Driving in a new, unfamiliar place can be a little unnerving to just about anyone, especially if it’s in a foreign country. It is always a good idea, then, to learn how the rules of the road before venturing out. Here are just a few things to know about driving in the United States.

Driver’s License

To get your driver’s license in the United States, you must have lived here for 30 days and show proof of identity, residence and Social Security. If you are not authorized for employment, the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) will verify your USCIS number. You must also pass vision, written and driving tests. You can find a manual at www.iowadot.gov/mvd/ods/dlmanual.htm to study for your driving test.

Vehicle registration

If you’ve purchased a vehicle, you will need to register it at the Story County Treasurer’s office at 900 6th St., Nevada, Iowa. When you register your vehicle, you will need to bring with you the certificate of title and a completed application (forms.iowadot.gov/FormsMgt/External/411007.pdf). Call the treasurer’s office at 515-382-7340 to find out how much the registration fee will cost.

Car Insurance

Once you’ve registered your vehicle, you will need to get car insurance. If you don’t have car insurance, you could be fined a sizeable about if you get in an accident. You can either visit an insurance agent in Ames or shop for car insurance online. Some of the insurance companies in Ames include State Farm, Allstate and Knapp-Tedesco. A couple online insurance companies are Geico and Progressive. It is always a good idea to look around at a few different places and compare prices. Insurance in the United States can be kind of tricky, so do not hesitate to ask for help from someone.

Getting pulled over

Before driving, you should learn the traffic laws in the United States if you haven’t already. Sometimes mistakes are made and traffic laws are broken. Here are a few things to do if you get pulled over by the police:

• Pull over to the side of the road or into a parking lot.

• Turn on your hazard lights and turn off the engine.

• Stay in your vehicle, roll down your window and get your driver’s license and vehicle registration ready. The officer will ask for your license and registration when they get to the vehicle.

• Remain calm and ask the officer to repeat or explain anything you may not understand.

Driving in inclement weather

Iowa’s weather can change suddenly so it’s good to be prepared at all times to drive in inclement weather. Do not speed in any sort of inclement weather. If you don’t feel comfortable driving as fast as the speed limit allows, don’t, just go the speed you are comfortable with. It is also a wise idea to ask someone to drive you that has had experience driving in the different road conditions that arise in Iowa.

Driving in rain and fog:

• Make sure your windshield wipers are in working order. These will help clear the water off the windshield so you can see.

• Hydroplaning: Your vehicle will start skimming on top of the water, causing you to lose control of the vehicle. This happens if you drive too fast on wet roads.

• Don’t drive through huge puddles of water. You don’t know how deep they are just by looking at them and if the water is too deep, it could ruin your vehicle’s engine.

• It is best to not drive in fog, but if you have to, don’t use your high beams because the light will simply reflect off the fog. Also, don’t speed because you don’t know what’s right there in front of you.

Driving on ice and snow:

• If the streets look wet, they are probably icy.

• Packed down snow can be just as slick as ice.

• Give yourself more time to stop than you would in good road conditions. It takes longer to stop on ice and snow.

• Do not slam on your brakes, as it may cause you to slide off the road or into other vehicles.

• If you are sliding in one direction, do not turn the wheel quickly in the other direction because this will cause you to spin.

• Do not drive through drifts of snow as your vehicle could get stuck or the engine could be damaged.

• If you are stuck in the snow, do not get out of your vehicle unless you see a house or business that is open and you can take shelter or get help there.

Getting in an accident

• If you happen to get in an accident, don’t panic.

• Call the police and exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. If there were no other drivers involved, wait for the police to arrive at the scene.

• Do not move your vehicle.

Things to keep in your car

In order to be prepared for all sorts of weather and situations, here is a list of things to keep in your car at all times:

• Small snow shovel

• Cat litter or sand to help get traction under your tires on ice

• Blankets, extra clothes and extra gloves

• Non-perishable food

• Bottled water

• Windshield washer fluid

• Paper towels and/or toilet paper

• First Aid kit

• Emergency flares

• Flashlights and batteries