How to get a Driver's License in California, US
The California DMV web site has all the information but you can follow below steps to make the entire process smooth, if you are not seeking any help from the local driving schools (this blog is for those with good driving experience outside US and are applying for DL for the first time in California).
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/dl/dl_info#two500
Step1: Visit the nearest DMV Office and pick the application form - DL44 and also the latest DMV Handbook
Step2: Take appointment for written test
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/dmv/onlinesvcs/appointment
Click on Office Visit Appointment
Choose the nearest DMV Office (for written test, you can go with the near-by office as the criteria)
Items to process could be 1, 2 or 3 depending on how many individuals are taking the appointment for the written test. Example: If you are taking the appointment just for you, item would be 1; if it is for you and your spouse both, item would be 2
Apply for, replace, or renew a California DL/ID:
Ensure First Name and Last Name are as per the passport or any other valid photo id card that you carry.
Step3:
Have the filled-in application form and documents ready
Go through the list of documents required and have the file ready. Looking at the list and realizing missing documents after talking to the officer in the counter, will be waste a lot of your time - taking prior appointment is not worth it in that case.
Prepare for the written test.
There will be 36 questions in the online test and you need to score minimum of 30 to pass. In one go, you will get 3 chances to try.
You may have to read the book at-least 2 times, then take 8-10 sample tests and then re-read certain topics based on your weak areas per sample tests.
Better to download eBook and read, which is more intuitive and has relevant videos as well. I still used the book for final read to underline the important points etc (Trust me, the written test is not easy)
Step4: Time for written test!
Report on time in DMV Office, 30min prior to the appointment time
First, all the documents will be verified
Then, you will have to pay the fees for written test, get the SSN verified and finger prints will be taken
Next will the picture
and then finally to the written test online
60 to 70% of the questions would be from the sample tests you did but, there will be some questions outside the sample tests and that will assess your real understanding of the rules along with common sense. So, think and do well.
All the best!!!
If passed, move on to the next step:)
Step5: Identify the DMV Office where you would like to take the behind-the-wheel driving test
THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT
Criteria for identifying the DMV Office
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/portal/foa/welcome
Click on Behind-the-Wheel Drive Test
Choose the DMV Office you identified
Type of Test - Automobile (Class C)
Permit/Driver's License # would be from the temporary learner permit you would have received after passing the written test.
Step 6: Prepare for the Driving Test
Even if you have been the best driver in town/city that you come from, it is very important not to ignore this preparation and practice!
First, understand the controls and indicators on your car.
Check if there is any help online regarding the driving test routes for practice for the DMV Office that you have chosen.
It would be a good idea to have someone with California DL and driving experience to accompany for a couple of hours for the practice around the DMV Office. If not, have someone else accompany as you practice.
Before you go for practice, identify 6-8 routes starting from the DMV Office and ending at the DMV office. If you did not get any help from online regarding the routes, your first day of practice can be dedicated to identifying 6-8 routes.
Have your friend start navigation thru maps from current location to DMV office, then take different left/right/straight routes for 7-8 min away from DMV office and then come back to DMV office. Basically you need to get familiar with the surroundings.
Till your next visit to DMV neighborhood, follow this approach to which ever place you drive along with a friend - Let the friend randomly guide you with left/right/straight navigation instructions to your destination.
Next practice session should be to follow the routes identified during last practice session. Don't forget to practice parallel parking.
The key to practice:
Take the practice for the test very seriously; keep talking to friends and colleagues about the points / aspects where they had failed the DMV test (if they had, at all).
I was disqualified from the driving test first time even before getting out of the DMV Office, as I rolled little before stopping the vehicle for a pedestrian crossing the internal road of DMV office 10ft away from the car! So, the driving tests could be that strict.
Step7: Have the required documents ready
Step 8: Time for the driving test!
Be at the DMV office 30min before the appointment
At the counter, your documents will be verified and you will be asked to go the driving test lane with car.
The assigned examiner will first assess your knowledge of controls and indicators of the car used for the test and also assesses the condition of the car.
The the examiner will get into the car and start giving you instructions for driving.
The test usually lasts for 15-25min.
Be attentive to the instructions and drive safe!
All the best!
If you cleared the driving test, you will be issued a temporary permit and the DL card would be delivered to your residence within 2 weeks.
