The private automobile continues to be the most common form of transportation in the United States. If your area lacks adequate mass transit, or if you simply want the independence of having your own automobile, you will need to get a U.S. driver's license. U.S. driver's licenses are administered by each of the 50 states, with each having its own Division of Driver's Licenses. The regulations vary from state to state, but generally most U.S. driver's license examinations consist of both a written and practical examination. The written part tests your familiarity with U.S. road signs, rules of the road, and general vehicle safety regulations. Each Division of Driver's Licenses publishes a manual which you can use to review for the written examination. The practical examination tests your actual skills in driving and parking a motor vehicle. Additionally, some states do not allow a person to apply for a driver's license until they have passed a state-certified driver's education course.

In order to find the specific regulations in your region, ask your Buddy to advise you of the appropriate authority to contact. You may also check in the white pages or blue pages in your phone book, under State Government, Department of Driver's Licenses. They will probably have a telephone recording which gives you the specific information you need to apply for a driver's license. If an appointment system is available, make sure that you schedule an appointment -- otherwise, you may face an extremely long wait at the office.

Preparing for the written examination is no different than preparing for any other exam - study hard and memorize. Even before you get your driver's license, it is a good idea for you to start observing road signs, driving practices, and general road courtesy in the United States while traveling as a passenger with friends. In order to take the practical examination, you will need to have a friend with an automobile accompany you to the driver's license office. Your friend must be present since he or she must drive the vehicle away in the event that you do not pass the practical portion of the examination.

In addition to the written and practical exams, you will be given a visual examination to determine if you need corrective lenses.

A GENERAL PIECE OF ADVICE: If you have been driving in your home country and are comfortable in operating an automobile, you are probably prepared to drive in this country once you have learned the appropriate road signs and road courtesies. If you have never driven an automobile, spend the money and take the driving lessons; otherwise, your chances of a dangerous and costly automobile accident are significant.