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⇒ Student & Scholar Advising ⇒ Living in the US ⇒ Driving a Car

Driving a Car

Driving a car without a driver’s license is illegal in the United States.  If you have an international driver’s license from your home country, you are permitted to drive with that license for up to a year.  However, we strongly recommend that you get an Indiana driver’s license if you plan to drive in Indiana.  You can apply for an Indiana Driver’s License at the License Branch.  The Bloomington License Branch is located at 1612 S. Liberty Drive, Suite A.  You may call 336-3018 for office hours or if you have any questions.

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles now requires extensive documentation to obtain an Indiana Driver’s License.  Please read these new regulations carefully at the BMV Identification Regulations webpage.  You will be asked to complete a vision test at the time you apply for the license.  In addition, you will be asked to take a written test and a driving test.  The driving test is done in your car and it has to be scheduled in advance.  If you do not have a valid driver’s license from another US state, you must first obtain a Learner’s Permit, which will allow you to drive only when a person with a valid US driver’s license is sitting in the passenger seat.  After holding a Learner’s Permit for 60 days, you will be eligible for an Indiana driver’s license.  You can find more information here.

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles publishes a “Driver’s Manual” that outlines state traffic laws.  You can get this manual at the International Center.  Be sure to read this manual carefully before driving in Indiana.

Important: Indiana law requires that you have your license, car registration, and proof of car insurance with you at all times while driving.  If you are ever stopped by a police officer, stay in your car and keep your hands on the steering wheel until the officer comes to your car.  He/she will walk up to your window and ask for your driver’s license and car registration.

Driving with an International License

Check the date stamped on your I-94 card (usually stapled to your passport).  For one year, beginning on that date, you may drive without an Indiana driver’s license, but you must carry:

• your valid license from your home country
• an international driver’s license.  This is usually an official English translation of your driver’s license.  Most visitors get their international license in their home country.  It provides an English translation of your license.
• your passport with I-94 card attached

Car Insurance

It is mandatory in Indiana to have insurance for your car.  Car insurance will pay up to a certain amount if you are involved in an accident (liability insurance).  You are responsible for expenses that exceed losses covered under your insurance policy.  You will want to discuss the minimum liability requirement and optional collision and comprehensive insurance with the car insurance company that you select.  There are many private car insurance companies in the US  Rates are determined by several factors including the age of the driver, previous driving record, area in which you live, and type of car.  City drivers, drivers with a previous record of accidents, and young male drivers generally pay higher rates.  Shop around for the best policy and rate for you.  You can find the names and phone numbers of insurance companies in the Yellow Pages section of the telephone directory under “Insurance.”

Car Safety

All passengers are required to wear seat belts while the car is in motion.  You may be stopped by the police and even fined if you or passengers are not wearing a seat belt.  This is especially true if there are children in the car who are not wearing seat belts.