Driver's Education, license, buying a car
See https://www.mi211.org for a directory of resources and services available in Kalamazoo County.
Courses
Some sponsors are using EZ Way Driving training (the one that does not perform testing): http://ezwaydriver.com/.
Complete Stop has been used also: http://www.completestopdriver.com/
Driver's Permit
Take and pass the written driver's test that is available in several languages at the Secretary of State.
Translators for the test taker (will read the test out loud for test taker) must be state approved and confirmed qualified by the Secretary of State (SOS). Some of our Sponsors/Refugees have run into problems with even "approved" translators on the SOS list not considered qualified for the written test. Ensure your translator will be allowed by the SOS prior to the appointment. Contact kalamazoorefugeecouncil@gmail.com for more contacts.
Requires a social security card
Additional required paperwork for application: An EAD ( employment authorization card) makes it all the more easier with the paperwork at the Secretary of State. In case if she hasn't received the EAD card, then she needs to take her social security card, I94, refugee document ID, 2 papers for proof of residency (house rental lease, any mail that is addressed to her), Assurance and Placement Paper, immunization records, her medical examination papers that she came with to this country with, IOM promissory note.
The Secretary of State visits may be numerous (not one), so prepare mentally for two visits.
Valid for 6 months
Driver's Road Test
PATH program via Michigan Works!1 can pay for a driver’s ed test.
If the refugee is working with Michigan Works!1 they may be able to locate a translator for the driving test
Secretary of State does offer test in various languages. The interpretation is not great. The Secretary of State is working on improving translations.
Know where the test is going to be performed and have your student practice driving in that area prior.
The advantage of international license or from another country: If you have international license, the 1 month waiting period can be waived to take the test immediately. If the refugee has a Syrian driver's license or other international driver's license, it will need to be translated in English and notarized before going to the Secretary of State for a waiver.
Michigan Works!1 pays for rental car for a driving test. The cost is approximately $35 to $40.
Car
The refugee will also need to find or borrow a car for to learn on.
Michigan Works!1 can provide qualified refugees with $2000 towards a car purchase. In order to get the $2000 for the car through Michigan Works, they need to be employed so they can maintain the vehicle.
Buyer has to pay the sales tax. Michigan Works! does not pay the sales tax on a car.
Car Maintenance and Repair
Michigan Works!1 may be able to help with car repair.
Insurance
PATH program through Michigan Works!1 can pay for the starter insurance (3 months).
Title , Plates, and License Payments
Michigan Works!1 pays for title and plates for eligible refugees in their program.
Path participants via Michigan Works!1 will be paying for the license themselves.
(1) Note: not all refugees are eligible for benefits through Michigan Works! depending on their method of compensation through Samaritas specifically. Check with your resettlement agency for details.