bank Statement
- Envelope with the au pair’s name and host family address on it
- Passport, DS-2019, I-94
At the DMV you will:
- Take the computer/multiple choice test.
- If you pass the written test – you will take the driving test.
- If you pass the driving test you will get your VA Driver’s License!
Au pairs that are not yet 19 will not be licensed in the state of Virginia without extensive driver’s education. Once, an au pair turns 19 – this is no longer required.
An au pair will receive a Virginia license that is valid only for the term of her visa. For her to renew her license after her visa has expired she will have to prove that she is in the U.S. legally with new visa documentation.
All host families need to check with their insurance company before assuming an au pair can drive on an international license. After contacting my insurance company, I was told that our au pair CANNOT drive on an international license and must have a Virginia license before they will insure her.
I was also told that if she did drive on her international license and got into an accident, they would deny our claim and drop us from our policy, and no other agency would be able to insure us.
Yes, it’s important to contact your insurance company since VA law may be more lenient than what your insurance company requires.