Part 21 of 31 Things Americans Should Think About Before Moving Abroad: What to Know About Driving in a New Country

Darien Wilson
Apr 26
3 min read

Updated: May 1

blonde woman in sunglasses in passenger seat of car with black and white smiling dog in back

Adjusting to Driving, Transportation, and Life Without a Car

Your U.S. driver’s license might not be enough for the new roads if you move abroad.

And honestly? That might be for the best.

Moving abroad means adjusting to a lot of new things—but one that might catch you off guard is driving.

I am Darien, an American who moved to the Netherlands, and this is Part 21 of my 31-part series: 31 Things Americans Should Consider When Planning a Move Abroad.

Today’s topic? Driving in a new country—or maybe adapting to life without driving at all.

Your U.S. License Might Be Useless Abroad

Here is the deal: some countries do not recognize U.S. driver’s licenses. That means you will need to take driving lessons and pass a local test—even if you have been driving for decades.

If you are an American abroad driving in a new country, here is what you might face:

In some countries like the Netherlands, the driving test is notoriously difficult. Americans who have driven for 20+ years often fail on the first try (or even the second).
Streets in Europe were not built for large American SUVs. Roads are often old, narrow, packed with cyclists and pedestrians, and all this demands more precision and attention than driving on America's more car-friendly roads.
If you move to a country where they drive on the opposite side of the road? Buckle up—it could be a steep learning curve.

Is Driving Even Necessary?

Before you stress about passing a new driving test, ask yourself:

Do I even need a car abroad?

In many countries outside the U.S.:

Public transportation is excellent.
Bike culture is stronger than car culture.
Cities have low-emission zones, congestion fees, and very limited parking.
City centers are often walkable, bikeable, and more densely populated than American cities.

In the Netherlands, for example, biking is often faster than driving to get from one side of the city to the other. Even if you keep a car, insurance, gas, and maintenance costs can be much higher than you are used to paying in America.

For many Americans thinking about emigrating to a new country, the better choice is to simply switch to public transport, walking, and biking after moving abroad.

American Abroad? Budget for Driving in a New Country

If you do decide you need to drive, be prepared for a learning curve—and some unexpected costs:

Driving lessons and exams are expensive and time-consuming.
Some countries require additional paperwork, health checks, or vision exams.
If you fail the driving test multiple times (which is common), the costs can add up quickly.

It is one more logistical detail that deserves a spot in your moving budget.

Final Thought

Driving as an American abroad is not impossible.

But if you are an American abroad planning to drive in a new country, prepare for a new set of rules, road designs, and expectations.

It is one more adjustment on your journey to building a new life.

And who knows? You might end up loving the freedom of a car-free lifestyle more than you ever expected.

Did you find this helpful? Are you planning a move abroad? Work with me to make your move from a place of clarity and organization.