Even though the basic rules are the same you must verify with the regulations of the local Department of Motor Vehicles in your area. You can check the official website to get more information. This article focuses on the California State DMV procedure.
How to get a Driving license?
There are two steps involved for getting a driver license:
- Written test.
- Behind the wheel test (also known as a road test)
The written test is a test of traffic laws, road signs, and driving safety rules. You will get a book (driver’s handbook) to study for this exam. Study it thoroughly. There are 46 questions on the test. A passing score is at least 39 correct answers. You have three chances to pass the test. You are allowed to take a retest in one visit. If you fail three times, you must wait 7 days before taking the written test again. No written tests are administered after 4.30 pm on regular business days.
What is the procedure?
Step 1 Written Test
- Visit a DMV office (make a prior appointment for a faster service).
- Submit the completed application form, along with the fee. No copies are accepted.
- You need to give a thumb print and have your picture taken.
- Provide your social security number, and proof of your date of birth.
- Show your original passport.
- Pass a vision test
- Take the written test.
You will get a temporary permit. If you have never been licensed before, you may use this permit to practice driving. During all the driving sessions, you must be accompanied with an adult who must be 25 years of age or older and holds a valid state license. It is illegal for you to drive alone. You can also take classes from some Instructor. Once you are comfortable in driving take an appointment for a behind the wheel test (road test).
If you have moved to U.S. from India, you will be required to take a driving test. If you already have a license from another state, the driving test can be waived.
Step 2 Driving Test
To take your driving test, you need to make a driving test appointment by calling a toll free number 1-800-777-0133 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
You must provide the following at the time of the driving test:
- Provide proof of financial responsibility
- California Insurance Requirements
Like the written test, you must pass the driving test in three chances. If you fail three times, it means that you must practice. Make an appointment once you are fully prepared. For each additional driving test you must pay a $6 fee.
The test normally takes 10-15 min. It is a 100 points test, and minimum 70 is passing. This criteria is subject to change. After you pass your driving test you will be issued an interim license valid for 60 days. You will receive a new photo license in the mail.
Learners’ Permit/Provisional Instructions permit
Normally this permit is issued to teens under the age of 18. However if you are learning to drive for the first time, and/or do not have an Indian International Driving Permit you are eligible to get this permit. Once you have practiced driving on the permit and are ready to give the road test you may apply for an appointment. Please check with the DMV for the current rules on such permits.
Tips
- Read the drivers handbook carefully for traffic rules for the written test.
- Look at sample tests on the DMV website. Ask your friends for old question papers to get an idea of the test.
- Once you pass the written test take an appointment for your road test. You can call the toll free number to take this appointment or visit https://eg.dmv.ca.gov/foa/welcome.do?localeName=en for an online appointment.
- Take some driving classes from a good instructor.
- The instructors charge on an hourly basis. Hence make the best of each class you take. Do not hesitate to ask questions about signal rules, sign boards, or anything else.
- Ask your friends to suggest a good instructor. Do not rely on the recommendation of your HR person for the instructor. That is not enough.
- Instructors will get their own 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 be confident. Follow the rules, look at signs and speed limits, listen to the instructions of the evaluator, and drive safely. If you do not understand an instruction ask the evaluator to repeat it. Do not be in a hurry. Be calm during your test.
- If you pass the test, 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 to check on the status for you. Hold onto your interim license with you to provide information when requested. If you don’t get the license for a very long time, contact the DMV office.
- 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.
- Do not drive without your driving license or temporary driving permit.
For detailed and complete information, visit your state’s DMV web site
Commonly asked questions
I have recently moved 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.
Indian International Drivers Permit (IDP) works only in certain states. Please make sure that it works for the state you are driving in.
I have moved to California from another state in the U.S. How do I get a California license?
You will need to go through the procedure described above. You will not be required to take a road test.
What are the normal charges for Driving Instructor?
Normally their charges are $50-60/2 hrs. Confirm the cost before making an appointment with an instructor. Many instructors prefer to accept cash or check.
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?
The Government does not give the SSN to people on dependent visa. They do give an official denial letter, specifying the reason of denial. You can show this denial letter in order to get your driving license. It is accepted at the DMV. You must also present your unexpired foreign passport with the unexpired I-94. If you have an ITIN number that is also accepted at DMV. You must inquire about the acceptable documents in the absence of SSN with the DMV.
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. You will be required to fill out a form called DMV 14. You cannot request change of address as part of the driver license renewal by internet process. 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.
