California Drivers Licence

[Damjan 0]

Hi Guys,

So far everything went really smoothly after POE on 12/22/10 at LAX we received SSN in less than 2 weeks and green card arrived few days later so kudos to Homeland Security. The California DMV is completely different story. We waited for hours to be told that her IR visa is expired then another hour to clarify that is not and after apologizing they misspelled her name on application.

We were told that since she has a valid drivers license in Philippines , she only has to take written test and vision exam and pay $31 and wait for the license. then 10 min later we were told that she actually also need to take driving test exam. Some friend told me that they just took their out of state license and were issued a new one without any tests, so i am totally confused and after so many mistakes that happened in only two experiences at DMV i just cant trust anything they say.

Anybody knows how to proceed? I would appreciate your help.. Thank you!

[YuAndDan 153]

The notation on Visa that says Temp I-551 stamp should satisfy DMV, I-551 = green-card. Yes visa expires upon entry to the USA, however it serves as a 1 year temp green-card.

Yep the DMV person probably was wrong with the "Just written test" and got corrected by a supervisor. Rules vary from state to state not many will simply exchange DL for a foreign DL.

As for exchanging out of state licenses for new license, this has to do with exchanging licenses from one US State with another US state, for example if I were to move from New York to California, the California DMV will exchange my NY license for a CA drivers license for a fee.

Note Driver's License questions go in the "Moving and Life in USA" forum.. MOVING...

Edited January 13, 2011 by YuAndDan

[Nica_In_Love 98]

Hi Guys,

So far everything went really smoothly after POE on 12/22/10 at LAX we received SSN in less than 2 weeks and green card arrived few days later so kudos to Homeland Security. The California DMV is completely different story. We waited for hours to be told that her IR visa is expired then another hour to clarify that is not and after apologizing they misspelled her name on application.

We were told that since she has a valid drivers license in Philippines , she only has to take written test and vision exam and pay $31 and wait for the license. then 10 min later we were told that she actually also need to take driving test exam. Some friend told me that they just took their out of state license and were issued a new one without any tests, so i am totally confused and after so many mistakes that happened in only two experiences at DMV i just cant trust anything they say.

Anybody knows how to proceed? I would appreciate your help.. Thank you!

Hey there. It does depend from state to state, but I got my IL DL and had to take both written and road test. On the phone they had said if I had a DL from my country, then I would't need to take the road test, but when I got there I showed them my DL from Nicaragua, and I guess it wasn't good enough so I took the road test. It's really no big deal, here's the link to the California DMV :

http://dmv.ca.gov/dl/dl_info.htm#two500

[Canadiandggal 49]

This is from the cal DMV site

How to apply for a driver license if you are over 18

If you are a visitor in California over 18 and have a valid driver license from your home state or country, you may drive in this state without getting a California driver license as long as your home state license remains valid.

If you become a California resident, you must get a California driver license within 10 days. 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.

To apply for an original driver license if you are over 18, you will need to do the following:

•Visit a DMV office (make an Appointment(s) for faster service)

•Complete application form DL 44 (An original DL 44 form must be submitted. Copies will not be accepted.)

•Give a thumb print

•Have your picture taken

•Provide your social security number. It will be verified with the Social Security Administration while you are in the office.

•Verify your birth date and legal presence If your current name no longer matches the name on your birth data/legal presence document, see “True Full Name” and “How to Change Your Name” for more information.

•Provide your true full name

•Pay the application fee

•Pass a vision exam

•Pass a traffic laws and sign test. There are 36 questions on the test. You have three chances to pass.(Sample Test)

Note: To allow you sufficient time for testing DMV will not be administering written or audio exams after 4:30 p.m.

You will then be issued a permit if you have never been licensed before. When you practice, you must have an accompanying adult who is 18 years of age or older, with a valid California license. This person must be close enough to you to take control of the vehicle if necessary. It is illegal for you to drive alone.

If you have a license from another country, you will be required to take a driving test. If you have a license from another state, the driving test can be waived. To take your driving test, you will need to:

•Make a driving test Appointment(s) . (Driving tests are not given without an appointment.) You may also call 1-800-777-0133 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, to make a driving test appointment.

•Provide proof of financial responsibility

•California Insurance Requirements

You have three chances to pass the driving test. If you fail, you may practice for a while, then make another appointment. There is no waiting period, but you must make an appointment. If you fail to successfully complete the driving test on the first attempt, you must pay a $6 fee for each additional driving test that is administered under an application for an original or renewal driver license.

After you pass your driving test you will be issued an interim license valid for 60 days until you receive your new photo license in the mail. Double-check your address before you leave DMV and tell the DMV representative if you have moved or if your address is incorrect. If you have not received your license after 60 days, call 1-800-777-0133 and they can check on the status for you. Have your interim license with you to provide information when requested.

If your name is different on your birth date and/or legal presence document than the one you are currently using, you will also need to provide an additional acceptable document to establish your true full name, such as; a marriage certificate, dissolution of marriage, adoption or name change document that shows your current name.

[Mononoke28 135]

She needs to start from scratch in order to get her driver's license. She will need to take her green card and SSN to the DMV to take her written test. And then later, she will also have to take a driving test to get her driver's license.

Diana