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It is very convenient to have a driver's license. In California,
most business transactions require showing your driver's license as a form
of identification. It can sometimes be very difficult to cash a check or
use a personal check if you do not have a driver's license. For those who
do not wish to get a driver's license, we suggest you obtain a California
I.D. card, also available from the DMV. For information about driving rules
and regulations, see the
California Driver's Handbook.
The telephone number for the California State Department
of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is 800-777-0133 for both general information and
appointments.
First time applicants must present evidence of date of
birth, such as a birth certificate or passport. Please also bring your I-20
form. |
The DMV requires both a written test and a road test before
a driver's license is issued. The written test examines your knowledge of
driving rules and regulations in California, while the road test portion
tests actual driving skills, including road signs. If you pass both tests,
you will complete a form with personal information (name, address, etc.),
and take a vision test. Your photo will be taken and the license will be
mailed to you within 4 - 6 weeks.
Be sure to bring an international driver's license with
you, so that you can drive a car immediately upon arrival. It will take
4 - 6 weeks to get a California Driver's License. Most banks or stores will
not accept an international driver's license as an identification card.
For participants who already have a U.S. driver's license and/or a car,
please visit the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) web page to answer your
questions about obtaining a California drivers license and registering your
car.
CA Driver License
F-1 students, who intend to drive in the U.S, must get a California drivers
license.
The Application Procedure
- Visit a DMV office (make an appointment online for faster
service). Make sure to bring your I-20, I-94 card and passport when you
go to the appointment)
- Complete application form DL 44 and pay the application
fee
- Pass a vision exam and written exam. There are 36 questions
on the test. You have three chances to pass.
- Once you pass the written test you will get an interim
driving license that you may use together with your home country driving
license to start practicing for the driving test. If you have a license
from another country, you will be required to take a driving test. If you
have a license from another state, the driving test can be waived. You
have three chances to pass the driving test. Call a DMV office to set up
an appointment. (Driving tests are not given without an appointment.) Phone:
1-800-777-0133
- After you pass your drive test you will be issued an
interim license valid for 60 days until you receive your new photo license
in the mail. If you did not present complete documentation to verify birth
date and legal presence, you will be issued a temporary license valid for
60 days until you complete the documentation requirements. Make sure you
provide the DMV with your correct mailing address.
California Identification (ID) Cards
DMV issues ID cards to persons of any age. The ID card is similar to a drivers
license, but is used for identification purposes only. A regular ID card
is valid for 6 years. For further information please visit DMV website at:
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/ |
