Owning and Operating an Automobile
You must have a valid driver’s license to drive a car. Each state in the United States issues its own driver’s license. Not every state will recognize your country’s driver’s license or the international driver’s license. To obtain a state driver’s license, you probably will be required to demonstrate your knowledge of the traffic laws in your state. You may also be required to take a driving test. Never drive a vehicle unless you understand all of the applicable road rules, recognize all of the road signs, and possess a valid license to drive. Your foreign-student adviser can explain how to obtain a driver’s license in your state.
Most states require car owners to purchase and maintain automobile insurance. Whether or not your state has or enforces such a policy, you should purchase insurance if you plan to own a vehicle. In case of an accident, automobile insurance protects you against most of the cost of injuries and repairs. The cost of repairs can be very high. In some states, you may be required to pay for the cost of repairing the other vehicle if you caused the accident. Your foreign-student adviser can assist you in finding appropriate car insurance.
Helpful guides to purchasing cars can be found in local bookstores, and perhaps even in your campus bookstore. The newspaper in your community, your campus newspaper, campus bulletin boards, electronic bulletin boards, and the international student office are good sources of information on used automobiles. Be very careful when purchasing a car, especially a used one. Before you buy, have a reliable mechanic inspect the vehicle for defects. Be sure to obtain the “title” to the car you buy.
The title is an official document issued by the state that signifies ownership of the vehicle. Additional documents may be required to complete the transfer of a car from the previous owner to you. If you are unsure about your rights and responsibilities when purchasing an automobile, check with a foreign-student adviser, who may suggest that you visit the nearest office of the motor-vehicle administration in your state.
[Transportation][Higher Education in the U.S.]
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