Drivers License just passed...
#1
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 20
Drivers License just passed...
All,
Just a headsup for those of you who will be doing a test for a drivers license in California. Make sure that whatever insurance documentation you take with you either has that particular car listed, or that it plainly states, (on the stuff you take) that it will cover any car. I had to call and request that they fax confirmation this morning to the DMV in a panic that my policy covers rentals.
Also when doing the test, the front of the front bumper is not allowed over the limit line... This was my only fault (x4).
The picture that goes on the drivers license is taken when you go for the written test. They will not change it until after you get the license in the mail.
I hope this is useful to someone
Vic
Just a headsup for those of you who will be doing a test for a drivers license in California. Make sure that whatever insurance documentation you take with you either has that particular car listed, or that it plainly states, (on the stuff you take) that it will cover any car. I had to call and request that they fax confirmation this morning to the DMV in a panic that my policy covers rentals.
Also when doing the test, the front of the front bumper is not allowed over the limit line... This was my only fault (x4).
The picture that goes on the drivers license is taken when you go for the written test. They will not change it until after you get the license in the mail.
I hope this is useful to someone
Vic
#2
Re: Drivers License just passed...
Of course. Anyone who has a British licence and who can't pass a US road test should hang their head in shame!
Congratulations BTW!
Congratulations BTW!
#3
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 341
Re: Drivers License just passed...
I am currently practising my head-hanging skills.
Congrats on the pass
Congrats on the pass
#5
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 20
Re: Drivers License just passed...
Thanks all . One more thing though... DO NOT hand the person behind the desk your british license after you pass... Tell her it is in the car or something... I did and she punched a hole in it with a hole punch, even after I told her not to. Anyway new one ordered from DVLA... A £20 mistake...
#6
BE Enthusiast
Joined: May 2009
Location: DC Metro Area
Posts: 305
Re: Drivers License just passed...
Thanks all . One more thing though... DO NOT hand the person behind the desk your british license after you pass... Tell her it is in the car or something... I did and she punched a hole in it with a hole punch, even after I told her not to. Anyway new one ordered from DVLA... A £20 mistake...
#7
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2014
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 186
Re: Drivers License just passed...
Should be taking my CA test in a couple of weeks. Have to say that I'm not looking forward to it as I haven't actually driven much in the last 3 years. But it's only 15 minutes? How many mistakes can I make in 15 minutes? ...Erm, probably quite a few.
#9
in Northern California
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 284
Re: Drivers License just passed...
All,
Just a headsup for those of you who will be doing a test for a drivers license in California. Make sure that whatever insurance documentation you take with you either has that particular car listed, or that it plainly states, (on the stuff you take) that it will cover any car.
Vic
Just a headsup for those of you who will be doing a test for a drivers license in California. Make sure that whatever insurance documentation you take with you either has that particular car listed, or that it plainly states, (on the stuff you take) that it will cover any car.
Vic
Ultimately, I contacted a local driving school. They said I could use their vehicle if I purchased one 1-hour lesson. I scheduled the lesson immediately prior to my test appointment. Although I'd be driving for 20 years in the UK, the instructor gave me some great tips for passing the test! e.g. He pointed out all of the blind intersections on their test routes. I passed with flying colors and certainly wasn't unhappy about the few extra bucks I spent with the driving school.
#10
in Northern California
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 284
Re: Drivers License just passed...
The California DMV states "If you become a California resident, you must get a California driver license within 10 days."
On a related note, California does not recognize an International Drivers Permit either.
#11
Re: Drivers License just passed...
In any case a international driving permit isn't worth the paper it's printed on, except to the extent that it's a translation of your (British) licence.
Last edited by Pulaski; Apr 22nd 2014 at 6:34 pm.
#13
in Northern California
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 284
Re: Drivers License just passed...
I question whether it would be valid in the UK either. Holders of a UK drivers license are under a legal obligation to report changes of name and/or address. And DVLA will not issue licenses with non-UK addresses. Thus it's hard to see how it would be valid in the UK if you reside in the USA.
Perhaps it would still be valid if one visited Canada, France, Italy, or whatever. However, I suspect that a license without a true and current residence address would be technically invalid in many jurisdictions.
I think the prudent course of action is for folks to obtain a drivers license from the appropriate authority within whose jurisdiction they reside.
#14
Re: Drivers License just passed...
Very helpful info! I passed my UK driving test just three months ago knowing I was moving to the States... didn't want to go in blind in the US :-/
#15
Re: Drivers License just passed...
Well, it certainly would not be valid in California if you were a California resident.
I question whether it would be valid in the UK either. Holders of a UK drivers license are under a legal obligation to report changes of name and/or address. And DVLA will not issue licenses with non-UK addresses. Thus it's hard to see how it would be valid in the UK if you reside in the USA.
I question whether it would be valid in the UK either. Holders of a UK drivers license are under a legal obligation to report changes of name and/or address. And DVLA will not issue licenses with non-UK addresses. Thus it's hard to see how it would be valid in the UK if you reside in the USA.
Many temporary residents in Australia (most states) are allowed to drive indefinitely on an overseas licence, as long as it remains valid.
I think the prudent course of action is for folks to obtain a drivers license from the appropriate authority within whose jurisdiction they reside.
Since, as you note above, DVLA will not issue a new licence to a non-GB address, those who do not obtain local licences will have a problem if they lose their licence.
However, there are some people (including some in Australia) who cannot obtain a local licence, even if they want to.