Driving in the USA

Summary

In this informative video, we're delving into the intricacies of transportation in the US. Whether you're a newcomer or soon-to-arrive, understanding local practices is key to a smooth transition.

First things first, familiarize yourself with your new city's geography. Building comfort with driving in your home country is crucial before you step foot in the US. By practicing beforehand, you'll ensure a quicker adjustment once you arrive. Confidence is the name of the game. Beyond facility locations, knowing the lay of the land—grocery stores, apartment complexes, and general mobility—is essential. This forethought will help you breeze through the initial stages of settling in.

Every city has its own transportation scene. Depending on your location, explore options like buses, trains, Uber, or Lyft. Some places are walkable, while others may demand a vehicle. Research diligently to make an informed choice. For reliable mobility, having a car is often the go-to choice. But remember, car ownership entails more than just driving. Maintenance, gas, and unforeseen repairs are factors to consider.

A crucial reminder: an active driver's license is a must. If you lack one, consider enrolling in a driving school before arriving in the US. Keep in mind that obtaining a driver's license requires a Social Security number, which you'll receive about 14 days after your arrival. Don't worry if you're not confident behind the wheel. You can obtain a driver's permit in the US, but again, this involves having a Social Security number.

If you have children under eight, car seats or booster seats are mandatory by US law. Prioritize their safety by adhering to this requirement.

Stay informed, stay safe, and make your US transportation experience a seamless one. Your journey starts with understanding the ins and outs of getting around in the US.

Transcript

Alright. So why is transportation in the US important?

The transportation here in the US is important, so first get comfortable where your city is. We wanna make sure that before you get here, you are practicing driving and being able to be comfortable in roads in your own country first. That way, when you get here to the US, you have a faster transition.

We do want you to be confident when you get here. So that would include being able to get to and from not only your facility location but getting to know where the grocery store is, your apartment complex, and just getting to get around. So it's really important that you start thinking about this early in your process, that way before you get here, you have an active driver's license, and when your Embassy interview comes up, you're ready to go, and it's an easier transition when you get here.

Now to further conversation, it is definitely important to keep you searching on, especially when you become selected by facility in the US. So depending on the state or city, you need to look into different types of transportation such as bus systems, trains, Uber, or Lift. Now depending on your city that you are selected in, it could be walkable for grocery stores, your facility sometimes, but this will require research on your end. And if you need any assistance, you can definitely reach out to your point of contact or your IDA.

Now do know that some cities in the US are not walkable, so it's very, very important that you search ahead of time. Public transportation and Uber or Lift can be very expensive or inaccessible to you, so please consider your transportation ahead of time. And so we usually recommend that you get a car since that is the most reliable source of the transportation.

And then, also, you wanna consider car maintenance, such as oil changes, unexpected repairs, and even filling up your car with gas.

Alright. Driving lessons and driver's license.

Again, we have to reiterate that you need an active driver's license. What do you do if you don't have one? Well, if you're still overseas, please enroll yourself in driving school if need be. Or you can also start practicing how to drive.

Like I said, enroll in a driving school so that you can start getting the practice that you need. In the US, in order to get a driver's license, you would need your Social Security number. And this does not come to you until after 14 days after arrival. So this does take time for you to get access to a driver's motor vehicle office.

So you will need your Social Security number first. So we encourage you, if you don't know how to drive, please learn how to drive while you're overseas. That way as soon as you come to the US, you can easily apply for a driver's license after you've received for your Social Security number.

Now we we wanna make sure that you research your state department of motor vehicles for your driver's license or a permit. Let's say you don't know how to drive and you couldn't have time to enroll yourself in a driving school, you can definitely get a driver's permit once you get to the US. We will also need to research more on how to get a driver's permit. That will also require a Social Security number.

Now having a scooter license is not equal to a driver's license in the US, unfortunately.

So you will need an automobile driver's license in order to drive in the US.

Alright. So if you have children under eight years old, you will need a car seat or a booster seat. So it is a law here in the US that they will have to have a car seat or boost your seat, and we have links to help you research.

Please remember that safety is definitely a concern in the US, so we definitely wanna make sure your children are safe, especially in the car. So please make sure you're aware of this.

Links

• Driver Education and Training Videos:
  Check out AAA's page for training videos, examples of training topics include: "Common Driving Myths and Misconceptions," "How to Drive in the Snow," "What to Do After a Collision," "What to Do if Animal Runs in Front of You," etc.
  http://newsroom.aaa.com/for-media/driver-education-and-training-videos/
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• Free Practice Tests:
  The benefits of taking a practice test before the DMV's actual written exam include: Saving money, taking your driving test sooner, getting comfortable with the format, and helping you focus your studies!
  http://freedmvpracticetests.com/
  http://www.dmv.org/drivers-license-practice-test.php
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• Road Test Tips: Your Ultimate Guide To Passing Your Driving Test:
  Here are some helpful tips that will make passing your driving test much easier and will help you pass your driving test the first time.
  http://find-a-driving-school.ca/road-test-tips-ultimate-guide-passing-driving-test/
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• ‍The Cockpit Drill - The Checks To Make Before Driving:
  Before starting the engine, you should make a series of checks that will enhance both safety and comfort. The following checks are known as the cockpit drill.
  http://www.driving-test-success.com/driving-articles/cockpit-drill.htm
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• Driving with Children - Child Passenger Safety:
  Using a car seat (child safety seat) is the best way to protect kids when traveling by car. All states require safety seats for infants and children fitting age, weight and height criteria. First offense fines for not complying with a state's child passenger safety laws vary from $10 to $500. Some states also use driver's license points as an additional penalty for noncompliance. State by state Child Car Seat laws -
  https://exchange.aaa.com/safety/child-passenger-safety/