Americas · driving guide
Driving in United States.
They drive on the right. Strongly recommended. Here is what a rental desk and a roadside check will actually ask you for.
Drives on the
Right
Permit
Strongly recommended
Typical minimum age
18
Which side of the road does United States drive on?
United States drives on the right. If you normally drive on the left, the two things that catch people out are roundabouts and the first turn out of the rental car park — both are worth taking slowly. Cars are usually configured with the driver's seat on the left, so the gear selector will be in your other hand.
Do you need an international driving permit in United States?
Usually. Visitors may usually drive on a valid home licence for a limited period, but a permit is the accepted translation if your licence is not in English. It is not always demanded, but the cost of not having one when it is asked for is a cancelled rental at the airport.
Minimum age to rent a car in United States
Most rental companies in United States will not release a vehicle to anyone under 18, and many apply a young-driver surcharge below 25. Age limits are set by the rental company rather than by law, so they vary between firms at the same airport — check the terms on the booking rather than assuming.
What to carry when driving in United States
Your national driving licence, your international driving permit, the vehicle's rental agreement and insurance documents, and your passport. Keep them together and reachable from the driver's seat — a roadside check goes faster when nothing has to come out of the boot.
Convention status
United States has acceded to the 1949 Geneva convention. That is what makes a permit issued under it readable to an official there.
Questions about driving in United States
Which side of the road do they drive on in United States?
United States drives on the right. Rental cars are configured accordingly, with the driver's seat on the left.
Do I need an international driving permit in United States?
Strongly recommended in United States. Visitors may usually drive on a valid home licence for a limited period, but a permit is the accepted translation if your licence is not in English. The permit is always carried alongside your national licence.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in United States?
Rental companies in United States generally require drivers to be at least 18, with a surcharge often applied under 25. The limit is set by the company, not by law, so it varies between firms.