Bob

In MA, you've got 30 days, which is better, but they're getting strict about it. I know someone who got pulled over on the Mass Pike, ended up getting her car towed, done for speeding, done for driving without a valid license and done for driving without valid insurance. Very expensive on top of the cost of the tow and having the car impounded and then getting points on the future license.

The cop did at least wait with her by the side of the motorway till a colleague was able to come by and pick her up.

FinnDiego

Yeah, I've never heard of anybody getting into serious trouble about this. You can buy a car, get insured etc with a foreign license, and I'm not sure the insurance companies can really deny you coverage after they have accepted you. Mind you they can drop you if anything happens but then they can do that anyway!

I agree with others that you'll want to get your local license ASAP - if anything it will make your life a million times easier any time you want to buy a beer. However it's effectively impossible to get one within the ten-day window, since you can't even get an SSN that quickly and you'll need an SSN (if you qualify for one) for a drivers license.

Now I think it's stupid that California DMV has set an impossible time limit, but there you go. One way to look at it is that the definition for establishing residency is very vague and might give people more time. One way or another thousands of people drive with a foreign license for quite a while after moving to California every year.

MMcD

Both can be quite nice - as is "North Hollywood" which is adjacent to Studio City ( not to be confused with Hollywood itself - which is nowhere near there.) Be warned however - these communities are all located in what is known as "The Valley" -that part of LA north of Mulholland Blvd. They tend to be much much smoggier. And in summer - can be 10-15 degrees (Fahrenheit) hotter - a veritable oven.
It's all a matter of taste - but if I had to live in the Valley I would definitely look for something high up in the hills ( as close to Mulholland as possible). The air is better, views can be phenomenal and it's quite rural.
Good luck with your move

MMcD

Tho the posts date back to 2010 - they seem to contain what might be helpful info for you - which would still be relevant.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic...alifornia.html

As far as insurance is concerned - I've been with several different companies - but once I finally switched to the Auto Club (AAA) years ago - I never again considered going elsewhere. I've found they have the best rates plus - if you ever do need to file a claim (hope you don't) - their follow thru is terrific and very helpful.

Hotscot

Been here, from Glasgow, for 12 years.
Took me 8 years before doing the driving test however I do now realize I could have been in trouble if I was ever stopped. "Could have" because I did get done for speeding, (first time in my life), and driving on my UK license made no difference.
The insurance company, AIG, insured me no problem.
When I did do the test, practically just driving round the block and parking. No sweat.

Anyway....you'll become very familiar with the freeways, especially the 405

Life out here has been pretty good. My employment has paid a lot more than I'd expect in the UK. It's still a cool feeling to be driving around in a tshirt in winter, the sun streaming in. And the quintessential palm tree lined street as the sun sets...

Great beaches, drives to the mountains, the central coast, Vegas, Death Valley, up the 395 to Tahoe...there's plenty outside stuff to do. People generally friendly and interested although sometimes a bit rushed.
(You'll have some guy rushing to cut you off on the freeway then minutes later telling you to please go ahead of him in McDonalds.)

It's been a very interesting time of my life and I am a US citizen now but, long story, I only initially came for a six month contract and I'd like to go spend some time home in Scotland. As would my wife from North Dakota, she's like, "You've been here 12 years, I want to live in Scotland some time."
So I guess that's the plan. We'll head over in five or so years and spend at least three years in the UK so she can get a UK passport. That way we can visit Europe quite often also.

Beyond that no idea where to retire but at least we'll have choice.

helpmeplease123

It is a fact (and best you know this now) that once in their car EVERY SINGLE PERSON in LA is a total A-Hole... don't expect it to be anything like driving in England, it is a massive, rude, free-for-all. If you make the mistake of indicating on a freeway to change lane, they will speed up to block you doing it. Earlier today, I heard an old dude screaming you f-ing c*** at a young girl who didn't go immediately when the light turned green. No one will EVER say thank you. People will cruise alongside others in the fast lane on the freeway at 70 and not let you overtake. Everyone drives right on your arse and then constantly need to emergency stop. People fill their trucks with stuff and don't secure it properly. This really frustrated/scared (last week a MATTRESS landed on my boyfriends windshield) me at the beginning, so it's best to be prepared for it! As hotscot said, i'm sure they're all lovely people normally but LA people in their cars are like Londoners on the tube...

Hotscot

That's very true about the mattress...you always see small trucks piled with mattresses on the 405...what's that all about?

helpmeplease123

I wish I knew what the 405 was all about

GeoffM

What's with all the mattresses full stop. I don't think I've ever seen a "mattress store" in the UK, yet here they're all over the place! But having said that, I did buy a full the other day for our spare bedroom - however, I did manage to get it inside our Grand Caravan. I also learned that you can buy recon them here, which basically means they reuse the springs, replace any worn out springs, and put new covers on. Not quite as gross as I originally thought when I saw the tag.

FinnDiego

Surely even folks in LA need somewhere to park?

Ryan NI

4 days to go before our move and to say things are stressed is an understatement!!

Hotscot

When I moved I brought a box of cd's and a box of comics. Bought everything else here.

helpmeplease123

My bad... I thought they were using the 110 for that. That must be their staging area.