Driving License in CA

[marione05 1]

Hi, I have a student's permit here in the Philippines and was able to undergo 5 hrs of actual driving lessons.

How do I obtain a license in CA? Do I still need to have a learner's permit again?

[Leatherneck 693]

DMV is very inconsistent with issuing a driver's license to new legal immigrants, depending on the location.

For sure, any license you get will expire when your 1-94 expires, unless you have the Employment Authorization Card.

Other locations will issue a drivers license with a Notice of Action (I–797 Approved Petition) which must indicate approved extension of stay or change in status that grants temporary or permanent residency, or indicates that an original, duplicate or renewal Resident Alien card is forthcoming.

Edited June 13, 2014 by Leatherneck

[marione05 1]

Thank you Leatherneck for the response..

How do I practice driving? Do I need to get a learner's permit first?

DMV is very inconsistent with issuing a driver's license to new legal immigrants, depending on the location.

For sure, any license you get will expire when your 1-94 expires, unless you have the Employment Authorization Card.

Other locations will issue a drivers license with a Notice of Action (I–797 Approved Petition) which must indicate approved extension of stay or change in status that grants temporary or permanent residency, or indicates that an original, duplicate or renewal Resident Alien card is forthcoming.

[apple21 953]

You need to get a learner's permit first. Bawal magpractice driving kung walang LP.

To get a LP, you have to pass a written exam at DMV. Documents needed are your passport and social security for proof of residency (the one that SSA mailed to you where they attached the SS card).

Bring also your NSO BC and NSO MC just in case.

Edited June 17, 2014 by apple21

[marione05 1]

Thank you apple21! Just saw this also at dmv.org "If you’ve never been licensed before, you will be given a permit once you pass your written permit test so you can practice driving before your driving test."

I was worried that actual driving lessons is required and would still need to enroll at a driving school..

You need to get a learner's permit first. Bawal magpractice driving kung walang LP.

To get a LP, you have to pass a written exam at DMV. Documents needed are your passport and social security for proof of residency (the one that SSA mailed to you where they attached the SS card).

Bring also your NSO BC and NSO MC just in case.

[Leatherneck 693]

Pass the written test, get the permit -- then you can practice driving at your convenience.

No driving lessons required.

[marione05 1]

Thank you again!

Pass the written test, get the permit -- then you can practice driving at your convenience.

No driving lessons required.

[apple21 953]

To get the driver's license you will need to pass the actual driving test though. You have 3 chances. If you fail all 3, you will be required to get a Learner's Permit again (take written exam) then do another actual driving test until you pass.

Edited June 17, 2014 by apple21

[Leatherneck 693]

Thank you again!

You're welcome!

Good luck with the written exam.

[zuluweta 250]

Isn't proof of birth date and legal presence required? I just applied for a state ID and I had to provide my EAD (work authorization) card, which is a BD/LP document accepted by California.

[babsloblaw 6]

Isn't proof of birth date and legal presence required? I just applied for a state ID and I had to provide my EAD (work authorization) card, which is a BD/LP document accepted by California.

i-94 works too, but if it expires in less than 60 days, they won't issue anything until after you provide your EAD/GC. (I was still able to take my written and driving test though.)

[zuluweta 250]

i-94 works too, but if it expires in less than 60 days, they won't issue anything until after you provide your EAD/GC. (I was still able to take my written and driving test though.)

I paid $28 for the state ID. After processing, I just asked the guy at DMV what are the requirements to get a CA driver's license, since I have an expired out-of-state DL from Washington state. Surprisingly, he told me I just need to pass the written test, have an eye exam, photo and thumbprint taken then that's it! I asked some other DMV employee and again I was told I just need to pass the written test. No driving test!

[zuluweta 250]

I applied August 25 for CA state ID but I still haven't received it. How long does the CA state ID or Driver's License take before you receive it in the mail?