Driving in the USA

When you travel to the USA, you get the opportunity to live out a true American dream.

A self-drive tour is an excellent way to experience the USA, as the drive itself is an experience.

Have you considered getting behind the wheel and experiencing the iconic roads?

In this blog post, we give you our best advice on driving a car in the USA.

FAQs about driving in the USA

If you intend to drive a car in the USA, many questions may arise. What are the traffic rules? On which side of the road should you drive? Are there animals on the roads?

We have answered the most frequently asked questions below.

What is the advantage of driving on your own?

One of the biggest advantages of driving on your own is the freedom it gives.

You decide when you want to start in the morning, and you decide which stops you want to make along the way to your destination. You are therefore involved in creating your own tour programme, and you can include sights you would like to see.

In addition, the journey is an experience in itself. When you drive on America’s iconic roads, you can experience the most beautiful landscapes while going from A to B.

Can you drive in the USA with a British driving licence?

In the USA you typically cannot drive solely with your British driving licence.

Depending on which state you are going to drive in, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required.

The International Driving Permit is required so that the authorities in America have a verified English translation of the information on your British driving licence.

However, you should be aware that you must bring both your British driving licence and the International Driving Permit when you are going to drive a car in the USA.

On which side of the road do you drive in the USA?

In the USA, you drive on the right side of the road.

However, it is perfectly legal to drive a car in the USA, even if, as a driver, you are not used to driving on the right side of the road in your own country.

If you rent a car, the steering wheel will therefore be located on the left side of the car. The brake and accelerator are located exactly as you know it from home, but you will have to get used to changing gears with your right hand instead of your left. However, we only use rental cars with automatic transmission, which will make it a little easier to get used to driving on the right side.

Most people will find that a few funny little mistakes can happen when you suddenly have to drive on a different side of the road than you are used to. At first, you may knock your hand into the side of the car when you need to put the car in reverse because you are using your left hand instead of your right. Or maybe you may accidentally turn on the windshield wipers instead of the turn signal.

Although it may take some time, most people will get used to right-hand driving quickly, and you may even find that you need a little time to adjust when you have returned from your holiday and need to drive on the left side of the road again.

How old do you have to be to drive in the USA?

In the USA, you can take a supervised driving licence from the age of 14 depending on which state you live in.

However, you must be at least 21 years old to rent a car in the USA, and if you are aged between 21 and 24, you may find that there will be an insurance surcharge on your car rental. In addition, young drivers are only allowed to drive in selected car categories.

What are the roads like?

Road conditions are generally good in the USA.

In the USA, you will often find long straight highways or freeways that transport many people between cities daily. Both travellers and locals often use the roads, so it is necessary that the road quality and road network are good.

However, when you go on a self-drive tour in the USA, it will, however, often include some excursions or travel days where you will be driving on less busy roads, where you (also) have to be aware of the speed and weather conditions.

When you go on a road trip in the USA, it will, however, often include some excursions or travel days where you will be driving on less busy roads, where you (also) have to be aware of the speed and weather conditions.

Having said that, driving on the roads in America is, however, not a problem.

Do I need a GPS?

A GPS can be your best friend when you need to find your way from A to B with detours along the way. In addition to showing you the best routes, a GPS can also be helpful in finding gas stations, restaurants etc.

However, you should be aware that a GPS is not included in the car rental. You can therefore either order GPS when you book the tour. Alternatively, if your mobile subscription does not cover the USA, you can purchase an eSIM card before arrival or a US SIM card when you arrive. This enables you to use various navigation services, for example Google Maps, when you are on the go.

Many GPS apps also allow you to download areas so that you can use the map even when you are driving in places where there is poor coverage. If you do not have data or GPS, you can instead log on to Wi-Fi, for example at your hotel, and download maps for offline use, e.g. on Google Maps.

How fast am I allowed to drive in the USA?

How fast you are allowed to drive in the USA will depend on which state you are driving in and where, for example whether you are driving in a city, on highways or freeways.

In the USA, distances are calculated in miles and not kilometres.

As a rule of thumb, you are allowed to drive between 45 and 70 miles/hour on the freeways. On four-lane highways, you are allowed to drive 65 miles/hour, while all other highways have a speed limit of 55 miles/hour.

However, you should be aware that speed limits vary from state to state. Here, you may find that there are different speed limits for urban areas and freeways in different states. So follow the signs carefully.

Are there any other rules I should be aware of?

In most states, you are allowed to turn right at a red light after stopping and ensuring that the road is clear, unless this is prohibited by signage.

Another thing that is different from at home is that, in America, you are allowed to overtake from both sides if the road has more than one lane. You must therefore orient yourself thoroughly to both sides when changing lanes. However, please note that the rules may vary from state to state, so we recommend that you overtake on the left and stay in the inside lane when you are not overtaking.

The blood alcohol limit for driving is generally 0.08% in most states. Some states have stricter limits for new drivers or commercial drivers, and there is zero tolerance for minors (aged under 21).

Where can I refuel my car?

There will be gas stations along most major roads in America.

However, you will also sometimes be driving for long distances where you do not have the opportunity to refuel the car. Therefore, we recommend that you fill up the car and that you make sure to have water and snacks with you if you know that you will be driving a long way.

There will be self-service at most gas stations, so that you can fill up your car around the clock. However, you will often have to pay inside the gas station and not at the pump itself.

On the Gasprices website, you can keep an eye on the updated prices of fuel in the USA.

Where can I park?

In the USA, you can park in marked spaces and on city roads, unless otherwise indicated.

Avoid parking in front of fire hydrants, driveways and gateways, at red and yellow curbs or places with disabled parking without permission.

Are there animals on the roads?

When you drive in national parks or large nature areas, you may experience that there are animals on and around the roads just like at home. When you drive in these areas, you will therefore often find that there are signs showing which animals most often move about in the area.

The best way to avoid a collision with an animal is to always orient yourself thoroughly, keep an eye out for signs with warnings of animals in the area and possibly slow down when driving in an area with many animals.

Do you want to drive in America?

Are you also dreaming of experiencing America at your own pace and with the freedom to see sights that are off the beaten track?

On most of our tours to the USA, you have the opportunity to cruise on iconic highways and experience the freedom of driving on your own.

Are you ready to go on an adventure behind the wheel?

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller