Q&A: If you are a tourist coming to the USA, how old do you have to be to drive a car there? Thanks.?
Question by Makaio: If you are a tourist coming to the USA, how old do you have to be to drive a car there? Thanks.?
I know you have to be 25 to hire a car with some companies – is that the same to drive any car?
Best answer:
Answer by solstice_star
Nope, drivers can be 16 and up.
Add your own answer in the comments!
Driving age is 16, but you have to be 25 to rent a car!
The age is dependent on the state you are in. In the U.S, motor vehicle laws are reserved powers of the state government. Each state has different age and other requirements. There is no national driver’s law. Some state allow you to have a learner’s permit at 16. Some allow you to drive with a restricted license (adult driver must be in the car) at 17. All allow you to have an adult license at 18. If you have a foreign license, I suggest you search the specific state department motor vehicles web site for the state you want to drive in. I’m sure each has their particular requirements for foreign drivers who are under 18.
The driving age is 16 in the USA. As long as you are at least age 16 and have your driver’s license from your country of residence, you will be able to drive here. If you do not have a driver’s license from your country of residence, you would need to obtain one in the USA before you can drive.
Driving at age 15 is allowed in the USA with a learner’s permit issued by the state’s department of public safety or department of motor vehicles. An adult (age 18 or over) must be in the car with the driver at all times.
I am not aware of any states where the driving age is 17 or 18, so I am not sure where the previous person got their information. They are correct that the states set the driving laws, not the federal government.
Some rental car companies will rent cars to people starting at age 21, but will charge a $10 or $20 per day “underage fee” if you are under age 25.