|
 ahesh Iyengar, a software professional walked confidently to the Department of Motor Vehicles office in Utah, US, flashed his license issued in Hindi and demanded that he be given an equivalent one in the US. It took him eight months to get one.
Two days after Rajiv Singhal reached New York, he pocketed his international driving permit, took a friend's car for a drive to the grocery store. Hauled for overshooting the safety limit, the cops only let him go when a rather flustered and hysterical Rajiv convinced them he had arrived two days back and was unaware that an international driving permit was not a license to drive.
Yes, driving in the US is quite different from operating a car in India. For starters, you must have a valid State license as the cops won't look the other way if you do possess one and jauntily overtake another car at 80 miles per hour within the city limit. In the US, driving without a license is illegal. Therefore, as soon as you seriously begin veering towards the US career track, take driving lessons and apply for an international driving permit. Most H-1B holders do not buy a car within the first six months. However, sooner or later, most feel the necessity of owning a car and an international driving permit comes in handy. By itself, the document is not a license to drive in the US as it merely confirms that you hold a valid license in your home nation. A permit is, however, helpful because it informs the authorities that you have a valid foreign driver license. Although specific license requirements vary from State to State, an international driving permit makes it easier to acquire a license in most States.
In the US, after the social security number, the driving license is rated as the second most important individual document. It not only grants individuals the permission to operate a vehicle, but is used as a primary form of photo identification in many non-driving situations where proof of identity or age is requires such as buying a credit card, boarding airline flights etc. It also eliminates the need to constantly carry your passport. The Department of Motor Vehicles (the body in charge of issuing licenses) issues photo identification card to assist people who do not drive but would like to have a State identification card. As it will greatly ease your life in the US, it is advisable to get one. AssureConsulting.com safely steers you through the ins and outs of the various steps involved.
As soon as you settle down, visit the nearest office of the Department of Motor Vehicles of your particular State to familiarise yourself with the procedures and traffic rules and laws. Driver license offices are usually open Monday through Friday during business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Some offices offer extended hours (until 7 p.m.) a few nights per week. Every State Department issues a driver's manual which contains information on traffic rules and laws of that particular State. The theoretical test is not very difficult, but to know that CHP stands for California Highway Police, you will have to carefully study the manual. The manual is available online. Click at
www.lawenforcement.about.com/careers/lawenforcement/msubdmv.html.The site provides links to all State Department of Motor Vehicles.
|
|
Wintercare Tips |
|
|
To help your battery last through the winter make sure the terminals are clean.
|
|
|
Be sure that the tires are properly inflated. It is a myth that lower tire pressure will increase traction. In fact, lower tire pressure can cause handling problems on snow covered or icy roads.
|
|
|
Use freeze proof fluids like a lightweight, winter-grade oil.
|
|
|
Keep the tank as full as possible to prevent gas line from freezing.
|
|
|
Gas line anti-freeze can also help keep the fuel flowing through the system.
|
|
|
Lubricate doors
|
|
|
Frozen door locks can be overcome by using a hair dryer or heating the key with a lighter or match.
|
|
In most States in the US to obtain a driver license, the applicant is required to produce proof of name and proof of date of birth. The documents required as proof carry a certain numerical value. Although the points attributed to each document vary from State to State, the passport generally carries a value of three points, the Social Security card has a value of two points, the credit card, utility bills and the ATM card are valued at one point each. In all you will need six points, but his again is dependent on a particular State's law. The DMV of most States will accept the passport or the employment authorisation card as proof of date of birth. On producing these documents, you may be asked to appear for the test.
If you do not know how to drive and do not intend to buy a car, the same documents can be submitted to secure a picture identification card. The identity card does not allow you to drive but acts as an official identification card.
In most States in the US, in addition to documentation and testing, applicants can expect the following while applying for the driver's licenses:
The driving license is not issued immediately furnishing proof of identification. You will have to take a written test, sign test, the vision test and a driving test. Read the drivers manual carefully for details on all tests. The written test, usually, follows a multiple-choice format. In most States, there is no time limit imposed for completion of the test but you will need high scores to qualify. For instance, in California, you need to have a score of 31 right questions of a total of 36 to pass the test. If you fail to qualify, you can take the test again. After you have passed the written, sign and the vision tests, you will have to schedule an appointment over the phone for the driving test. In some States, if you have an international driving permit, the driving test may be waived.
In some States, third party companies certified by the Department of State offices administer the road test. You can get a listing of these companies from any Secretary of State Office or on their web site. The State does not regulate fees for the road tests so be sure to call several places to compare costs. In order to take the road test, you must have valid registration and insurance papers for the vehicle you intend to use and an automobile in good mechanical condition. On the day of the driving test, ensure that you reach on time. If you are late, the examiner may not be able to conduct the test. Some of the things your examiner will note during the course of your driving test are: how do you start your vehicle, how do you leave the curb, do you signal and wait until it is safe to reenter traffic, do you use the gas pedal, steering wheel and other controls correctly; do you respect the rights of other vehicles on the road. If the examiner is satisfied, the driving license will be issued to you.
The driver's license is either issued at the license office or mailed at a later date, contains a number (sometimes the driver's social security number) and information such as the driver's name, address, date of birth, eye color, height and weight. The Department of Motor Vehicles will expect you to maintain accurate driver license information. It's important for drivers to report any address or name changes to their state DMV in an effort to avoid unnecessary citations and fees. In circumstances such as duplicate, lost and stolen, renewal and replacement licenses, drivers must report the status of their license to their DMV and attain a new license.
Related Sites:
Mapquest
Mapblast
Email this article
| Respond
to this article
|
