What you need to know about American Cars, Trucks and Transportation
If you're planning a move to the United States, one of the key aspects to consider is how you’ll get around. Transportation in the U.S. can vary significantly depending on where you live, so having a solid understanding of your options will help you settle in with ease.
Public Transit: Cities That Lead the Way
While much of the U.S. is car-dependent, several cities stand out for their robust public transportation systems. If you're moving to one of these areas, getting around without a car can be convenient and cost-effective:
- New York City – Extensive subway system, buses, and ferries.
- San Francisco – BART trains, Muni buses, and iconic streetcars.
- Boston – “T” subway, commuter rails, and buses.
- Washington, D.C. – Metro, buses, and regional rail services.
- Chicago – ‘L’ trains, bus system, and Amtrak connections.
Other cities with decent transit options include Philadelphia, Seattle, Los Angeles, and Jersey City. However, once you venture beyond these urban centers, public transit becomes sparse, and owning a car often becomes essential.
Getting a U.S. Driver’s License
If you’re staying in the U.S. long-term, you’ll likely need a U.S. driver's license. Requirements vary by state, so be sure to check the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) soon after you arrive.
- Visitors: You can usually lease or rent a car using your foreign license for up to a year.
- Residents: Most states require you to obtain a U.S. license within 30 to 90 days after establishing residency.
Some states have reciprocity agreements with select countries, but in most cases, you’ll need to pass both a written test and a practical driving exam.
U.S. Driving Tests: How They Differ
Compared to many European systems, the U.S. driving test is often considered more accessible:
- No mandatory driving lesson hours.
- Focus on basic competency rather than exhaustive rule memorization.
- Fewer technical maneuvers (e.g. parallel parking or hill starts).
- Examiners are typically more lenient.
Pro Tip: Watch your speed! U.S. speed limits are often much lower than in other countries. It’s not uncommon to be on a wide, multi-lane road with a speed limit of just 35 mph (56 km/h). Speeding—especially in school zones—is taken very seriously and could land you a hefty fine or worse.
Driving in the U.S.: What’s Different About American Cars?
Vehicles in the U.S. differ in both form and function from what many international drivers are used to:
- Automatic transmissions are the norm—manual cars are rare.
- Cars are larger, with many people opting for SUVs or pickup trucks.
- Vehicles comply with American safety and emissions regulations, influencing design and features.
Top Cars You Might Drive in the U.S.
If you're in the market for a car—or just curious—here’s a look at some iconic vehicles you're more likely to encounter (or drive) in America:
Popular American Sports & Muscle Cars
- Chevrolet Corvette (C5–C8) – A legendary American sports car with high performance and sleek design.
- Ford Mustang GT350 – Classic muscle with modern tech.
- Chevrolet Camaro – A direct rival to the Mustang, embodying raw power.
- Dodge Challenger – Retro styling with serious muscle.
- Cadillac CTS-V – A luxury sedan that doubles as a performance beast.
- Dodge Viper – A rare but iconic supercar with serious street presence.
- Ford GT – A collector’s dream and motorsport icon.
- Hennessey Venom GT – A hypercar built for speed by an American tuning house.
Iconic Trucks & SUVs
- Ford F-150 Raptor – Off-road-ready version of America’s best-selling vehicle.
- RAM TRX – High-performance pickup with extreme capabilities.
- Ford F-350 Dually – Ideal for towing and heavy-duty tasks.
- Jeep Wrangler – The ultimate off-road SUV with military heritage.
Uniquely American Vehicles You May Want to Try
Want something you won't find easily outside the U.S.? Here are standout vehicles that represent American automotive culture.
- Ford F-150 Lightning – The fully electric version of the iconic F-150. Offers up to 300 miles of range and serious towing power (over 4.5 tons).
- Ford Bronco – Recently revived after 25 years. Designed for rugged terrain with a retro look and modern tech like G.O.A.T. (Go Over Any Terrain) modes.
- Tesla Cybertruck – A polarizing electric truck with futuristic styling and robust performance. Currently sold only in North America.
- Cadillac Escalade ESV – A stretched luxury SUV perfect for larger families or executive travel.
- Rezvani Tank & Vengeance – Built in California, these extreme-performance, military-style vehicles are hard to miss.
- Rivian R1T & R1S – All-electric adventure vehicles with a growing fanbase in the U.S. for their performance and sustainability.
Bonus: Try Autonomous driving with Waymo
Not interested in owning a car but still want to try something futuristic? Waymo, a leader in autonomous driving, offers fully self-driving taxi services in select U.S. cities:
- Currently available: Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Austin (via Uber).
- Coming soon: Atlanta, Washington D.C., and Miami (by 2026).
- Testing underway in cities like Las Vegas and San Diego.
Waymo is redefining how Americans think about transportation—and as a newcomer, it could be a unique and exciting experience.
Final Thoughts
Transportation in America offers a wide range of experiences—from subway commutes in NYC to road-tripping across the Southwest in a powerful pickup. Whether you're embracing public transit or gearing up to hit the road in an iconic vehicle, understanding the landscape will help you navigate your new life with confidence. If you need any help or advice reach out to in2america. We’ve done the relo, passed the driving tests, leased and purchased cars and have partnerships that can help.
Happy travels—and drive safe!