📚 A Guide to Getting a U.S. Driver’s License for International Students | 留学生在美国考取驾照流程与注意事项
For many international students in the United States, obtaining a driver’s license is a vital step toward independence and mobility. Public transportation can be limited outside major cities, and having a car often becomes a practical necessity. This guide walks you through the entire process—from gathering documents and passing the written test to taking the road exam and securing insurance—while highlighting key pitfalls and state-specific considerations.
对许多在美国的留学生来说，考取驾照是迈向独立出行的重要一步。大城市以外的公共交通往往不够便利，拥有一辆车常常成为实际需求。本指南将带你走完整个流程——从准备材料、通过笔试到参加路考和购买保险——同时重点提醒关键的常见错误和各州的特殊规定。
1. Understanding State Requirements | 了解各州规定
The first and most critical step is to check the specific rules of the state where you reside. Unlike many countries, driver’s licensing in the U.S. is handled at the state level, meaning requirements, fees, and test contents can differ significantly. Some states, such as California and New York, have detailed manuals and multilingual tests, while others may require additional proof of residency or a Social Security Number (SSN) denial letter.
最重要的一步是先搞清楚你所居住州的具体规定。与许多国家不同，美国的驾照由各州自行管理，因此申请要求、费用和考试内容会差别很大。像加州和纽约州有详细的手册和多语种笔试，而有些州可能要求额外的居住证明或社会安全号码拒绝信。
Visit the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency website to download the driver’s handbook. Make a checklist of required documents, and note whether online appointment is mandatory. Many international students assume the process is uniform across the country and show up unprepared.
访问州机动车辆管理局（DMV）或类似机构的官网下载驾驶员手册。列出所需文件的清单，并留意是否需要在线预约。不少留学生会误以为全国流程统一，结果空跑一趟。
2. Gathering the Required Documents | 准备必备文件
Document preparation is where many applicants stumble. You will generally need your valid passport with U.S. visa, I-20 form (for F-1 students) or DS-2019 (for J-1 students), I-94 arrival/departure record, and proof of residential address. Acceptable address proofs include a lease agreement, utility bill, or bank statement showing your name and local address.
材料准备是很多申请人栽跟头的地方。通常需要带有效护照和有效美国签证、I-20 表（F-1学生）或 DS-2019 表（J-1学生）、I-94 出入境记录以及居住地址证明。可以接受的住址证明包括租房合同、水电账单或显示姓名和当地地址的银行对账单。
| Document | Typical Use | 文件 | 用途 |
| Passport with visa | Proof of identity and legal presence | 护照及签证 | 身份与合法居留证明 |
| I-20 / DS-2019 | Student status verification | I-20 / DS-2019 | 学生身份核验 |
| I-94 printout | Most recent entry record | I-94 打印件 | 最近入境记录 |
| Two proofs of residency | Confirm local address | 两份居住证明 | 确认本地住址 |
Some states may also ask for your Social Security card, but international students without work authorization often do not qualify for an SSN. In such cases, you must apply for an SSN denial letter from the Social Security Administration first.
有些州可能还会要求出示社会安全卡，但没有工作许可的留学生通常不符合申请 SSN 的条件。这种情况下，你必须先去社会安全局申请一份 SSN 拒信。
3. The Social Security Number Challenge | 社会安全号难题
A common frustration is the DMV’s request for an SSN. If you do not have one because you do not hold on-campus employment or proper work authorization, visit a local SSA office with your passport, I-20, and I-94. Request a ‘benefit verification letter’ or ‘SSN ineligibility letter’. This official document will typically satisfy the DMV. Never attempt to provide a fake or borrowed SSN, as it can lead to severe legal consequences and visa problems.
一个常见的头疼问题是 DMV 要求提供 SSN。如果你没有 SSN，因为你没有校内工作或合适的工作许可，请带上护照、I-20 和 I-94 前往当地的社会安全局。申请一份“福利核实信”或“SSN 资格不符信”。这份官方文件通常能让 DMV 满意。绝对不要试图提供虚假或借用的 SSN，这会带来严重的法律后果和签证问题。
Check your state’s DMV website to confirm whether this letter is accepted, as policies are not always clearly displayed and can change without notice.
查看你所在州的 DMV 官网，确认是否接受这种信函，因为相关政策有时并不会明确说明，而且可能随时调整。
4. Written Knowledge Test Preparation | 笔试准备
The written exam tests your knowledge of traffic signs, road rules, and safe driving practices. Study the official driver’s manual from cover to cover, and take multiple practice tests available on the DMV website or through third-party apps. Most states offer the test in several languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese. Confirm language availability beforehand.
