For anyone to drive a vehicle on the US roads the first and foremost thing that he needs is a driving license. This license is issued by the respective state DMVs. The basic method to obtain the license would be to take a driving test followed by a written test based on the various DMV rules for drivers and could be learned by going through the driver's manual provided by all the DMVs. You can either get a hardcopy of the DMV rules for drivers manual from the office of your local DMV. Or if you don't want all that hassle you can just download it from the website of the state DMV.
If you pass the test you will be provided a license which you have to renew before it expires. If the address you provided to the DMV has not changed then it is most likely that you would receive a renewal notice from your DMV.
If you are a resident of a separate state then you will have to get a new license for the state you have moved to. This should be done within 30 days of your relocation. To get your new license you will have to turn in your out-of-state driver's license. Carrying both licenses is illegal unless you have a special permit which is rarely allowed. If you want to go back to your native state you will have to apply for your previous license to be returned.
To apply for a new license you will need the following documents:
- Proof of identity and age
- Proof of name
You will also need to take Vision and Written tests. This is followed by a road test if you completed a Safe Driving Course. Only if you pass these tests will you be provided with a driver's license.
Even after you obtain your license you will be in probation for six months. While on probation if you are convicted of speeding, reckless driving, following too closely, participating in a speed contest, or two other traffic violations, your license will be suspended for a period of 60 days. You will be again on probation after these 60 days and if you again commit any of the crimes mentioned or any two other traffic violations your license will be further suspended for six months.
In case you receive a ticket it is advisable to follow the instructions written on the ticket. If you do not make your plea or pay the fine within the stipulated period mentioned on the ticket, your license stands to be suspended indefinitely.
The DMV follows a point system to keep track of the regular violators. For each offence a definite point is allotted. While committing any one offence wouldn't mount to something serious accumulating too many points within a relatively short period of time can lead to penalties.
In the event of you driving while your license is suspended or revoked you will have to face mandatory fines from $200 up to $ 5,000. There are also provisions for probation and even imprisonment.
These days the term "accident" is frequently being replaced by "crash" because it is believed that most of them could have been avoided. So even if you are not charged at the time of the incident you can be held guilty after a DMV hearing. What may have seemed to be an accident at the time of the event may be found to be a crash later on.
Ownership of a car implies that you have the car registered under your name. Before you purchase any vehicle, four-wheeler or a two-wheeler, make sure that you are provided a satisfactory proof of ownership in case you have difficulty getting your vehicle registered, get a title certificate, or transferable registration in your name.
You're driving experience can be more pleasurable if you know the DMV rules for drivers.
Learn how easy and convenient shopping for auto insurance can be. Get your free auto insurance quotes today!
