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HOW TO OBTAIN A DRIVER'S LICENSE IN THE USA AND DRIVING
SAFELY ON THE ROADS
Shukurov Nuritdin Rakhimovich
Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate
Professor Academy of the Ministry of Internal
Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Annotation.
It is known that the process of training drivers is carried out by forming a set of
knowledge, skills, habits and qualities that reliably guarantee practical driving of a vehicle.
The article presents the analysis of the system of training of motor vehicle drivers in the USA
and its uniqueness, as well as the positive experiences achieved in this field. There are also some
requirements that must be followed by drivers in order to drive safely on the roads.
Keywords:
learning driver's license, full driver's license, car driver, car, highways, traffic
safety, safe driving on the roads.
Nowadays, modern life cannot be imagined without automobile transport. The
number of cars is increasing year by year, but unfortunately, the number of traffic
accidents is also increasing. Traffic accidents caused by the fault of drivers make up
the majority of all accidents. The ability of drivers to prevent traffic accidents
depends on their level of training [1].
Driving a vehicle requires the driver to make the right decisions in a rapidly
changing environment. With a constant lack of time, the driver cannot analyze in
detail all possible courses of action and evaluate their consequences, as well as
consult with someone about the correctness of the chosen decision.
The process of training drivers is carried out by forming a complex of
knowledge, skills, habits and qualities that reliably guarantee practical driving of a
vehicle. We may be particularly interested in some issues of driver training in
developed countries with a high level of car ownership [2].
In the United States, life without a private car is unimaginable, so in order to
drive a car here, you must first learn how to drive it safely. Once you have mastered
safe driving, you can apply for a driver's license, which allows you to drive
independently. In order to drive in the US, you must be 16 or 18 years old, depending
on each state's laws.
Driver's licenses do not have a uniform appearance and are different in each
state. When applying for a driver's license, it is necessary to provide proof of identity
and residence. Some states also require proof of legal residency in the US.
In order to obtain a driver's license, it is necessary to pass a theory test, pass a
vision test, and pass a practical driving test to confirm that you have mastered the
skills of safe driving and parking. In some states, an interpreter may be provided
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during the practical driving test if needed. Pre-registration for the exam can be done
online or in person [3].
State departments issue a variety of licenses for driving private cars, trucks,
buses, trailers, motorcycles, and taxis. Most people get a standard Class D driver's
license (Class D - Operator). A driver's license is valid for at least four years,
depending on the state. If you need to move to another state, you must exchange your
old driver's license for a new state driver's license, as each state's driver's license is
different. This requires visiting the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) of the state
you moved to and applying for a driver's license.
The procedure for obtaining a driver's license varies from state to state, but there
are some commonalities. In any state, youth under the age of 18 must obtain a
learner's license before applying for a driver's license. A learner's permit authorizes a
person 21 years of age or older to drive a vehicle with a valid driver's license. In
some states, regardless of age, first-time drivers are required to obtain a learner's
license.
In most states, 14-16 year olds can apply for a learner driver's license. To obtain
a learner driver's license, young people must pass a vision test and a written
computer-based traffic test. The training certificate must be valid for six to nine
months before applying for a driver's license.
In addition, many states require young people to enroll in driver's education
courses and develop their driving skills for 6-9 months before obtaining a driver's
license.
Also, some states require adults over 18 to obtain a learner's permit before
obtaining their first driver's license. In these states, adults must obtain a learner's
license 30-60 days before obtaining a driver's license. Seniors can get their driver's
license earlier if they take a driver's education course. To do this, it is necessary to
visit the local Department of Motor Vehicles and apply for a learner's license.
In addition to driving training courses, they can also take a written theory test
externally by learning the theory independently using the driver's manual and
practical tasks. Some states provide driver's manuals translated into another language
and allow written tests in another language.
Currently, 16 states and the District of Columbia allow undocumented
immigrants to apply for driver's licenses, including learner's licenses. If you cannot
prove the legality of your stay in these states with documents, you can submit other
documents.
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It is worth noting that driving without a valid driver's license can result in fines
or imprisonment. Immigrants can also be deported for driving without a driver's
license.
The written theory test for obtaining a driver's license can be passed in 10
languages, including Russian. The test includes several dozen questions - not only
related to traffic rules, but also logic questions. A few mistakes are allowed. A tutor
is usually hired to prepare for the practical part of the exam. The theory fee is $30-
$40, and an hour of practical driving usually costs the same amount. Depending on
the individual characteristics of each candidate, the amount of time required for
practical management is different, so the costs associated with practical management
will also be different.
There are no mandatory driving time limits in the US, once a candidate feels
confident behind the wheel, they can attempt the practical driving test to obtain a
valid driver's license.
Everyone who wants to get a driver's license learns the theory independently,
and friends or relatives help to master the practical driving of a car. To get a driver's
license, they pass two tests: first, a theoretical test to learn the rules of the road, and
then a practical driving test. The computer-based theoretical exam in the USA
consists of questions and multiple-choice options, from which you have to choose the
correct one. After passing the theory test, a temporary training driver's license is
issued, which gives the right to prepare for the practical test, but prohibits the
transportation of passengers, driving without a person with a valid driver's license,
driving at night, etc. Then, after a certain period of time, the candidate will be eligible
to take the practical exam. At the appointed time, they arrive at the DMV office in
their cars. He can pass the driving test in his own car. The examinee is asked to get
into a car and travel around the surrounding streets. The exam lasts 10-15 minutes.
