First, it is important to decide.do you need a driver's license or do you need an identification card (ID)? Although rules and regulations differ depending on your area, most states offer both through a department usually called the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You need some proof of identification almost daily when writing personal checks to pay in stores, when going to any kind of government agency, or if you are stopped by the police.

Getting an ID is pretty easy. All you need to do is to go to a DMV office and apply for one. It looks identical to a driver's license except it does not allow you to drive a vehicle. The cost depends on the state you live in, but it is usually about $15. You would need to fill in an application, show your national passport and, sometimes, proof of address, such as a lease.

Getting a driver's license, however, is a whole other ball game. If you plan to drive in the United States, you must have liability insurance. And when you apply for insurance, you are usually asked for your driver's license. This is a sad fact of life that has many newcomers in the USA waiting in lines at their DMV.

Here is my story. I went to the local DMV in order to apply for a license. I filled in an application in English (in some states, they have them in other languages). Then I was given a test that consisted of two parts:

• The written part - contains questions about traffic rules and regulations of the state
• The driving part - the field-test, where you have to show a driving instructor you can drive a car safely

It is a good idea to get a copy of the driver's manual in advance. This way you can prepare for the written part of the test beforehand. The manual is free of charge and is sometimes available in other languages.

I did not ask for the test in Russian, my native language, which turned out to be a big mistake. It took me quite a few attempts to pass the test in English. On the other hand, a friend of mine who did not speak English at all asked for it in Russian and passed it without as many problems. It still took her three attempts to pass the test but at least it had nothing to do with the translation. No matter how good your English skills are, I would encourage you to always ask for the test in your native language. The wording of the questions in the test can confuse many native speakers, let alone a foreigner dealing with culture shock. In many states, the exam is offered on a computer where you have to make a right choice and touch the screen to indicate the correct answer.

The test is usually free of charge so you can keep coming back if you have trouble passing. Keep in mind that DMV employees are dealing with many customers and may forget that you asked for a foreign language version of a test. When you hand in your test, remember to remind the clerk, because they check the test with a special plastic pattern that shows wrong answers. If they use the English pattern on your foreign language test, it would look like you answered the questions wrong. After passing the written test, you take a vision test in which the officer in charge checks your vision.

Then you can set an appointment for your driving test. You need to supply a vehicle for the test, though it does not need to be your own. I borrowed a friend's car because it had an automatic transmission and I found it easier to handle. During the exam, the DMV instructor will sit in the passenger seat and give you commands as you drive. They say things like, "Turn left at the next intersection" or "Do a three point turn."

Here are some, but not all, of the things that the inspector is usually watching for:

1. Do you check your mirrors before changing lanes?
2. Do you use your turn signals?
3. Do you know how and where it is proper to start and stop the car?
4. Do you seem to understand proper driving etiquette?

It sounds easy, but for some reason I had a mental block and would just freeze when driving and make mistakes. After two failures, I was ready to give up and keep using my home-country driver's license. Luckily for me, an American friend suggested finding a DMV in a small town nearby, a suggestion I jumped at. After a short drive on deserted streets in town with almost no pedestrians, I finally got my driver's license.

After you pass the driving part of the test, you are invited to get your picture taken and you will receive you license the same day.

One of the most important skills you'll need in the USA is the ability to drive safely. Unless you live in a metropolitan area where public transportation systems are more robust, you will need a car to get to and from work and around town. Also, a driver's license is the primary form of identification in this country, so having one is doubly important.

But to get the all-important license you have to first learn to drive. Even if you are familiar with driving in the country of your origin, you still need to familiarize yourself with driving in the USA. This is especially true if you are used to driving on the left side of the road in your home country. Also, since most cars in the USA have automatic transmissions, you may need to familiarize yourself with how an "automatic" car operates.

Getting a Permit

"In general, it is not a great idea to learn to drive from your spouse or partner."

In some states, you will need to get a permit in order to take driving classes. To find out what your state requires, you can visit and look up your state's motor vehicle department Web site. You can also look up a local motor vehicle office in the phone book and ask what their requirements are.

Getting a permit is a lot like getting your actual license, only without the driving test. You must drop by the nearest Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office and take the written test. You may need to schedule an appointment, so call ahead to make sure. Take your passport or an authentication document from immigration with you for identification. You may also need your social security card, so check to see what they require online or when you call them. Once you have the date for the written exam set, go through the driver's rule book provided free of cost at any of these offices. The written exam tests your knowledge of these rules. Typically, it consists of multiple choice questions .

Once you pass this you then get a learner's permit which allows you to take lessons from a licensed adult in live traffic.

In general, it is not a great idea to learn to drive from your spouse or partner. Unless the person is very patient, it's best to take lessons from a driving school or a private instructor. This is not a rule, but don't say we didn't warn you!

Finding a Driving School

Start by asking some of your friends who have taken driving lessons or look through the yellow pages. Don't immediately go for the cheapest school.

"One of the most common mistakes made by learners is they call different schools and find out how much each lesson is going to cost them. Then they go join the cheapest course around. Remember that if a school says they charge less they invariably make you take more lessons,"