Naya Jeevan FAQ

DMV and Driving

Q : Should I get a local driving license?

A : In the US, every state has its own driving license regulations which are administered by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Check your State’s regulations at http://www.dmvusa.com/index.php?pageid=5 . The driving license will also act as an identity card to proof your name and age. For instance, if you shop at the local supermarket and pay by credit card, they may ask for proof of ID at which you can show them your driving license. Ultimately, merchants just want to reduce credit card fraud and ensure that your name and face match!

In terms of State driving regulations, the California DMV allows you to drive with your home country license as long as the permit remains valid but they do not recognize the International Driving License. However, if you take employment in California or become a resident, you are required to obtain a local Californian license within 10 days. Note that this may not be relevant in other states.

Q : How do I obtain a local driving license?

A : Every state is different, so it is suggested that you do some research. Start with this website : http://www.dmvusa.com/index.php?pageid=5
Let’s use California for example. First of all, you need to learn the road rules and the best way to do this is to pick up a free copy of California Driver Handbook at your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or download it from their website. To locate the nearest DMV branch, simply check your local White Pages or the DMV website. When you are ready to take an exam, you need to ensure you already have a Social Security Number (SSN) and a car with valid insurance (they do not accept rental cars but you can borrow a friend’s). Then you are ready to make an appointment with DMV for your practical and written tests. For the California DMV, you may have to call in for an appointment depending on the branch. On your appointment day, remember to turn up at least half hour earlier, complete the required application form and bring all necessary documents (social security number, proof of legal presence & age, your home country license, a car with valid insurance, the car’s insurance card and some money to pay for the application). You will also need to give a thumb print, pass a vision exam and also have your picture taken.

Q : What are the road rules in USA?

A : The best way to learn the local road rules is to put effort into studying the free local Driver Handbook supplied by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The list below highlights only SOME of the key rules which most foreigners found to be very different to their home countries:

1. Stop sign regulation: When you arrive at a stop sign, make sure you stop completely before the line even though it may be clear and you do not see any cars. If there are cars, the first car that arrives at the line has right of way. Follow this rule until it is your turn. If two or more cars arrive at the line at the same time, the car on the right should be allowed to go first, unless it is unsafe to do so.
2. Non-working or blinking traffic light: when a traffic light is blinking and not working, please revert to the Stop sign regulation.
3. Freeway identification: Every freeway has a name and number, but for easy reference, everyone refers to the freeway number eg. Interstate 10 freeway is called I-10.
4. Freeway exits: When you are driving on a freeway, the farthest right lane is normally used for exits and entrances. Observe the line differences between regular lanes and exit lanes. Smaller and shorter line breaks signify that you are driving on an exit lane, so if you are not planning to make an exit, you have to change lanes.
5. Freeway entrances: If you are driving on a local road and want to make an entrance into the freeway, slow down because the entrance could be on the left or right lane. (Freeway entrances are called “onramps”).  So you need to observe the signs and change lanes if necessary. Once you take an onramp, continue to be cautious because the onramp may be regulated by a traffic light which only allows 1 to 3 cars to pass per green light. This is especially important during peak hours.
6. Carpool lane (also referred to as HOV lane – High Occupancy Vehicle): Some freeways are equipped with carpool lanes which are a blessing during peak hours, but only if there are 2 or more humans in your car (dogs & cats are not counted). Again, every State (maybe even city) has its own regulations, so it is important that you check out your State’s law on Carpool lane usage. California state law allows single-occupant hybrid vehicles to drive on carpool lanes but only if you have a special permit sticker on your car! Note that you can only enter and exit a carpool lane where there are dotted lines. Misuse of the carpool lane comes with a heavy price!
7. Pedestrian is King! Be very careful of pedestrians as you drive because they have right of way. You must always stop for pedestrians to cross at allocated crossings.
8. Be careful of the cyclist! Cyclists and motorcycles can appear out of nowhere because they hide very well in our blind spots. The right side of the road is normally for cyclists, so you must always signal and check your blind spot before moving into the cyclist’s lane to make a right turn.

Q : How do I find my way around town?

A : In my most biased opinion, I believe that you can never truly get yourself lost in USA as long as you stick to a decent looking road, but it may take a lot of your time if you make a wrong turn! Here are some ways to get from point A to point B :

1. Check your directions online using Mapquest.com, Google maps or Yahoo maps. Simply enter the full addresses and print out the instructions. Now you just have to follow the instructions!
2. Get a car with GPS installed or buy a GPS unit and install it yourself. I personally use a GPS unit that is detachable so I can take it along with me to other cities.
3. Invest in a decent map. Even if you have a GPS, you should always have a map in your car for backup. You can get free maps from your hotel or car rental company, but you may choose to purchase a decent map of your area from shops like Target.
4. Hoping to flag down a passing person to ask directions is unlikely to work and may be risky.  The few people found on the street are going to be suspicious of strangers in cars flagging them down.  Women should never do that.  Better to try parking and going into a nearby shop or gas station to ask directions.
5. Keep a cell phone with headset in your car and use it to call the person or business you are trying to find.  So having a phone number, not only an address, for the place you are going, is always helpful!

Q : How do I estimate my drive time and avoid unusual congestions?

A : When you use a GPS mapping device or get your directions online, it normally estimates your drive time from Point A to Point B based on average commute time. However, it does not tell you if there is an accident or road closure. One way of checking this out is by tuning to your local radio station for traffic reports or by watching the news. Another way is by checking Traffic.com before you drive, or calling a number provided by Traffic.com to check a roadway. To find out more, visit the site – it can become very handy!

Q : How do the gas stations work in USA?

A : First of all, Americans do not use the words petrol or fuel. They use the word gas even though it is in liquid form. Every gas station sets its own price and you will see prices differ a lot between cities. Some gas stations only accept debit cards, some may charge a processing fee, yet others have a lower price if you pay by debit instead of credit. It is recommended that you do not wait until your tank is almost empty before you look for a gas station. You should always notice the price of gas as you are driving and when you spot a low price, just go in and top up your tank! Alternatively, you can check your local newspaper for the cheapest gas in your area or search online for gas prices in your county.