KLondon

I've been trying to find information on driving schools in California (Valley area, Van Nuys, Sherman Oaks... or anywhere near).

So far I've contacted 5 schools I've found and all of them have said they're online driving schools.

I assume since these were the only schools I could find in the area that the terminology differs over here.

Could someone clarify a few related questions ?

I assume as a J1 visa holder I need to take the California driving tests in order to drive here ?

• Are there practical driving schools ? What's the correct terminology to find them ?
• Where is the theory test taken ?
• How does the US driving test differ to British (other than opposite side of road) ?

Thank You

K

Michael

I think if you search for adult or student driving schools, that will direct you to web sites that give road driving instructions. I believe that student driving schools also have a department that trains adults.

http://www.samdrivingschools.com/adult-driving-programs

N1cky

I had a lesson with these, just because I was nervous about driving around LA. The guy who came out was really nice and helpful.

http://www.driverseddirect.com/Los-A...rivers-ed.aspx

Bob

Can you already drive?

If so, then you don't really need lessons.

Get the drivers hand book from the DMV site, read it, especially the stuff on teenagers and drink driving penalty points.

Test is usually a multichoice at the DMV, on a computer probably.

As for the actual driving test, most folks say it's pretty short, 5-10 minutes of driving around the block if it even gets out of the parking lot. Only really need to worry about stopping at stop signs and again at the line and then junction if they're staggered, to not speed and over exaggerate head movements when looking in the mirror/turning.

kimilseung

"Drivers Ed" might be a good phrase to search on.

Scouse Express

Your nearest "Community College" is a good place to start.

jackattack

Maybe the driving schools that you have contacted are what Americans call "Traffic School". If you receive a ticket for a driving offense when you already have your license, you are often allowed to pay a fine and go to online 'traffic school'. I'm guessing these are the people you are talking to. They don't teach you how to drive, but give lessons on things like what alcohol does to your reaction times, driving while under the influence, safety rules etc.

Michael

What you didn't say is the reason is that the violation is expunged from your record if you attend a traffic school. That is what I thought may have been happening when I first read her post but didn't mention it.

KLondon

Yeah I believe so. I just want some practice


Ah I understand why they have them I just wasn't sure why that was the only type of driving school available I have a number of helpful links I'm going to contact now from people in this thread.

On another note, does anyone have any idea as to the best area to take the test, I've been told I sit between 3 offices Hollywood, Van Nuys, Glendale. Are any of these better or worse than the other ?

Are there any areas I could drive around once I get the permit to practice and get used to the area?

Thanks again

K

N1cky

None of them, take yourself off to Winnetka.

Sally Redux

My kids used this one:

http://safetyfirstds.com/

Thousand Oaks DMV has quieter roads for the test than Winnetka but it may be too far for you.

KLondon

Thanks, I'll keep Thousand Oaks in mind.

I thought Pasadena might have been a good one but not sure if it's worth doing anywhere other than where I am now if I don't have the opportunity to drive around the same areas as the test before the test ? (I'm sure there's a shorter way to structure that!! )

Pulaski

Agreed 200%. .... Oh, and you get a "full" license even though you are (I presume) taking your test in an automatic. (For the pedants round here, yes, I know there is no such thing in the US as an "automatic license". )

I'm pretty sure my mother could pass a US driving test without taking lessons, .... and she's never had a British license.

Sally Redux

Yes good point.

N1cky

It's usually not a problem, it's not like the UK test. Both me and my husband did the test in Winnetka, and just drove around 2 blocks. No silly routes, or hillstarts to contend with here. The out of the way DMV's are usually just in less built up places, which is why they are often recommended