This post is also available in: 
Spanish
French
Driving in America has been something that I’ve had to adapt to, since when I’m in the USA as Au Pair. In Ireland, I drove on the left side of the road, on the right side of a manual Peugeot 206. Now I drive on the right side of the road, on the left side of an automatic car and on top of these changes, I’ve had to become familiar with the wider roads and a few different laws.
HOW TO GET YOUR LICENSE?
Getting your license on a temporary basis varies from state to state so I would recommend visiting www.DMV.org and learning about your state laws. In North Carolina, it is a requirement to have your license within 60 days of arriving. Please do not delay this step. As soon as you arrive, begin studying for your theory test and aim to have your license within a month.
THE DAY OF THE TEST
After locating your nearest DMV office, make your way to the centre with the correct documentation. No prior booking is necessary. On the DMV website, a list of required documentation is listed. These documents include your social security number, passport, car insurance documents and a letter with your American address. A security officer will check your documents at the DMV office before directing you to the examiner who will enter your details onto the system and take your photograph. They direct you to a computer for your theory test, which consists of 25 multiple choice questions, followed by a visual test. On completion of both tests, the driving test can begin.
The actual driving test will last between 15 – 20 minutes, which is a lot shorter than the driving test in Ireland which lasts between 45 – 60 minutes. The test includes following traffic, parking, reversing, 3-point turn and stopping at a stop sign. Stopping at a stop sign is very important. Be sure to come to a complete STOP. I am aware of an Au Pair who failed their driving test by not coming to a complete stop. Upon successful completion of the driving test, the instructor will issue you with a temporary paper license.
The process lasts around 1 hour approx, depending on how busy the office is. I paid 40 dollars but this may differ between states.
MY TIPS FOR DRIVING IN AMERICA
Drive within days of arriving. I arrived on a Friday and on Sunday evening, my host mother and I drove around Raleigh for 2 hours, locating the Points of Interest
. Go driving late at night when the roads have less traffic
. Walk and cycle to points of interest. I found this helped me to understand the roads and gather directions
. Be aware of speed limits in restricted areas. For example, school zones have a speed limit of 25mph on school days at specified times
. Become familiar with using a GPS.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN DRIVING IN AMERICA AND DRIVING IN IRELAND
Unless otherwise stated, it is legal to make a right turn on a red light!
At a signalled crossing, when a pedestrian is signalled to cross the road, vehicles also have the green light. Therefore it is important that both motorists and pedestrians are vigilant at signalled crossings.
When more than one car approaches an interaction with a stop sign, the car that arrived first has right of way. Whereas in Ireland, cars approaching from the right have priority.
Learner drivers and restricted drivers are not identified
To conclude, my advice is to always remember to take your time, observe the road ahead, follow each law and everything will work out.
