Transportation
Driving and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
You should have already reviewed some introductory information in your pre-departure orientation modules about driving requirements in the U.S. and basic budgeting expectations regarding transportation while working with Participate Learning.
As you may have already discovered, you will almost definitely need a car to travel to and from work and to explore your surrounding community and beyond. We will host a more in-depth session during your Participate Learning orientation in North Carolina to review the processes for renting, purchasing, financing and insuring vehicles, as well as guidelines for driving in the U.S.
While securing your own transportation is ultimately your responsibility, Participate Learning will provide some useful resources for you upon arrival to help you with your decision. As most teachers will need to rent a car at first, we can assist you in reserving a rental car that can be available in your local community when you arrive there later in the week. While teachers who have lived in the U.S. before may choose to make their own transportation arrangements prior to arrival, all other teachers are advised to wait until Participate Learning orientation to do so.
Required documentation
Teachers who have not previously lived in the U.S. and do not already have a Social Security number will need to bring the following items to help secure transportation:
- Valid home country driver’s license
- Cash for the down payment when purchasing a vehicle (we recommend $1000 USD)
- Additional funds for car rental (costs are approximately $300-$500 USD per week). You may need a rental car for 2-6 weeks.
You may be able to obtain lower car insurance rates if you are able to bring a government official version of one of these documents (highly recommended):
- English translation of your driving record.
- Copy of original driver’s license from the country you were originally licensed in. The original licensed date must be listed on the driver’s license.
- Copy of the current driving history from the country you were originally licensed in. The driving history must be equivalent to a Motor Vehicle Report references in the United States. Countries that do not have motor vehicle reports may obtain a letter from the Police Department or Motor Vehicle Department stating the status of the current driving history. This document must have a state seal to be valid.
If you have previously lived in the U.S. and have a Social Security number, you may have more options and may be able to purchase a vehicle more quickly after you arrive. To purchase a vehicle, you will need the following:
- A valid U.S. driver’s license.
- Social Security number.
- Proof of auto insurance.
- Cash for the down payment.
Auto insurance
Once you have found the perfect car and are ready to buy it, you must first obtain auto insurance. In the U.S., all cars must be insured and you are required to purchase you own insurance policy.
During your Participate Learning orientation, insurance brokers will be available to discuss the different levels and types of coverage that will be right for you. Here is a summary of the types of coverage you may obtain with any insurance company:
- Liability insurance: Payment for losses you cause to others while driving. This coverage does not pay for any damage done to your vehicle if the accident was your fault.
- Collision insurance: Payment for repair of your car when it is damaged in a collision, even if you are the person at fault.
- Comprehensive insurance: Payment for the repair of your car due to a non-collision loss such as theft, damage from a storm or vandalism.
- Medical payments insurance: Payment for medical expenses for you and your passengers following a car accident.
- Uninsured motorist insurance: Payment for injury to you and your passengers caused by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver.
DMV info/Buying a car
NCDOT: Division of Motor Vehicles
This is the official page for the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (NC DMV). Here you will find resources to help you study and prepare for you driving test and find out any information you may need about obtaining a driver’s license.
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
This is the official page for the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VA DMV). Here you will find resources to help you study and prepare for you driving test and find out any information you may need about obtaining a driver’s license.
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
This is the official page for the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SC DMV). Get quick access to SC DMV forms, practice tests, rules and regulations, and connect with tens of thousands of drivers in your community.
Other resources
These resources can help you with further questions about transportation in your state, as well as getting a better price on a new or used car.