笔试检验你对交通标志、道路规则和安全驾驶知识的掌握。要逐页认真学习官方驾驶员手册，并多做几套 DMV 官网或第三方 APP 提供的模拟题。多数州提供多种语言考试，包括西班牙语、中文、韩语和越南语，但请事先确认语言选项是否开放。
Pay special attention to right-of-way rules, blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits, and fines for violations, as these are commonly asked. The passing score is typically around 80%, and you must pass before you can schedule a behind-the-wheel test.
要特别注意路权规则、血液酒精浓度限值和违章罚款，这些都是常考内容。及格分数通常在 80% 左右，只有通过笔试才能预约路考。
5. Scheduling and Taking the Permit Test | 预约并参加许可考试
Many states require you to first obtain a learner’s permit, especially if you are a first-time driver. The permit usually allows you to practice driving while supervised by a licensed adult. To get the permit, you must pass the written test and a vision screening. Make an appointment online—walk-in availability has become extremely limited in many states post-pandemic.
很多州要求先取得学习驾照，特别是对于首次考驾照的人。学习驾照通常允许在有正式驾照的成年人陪同下练习驾驶。要拿到学习驾照，必须通过笔试和视力检查。在线预约——疫情后许多州的随到随办名额极其有限。
Arrive at the DMV early with all your documents. Expect long wait times, and be prepared to pay applicable fees. If you fail the written test, you can usually retake it after a waiting period, but there may be limits on attempts per day or month.
带齐所有文件提早到达 DMV。做好长时间等待的心理准备，并准备好支付相关费用。如果笔试未通过，通常可以等待一段时间后重考，但每天或每月可尝试的次数可能有限制。
6. Behind-the-Wheel Driving Test | 路考
Once you have a learner’s permit and sufficient practice, schedule your road test. You typically need to provide your own vehicle that is properly registered and insured. A DMV examiner will sit in the passenger seat and evaluate your ability to control the vehicle, obey traffic signs, perform turns, change lanes, park, and possibly handle a three-point turn.
当你拿到学习驾照并有了足够的练习后，就可以预约路考了。通常需要自备一辆已合法注册且购买保险的车辆。DMV 考官会坐在副驾上，评估你控制车辆、遵守交通标志、转弯、并线、泊车以及可能的三点调头等操作能力。
Common mistakes that lead to failure include rolling stops, failure to check blind spots, improper lane positioning, and speeding. Practice with an experienced driver and consider taking a few lessons from a driving school; even a short course can dramatically improve your test readiness.
导致不及格的常见错误包括不完全停车、未检查盲点、车道位置不正确以及超速。找有经验的司机多练习，并考虑上几节驾校的课程，哪怕短期辅导也能大大提升考试表现。
7. After the Driving Test: Temporary and Permanent License | 路考通过后：临时与正式驾照
If you pass, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for a limited period (often 30–90 days). The permanent plastic license card will be mailed to the address you provided, so ensure your mailbox has your name on it and your address is accurate. A common issue for international students is that the license gets returned because the name is not on the mailbox or the university address is not recognized by the postal system for personal deliveries.
如果通过路考，你会获得一张有效期有限的临时纸质驾照（通常是30到90天）。永久性的塑料驾照卡会邮寄到你提供的地址，因此要确认你的邮箱上贴有你的姓名，并且地址准确。留学生经常遇到的问题是，因为邮箱上没有姓名，或者学校地址在邮政系统中无法投递私人信件，导致驾照被退回。
Carry your temporary license along with your passport when driving until the permanent card arrives.
在正式卡片寄到之前，开车时请随身携带临时驾照和护照。
8. Understanding Auto Insurance for International Drivers | 外国驾驶者汽车保险须知
Driving without insurance is illegal in nearly every state. As an international student with a foreign driver’s license or a newly issued U.S. license, you may face higher premiums due to limited U.S. driving history. Shop around and compare quotes from major insurers like Geico, Progressive, State Farm, and Allstate. Some companies offer discounts for good students or for completing a recognized driver safety course.
在几乎每个州，无保险驾驶都是违法的。作为持有外国驾照或刚拿到美国驾照的留学生，你可能因为在美国缺乏驾驶记录而面临较高的保费。多比较几家公司，比如 Geico、Progressive、State Farm 和 Allstate。有些公司会为好成绩学生或完成认可安全驾驶课程的人提供折扣。
You must have insurance in effect before you drive your car off the lot or even during the road test if you are using your own vehicle. An insurance card or digital proof must be readily available.
