Questions on California Driver License.

[bcartr 0]

Questions on California Driver License.

My lady is in Ukraine, she is currently taking Driving Lessons and will be completed by July 31 in which she can obtain a certificate and a actual license. The issue now is that we have an interview date set for July 16th.

She tells me that she can get a date moved up for the class but it would costs much more

My point to her about taking the class was more for experience because when she gets here in the USA she will have to take a class for a license anyway. Thats where I am not sure.

California DMV Site -> http://www.dmv.ca.gov/dl/dl_info.htm#2500

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.

So it looks like she would have to take a driving test anyway and also pass the written test as well. So a few questions to ask those that have already been there and done that.

1. Does anyone know the benefit of having a Ukrainian license would do for us if she were to pay the extra money and get the actual license? I mean if the DMV is not going to use it then why get it? The DMV states that they do NOT recognize IDP's (International Driving Permits) however they do state they recognize a valid drivers

license that is issued by a foreign jurisdiction. So does that mean, if she has a

license she only needs to to show that and they issue her a CA license?

2. However if it is good to have when we add her to the insurance then that would be

good info to know.

3. Since she is over 18, does she need to take a Driver Education and Driver Training class?

Thanks in Advance.

T.

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

They will recognize her Ukrainian license for up to a year - she will have to take the test when she applies for a CA license (won't need to do the Driver's Ed) but it's pretty easy for an experienced driver. She'll probably want to study up on US road signs and what not in the Driver's Handbook you can get on the DMV website before she takes the test. Good luck!

[JamalNTam 1]

I just waited to get my license here in the states. I didnt need a license in the UK and I will be applying for my permit once my SSN arrives (hopefully next week) and then I plan to test for the actual license 2 weeks later (after driving around on the roads of Tucson with Jamal!). The tests are ALOT easier here than in England and I'm pretty confident I'll pass it quickly!

[Nancy2015 2]

1. Does anyone know the benefit of having a Ukrainian license would do for us if she were to pay the extra money and get the actual license? I mean if the DMV is not going to use it then why get it? The DMV states that they do NOT recognize IDP's (International Driving Permits) however they do state they recognize a valid drivers

license that is issued by a foreign jurisdiction. So does that mean, if she has a

license she only needs to to show that and they issue her a CA license?

2. However if it is good to have when we add her to the insurance then that would be

good info to know.

3. Since she is over 18, does she need to take a Driver Education and Driver Training class?

Thanks in Advance.

T.

1. The only benefit of having a Ukrainian DL is that she will actually be able to drive here before she gets her US license. You say you're in CA, right? She'll be allowed to drive for one year. They won't issue her a CA DL just because she has a Ukrainian DL - she will still have to take all the tests, including the driving test.

2. Yes, an international DL is good if you want to add her to your insurance, but insurance companies charge more money if you have an international DL and - most importantly - not too much driving experience.

3. No. Only the written test, the vision test, and the driving test.