Ready, Set, Drive! Au Pair Tips for Driving in the U.S.

Most host families expect their au pair to drive as part of their childcare responsibilities. Even if your host family doesn’t require driving as part of the au pair job, you may want to drive during your program year to get to monthly cluster meetings, visit local attractions on the weekends, or take an epic road trip.

Here are Au Pair USA’s tips when it comes to driving in the U.S.:

Au Pair Pre-Arrival Driving Prep

Before arriving on your au pair program, you’ll want to obtain an International Driver’s License. You will do this in your home country. Your local agency can help if you have any questions on how to obtain your International Driver’s License.

In addition, you may want to begin doing research when it comes to driving in your state and the expectations/rules your host family has with regards to driving as their au pair . Ask your host family any questions you may have about using their vehicle and safety rules about driving in the U.S.

Obtaining a State Driver’s License as an Au Pair

Many states will require you to obtain a state driver’s license in addition to your International Driver’s License. Even if the particular state you’re going to doesn’t require it, you may want to still go through the process. Your state driver’s license serves as a picture identification and can also be helpful when visiting or driving in other states. Having a state driver’s license can also provide a less expensive rate on your host family’s insurance policy.

While details will vary state to state, here’s a general overview of what you can expect when obtaining your state driver’s license:

• You’ll first go to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to take the knowledge test. This test will be multiple-choice and will likely be administered on a computer. You can access a study guide in advance by visiting your state’s DMV website, and there are often practice exams you can find online to help you prepare. Please note, you may need an appointment to complete this exam.
• Don’t forget to bring your proof of identity, including your international license, passport and DS-2019 form; and your social security number. Some states also require a letter from your host family’s insurance company. Be sure to check your state’s DMV website beforehand for specific requirements to prove your identity and residence in the state.
• Once you pass the test, you will make an appointment for the physical driving test. This is a practical test you take driving with a teacher in the passenger seat who grades you on a number of driving checkpoints.
• Finally, you will take a quick vision test and have a photo taken (sometimes this occurs before your practical exam). In some states, your physical driver’s license will be created and given to you before you leave the DMV. In other states, your license will be sent to you in the mail.

Most DMVs offer the exam(s) in other languages. If you feel more confident and comfortable taking the test in a language other than English, you can inquire about this option.

Additional Au Pair Driving Tips & Resources

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)—or your state’s equivalent agency—is where you’ll go to obtain your state driver’s license. You can learn more about the specific process and driving laws by visiting your specific state’s DMV website:

• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Georgia (Department of Driver Services)
• Illinois (Driver Services Department)
• Kansas (Division of Vehicles)
• Massachusetts (Registry of Motor Vehicles)
• Maryland (Motor Vehicle Administration)
• Michigan
• Missouri
• New Jersey (Motor Vehicle Commission)
• New York
• North Carolina
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Virginia
• Washington
• Washington D.C.

Be sure to practice, practice, practice when preparing for your practical driving test. American cars tend to be bigger and usually have automatic transmission. This may be a big change for you, even if you’ve been driving for years in your home country. Your host family may decide to purchase driving lessons for you to better help you prepare for driving in the U.S.

Your Local Coordinator is also an excellent resource when it comes to driving questions in your state. Be sure to reach out to them with any questions you may have as you prepare for your au pair driving experience in the U.S.! Whether you’re getting prepared for driving in your au pair year or have been driving for months on your au pair program, Au Pair USA is here to support you!