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the fact that Americans will drive hundreds of miles at a stretch,
that cruise control comes as standard equipment in many new cars.

PLACES TO STOP

Driving is probably the best way to get a real sense of just how
big the country is. When you're on the road, it's not uncommon to
drive for hundreds of miles without seeing many other cars, let
alone any towns. Between towns, there are rest areas about every
fifty miles, marked by blue signs. They offer little besides a place
to stop for a rest, toilets, and sometimes vending machines. Some,
but not all, have picnic tables.
Another option is the truck stop, a diner or restaurant that
caters mainly to drivers of large trucks called tractor-trailer rigs or
semis, but that sometimes also serves the general public.
Otherwise, it is quite easy to pull off into a small town for gas and
refreshments. Blue signs on the road clearly indicate what kinds of
facilities are available in an upcoming town. And of course it's
hard to miss those golden arches shining like beacons above
almost every town.

DRIVER’S LICENSES

All drivers must have a driver's license from the state in which
they live. Licenses are issued by each state's Department of Motor
Vehicles (DMV), and in some cases by the county clerk's office.
The minimum age for obtaining a regular driver's license is usually
sixteen, but again this varies from state to state. Teenagers under
the age of eighteen can get a license if their parents officially
agree, and they are usually required to take a full driver's education
course as well. Such courses are often taught in high schools, as an
after-school activity.
All drivers must pass a state's written test, covering knowledge
of traffic and safety regulations, as well as a practical driving test
on the road. Licenses always have the driver's picture on them,
along with information such as physical characteristics, age, Social
Security number, and address.