The driver's license is issued immediately after successfully passing the test [4].
Each state has its own rules that protect drivers on US roads, and it's important
to learn and follow these rules at all times: Always have a valid driver's license with
you. Driving without a driver's license is a violation of the law. A driver who does
not have a driver's license with him will have to pay a fine or, in some cases, may
lose his driver's license.
When buying a car, it must be registered in the state of residence according to
the laws of the state and a copy of the registration document must be carried. In
addition, a car insurance policy is a must. According to state laws, drivers must have
a mandatory insurance policy to cover the costs of damage to the vehicle or health in
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the event of a traffic accident. A copy of the insurance policy should always be in the
vehicle.
48 states in the US have laws that require drivers to have an insurance policy to
cover damage to the vehicle and people in the event of a traffic accident. Car
insurance requirements vary from state to state, but in most cases, if you are found at
fault in a traffic accident, you must at least have liability insurance that covers the
other driver's injuries and damage to their vehicle. It is also possible to purchase
comprehensive liability insurance that covers the cost of damage to your vehicle. [5].
Always wear a seat belt before driving. All occupants of the vehicle as a driver
or passenger must wear seat belts. Seat belts help prevent injuries in a traffic
accident. Infants and children must be in child seats and fastened with seat belts. It is
forbidden to hold a child on the lap while traveling in a car as a driver or passenger,
otherwise violation of these rules will result in a fine.
Violation of traffic rules is prohibited. When driving, it is necessary to follow
traffic lights, "No stopping" and "Speed limit" signs. You can be fined for speeding,
turning in prohibited areas, passing a red traffic light and intersections with a "No
Stopping" sign.
Ambulances, school buses and pedestrians must give way. A stop is also
required when a school bus stops with a flashing and extended stop sign. You must
give way or stop to pedestrians crossing the street. If flashing lights and sound signals
are on, you must stop to let emergency services and special vehicles pass.
If a traffic accident occurs, stop immediately and call 911 if the injured person
needs medical attention, go to a safe place on the road, and report it to the police. If
the road leaves the scene of a traffic accident without stopping the car, they may be
held liable and forced to pay a large fine.
It is forbidden to drive a car under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Driving
under the influence of alcohol or drugs is dangerous and illegal. For driving a vehicle
under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they can impose the obligation to pay a large
fine, a conditional sentence or imprisonment, as well as deprive them of the right to
drive a vehicle. Almost all states in the United States prohibit texting while driving.
Many states also prohibit the use of mobile phones in portable mode or on
speakerphone while driving. Many states prohibit crossing the road in unauthorized
areas. Crossing roads and streets outside of a designated crosswalk is illegal in most
states. Many states have laws against leaving children or pets unattended in cars for
safety reasons. Children and animals left alone in a car can be at risk of overheating
or freezing, dehydration, injury, theft, and death [6].
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If a police officer signals to stop on the road, you should get off the road where
it is safe. It is necessary to turn off the engine, roll down the window and stay in the
car unless the policeman asks you to get out of the car. Hands should be placed on the
steering wheel or on the instrument panel in such a way that they are visible to the
police officer. Often, the driver may be asked to show a driver's license, vehicle
registration certificate and insurance policy. You do not have to answer the
policeman's questions or give permission to search the car. Thus, just as the system of
training drivers of motor vehicles in each foreign country has its own characteristics,
there are also advanced aspects of driver training in the United States that are worthy
of implementation in our country.
To get a driver's license in the USA, it is possible to pass theory tests at driving
schools and independently by studying the driver's manual, traffic rules, as well as
other sources. It can be said that there is no organized process of learning to drive
vehicles, as most of the candidates for driving are taught by their parents or
acquaintances. In addition, it is necessary to obtain a training certificate to learn to
drive a car. Also, the new driver accepted in our system is not limited to the practical
driving "hours" provided at the driving school. There, the candidates will learn how
to drive the car with an instructor for as long as required. This is one of the important
requirements of the driver training system.
References:
1.
N.R. Shukurov. Analysis of the system of training vehicle drivers in foreign
countries. Monograph. -Tashkent: Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of
the Republic of Uzbekistan, 2024. – 188 р.
2.
S.N. Rakhimovich. UK experience in training vehicle drivers // International
journal of recently scientific researcher's theory. –Vol.1. –№2. – Р. 403-413.
3.
Sovety po vojdeniyu v SShA. URL. https://usahello.org/ru/jizn-v-amerike/daily-
life/kak-vodit-mashinu/ (date of access: 20.12.2024).
4.
Obuchenie vojdeniyu v Rossii, Evrope i SShA: est raznitsa [Electronic resource]
// Za rulem. RF: internet izd. - Moscow, 2017.
5.
S.N. Rakhimovich, K.S. Aymakhanovich. Country’s Leader in Road Safety //
American Journal of Engineering, Mechanics and Architecture. – Vol.2. –
№1(2024) – Р. 27-29.
6.
How to get a driver's license. URL. https://usahello.org/ru/жизнь-в-
америке/daily-life/как-водить-машину/ (date of access: 20.12.2024).
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