driving and riding in the US

[shoey_180]

hiya ppls...I posted a msg abt coming to the US a month ago on the CA forums and buying auto parts...Now that I'm here, I'm looking for info about buying a car or bike..

my question is:

1. is the DMV a county, state or local department? I tried to look up the white pages but couldnt find it, I am currently @ carmel, indiana

2. What insurances do I need to get exactly to purchase a car? as in what is the minimum (cover other parties injury & property only)

3. what is the process of registration? how much and how long does it last?

4. I want to get a learners rider license, who should i call?

Keep in mind that Im a visitor and i dont ahve a social sec number....

Thanks so much ppls....

[[Zero-S]]

1) DMV is a state department2) Liability only is usually the minimum insurance requirement (if you're buying a used car that isn't going to be on a loan...) If you're going to take out a loan most banks will require full coverage. To register your car, some states don't require insurance, just that you pay their uninsured motorist fee (ahh...virginia)3) Registration is done through DMV, and is renewed every year.4) Again DMV.

[Cyberkreig]

welcome to the US. I think that most people will agree the DMV is usualy pretty hard to deal with. I hope this isnt going to be your first experience with american govt. or you might end up hating us!

I'd have to agree with Zero On most things.

Insurance tends to vary from state to state, and I think the registration process does to. In Pennsylvania when you purchase a car they give you a temporary tag and registration. Then you have to get your car inspected and registered. Then you need to get insurance.

Best of luck!

[NIGHTfall_240sx]

Keep in mind that Im a visitor and i dont ahve a social sec number....

i dont mean to be mean if thats how i come off, but i dont think you will be allowed to drive in the states. Correct me if im wrong guys, but in order to get your license you must be a resident and when you get your license you also have to have a SSN.

you cannot get a SSN without being a resident either. How long are you going to be here? I think you have to be here so long before you are considered a resident and allowed to get a SSN, but im not sure.

[Zydeco]

if your going to go the the dmv eather make a appoiment or go in when they first open.

[89240sx]

You can get a social security number with out resident status

[XCrunner19420]

too bad IDL's dont work in the US.

[shoey_180]

thanks for the info ppls..I'll try harder looking for the DMV then, btw im in the Indiana state...anyone with particular info to Indy?

My work mates who also came with me did drive tho, they got Hertz rentals. But Hertz wont rent to under 25 (I'm 24 :P ) so I am thinking either buy a s13 or get a learners riders lic and go around in a 250

I'm on business travel here for 6 months...

[240sxGT]

Where are you from?

[shoey_180]

From australia : )

[Rockenreno]

As preciously mentioned, you should just go down to the DMV (via appointment or very early cause the lines suck) and explain your situation to them. Then they can tell you what to do.

[goomba240]

What part of Indiana you in?

[Silvia007]

Australia?? Wow, a friend of mine visited his relatives down there said all they drive is skylines... after that, I wanted to move there lol.