在把车开出停车场之前，甚至在自己提供车辆参加路考时，都必须已经有有效的保险。保险卡或电子证明必须随时能够出示。
9. Buying a Car or Using Alternative Transportation | 买车还是使用其他交通工具
Many international students consider purchasing a used car. When doing so, ensure the title is clean (no salvage history), have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle, and complete all necessary registration and title transfer paperwork at the DMV. You will also need to pay sales tax and registration fees. A temporary operating plate will be issued until your permanent plates arrive.
许多留学生考虑买一辆二手车。购买时，要确认车辆权属清晰（无重大事故记录），找信赖的技师检查车辆，并在 DMV 办理完所有必要的注册和过户手续。还需缴纳销售税和注册费。在正式车牌到达前，会发放临时行车牌照。
If you live on campus and driving is not essential, explore car-sharing services, bike-share programs, or public transit passes available through your university. This can save significant money and still meet daily needs.
如果住在校内且开车并非必需，可以考虑学校提供的汽车共享服务、共享单车或公交月票。这样能省下大笔费用，并满足日常出行需求。
10. Renewing and Maintaining Your License | 驾照更新与维护
Your driver’s license expiration date is often tied to your legal status duration, such as the program end date on your I-20. Many states will not issue a license that extends beyond your I-20 end date plus a grace period. If your program is extended, bring the updated I-20 to the DMV to renew. Do not drive with an expired license; it can lead to arrest and negative implications for future visa applications.
你的驾照有效期通常与合法居留期限挂钩，比如 I-20 上的项目结束日期。许多州不会签发超过 I-20 结束日期加上宽限期的驾照。如果学籍延长，请带上更新的 I-20 到 DMV 去更新驾照。千万不要在驾照过期后开车，这可能导致逮捕并对未来签证申请产生负面影响。
Notify the DMV when you change your address. Keeping your address current is not only a legal requirement but also ensures you receive renewal notices and important recall information if you own a vehicle.
地址变更时要通知 DMV。保持地址最新不仅是法律要求，也能确保你收到续期通知和涉及车辆的召回信息。
11. International Driving Permit and License Reciprocity | 国际驾照与驾照互认
Some students arrive with a valid driver’s license from their home country and an International Driving Permit (IDP). Note that the IDP is merely a translation and is not a stand-alone driving credential. Depending on the state, you might be able to drive with your foreign license for a limited period (e.g., 30–90 days) if it is in English or accompanied by an IDP. However, once you establish residency, most states require you to obtain a local license. Relying on a foreign license long-term can cause insurance and police trouble.
有些学生带着本国有效驾照和国际驾照来到美国。请注意，国际驾照只是翻译件，不是独立驾驶资格。根据各州规定，如果驾照是英文的或配有国际驾照，可以在有限时间内（例如30–90天）驾驶。然而，一旦确立居住身份，大多数州都会要求你考取本地驾照。长期依赖外国驾照会带来保险和警察盘查方面的麻烦。
Always check reciprocity agreements. A few states have agreements with certain countries that allow a direct exchange of licenses without taking a road test, but these are rare and typically apply to permanent residents rather than students on non-immigrant visas.
务必查询驾照互认协议。极少数州与某些国家有协议，允许直接换领驾照而无需路考，但这很少见，且通常适用永久居民而非持非移民签证的学生。
12. Safety and Cultural Driving Tips | 安全驾驶与当地文化注意点
Driving norms can be different from what you are used to. The U.S. has many unique rules, such as turning right on red after a complete stop (where permitted by signs), strictly stopping for school buses with flashing red lights, and yielding to pedestrians at all marked and unmarked crosswalks. Distracted driving laws, particularly regarding handheld phones, are strongly enforced.
美国的驾驶规范可能与你熟悉的不同。许多独特规则，如在红灯时完全停车后准许右转（视标志而定）、面对闪烁红灯的校车必须绝对停车，以及在所有有标记和无标记的人行横道前让行人先行。分心驾驶法律，特别是手持电话使用，执行得十分严格。
If you are pulled over by police, stay calm, turn on your interior light if it is dark, keep your hands visible on the steering wheel, and follow instructions. Do not exit the vehicle unless asked. Politeness goes a long way.
如果被警察拦停，保持冷静，若是夜间可打开车内灯，双手放在方向盘上让对方看见，并听从指示。除非被要求，不要自行下车。礼貌回话能避免很多麻烦。
Finally, remember that seatbelt use is mandatory for all passengers. Drunk driving laws are severe, and the legal BAC limit is 0.08% for drivers aged 21 and over, with ‘zero tolerance’ for underage drinkers.
最后，务必记住所有乘客都必须系安全带。酒驾法律非常严厉，21岁及以上驾驶者的法定血液酒精浓度限值为 0.08%，对未到法定饮酒年龄者则实行“零容忍”政策。
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