AlistairL

Hey

Just got my immigrant visa and headed to California in about 4 weeks.

I already have a job lined up but required to pass my driving test pretty soon after I arrive.

So I wan't to hit the ground running. Does anyone know if you get some sort of temporary license if you have a full driving license from another country.

Does anyone know of any good websites I can look at to get to know exactly whats required to pass the written and practical tests?

Thanks in advance!

Englishman43

When I got mine ( 13 years ago ) the UK license wasn't transferable but I drove on an International license 'till I took my test. You will find the test a doddle compared to the UK test.

Just google California DMV etc you'll find stuff.

traceym

The Law says as a resident of CA you must pass your test in 10 days, sounds simple but, in CA you need your SSN to apply for your license mine took 3 weeks to come through. You have to take and pass your written test (you can do this as a walk in no need for an appointment,) before you can get your driving test appointment, they schedule it when you pass your written test, my appointment was a month after I passed the written test. However when you take your written test if you show them your full UK license they will issue you with a full temporary 3 month US license.

DMV's vary greatly on wait times you are best to Google the ones in the area where you will be living and get in touch with them re wait times.

Also on the DMV website is the free motoring handbook and a set of theory questions to practice, it is very simple and mostly common sense.

The actual driving test is about 5 minutes long a simple drive around the block, dont let that bit worry you!

AlistairL

OK thanks.

I already have my SSN as I was on a J1 a few years back.

So correct me if I'm wrong. I can drive a car there but only for the first 10 days. Within that 10 days I can take my written assessment show them my UK driving license, receive the temporary drivers license thats good for three months, book my test and sit it hopefully within a month or so.

So this means I can drive straight away? As long as I have insurance?

Thanks

traceym

Yes, you can do walk in's at the DMV, go in, get form, fill out, take your UK license, Passport, proof of residency my Greencard came the same day as my SSN, no doubt your Passport with stamped Visa will do. Do written test, good to go. There are big signs all over the place at our DMV that you cant do the written test after 4pm (I think its 4, could be 4.30) so make sure you go earlier. Monday is the worst day to do walk ins around here.

Sally Redux

Also check online that they're open, they are furloughed some Fridays.

If you look up California DMV online you can see the Driver's Handbook with all the questions in the test, and you can do practice tests online.

S Folinsky

California DMV has youtube videos -- which have been somewhat updated recently.

Poppy girl

You can book the test so you are ready to take it when you get here do it online I believe or call them and book it.

md95065

Actually you don't need proof of "residency" - you need proof of "legal presence" for which, yes, your UK passport with an appropriate visa in it should suffice, but depending on which particular DMV employee you end up in front of your mileage may vary ...

The full list of acceptable documents can be found here

traceym

OOOPs wrong words again sorry I'm not perfect!