Driver's license

Why do I need an American driver's license?

First of all, if you want to drive a car that is insured by an American company, you need an American driver's license to be eligible for the insurance coverage. Second, if you buy your own car and you have to purchase an insurance policy, it is much cheaper and much easier to do this with an American driver's license. It is also easier to get your car registered and saves you hassles when renting one. Last, it saves you thousands of explanations if you show an American driver's license when you're asked for an ID. And you will be asked to show it very often. Sometimes, e.g. for entry into some clubs, you're even required to show your driver's license because other forms of ID are not accepted. And finally, who would want to carry around a passport for a year o two, risking to lose it along with the visa and so on?

Where and how do I get it, and how much does it cost?

This explanation assumes that you already own a driver's license issued in your home country. Official information can be found on the web. You can search for a test location by ZIP code, and look at the driver's manual so you can study at home before taking the test. Opening times are typically: Tuesday - Saturday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

You should go there early in the morning (that means one hour or half an hour before it officially opens!) and pull a number from a machine, then wait until your number is called. It is realistic to assume that the whole procedure will take you a full day. You fill out forms, get your eyes checked (just look into another machine and read a 10-digit number and tell the officer if the light you see is flashing on the right or the left), and then you take a multiple choice test on the computer. The test consists of 2 parts, and each has 20 questions. You must not miss more than 5 answers on each part to pass the test.

Then you wait for the road test if it's not already too late in the day (also ask beforehand if tests are given in rain). The road test is on a parking lot, and it takes about 5 minutes. You have to blink right, left, step on the brakes and honk, and then drive around the parking lot which has lines drawn on the concrete. You have to be able to drive backwards, do parallel parking, and drive around some cones. The hardest part is the waiting. In the end, you go back inside, get your picture taken, and wait for your license to be issued. This will be your permanent license. It costs $20 for 1 year as you are an international. Only US citizens are able to get longer periods.

What do I have to bring?

• Your SSN (Social Security Number). Not the actual card, you just have to know the number.
• You have to come in with your own car (or the car of a friend), and the car has to have proof of insurance.
• Then you have to hand in your home country's driver's license. There's no way around it, so don't even bother to get an international driver's license before you come here (remember to get it back before you return to your home country!)
• You have to show your passport and your I-94 form. Also take the I-20 or DS-2019 with you.
• You have to have proof of residency, i.e. a signed rental contract for your apartment and a proof that you paid the rent, and that contract has to have your complete address on it! If you live in the dorms (GLC, Tenth & Home, ...) go to the GT housing office and ask them to write a proof of residency letter for you. They have an official form for that. In this case, merely having the rental contract for student housing is not sufficient.

What should I do to prepare for the test?

It is an easy test, but there are some American specifics so it's a good idea to browse the manual a bit beforehand. If you haven't driven automatic before, you have plenty of time to practice that on the parking lot while waiting.

What if I don't have a driver's license yet?

If you don't have a license yet, you will take the same computer test and get a so-called driving permit ($10, valid for one year), which only allows you to drive in presence of a Georgia driver's license owner. This is for you to learn driving, you don't have to take lessons. After 40 hours, you can schedule an appointment for a road test by phone or just go there without appointment and take it, if you're so lucky to find a slot. Because you are above the age of 18, you don't have to provide a log or something similar of your 40 hour driving. You just have to swar, that you've done it correctly. If you pass the road test successfully, you get your real license right away.

What are the most differences in the US driving rules?

This is not a complete list! Look into the Georgia State Driver's Manual for reference.

• Right turn on red: If you have stopped on a right traffic light and you can make a right turn without hindering someone else, you are allowed to do so.
• Left turn on red: If you come from a one-way street and you want to turn left into a one-way street, you are even allowed to make a left turn on red after you stopped.