And while most of the regulations and procedures are usually similar, they are not universal. Therefore, for state-specific information, you will need to visit the website or get in touch with the relevant state agency responsible for transportation.
Visitors to the United States can typically continue using their foreign license for a while as long as it is written in English. However, if this is not the case, you will apply for an International Driving Permit from your country of origin.
And while tourists and visitors can benefit from this arrangement for one year, if you establish residency in the US, depending on the state you are living in you only have 30 to 90 days to get your US driving license.
However, some countries have reciprocity agreements with the US that allows their citizens to simply exchange their original license to the American one. The majority of expats that wish to obtain a driving license in the US will have to go through the full application process. The details of the procedures, like the documents you need to present and fees you need to pay, will differ from state to state but the general steps are usually the same.
Before you go to the local branch of Department of Motor Vehicles, make sure you have all the right documents on you. Typically, at least some of the following documents are required for application:. The legal age for driving varies throughout the country, so make sure that you are eligible to apply for a license.
However, if you are 21 or older, this will not be a problem. Some states charge a one-time fee that can be anything from 30 to 90 USD, while others might charge you a small sum 5 USD or so every year. Depending on the state this step can also come in later, as in some places you are charged for application and in others, for issuing the document. Written tests include 20 to 50 questions about the traffic rules and regulations of the state.
The tests might be timed or not and you might have an option to take the test in your native language as well. Once you passed the written test, you will have to schedule your practice exam. Please log in with your username or email to continue. No account yet? Create an account. Edit this Article. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy.
Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article parts. Tips and Warnings. Related Articles. Article Summary. Part 1. Read the driver's handbook. You will have to take a written test that will be based on your knowledge and understanding of the rules and regulations outlined in your state's driver's handbook.
Most states also have their driver's handbooks available online. Download the most recent version from your state's official DMV website — you may find similar copies elsewhere online, but they may not be the most recent version. The driver's handbook includes all of the rules of the road that you'll need to know if you want to be a safe driver. You're responsible for knowing all the rules, even though you may not be tested on all of them. Evaluate the qualifications for a learner's permit.
If you're under the age of 18, most states require you to get a learner's permit and hold it for a minimum period of time typically anywhere from 6 months to a year before you can get a full license. Learner's permits for drivers under 18 may have greater restrictions than adult learner's permits. Some states, such as California, require that you complete driver's education courses before you can apply for a learner's permit.
Provide proof of your identity and residency. To get a learner's permit, you must show legal documents to verify who you are and where you live. The specific documents allowed vary by state. Documents to prove residency include utility bills or bank statements in your name with your home address.
If you're under 18, you can use a school transcript or letter, and can also get a parent or guardian to vouch for you. Pay your testing and permit fees. Before you can take the written test and get your permit, you'll have to pay a fee. In some states you may have to pay the fee when you schedule an appointment to get your permit. Some DMVs only take a check or money order. Take a written test. Before you can get a learner's permit, most states require you to take a basic knowledge test based on the traffic rules and regulations discussed in the state driver's handbook.
The learner's permit test typically focuses on your knowledge of signs and basic traffic rules such as using your turn signal and passing on the left.
While it's possible you could pass a learner's permit simply from having observed other drivers for years, it's still wise to read through the driver's manual at least once or twice.
Things other drivers do habitually may not follow the exact letter of the law. Pass the vision test. You must be able to see to operate a motor vehicle.
If you cannot pass the vision test, you must get glasses or contact lenses to correct your vision before you will be allowed to get your learner's permit. The driver's license examiner will add an "endorsement" to your permit that states you wear corrective lenses. If you get pulled over while driving and you're not wearing glasses or contacts, your license to drive isn't considered valid. If you have a light prescription and only wear glasses occasionally, you may want to try to pass the test without them.
That way if you happen to get pulled over and you don't have them, you won't risk getting cited for driving without a license. Get your permit. Provided you pass the written and vision tests and all of your documents are in order, an examiner will take your photo and issue your new learner's permit. You also may receive information listing the restrictions of driving on a learner's permit.
If your learner's permit is about to expire and you still don't feel ready to take the driver's test to get your full license, you typically can get it renewed.
Depending on how old you are, you may be required to have a learner's permit for a certain period of time before you can get your full license. Some states also may require you to show that you've logged a certain number of practice hours before you will be allowed to take the driver's test.
Part 2. Take a driver's education course. If you're a high school student when you get your learner's permit, you may be able to take a driver's education class through your school for free or for a reduced rate compared to private driving lessons. Even if you're already licensed in another country, driving lessons can help you practice with American driving laws that may be different from those in your home country.
An IDP is a form of identification that many countries around the world recognize. It translates your identification into 10 languages and allows you to drive legally in a different country.
If you intend to get an IDP, you must do so in advance of your travel. To get an IDP, contact the motor vehicle department of the country that issued your driver's license. You may need both your license and an IDP to rent a car in the U. Beware of international driver's license scams. Scammers may try to sell you a fake IDP. In addition to losing money, you may be subject to travel delays or legal issues if you use a fake IDP in the U.
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