Are you hiring a car in the US? Are you planning on a road trip on your US vacation? If you are from overseas and want to drive in the United States there are a few things to think about before you get behind the wheel. Being prepared and knowing the rules and regulations helps ensure a safe drive in the States.
You should get an International Driving Permit for hiring a car and driving in the United States. An International Driving Permit is a form that translates the key information on your original driver’s license into ten foreign languages. This lets officials in other countries understand and interpret your documents. However, you must have both a valid license issued by your own government and an International Driving Permit – one is not enough and if you are stopped when driving you should produce your two documents.
If you are planning on living in the States you can get a US license but plan on the process taking a while. You get your license from the state where you live instead of from the US federal government. You can find out how to apply and all about each state’s particular rules and regulations on the motor vehicle department’s website. Of course, once you get a license from one state you can drive all over the US. Be careful though – the rules of the road differ from state to state.
Make sure you know the rules of the road before you set out in your car. Regulations may be much different in the US than they are in your country. Don’t assume you know – check before you get behind the wheel. Drive considerately and safely, keeping up with the traffic flow and making sure to pay attention to traffic signals. Penalties for running a red light or driving in a restricted area may be more severe than you are used to at home.
