California driving test

[robodave 0]

Hi

I am from the UK, and came to California 3 months ago. I needed to get a California drivers licence to have car insurance, and so spent 4 hours in the DMV. I had to take the written test, and on the second go managed to luckily pass.

I was then issued with the temporary drivers licence which you can use until you pass your behind the wheel driving test.

I took the first test and failed, on something which in my view was not a "dangerous manoeuvre", and was rather upset, but came back for another go.

Today I retook the test and I really screwed it up. I went to turn left on a flashing yellow arrow and it turned red just at that moment. The examiner told me to stop, and I failed as he felt (justifiably) that he had to intervene. I can't believe that I did it, I was just a nervous wreck, and can drive around just fine normally!

I now have a new date for my 3rd go at the driving test which is in early December at Fullerton DMV (the site of the previous 2 failings).

I am so worried about not passing, but can't seem to find any information about what happens to someone on a temporary licence if they fail the third time. Can anyone help?

Thanks

[SupastarsaM 7]

You pay the fee again. I suggest you just take your time and stay calm. Just imagine that the person giving the test is just one of those GPS voices and you're following directions to the destinations. You should always come to a full stop and take your time. You maybe want to reschedule at a different location in a smaller town.

[adiiann 163]

I failed the first time I took my road test, like you I got nervous and also there's kind of parking I didn't bother to learn 'coz we're living in IL.

Anyway, when you get back to take your road test. Try to calm down first before getting inside DMV. Never take a chance on yellow light. I also agree getting test in other DMV location.

Keep smiling...

[rlogan 2,036]

Some people do better when they verbalize everything they are doing. eg: "I'm slowing down because the light is yellow and I will stop before the pedestrian crossing...I am looking both ways down the railroad crossing..."

It keeps your mind from wandering and also lets the examiner know for sure you actually are doing the things you are supposed to be doing.

[ThomasKendall 0]

Hi,

I know this thread is old but I'm really struggling to find good information on this.

I am in the US (california) on CR1 have been here an year and procrastinated doing my drivers test.

I eventually found out i can get a temporary DL using my UK license.

The thing is its just a bit of paper that has hardly any info on. My question is, how long can I use this temporary DL for?

some say 60 days some say a year

any ideas?

[Marilyn. 340]

Hi,

I know this thread is old but I'm really struggling to find good information on this.

I am in the US (california) on CR1 have been here an year and procrastinated doing my drivers test.

I eventually found out i can get a temporary DL using my UK license.

The thing is its just a bit of paper that has hardly any info on. My question is, how long can I use this temporary DL for?

some say 60 days some say a year

any ideas?

Temporary Licenses

12506. The department may issue a temporary driver's license to any person applying for a driver's license, to any person applying for renewal of a driver's license, or any licensee whose license is required to be changed, added to, or modified. Notwithstanding subdivision (b) of Section 12805, the department may issue a temporary driver's license to an applicant who has previously been licensed in this state or in any other state, territory, or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or the Dominion of Canada, notwithstanding that the applicant has failed the written examination on the person's first attempt.

A temporary license permits the operation of a motor vehicle upon the highways for a period of 60 days, if the license has the temporary license in his or her immediate possession, and while the department is completing its investigation and determination of all facts relative to the applicant's right to receive a license. The temporary license is invalid when the applicant's license has been issued or refused.

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d06/vc12506.htm

[JohnR! 5,495]

Hi,

I know this thread is old but I'm really struggling to find good information on this.

I am in the US (california) on CR1 have been here an year and procrastinated doing my drivers test.

I eventually found out i can get a temporary DL using my UK license.

The thing is its just a bit of paper that has hardly any info on. My question is, how long can I use this temporary DL for?

some say 60 days some say a year

any ideas?

My suggestion is that you download the booklet and learn the rules of the road and schedule your test soon. If you are a resident of California, as in most states, you need to get a State DL.

Check out this link where you can download the book and have some answers: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/newtoca/newtoca.htm

Good luck!

[sms78 18]

I suggest you to get a CA driver's license ASAP. As a most basic rule in California, you're required to get a DL (or ID card issued by DMV) within 10 days of becoming a CA resident. You become a CA resident the day you start to live in Cali with an immigrant visa. That is DMV's definition of a "CA resident." International DL and temporary DL for foreigners let you drive legally in Cali for an extended length of time ONLY IF you're a visitor/traveler (not a resident). Being in CA with CR-1, you're a California resident for a long time. If you got pulled over while you're driving with the temporary license, you'll be in a trouble.

Edited November 6, 2012 by sms78

[rlogan 2,036]

Another tip:

My wife and I waited outside the DMV to follow the route they use for the driver's test. It was easy to see the tricks they were using to try tripping people up. We followed two different testers to make sure there was only one route and saw two really bad drivers! They both flunked.

If you know the route it takes all of the anxiety out of not knowing what is coming next.

[JohnR! 5,495]

Another tip:

My wife and I waited outside the DMV to follow the route they use for the driver's test. It was easy to see the tricks they were using to try tripping people up. We followed two different testers to make sure there was only one route and saw two really bad drivers! They both flunked.

If you know the route it takes all of the anxiety out of not knowing what is coming next.

Slimy!!!! :rofl: :rofl:

[rlogan 2,036]

Slimy!!!! :rofl: :rofl:

Darn tootin'

We really did our homework to spy on them. We went in to ask questions and learned you do the vision test first. That told us to watch the machine they do the vision tests on, and follow them outside afterwards.

So we went in a second day pretending to be waiting on a number and watched that machine. Turns out the examiners wear orange vests. So the second time we followed an examiner we just waited outside in the car for an orange vest to exit the building.

They also had a parallel parking set-up in their back lot, where we saw the examiner take them. So we practiced that too.

[JohnR! 5,495]

Darn tootin'

We really did our homework to spy on them. We went in to ask questions and learned you do the vision test first. That told us to watch the machine they do the vision tests on, and follow them outside afterwards.

So we went in a second day pretending to be waiting on a number and watched that machine. Turns out the examiners wear orange vests. So the second time we followed an examiner we just waited outside in the car for an orange vest to exit the building.

They also had a parallel parking set-up in their back lot, where we saw the examiner take them. So we practiced that too.

I love it!!! I also think this is one of the nicest things you could have done for your wife, because these are the type of things one does for love and that no money could buy...

Major kudos!!!!!

[kzielu 1,149]

I'd say if someone can't pass the driving test in US or needs to spy to pass, better stays off the road so one gets hurt... Sorry...

[rlogan 2,036]

I'd say if someone can't pass the driving test in US or needs to spy to pass, better stays off the road so one gets hurt... Sorry...

And what you say makes no difference.

Your English was bad there - you meant to say "better stay off the road so nobody gets hurt". But I'm not going to say you shouldn't be allowed to post, or to drive with such poor English

Welcome to America.

[kzielu 1,149]

And what you say makes no difference.

Your English was bad there - you meant to say "better stay off the road so nobody gets hurt". But I'm not going to say you shouldn't be allowed to post, or to drive with such poor English

Welcome to America.

At least I can drive... And thanks for rating my english - really nice of you and very relevant. I was dead serious though...