How migrants obtain their driver’s license?
A car driver’s license in the United States is extremely important while living and studying in the US. The article below help you to memorize the secret of learning and taking a simple driver’s license test in the US.
The driving laws in each US state are very different. Normally, if you have a driver’s license before coming to the US, you just need to go to the nearest “Driver’s Registration” office to register for the theory test (knowledge test). Then, register for the practical test (test road) and get by. The validity of your driver’s license is equivalent to your restricted visa. In the article below, we will answer the most basic questions about the test and get a car driver’s license in the US.
1. Is it important to have a driver’s license in the US?
Firstly, a driver’s license in the US is extremely important because it is used as an ID to confirm your identity here. Secondly, this is the main means of transportation here and you are in a remote area where there is no bus, metro or train. That is reason why then not having a driver’s license is equivalent to being isolated from the outside world. Drivers also save travel costs more than traveling by public transport in the USA. So, knowing how to drive and get a driver’s license here helps you a lot in integrating with the environment and having more opportunities to travel to many places here.
2. Started learning to drive in your country or in the US?
There are 2 options:
– Firstly: Study and get a driver’s license in your country. Do not forget try to practice as much as possible to get more experience. After coming to the US, you can ask your adoptive parents to guide you (most hosts are quite busy and find it hard to teach you regularly), or sign up for a practice driving course of $ 350 – $ 450 / 10 hours / 5 sessions. The teacher will guide you on things to pay attention to when driving and how to take the practical test. After finishing, go to the nearest driving school to register for the test as usual.
– Secondly: By the way, you can learn one by one, enroll in a course taught from AZ (about $ 500). At the end of the course, pass the final exam (theory + practice), you be granted a driver’s license. However, the content of the theory and practice exam of the $ 500 course is much more difficult, the requirements are also stricter. So if you are not careful you risk having to repeat it.
3. The test procedure in the US ?
As mentioned above, each state’s regulations are slightly different. Let’s take an example of Virginia!
The knowledge test
– Many library systems in the US provide free theoretical exam preparation materials that you can refer to. In addition, you can take a mock test under the link (with exam content in all states) to take the test. Try it at home first.
– If you have your social security number, have made a bank card and received a notification about your card account, you can go to the DMV office closest to you to register and take the test within the day. New drivers have 3 exams, the first time is free. When you pass, you can register for the road test. However, if you fail the first time, you have to wait until the next day to register again, and pay $ 2 / time. If you fail 3 times, you must register for a theory course at the DMV driving school in your area. (prices range around $ 300 depending on where you choose).
– What documents need to bring when registering?
+ Passport, visa, social security card
+ DS2019 sheet
+ Driver’s license (if any)
+ Documents confirming your current address
If you are new to the US within 2 months, when you receive your social security card in the mail, keep the envelope and all the documents inside with your address and take it to the DMV office.
If you have just taken the test after 2 months, you should get a bank card (visa debit card is required). After completing the procedure, the bank will send you a “bank statement” with your information with “address where you are now”. After that, you can bring it to the DMV office for the procedure. Be aware that the bank statement must be in round 2 month from the date of your registration for test. (For example, if you take the test in August, the bank confirmation must be from June or July)
– After you have all the papers, just go straight to the DMV office and do the paperwork. The staff will guide you and take the theory test during the day.
Next is the road test
– Note that new drivers need to drive well before taking the test. Because if you fail the test 3 times in a row, you must take a compulsory driving course and wait a month before you can take the test again. You can call to schedule a practice exam (ask the host to call it for you), or go directly to the DMV office near you to register the exam. On the day of the test, you need to bring the theory test, the vehicle registration and insurance of the vehicle. All of these documents will be used to drive that day.
– The test takes place within 15 minutes. At the end of the test, the examiner will announce the results. If you pass, congratulations, you submit $ 20 and receive your certificate after 15 – 20 minutes and can drive well the same day. In 1 week, your driver’s license will be sent via mail to you.
Test and drive a driver’s license in the US is not too difficult if we know the simple secret above, right? The most important thing is that you must be confident and diligent in review and practice before taking the exam.
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