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If you're emigrating to Ameirca and planning on continuing to drive when you get there then it's really important that you know exactly how to drive in the USA. From knowing which side of the road to drive on to what the speed limits are, here are our 4 top things to remember...
1. Am I old enough to drive in the USA?
The number one rule of learning how to drive in the USA: make sure you're actually old enough! As a rule though, if you are old enough to drive in the UK then you are old enough to drive in the USA. In fact most states have a minimum driving age of 16, though some states won’t allow unrestricted driving until 18. It’s different if you intend to rent a car as you will need to be at least 21 and even then some car rental companies will only rent cars to persons aged 25 or older.
2. Can I drive using my own licence
You can use your UK driving licence in all states so long as your stay in the USA is no more than 3 months. If you intend to stay for more than 3 months then you will need to take a driving test in the state you reside in. Some states have entered into a driver’s licence exchange agreement with other countries including the UK that will allow you to gain a local US licence quickly.
3. What if I need a new licence?
You can visit the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. Take your social security card, passport and visa with you. If you don’t have a social security number then the DMV can assign you a temporary one. You will need to take a theoretical test before you can sit the driving test. As with the UK you can use your own car so long as it is appropriately insured.
4. What is the national speed limit
One of the most important things to know when learning how to drive in the USA! Most states have a speed limit of 65 mph except where signposted differently. The police will enforce penalties for those driving above the speed limit and the use of radars is used extensively in many states.
Need more advice? check out our guide to moving to the USA.
Planning a move? get a free quote for removals to the USA by clicking the button below:
