Transportation
Back to Handbook ContentThe transportation system in the United States is quite different from that in most other countries. Most Americans own cars, which are the most common form of transportation. Our rail and bus systems are not as extensive as those of many other countries. St. Louis has a relatively good bus system and the MetroLink light-rail line. With your student ID, you can use any of the public transportation options free of charge.
For many students—especially
those who live on or near campus—the most common means of transportation
is the bicycle. You may want to purchase a used bike and a good lock to
secure it from theft.
Owning and
Operating an Automobile
You must have a valid driver’s license to drive a car.
Each state in the United States issues its own driver’s license.
Not every state will recognize your country’s driver’s license
or the international driver’s license. Driver’s licenses are
processed by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). To obtain a Missouri
driver’s license, you will be required to demonstrate your knowledge
of the traffic laws in Missouri by taking both a written test and a driving
test. You should study for the written test as the questions and correct
answers are not always intuitive. You can find a Missouri Driver Guide
with the information on which you will be tested at http://www.dor.state.mo.us/mvdl/drivers/.
Never drive a vehicle unless you understand all of the applicable road
rules, recognize all of the road signs, and possess a valid license to
drive.
The closest Driver’s License Examination post is 5494 Brown Road, telephone 731-4418. It is open Monday through Friday 7:00 am to 6:00 pm.
The state of Missouri requires car owners to purchase and maintain automobile insurance. In case of an accident, automobile insurance protects you against most of the cost of injuries and repairs. The cost of repairs can be very high. In some states, you may be required to pay for the cost of repairing the other vehicle if you caused the accident. Insurance agents can be found in the Yellow Pages of the phone book under “Insurance.”
Helpful guides to
purchasing cars can be found in local bookstores, and perhaps even in
your campus bookstore. The newspaper in your community, your campus newspaper,
campus bulletin boards, and electronic bulletin boards are good sources
of information on used automobiles. Be very careful when purchasing a
car, especially a used one. Before you buy, have a reliable mechanic inspect
the vehicle for defects. Be sure to obtain the “title” to
the car you buy.
The title is an official document issued by the state that signifies ownership
of the vehicle. Additional documents may be required to complete the transfer
of a car from the previous owner to you.