Temporary Visitor Drivers Licence (TVDL) is issued to legal residents in the United States who are not eligible for a Social Security Number. Until lately, there was no such provision but in 2005 Illinois started issuing TVDL to enable the residents drive.
International students and spouses of temporary international workers may apply for a TVDL as they are not eligible to work in the United States. They are legal residents but are ineligible for a Social Security number. In order to facilitate driving for these residents, a TVDL is issued.
Documents
Bloomington, Rockford, Springfield, Carbondale, and Chicago are the offices that issue a TVDL. They process TVDL only on certain days of the week. Take the following original documents to your nearest DMV office.
- No SSN letter from the Social Security Office issued within the last 90 days
- Passport with original I94
- Any mail with name and address within last 30 days
A TVDL can be extended after receiving the extension notice from the USCIS. The application may be sent for additional processing. The DMV will issue an invitation letter to revisit the DMV office to get the renewal.
Tests
First time applicants have to go through vision test, computer test, and driving test. Applicants renewing TVDL may have to go through vision test and other tests if required.
Once all the tests have been passed, a photograph is taken and the TVDL will be issued. It may be a shocking and tiring process but the pain is worth. The stringent rules by the Illinois DMV may seem ridiculous but at the end ensure the safety of the drivers.
It’s definitely a tidious process but agree that to ensure driver’ and as well other commuters. I know ppl had to visit the DMV to finally get TVDL even 10 times or more for something or other. So doubly make sure if you have all the docs properly before venturing for it.
In case of visa extention do not forget to carry all the docs including I129 and both old and new I-94.
You might get the invitation letter anytime between 2-4 weeks. That two weeks can be used to prepare well for the written exam.
The sample test papers available online and on the back of each chapter of DMV guidelines book are the best source for written exams. Spouxe can keep asking rules and signs while they’re driving. That way the candidate will know what needs to read and refreshed..
You can have your spouse (in case) start driving right now in no traffic parking places or grounds with the guidance of certified trainer. So that what is she reading can be applied and feel comfortable for the exam and henceforth for driving test.
The key is to train her driving for the first time with someone else similar to examiner sitting next to her and asking questions in similar conditions.
So, have someone else also test her in driving couple hours if required. So that she is comfortable driving with the 3rd person.
Anybody would be just fine once gets the license.
Cheers!!