Anyone who has lived in the United States will deeply realize the importance of cars to American society and families. It is true that the United States is a country on wheels. Even in international metropolises like New York and Los Angeles, where public transportation is already very convenient, people still have a high level of enthusiasm for owning a car, not to mention in small and medium-sized cities or even rural areas. In the United States, a car is like your legs; without it, you can barely move! Without further ado, the prerequisite for buying a car is that you need to obtain a driver's license in the United States. Worldway immigration experts share the personal experience of a graduate student studying in the U.S. to provide you with insights on taking the driving test in the U.S. and precautions for novice drivers.
First, you need to know what documents are required to obtain a driver's license (the DMV government Department of Motor Vehicles website has detailed instructions). Because regulations vary by state, it is best to clarify them before taking the test. Generally speaking, you must bring your passport, I-20 form, I-94 form (if the I-94 is not stapled to your passport, you can print it yourself online), or green card, proof of address, etc. Then, check the local DMV website to see if you need to make an appointment for the test or if you can take it upon arrival. Preparation must be done well. When you first arrive in the U.S. to take the driving test, you must be accompanied by friends or family (unless you are at a U.S. driving school) to avoid wasting everyone's time due to poor preparation.
Taking a driver's license test in the U.S. is divided into two parts, very similar to those in China: first, the written test, and then the road test. The written test generally consists of multiple-choice and true/false questions. Local DMVs have their own state-specific review questions and traffic laws. If the DMV does not provide them, you can also search for them online. You need to carefully read through the traffic laws and review questions. The written test is relatively easy, and a considerable portion consists of common sense questions, but pay extra attention to the meanings of various signs, as they account for a relatively large proportion of the test. After passing the written test, you will receive a permit (a temporary learner's permit). Students who do not know how to drive must carry the permit when practicing, so that you are driving legally. Especially note that when you only have a permit, you must have a person with a valid driver's license sitting in the car whenever you drive. Otherwise, you will face unnecessary trouble if stopped by the police.
Next is the road test. What is tested in the road test? In fact, it only tests one thing: whether you are driving safely! Some students are already very good at driving in China, but they fail the test. Why? I have a friend who has been driving for nearly 10 years and is a very good driver, but during the test, he steered with one hand and rested the other on the outside of the window, looking very cool. As a result, it took him three attempts to pass. These are all because the examiner felt you were not driving safely and did not let you pass. Remember, the driving test is not to test how well you drive, but to test whether you are driving safely! Some students are new to driving but pass the test on the first try; there is no other reason, it is because they are safe!
However, driving safely does not mean driving slowly. This is where people often misunderstand. It is absolutely not allowed to drive at 15 mph in a 30 mph speed limit zone. Because driving too slowly becomes a dangerous factor for vehicles driving normally, you will also fail the test. Below are some reminders regarding common problems in taking the driving test for your reference!
Fully understand the traffic lights! Pay special attention to left turns on a green light without an arrow; you must ensure there is a safe distance in the opposite lane before proceeding. Also, for right turns on a red light, be sure to watch for any "No Turn on Red" signs. Even if there are no cars, you cannot turn right on a red light if such a sign is present.
Stop Sign issue: When you see a Stop Sign during the test, you must come to a complete stop and ensure it is safe to proceed before starting (the principle of a Stop Sign is first-come, first-served; pass in the order of arrival, and do not yield when it is your turn). Do not rush to start before the car has come to a complete stop! If you stop at a Stop Sign but cannot see the traffic conditions on both sides clearly, you can adjust the position of the car and move forward slowly until you can see clearly before starting!
Following distance: In the United States, people generally follow too closely, which is not a good habit. Do not follow the car in front too closely during the test, otherwise, it will make the examiner nervous and will not be conducive to the test. Regarding turning, novice drivers often have a problem: entering the turn too fast, braking too late, and then braking abruptly after realizing the speed is too high. Then, they exit the turn too slowly and stay at the intersection for a long time. This is a typical set of wrong actions! Remember not to linger at the intersection; step on the gas to accelerate and leave the intersection as soon as possible. Generally speaking, you should start to gently step on the gas to accelerate when you begin to return the steering wheel.
Merging: U.S. driving requirements dictate that you must turn your head to check the blind spots of the rearview mirrors to ensure there are no cars before merging. Do not forget to turn your head during the test, but while turning your head, be careful not to let the steering wheel drift with the movement of your head. In most cases, do not slow down when merging; try to maintain your current speed or accelerate slightly to merge to avoid danger caused by driving too slowly compared to the car behind.
These are some common issues that need attention. There are many details to be aware of regarding the driving test, which are difficult to list one by one. I hope everyone can carefully read the traffic laws and grasp the starting point of safe driving! Since laws, driving requirements, registration fees, etc., vary by state, you must go to your local DMV to get the most accurate information.
Author: Guo Kai, graduate student studying in the U.S.
