I dont drive

[Akago 0]

Hi vj members!  I am from the Philippines. I'm a bit worried because I dont know how to drive a car. I will be working soon in houston,texas. Im just wondering if i can survive there for a month or so,with me just commuting to and fro my work place? Thank you!

[KULtoATL 1,551]

Based on the info on this page: https://www.visithoustontexas.com/travel-planning/maps-and-transportation/getting-around-houston/, looks like you'll be doing fairly well.

[Jordan8768 107]

Lots of people in cities can't drive. The public transport in is country is great!

[Akago 0]

Thank you guys for your quick response. When could be the earliest time that i can purchase a car just after arriving in the US so that i could start practicing?

[Jordan8768 107]

38 minutes ago, Akago said:

Thank you guys for your quick response. When could be the earliest time that i can purchase a car just after arriving in the US so that i could start practicing?

As long as you can afford a car you can't buy one whenever you want..

[abum 324]

I would answer it this way - depending on the location where you live and the distance to your workplace. 

If either you or your workplace is in a remote location, you might have some difficulties commuting - OR you will have to spend significant amount of time on the commute. 

 

I do not think they place a restriction on WHEN a new immigrant can buy a car, so if you have to check Texas' laws on driving with international license (before one is required to get a state issued driver's license).

[geowrian 22,337]

49 minutes ago, Akago said:

Thank you guys for your quick response. When could be the earliest time that i can purchase a car just after arriving in the US so that i could start practicing?

First step is to get a license (or learner's permit in some states). An international license will be recognized in the US, albeit the ability to continue to use one varies by state law. According to this page, you can use it for up to 90 days as a new Texas resident.

https://www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/movingtotexas.htm

 

You can purchase a car as soon as you have money to do so. haha Obtaining a loan without a co-signer (or even with one sometimes) is difficult until you've established a credit history in the US. You will need to obtain insurance on the vehicle as well.

Edited August 6, 2017 by geowrian

[Coco8 1,042]

Learning how to drive in a place like Houston can be hard. People drive fast and there are a lot of high speed roads, and merge, etc. 

 

Better try to live close to work and sign up for driving school (you will need a learner's permit for which you will have to study traffic rules). Once you have your drivers' license you can start by renting cars to practice. Then consider buying a car. I think it will take you several months to accomplish everything.

[Akago 0]

Thank you everyone for your answers! I'll put those in mind. God bless you all!

[Hypnos 6,576]

I took my kids down to Houston last summer for a few days, and at the time I didn't drive either. 

 

We used public transport, and it was fine. Houston has an excellent light rail system that's pretty nice, as well as the buses. 

 

To navigate, I used an app called Moovit. It's basically Maps but for public transport. You put in where you are, where you're going, and when you want to leave or arrive by, and it tells you where to go, which bus/train to catch, when to change, and which stop to get off at. It supports many cities across the US. I've previously used it in New Orleans too and had no problems there either. I very much recommend it until you're able to drive yourself. 

[Sunnyland 639]

I hope the public transportation there is better than the one in Ft Lauderdale where you get a bus every 40 minutes and not mentioning the hot weather outside. I did not drive for like 2 years and I had to use buses or have my husband drive me. Try to take some driving lessons if that help you to get some confidence. I was very afraid of driving but now I love the freedom of being able to go places without having to "bother" my husband all the time. 

[mcdull 474]

17 hours ago, Jordan8768 said:

Lots of people in cities can't drive. The public transport in is country is great!

 Biggest joke of the century  

[mcdull 474]

17 hours ago, Akago said:

Hi vj members!  I am from the Philippines. I'm a bit worried because I dont know how to drive a car. I will be working soon in houston,texas. Im just wondering if i can survive there for a month or so,with me just commuting to and fro my work place? Thank you!

You need to know how to drive in Houston.do not trust anyone who tells you otherwise.  

[Sunnyland 639]

1 hour ago, mcdull said:

 Biggest joke of the century  

 

 I was thinking the same thing. In Ft Lauderdale if you happen to miss the bus, then sit for another 40 minutes till you see the next one. Try to do that when the temperature is 98 F degrees or more!