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Driving and Transportation

Learn about driving in the U.S., transportation options, licensing requirements, and resources to help international students get around the Rochester area.

Make sure to visit the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website for all current information.

Henrietta DMV

Location:
1225 Jefferson Road, Suite A26
Rochester, NY 14623

Avoid lines andmake an appointment with the DMV.

Things to Know

You are not required to obtain a New York State license as an F-1 student.

You do not need to apply for a New York driver license unless you become a resident. F-1 students are not residents. However, it may be more difficult to register a personal vehicle and get approval for reasonably priced car insurance without a New York license. If you choose to get a New York driver license, you may be asked to give your foreign driver license to the DMV. You may need to ask the DMV if it is possible to retain your foreign license since you will return to your home country after your studies are completed here.

Your foreign driver's license is valid for driving in New York State

You can drive in New York State with a valid driver license from another country. If your foreign driver license is not in English, please carry a certified English translation. You are not required to have an International Driving Permit (IDP). However, the IDP will verify in several languages (including English) that you have a valid driver license from your home country. The IDP itself is not valid for driving in New York State. If you plan to purchase a car in New York State, you should get a New York State driver license.

New York State Non-Driver ID card

Don't need a driver's license, but don't want to carry your passport around as identification? You can also apply at the DMV for a non-driver photo ID card issued by New York State. You will need to present the same documents as the license, nut do not need to take any exams to receive the ID card.

Applying for a New York Driver License

If you do not already have a license from your home country:

  1. Study the Driver's Manual and take practice tests online.
  2. Visit the local DMV office and bring the required documents with you. You will need to complete the application for learner's permit, pay a fee, and take a test for your eye sight.
  3. After receiving the permit, you must practice driving with a licensed driver (friend, family, or driving school instructor). You must also take a five-hour pre-licensing course. This course is usually offered at area high schools or by commericial driving schools. Allwright's School of Driving is one option located very close to MCC.
  4. Once you have completed the pre-licensing course, you can schedule a road test by phone or online with the DMV. Visit the DMV website for more information.
  5. After you have passed the road test, you will be issued a temporary license, and you will receive your photo ID driver license in the mail within about 2 weeks.

Documents Needed to Apply for NYS Driver License or Non-Driver ID

  • Passport/ F-1 Visa
  • Valid Form I-20
  • Printed I-94 Record
  • U.S. Social Security Card OR NSS-1A Form
  • Official MCC Transcript
  • MCC Photo ID
  • Proof of local New York address such as
    • Utility Bill
    • Rental Lease
    • Bank Statement from local bank account
    • Enrollment Verification Letter from MCC Registrations & Records Office

Bus Service Information

MCC offers a Universal Buss Pass (U-Pass) to be used on Regional Transit Services (RTS) routes.