Driving a car is the most dangerous thing you can do in Toledo. Don't buy a car if you don't need one.
Drivers Licenses
Don't drive without a license.
Get an Ohio driver's license.
Having an Ohio license is important because police officers often don't recognize licenses from other countries or international licenses, and it could be a very big problem for you if you are stopped without an Ohio license.
If You Have Never Driven Before
If you have never driven before, you have to get a temporary license. This license allows you to drive only with a licensed Ohio driver. To get the temporary license, you must do two things:
If you pass the written test, you get your temporary license. Remember, the temporary license allows you to drive only with a licensed driver next to you in the car. You must not drive alone. When you get the temporary license, you also get an Ohio identification card.
If You Have an International License
If you have an international license from most countries, you do not need to get the temporary license. However, it is still very important to get an Ohio license. To do this, you will need to take a written test and a driving test. The only place to do that in Toledo is at the Heatherdowns Drivers License Examination Station at 4460 Heatherdowns Blvd. Call them at 385-6479 to make an appointment to take both the written test and the driving test.
(Note: If you fail the written test, you cannot take the driving test.)
This office is very busy, so it's hard to get them on the phone; however, late Friday afternoon seems to be a less busy time, and you might be able to call them easily at that time.
Look for information about Lucas County.
Insurance
There are several kinds of car insurance.
Liability insurance covers you when you injure another person or damage their car or other property. In Ohio, the law says that you must have liability insurance if you own and drive a car. This is a very important law.
Do not drive without liability insurance!
Liability insurance does not cover you or your car.
Medical coverage pays for medical treatment for you and your passengers if you have an accident. As a UT international student, you already have health insurance for yourself, but that health insurance does not cover your passengers. You may want to buy medical coverage.
Collision/comprehensive pays for damage to your car in an accident. For example, if you are driving, and you hit a tree with your car, this kind of insurance will cover the damage to your car. Comprehensive insurance covers other kinds of problems with your car. For example, if someone steals your car, comprehensive insurance will cover it.
Uninsured/under-insured drivers: If you are in an accident with another driver who does not have good insurance, this kind of insurance can help you.
(Note: For more information about cars, insurance, and related topics, see "Your Passport to the University of Toledo", the handbook from the Office of International Student Services.)
Driving Lessons
It's a good idea for all international drivers-experienced and inexperienced-to take some driving lessons before driving in the United States. This is because driving conditions vary a lot from country to country. If you would like to take driving lessons, look for a drivers education program in the Yellow Pages of the phone book under "Driving Instruction". (Note: You must have your temporary license before you can take driving lessons in a car.)
Parking at UT
If you want to park your car at UT, you must have a parking sticker. Buy your parking sticker at Parking Services. When you park your car, you must park only in student parking, that is, the places with white lines. Do not park where you see yellow lines. Visit the UT Parking Services web site for more information.
Ohio ID Cards
You can get an Ohio ID card. Take your passport and $7.25 to any automobile license agency. (Note: Your passport must be in English.) More Information.