An International Student's Guide to Driving in the U.S.

As an international student in an unfamiliar country, having your own vehicle can offer many benefits. Not only does it provide ease and flexibility getting you to school or work, but you can also explore your new city or state at your leisure. However, getting the process started can be intimidating. Learn more about how to apply for a license, purchase, rent or lease a car and what auto insurance option may be best for you.

Applying for a driver’s license can vary state-to-state, but there are some fundamental steps and processes all states require.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) translates your valid driving license into 10 languages and is recognized in over 150 countries. This can help you if you plan to rent, not purchase, a car for less than a year or less depending on the state’s rules. If you plan to drive for longer, then you will have to get a state-issued license. Keep in mind, however, that an IDP can be obtained only in the country where your actual license was issued.

If you’re planning to get your license or already have it and you want to purchase a car, it can be difficult to know where to begin. There are many choices to consider, including determining what kind of car you want to buy, if you should buy a new or a used vehicle and where and when to buy. It’s important to evaluate all your choices thoroughly and understand the ins and outs of purchasing a car.

Purchasing a car is a big financial decision and is why most international students typically get an auto loan to cover the cost over several years. This can be a challenge to budget for, especially when balancing tuition and housing fees and other financial needs.

It's important to keep the following in mind when thinking about purchasing a car.

Purchasing car insurance is mandatory in almost all U.S. states except New Hampshire. This means that if you purchase a car, you’ll also need to get car insurance coverage for as long as you drive it.

One of the requirements that auto insurers need is proof of a valid license from your home country and your IDP or your U.S. driver’s license. Note that some insurers will only accept a U.S. driver's license or may consider you high risk if you choose to go with your IDP.

If you’re working with an IDP, you’ll have to look for an insurer that accepts foreign drivers, such as State Farm or Farmers. Otherwise, if you have a U.S. license, you can compare auto insurance quotes from many providers.

To keep your monthly insurance affordable, there are discounts available, including ones for getting good grades, being a defensive driver and consistently wearing your seat belt while driving. Remember to ask insurers about their discounts when shopping for affordable student car insurance.

With all the additional expenses and coverages needed to purchase a vehicle, such as maintaining a consistent budget, insuring your vehicle and thinking of maintenance costs, you may want to consider alternatives. Fortunately, there are other options and modes of transportation you can utilize in the U.S. without having to purchase a car.

If you simply need a vehicle to run errands or get to activities, you could consider borrowing one from your friends or host family. This is a short-term way to ensure you can easily get where you need to be and without an additional monthly expense. Keep in mind that you still need to be a responsible driver and have a license. Additionally, some insurance companies may require you to be listed as a driver if you’re borrowing the vehicle frequently.

International students can rent cars from many U.S. rental companies. You typically need to be at least 25 years of age and have a valid driver’s license, whether one from your home country with an IDP or a U.S. driver’s license. You will also need to pay attention to the different fees and charges involved in renting a car, such as tolls or mileage fees and out-of-state charges.

Depending on where you live, you may have access to various modes of public transportation that are often cheaper, such as buses, ferries, streetcars or trains. You can also opt for a bike, especially if you don’t live far from your school, stores and recreational areas.

It’s important to ensure that you’re aware of U.S. driving laws prior to applying for a license or driving in the country. Every state has its own set of driving laws, restrictions and license requirements. There may also be differences in speed limits and traffic charges depending on where you reside. However, there are a few essential rules that apply across the board, such as being medically competent to drive and being of legal driving age.

If you’re driving with a foreign license, find out how long you can drive with it in each state and which states have a foreign reciprocity agreement. The foreign reciprocity agreement allows foreigners from certain countries to exchange their original foreign license to a U.S. one and applies to individuals from Canada, France, Germany, South Korea, Taiwan and Japan.

It may also be a wise decision to attend a driver's education program. This is typically provided by local schools, governments, companies and private instructors.

It can be difficult to adjust to driving in the U.S., especially if you’re used to driving on the left side of the road! Knowing the rules of the road can help you ease into a new environment and it can also ensure if you do get into an accident, you will know what to do.

U.S. laws and regulations governing roads can vary depending on your state. Make sure to reach out to your DSO and learn your state’s rules to avoid any unwanted consequences and to continue driving safely.

• USA.gov: For foreign nationals who wish to drive in the U.S., learn about what ID you need and how to get it.
• Study In The States: Applying for a license can look different in every state, but this guide helps outline what the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) process you will need to follow, what documents you need to have and links to the necessary forms.
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: For more information about road safety, the NHTSA has provided a number of useful guides to ensure theft prevention, pedestrian safety and more.

• AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety: The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing traffic deaths and injuries. They have a number of resources that can help you understand how certain medications affect your driving and even a training tool to help you improve what you see and how you react while driving.
• Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS): The IIHS is a nonprofit that aims to reduce traffic deaths and injuries and has many resources related to driving, such as distracted driving, driver assistance, speeding and more. They also provide a comprehensive view of certain laws in each state.
• The National Road Safety Foundation: The NRSF aims to increase driver safety by educating individuals against certain risks. They have a number of useful links to other organizations that can help ensure a driver’s safety through education.