Refused drivers permit in CA

[Stan1234 0]

I've just got back from the DMV, I had hoped to get my driving permit today, however I was told as I had less than 60 days left on my I-94 I wouldn't be able to apply (which was the first time I'd head this!)

I have a SSN and am in the process of apply for AOS so it will still be a while until I get the permanent residency thing. I have a UK drivers license so am still able to drive, but would be helpful to get a Cal license (especially as whilst I'm waiting for my EAD I spend most my time watching CSI re-runs on tv!).

Anyone have any advice or know of ways to get round this?

Thanks

[LuckyDucky 0]

My wife was able to get a learner's permit at the CA DMV, but she did have a little over 60 days left on her I-94 when she first did it. Her learner's permit expired with her I-94. We went back to see if they would extend it and they wouldn't.

I don't think there's a way around it. I'm pretty sure it's to prevent anyone who could potentially become "illegal" from obtaining a driver's license. The DMV has no guarantee that the AOS will be successful so they're unable to issue anything until they have proof of legitimate residency.

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

I believe you need to have your EAD.. You still have a UK license? You can drive on that in CA for one year.

[Mononoke28 135]

There's nothing you can do and even if they had approved it, it would have expired in less than 60 days anyway. You now have to wait to at least have your EAD.

Diana

[melusine 5]

Nope... i think she can drive in CA just for 10 days !

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

Nope... i think she can drive in CA just for 10 days !

Well - it says on the CA DMV website if you have done anything to "establish residence" in CA you have to get the CA license within 10 days if you move in from out of state. It also says you can drive on a foreign driver's license for up to a year. To be honest, I'm not sure how this would apply to K visa holders and I am in no way qualified to interpret the law, but could receiving the Green Card be considered "establishing" residency? I'm not sure.

For the record, my husband drove on his UK license until we got EAD - it wasn't a problem, but maybe it could be?

[aidan80 9]

I've just got back from the DMV, I had hoped to get my driving permit today, however I was told as I had less than 60 days left on my I-94 I wouldn't be able to apply (which was the first time I'd head this!)

I have a SSN and am in the process of apply for AOS so it will still be a while until I get the permanent residency thing. I have a UK drivers license so am still able to drive, but would be helpful to get a Cal license (especially as whilst I'm waiting for my EAD I spend most my time watching CSI re-runs on tv!).

Anyone have any advice or know of ways to get round this?

Thanks

I don't really have any advice, I got my DL in Florida after I had the green card and an unrestricted SSN and it's good till 2012 if I remember right. I have to say I can 100% relate to being stuck in the house watching the TV, I'm sure many many others can as well. I think I watched every episode of CSI they played, house, prison break.. It even got that bad that I seen Dr Phil a few times... and lets not forget the commericals that last a half an hour..

I'm so glad to be free from that.. I'm sure you will too and soon!

Good Luck!!

[Hannah+Vito 0]

i think from what i read you need more than 90 days left to apply for full licence but if you have more than 60 days, you can start the process.

[Stan1234 0]

Cheers, seems like I'll just have to wait. CA DMV says that:

"If you take a job here or become a resident, you must get a California driver license within 10 days."

and that residency is:

"established by voting in a California election, paying resident tuition, filing for a homeowner’s property tax exemption, or any other privilege or benefit not ordinarily extended to nonresidents"

So looks like I'm good on my UK license until I get a job.

Just would of been nice to get it done now, not that I'm not loving all the hours of tv I'm currently getting, how else would I have discovered the genius of shows such as America's Toughest Jobs, and G's to Gents! So far though I have resisted Dr Phil!!

[melusine 5]

except that they don't talk about the case of new immigrants with adjustment of status going on (because this is somehow what we are)

this is why i think the 10 days rules apply.

I Might be wrong... but it's not like u r a tourist..