Every state in US, has it's own rules and regulations
for motor vehicles.
Though mostly all basic rules are same, but do verify
them by calling or visiting a local DMV office. Here we
are talking, in context with California State DMV procedure.
How to get a
driving license? There are two steps for it.
- Written test.
- Road Test.
Written test is about traffic laws and signs. There
are 36 questions on the test paper. A passing score
is at least 31 correct answers. You have three chances
to pass on the 12$ fee. If you failed 3rd time also,
then you will have to give another 12$ fee and you will
again get 3 chances. Go to the nearest DMV office, or visit DMV site for
a booklet on traffic laws and signs (drivers handbook).
Study it for the written test. What
is the procedure?
- Visit a DMV office (make a prior appointment for
a faster service).
- Submit the completed application form, along with
the fee.
- You need to give a thumb print.
- Have your picture taken.
- Provide your social security number, and proof of
your date of birth.
- Show your original passport.
- Now you can appear for the written test.
Once you pass the written test, you have to give a
eye test their itself. You will then be issued a temporary
permit. If you have never been licensed before, you
may use this permit to practice driving with an accompanying
adult, who is 25 years of age or older, with a valid
state license. It is illegal for you to drive alone.
Now you might take classes from some Instructor. Once
you are comfortable in driving, you can fix up an appointment
over the phone, for the road test. Road
test procedure: It's a driving test, where a instructor
will test your driving skills. Major criteria is to
inspect, how carefully and safely you drive. It normally
takes 10-15 min. It is a 100 points test, and minimum
70 is passing. You can get 3 attempts in case you are
unable to pass. If you failed 3rd time also, then you
have to reappear for the written test.
Upon passing the driving test, an interim license will
be issued, which is valid for 60 days. In the mean time
you will receive your original photo license via mail.
Tips
- Read the drivers handbook carefully for rules and
signs, for the written test.
- Refer few old question papers, to get an idea of
the test.
- Once you passed the written test, take an appointment
for your road test.
- Take some driving classes from a good instructor,
who can teach you the rules and precautions.
- Here the instructor charges on hourly basis, hence
they try to prolong the class as much as possible.
Don't hesitate to ask, if you have any query for any
signal rules, sign board, or anything else.
- Ask few friends about the best instructor, before
selecting one. Don't just take the recommendation
of your HR person for the instructor.
- Instructor will provide his car for the road test.
- Getting a preferred appointment with DMV is difficult.
You may go to any of the DMV offices, where ever you
can get an appointment.
- During your road test, don't get nervous, or extra
conscious. Most important is to follow the signs,
speed limits, listen to the instructions, and drive
safely. If you can't understand any instruction, don't
hesitate to ask again. Don't be in a hurry.
- If you don't get the license for a very long time,
contact the DMV office.
- Never ever drive without your driving license.
For detailed and complete information, visit your state's
DMV web site. Commonly
asked questions: I have recently come to California.
Can i drive a car in California, for few days? Yes! According to the current DMV
laws, person over 18 and having a valid driver license
from his home state or country, can drive a car here.
But if you take a job in California or become a resident,
you must get the California driver license, within 10
days. Note: Indian
International Drivers Permit (IDP) works only in certain
states. Please make sure it works for the state you
are driving in. I come from a different US state.
How to get a California License? You still need to go through the
same procedure except, you don't need to give the road
test. What are the normal charges for
Driving Instructor? Normally their charges are 50-60$
/ 2 hrs. Confirm it before selecting your instructor. I have recently changed my residence
address. When should i notify DMV? The change of address must be reported
to DMV within 10 days. There is no separate charge for
changing your address. This can be done by calling,
or writing to DMV, or visiting personally and fill out
a small form called DMV 14. For california the mailing address is: Department of Motor Vehicles
Change of Address
P.O. Box 942859
Sacramento, California 94259-0001. Address of other states can be found out at their respective
DMV Web Sites. I am a H4 visa holder, and want
a driving license, but DMV asks for SSN. How can I get
the driving license without a SSN? Nowadays the Government has stopped
giving SSN to the people on dependent visa. But they
do give an official denial letter, specifying as to
why they can't issue you an SSN card. You can show this
denial letter in order to get your driving license.
It is accepted at the DMV. Checkout your
state's DMV Web Sites |
