E3only

Hi there,

Here is the situation. I have been here not even 8 weeks. Like everyone else I had to wait for a few weeks to get the SSN and bank accounts sorted.

Last weekend I got my CA drivers permit (had to wait 3 weeks for appointment) but have to wait a further 7 weeks for behind the wheel test. I have tried all DMVs that are close to where I live and the earliest is 7 weeks from now. I want to buy a car ASAP and 99% I will need an auto loan. Although I know there is nothing stopping me from buying a car, a couple of insurance agents have said they can not sell me auto insurance as the licnese is a permit not a full license yet.

Is there not anyway I can buy a car and insure it without of course having to pay thousands of dollars?

Any help appreciated.

Regards

Englishtart

Wow! 7 weeks for a test? That is stupid, every State I have lived you can just walk in and get your test the same day. Hope you get some help.

N1cky

We bought a car before passing our tests. Insured through 21st Century (was AIG). We didn't bother with permits just used our UK license until we took the test. The insurance company were fine with this.

S Folinsky

California has a budget crisis and the appointments are strung out a lot. If I were OP, he might consider taking a day off, arrive at a DMV at 7:00 a.m. and get wait-list in case some-one does not show up. I recently had to go to DMV to transfer title on a car one of my offspring purchased. I had to wait in line and it took about 3 hours.

I do NOT know if they have wait-lists for driver's tests.

Englishtart

Maybe 'IF' you can call them, you could ask, sounds like a plan to me.

E3only

Hi:

I was working of the assumption that one needs an appointment to take driving tests and so I booked one. Yes that's right 7 weeks is the earliest in a 20 mile radios DMV offices. I am thinking of driving up north 45 miles and I hear the appintment there could be quicker!

Cheers

E3only

Thanks, I remember the agent at dealer saying they can provide insurance based on overseas license no problems. I might try that for a couple of months until I get this license done?!

henryh

If you go back and show the DMV your British license they should give you a temporary license rather than a learner's permit. That might go further with the insurers.

Geico and Progressive are good ones to try in CA for new (non)immigrants.

E3only

Bast*rds, that was the first thing I showed them. I had my Australian license ready when I walked up to the desk....she saw the license and then typed whatever she had to type and asked me to line up for the Photo and Tests. I did the tests and passed and the other lady then handed me the temporary license (I mean paper permit). That's all. Had I known I could have got a temporary license, I would have asked. There is no way they will be sending it in the mail given they did see my Australian license?

I wouldnt mind going back but gosh, for the written tests I had to wait for 2.5 weeks to get an appointment. This month, professionally is the busiest for me so day of is out of question, kinda.

HannahP

As long as you have a UK driving license then Geiko should insure you. We also got a car loan before having a CA license.

E3only

I am not a UK expat. I am from Australia.

traceym

Dont know where you live but I took my test in April and it was a 3 week wait in San Jose.

E3only

So do they accept walk ins? I might just drive up north to Vacaville or whatever and get the tests done there.

Michael

They all take appointments but I think you can walk-in and wait on standby in case someone misses their appointment. You may have a better chance of a no show in a larger DMV office (chance would seem to be greater of a no show if there are many examiners).

If you decide to wait for a no show, I'd arrive as soon as they open the office so you'd be first in line.

Bootle

You know that it's summer holidays so there are probably a greater demand for tests at this time. You still have to take a test if you have an Australian license but you don't need the learner's permit.