Drive on the right

The Americans drive on the other side of the road, so expect everything to be the opposite of what you are familiar with. For example, the lane designated for overtaking is on the left and the lane for normal driving is on the right. Highway exits are on the right. When you are crossing the road, look the other way!

Driving licences

An international driving licence (IDL) is not required, provided that your local licence includes the driver’s photograph. You are also often required to have held your licence for at least one year.

Each state has their own licensing requirements. But if you are planning to drive for quite a while, you should get the IDL. And if you’re driving in one state for several months, you should check with local authorities how long your international licence will be valid in that specific state.

In the event that the police ask to see your driving licence, present both your local and international driving licences. The reason is that the IDL is not in fact a driving license at all, but a translation of your national one.

Car rental

You can usually rent a car and drive with a valid driver's licence from your home country. Take note that the minimum age for driving is 16 in most states, but in others, it is 18.

You have to be at least 21 to rent a car, and in some states, the minimum age is 25. Some agencies will rent to young drivers but add a surcharge. Others will not rent to drivers over 71 years old.

It is best to clarify the details and requirements of rental prior to your departure to avoid any problems. Car rental companies can usually supply child seats, but you will have to pay for them. It is illegal to carry small children in a car without safety restraint seats in most states.

Different driving laws

Each state has different driving laws, so be sure to look up the individual rules if you are driving across multiple states. Most of the laws are the same, but some states have slight variations.

The US highway system

The long stretches of roads across the states are called Interstate Highways. The major highways running north to south have odd numbers; those on the Pacific coast are ordered I-5; and those on the Atlantic coast are ordered I-95. All east-west Interstates are evenly numbered. Some highways are subject to tolls and these roads are called turnpikes.