California drivers license renewal

[menina 50]

My husband passed the driving test almost 6 weeks ago and still has not received his DL in the mail. We called DMV and they said that the computer shows it being approved about 4 days after the test and that the card is "in production." However, he stated that normally there would be a mailed on date by now. So I am wondering if this is something with Homeland Security not verifying his status yet. He does have his green card (since March). What do we need to do? I am trying to call the issuance department, but the number is always busy. His temporary license will expire soon. Should we just show up at the DMV and ask them in person?

[obnancy 5]

Yes, of course we are going to follow the process correctly. He has not driven at all since arriving here. My confusion was whether or not he would have to receive a permit or if he could do his written and driving test in the same day. I grew up in CA (US citizen) and I had to take a written test for my permit, wait 6 months while I practiced driving, and then do the driving test. I didn't know if the process would be the same for someone who already has a license where he has to get a permit first and then wait to take the driving test. From talking with other people, it sounds like once he passes the written test and gets put on my insurance, he can take the driving test as soon as an appointment is available. Also, wanted to notify all of my Brazilian friends that in CA the written test is available in Portuguese, so you do have that option if you want it.

Menina,

If you husband has a driving history in Brazil with insurance, you will want to contact his insurance agent there and get an "exception letter" it he had a good driving history. Basically it will need to say he didn't have any accidents, tickets, etc... If you don't get the "exception letter" your insurance company will consider him the same as a teenage driver and your rates will go up substancially. I am still awaiting my husbands old insurance agent in Australia to send this letter. Until he does, my insurance company will not cover my husband on my cars with my present policy. They will cover him, but it more than doubled my rate so I told him to keep trying to get this letter from his old agent.

My husband took the written test (for car and motorcycle) and then was give a date to come in for the driving test. He was also able to get his motorcycle endorsement by showing his endorsement on his Australian license. Of course his license expires in two days when his I-94 does and they won't renew it, but this is another silly story.

Good luck.