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/dl/dl_info#two500
Step1: Visit the nearest DMV Office and pick the application form - DL44 and also the latest DMV Handbook
Step2: Take appointment for written test
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/dmv/onlinesvcs/appointment
Click on Office Visit Appointment
Choose the nearest DMV Office (for written test, you can go with the near-by office as the criteria)
Items to process could be 1, 2 or 3 depending on how many individuals are taking the appointment for the written test. Example: If you are taking the appointment just for you, item would be 1; if it is for you and your spouse both, item would be 2
Apply for, replace, or renew a California DL/ID:
Ensure First Name and Last Name are as per the passport or any other valid photo id card that you carry.
Step3:
Have the filled-in application form and documents ready
Go through the list of documents required and have the file ready. Looking at the list and realizing missing documents after talking to the officer in the counter, will be waste a lot of your time - taking prior appointment is not worth it in that case.
Prepare for the written test.
There will be 36 questions in the online test and you need to score minimum of 30 to pass. In one go, you will get 3 chances to try.
You may have to read the book at-least 2 times, then take 8-10 sample tests and then re-read certain topics based on your weak areas per sample tests.
Better to download eBook and read, which is more intuitive and has relevant videos as well. I still used the book for final read to underline the important points etc (Trust me, the written test is not easy)
Step4: Time for written test!
Report on time in DMV Office, 30min prior to the appointment time
First, all the documents will be verified
Then, you will have to pay the fees for written test, get the SSN verified and finger prints will be taken
Next will the picture
and then finally to the written test online
60 to 70% of the questions would be from the sample tests you did but, there will be some questions outside the sample tests and that will assess your real understanding of the rules along with common sense. So, think and do well.
All the best!!!
If passed, move on to the next step:)
Step5: Identify the DMV Office where you would like to take the behind-the-wheel driving test
THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT
Criteria for identifying the DMV Office
- How busy are the roads in neighborhood
- Feedback from friends and online forums:)
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/portal/foa/welcome
Click on Behind-the-Wheel Drive Test
Choose the DMV Office you identified
Type of Test - Automobile (Class C)
Permit/Driver's License # would be from the temporary learner permit you would have received after passing the written test.
Step 6: Prepare for the Driving Test
Even if you have been the best driver in town/city that you come from, it is very important not to ignore this preparation and practice!
First, understand the controls and indicators on your car.
Check if there is any help online regarding the driving test routes for practice for the DMV Office that you have chosen.
It would be a good idea to have someone with California DL and driving experience to accompany for a couple of hours for the practice around the DMV Office. If not, have someone else accompany as you practice.
Before you go for practice, identify 6-8 routes starting from the DMV Office and ending at the DMV office. If you did not get any help from online regarding the routes, your first day of practice can be dedicated to identifying 6-8 routes.
Have your friend start navigation thru maps from current location to DMV office, then take different left/right/straight routes for 7-8 min away from DMV office and then come back to DMV office. Basically you need to get familiar with the surroundings.
Till your next visit to DMV neighborhood, follow this approach to which ever place you drive along with a friend - Let the friend randomly guide you with left/right/straight navigation instructions to your destination.
Next practice session should be to follow the routes identified during last practice session. Don't forget to practice parallel parking.
- While driving on road, pull the car aside, and reverse it in straight line
- When you arrive at DMV office, park the car perfectly in the parking lot
The key to practice:
- how keenly you observe the signs and instructions on either side of the road
- apply the knowledge acquired from DMV Handbook - if the book says halt at a STOP, it means, you need to get to zero, before you creep further!
- Use of side and rear view mirrors, looking over shoulder to check for blind spots
- Yielding to pedestrians, workers and EMS/public safety vehicles etc
Take the practice for the test very seriously; keep talking to friends and colleagues about the points / aspects where they had failed the DMV test (if they had, at all).
I was disqualified from the driving test first time even before getting out of the DMV Office, as I rolled little before stopping the vehicle for a pedestrian crossing the internal road of DMV office 10ft away from the car! So, the driving tests could be that strict.
Step7: Have the required documents ready
Step 8: Time for the driving test!
Be at the DMV office 30min before the appointment
At the counter, your documents will be verified and you will be asked to go the driving test lane with car.
The assigned examiner will first assess your knowledge of controls and indicators of the car used for the test and also assesses the condition of the car.
The the examiner will get into the car and start giving you instructions for driving.
The test usually lasts for 15-25min.
Be attentive to the instructions and drive safe!
All the best!
If you cleared the driving test, you will be issued a temporary permit and the DL card would be delivered to your residence within 2 weeks.
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