I. If you already have a driver's license before moving to the US
It is best to obtain a driver's license before going abroad, and it is advisable to have it notarized. Apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) at your local motor vehicle authority. After arriving in the US, depending on state regulations, you may need to take a written test or both a written and road test to exchange it for a local license. In the US, an international driver's license is generally valid for one year and is used as a transition while applying for a local license. Even with an international license, most places in the US, such as Hawaii, Arizona, and Southern California, still require you to pass the local written and road tests to obtain a state license. A few states recognize the international license as partially valid and only require the holder to pass the local written test. In New Mexico, an international license can be directly exchanged for a local license. Before obtaining a US driver's license, you should carry both your home country's license and your international license while driving, as some places in the US require drivers to possess both to be considered legal.
II. Basic Procedure for Obtaining a US Driver's License
1. Written Test
US driver's license written tests cover traffic rules, which are largely similar across states. Before registering for the written test, you should go to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) near your residence to pick up a copy of the state's Driver Manual and study it. The written test is generally in English, but in states with large minority populations, such as California, tests are available in other languages like Spanish or Chinese; examinees can choose one. Before entering the testing room, you should inform the examiner of your chosen language. When taking the written test, international students must bring the following documents: 1) A valid passport; 2) A Social Security card; 3) The I-94 form attached to your passport upon entry.
After passing the written test, you will receive an Instruction Permit valid for one year on the spot. Within this one-year period, you generally have three opportunities to take the road test. With an Instruction Permit, you can have a friend teach you to drive or pay for a driving school. Some states require you to attend a driving school.
2. Road Test
Before the road test, you must schedule an appointment, usually by phone. In most states, the earliest you can take the road test is two to three weeks after the written test, though some states, like Arizona, allow you to take the road test immediately after passing the written test. The road test is usually conducted at a testing site near the DMV or on nearby streets. Documents required for the road test include: 1) Instruction Permit; 2) Road test application form; 3) Proof of insurance and vehicle registration for the vehicle used for the test.
Additionally, you must be accompanied by a friend who holds a valid driver's license when taking the road test. Common required items for the road test include: Lane Change, Street Parking, Three Point Turn, making turns at intersections, and stopping at Stop Signs. During the road test, be careful not to drive too fast; maintain about 10 mph on curves, 25 mph in residential lanes, and 35 mph on non-arterial roads. Also, pay special attention to roadside traffic signs; you must slow down when you see a school zone sign. Currently, most state road tests require driving on a highway, though only a very few areas, such as Los Angeles, include highway driving in the test. After passing the road test, you will have your photo taken to receive your driver's license or a temporary license.
III. Other Issues
Once you have a driver's license and have purchased a car, you will likely drive frequently. When driving often, it is inevitable that you may encounter traffic violations or accidents, such as illegal parking or speeding, and you will have to deal with the police. There are many privately owned firearms in the US, and police officers are often overly sensitive. If you are new to the country, you must know how to interact with the police: when you encounter a police car with flashing lights or sirens, you should immediately slow down and pull over to a safe location on the side of the road, then roll down your window and sit quietly in the car while waiting for the officer's instructions. The officer will then approach and ask to see your driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. When the officer gives instructions, retrieve your documents and hand them over. Do not get out of the car or rummage for documents without permission, to avoid being mistaken for having aggressive intent. Otherwise, the police have the right to use their weapons for self-defense. If you disagree with the officer's citation, you can plead not guilty within ten days and appeal to the traffic court indicated on the ticket. According to the experience of many, going to traffic court often results in a reduction of the fine or even the dismissal of the ticket.
