리뷰 인사이트

Different Rules by State and How to Prepare for the DMV Test

When living in the U.S., one of the first big hurdles many newcomers face is the driver’s license.
Unlike in Korea, where public transportation is efficient and widely available, most American cities are designed around the car.
Without a license, you quickly feel stuck.
That’s why international students, workers, and immigrants all eventually find themselves at the DMV — the Department of Motor Vehicles.

1. Different Rules in Each State

The U.S. is one country, but when it comes to driver’s licenses, it feels more like 50 different countries.
Each state sets its own rules, processes, and even test formats.

For example:

• New York allows you to take the written test online, and once you complete certain training, the road test is relatively straightforward.
  
• California, on the other hand, requires the written test at the DMV and conducts a stricter road test where even small mistakes may cost you.
  
• In Texas, foreign students and temporary residents often face extra paperwork requirements, making it difficult to even schedule the test without careful preparation.

So, when someone says, “I got my license in the U.S.,” it’s not just a certificate.
It’s a little proof of having passed through that state’s unique cultural gate.

2. Documents You’ll Likely Need

The required documents vary, but there are common ones across most states:

• Passport – for basic identification.
  
• Visa, I-20, or DS-2019 – to prove legal status.
  
• Proof of Residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement, etc.)
  – DMVs want to confirm you really live in that state.
  
• Social Security Number (SSN) or an ineligibility letter – another layer of ID verification.

Here’s the tricky part: in some states, just one proof of residency is enough,
while in others you might need two or three different documents.
Sometimes it even depends on the DMV clerk you meet that day.

3. Preparing for the DMV Test

Getting a license usually means passing two steps: the written test and the road test.

• Written Test
  This is mostly about traffic rules, but each state sneaks in unique questions.
  In Arizona,
  you might see a question about what to do if your car breaks down in the desert.
  In New York, questions about bicyclist rights show up frequently.
  
• Road Test
  This part feels intense because the examiner sits next to you in the car.
  In the U.S., missing even one Stop sign can mean instant failure.
  But small mistakes, like signaling too early, may be overlooked.
  The key isn’t just technical skill —
  it’s showing that you respect the law and drive with caution.

4. Tips from Experience

If you’re about to start this process, here are some simple but useful reminders:

• Embrace the DMV experience.
  It’s crowded, it’s slow, and it can feel frustrating.
  But watching the mix of people waiting, each with their own story, is almost like people-watching in an airport.
  
• Don’t fear failure.
  Many states make retakes relatively easy. Failing once isn’t the end —
  it’s almost a rite of passage.
  
• Book early.
  DMV appointments fill up weeks or even months in advance.
  Just because you’re ready doesn’t mean the DMV is ready for you.
  Planning ahead is everything.

Wrapping Up

Getting a driver’s license in the U.S. is more than just getting permission to drive.
It’s a small rite of passage into American life.

The rules may differ from state to state, but the nervous feeling of waiting for your test is the same everywhere.
And when you finally hold that plastic card in your hand, you’ll feel like you’ve taken a step closer to truly living in America.

---

👉 In the next post, we’ll dive into American driving culture — the unspoken rules on the road, surprising habits, and how it all differs from driving in Korea. 🚗💨