Even if you have a Ukrainian driver’s license, in order to drive in the USA, you will need an international driver’s license, as well as regional driver’s licenses, which are issued separately in each state.
Where to take your driving test in the USA?
Once in the USA and wanting to drive your own or rented car, you must have an international driver’s license with you. Even if you are just a Russian guest in the USA, you will be required to have one when renting or buying a car.
To obtain this document, as well as regional driver’s licenses, individual for each state, you will need to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Moreover, if you plan to travel to another state on wheels, it is better to immediately request regional rights there.
What if there is no driving school?
Most cities in the US do not have driving schools, so the principle of obtaining a driver’s license is different from the training process than in other countries.
Anyone can study the entire theory using online textbooks, but you will only be able to practice if one of your relatives or friends agrees to teach you how to drive and lets you drive their car.
In addition, in the USA, an international driver’s license replaces the usual passport card, called an ID (identification document). It is also presented at checkouts, when purchasing alcohol or tobacco, and is also displayed in any government institutions.
To obtain a regional driver’s license, you must pass an online test. This test includes about 30 questions, but you can only make 6 mistakes, as about 80% of correct answers are required to obtain the document.
In addition, before completing the test, you must provide the necessary personal information that will be verified for the issuance of a driver’s license.
Important characteristics
Students can get a special student license, valid for up to 2 years, which will cost only seven dollars. A full driver’s license is valid for up to 4 years and costs 24 dollars, which is an average of up to 6 dollars per year.
It seems that it is much more profitable to get a student license, but there is an important detail: with a student license, you can legally drive a car in the city, provided that there is at least one adult driver with full licenses in the car. However, a special brake pedal is not required.
Driving school training in the USA
If you find yourself in a city where there are driving schools, you can breathe a sigh of relief. The learning process here is similar to that in European countries, but not without differences.
After enrolling in a driving school, participants take a vision test, attend theory lessons, and attend practical classes. Upon graduation, participants must pass a written test on their knowledge of traffic rules.
In addition, some schools include additional classes on the dangers of alcohol and drugs in the program, after which participants take tests.
After graduating from school, participants receive a learner’s driving license, which is valid for about six months. After that, participants will need to pass the practical part of the exam.
These rights are similar to student rights, but also limit movement around the city and the transportation of passengers. And, as with student rights, an accompanying person with “adult” rights must be present in the car.
However, in some states, the practical part of the test can be taken immediately after the theoretical part. The test focuses on drivers’ blind spots, and you will also have to take the test in your own car.
What documents are needed to obtain a driver’s license in the USA?
To obtain a driver’s license in the United States, you must contact a specialized licensing department. You can go there immediately with your passport and documents confirming your foreign origin.
They may immediately send you to take the exam if you already have a license, or they may send you to a driving school to take courses.