Written by Yang Yue
Having a driver ‘s license is essential in California. It is not only permission that allows you to drive the vehicle in California, but also a photo ID used in various places, i.e., picking up your order from supermarket. Therefore, having a driver’s license could make your life and study here very convenient. In this article, I’ll introduce the California driver’s license and how to get it.
On a California driver’s license, it includes some information related to your identity, e.g., full name, date of birth, home address, headshot photo, and physical description (sex, height, weight, hair color, eye color). Generally we will apply for the noncommercial type driver licence, and the basic driver’s license (class C) is the most widely used one for us.
You could apply for a California driver’s license at any DMV in California. there are several DMVs near the campus, such as Costa Mesa, Laguna Hills, Westminster. Generally, the application process includes three steps: submitting the application, taking the knowledge test, and taking the driving test, and we will introduce these steps in more detail in the following part.
First, you need to submit the application to DMV. You should visit the California DMV website to submit an electronic application and get an appointment. Then you go to a local office to finish. When you go to DMV office, you need to carry some documents to verify your identity and residency. The first file is the identity document to indicate who you are, they should be the original and certified document issued by the authority, such as your passport. You also need to have two different documents to indicate your residency status. The files must provide information about your full name and current address in California. If you have a Social Security Number (SSN), you can use it for REAL ID Compliant DL. Moreover, if you have a driver’s license or permit that is issued by any state, you could carry it to the office as well. You could make an appointment with the local office before you go there. However, sometimes the local office could be very busy and it is not easy to make an appointment in advance, walk-in is also acceptable by some of the DMV office. Please check to make sure you can walk in without an appoinment.
When you are in the DMV office, you need to provide your application ID and these documents to the representative, they will check your information and help you to set up a record in the system. You need to pay the application fee at that time, cash and debit cards are the accepted payment methods. After that, you will be instructed to provide a signature, have a vision test, scan your fingerprint, and take a headshot photo. For the vision test, you could wear corrective lenses and the representative would mark that in your application. The signature, photo, and wearing corrective lenses (if needed) will appear on your driver’s license. After you finish all these, you could have the knowledge test.
The knowledge test is required for application, the aim is to test if you understand the law and rules of driving in California. Before taking the test, you should prepare by studying the California Driver Handbook, which is the official material provided by California DMV. Also, you can search online to prepare for the test. The knowledge test is provided in various languages, including English, Chinese, Spanish, etc. If you take the test that is not provided in English, an extra road sign test is needed to make sure you can understand the road sign. Nowadays, the knowledge test is taken on the computer, once you finish the test, the computer will automatically grade your test and give you the result. If you fail the test, you can follow the instructions on the computer to retest, and you will have three chances to pass the test, otherwise, you need to submit your application again. When you pass the knowledge test, you will receive a provisional permit. The provisional permit means you could drive in California, but have to accompany with a person who has California driver’s license.
The next step is to have the driving test, also called behind-wheel test. The aim of this test is to make sure you master the basic skills to drive on the road, such as changing the lane, turning left/right, stopping at the stop sign and so on. In order to prepare, you could borrow a car to practice or hire a personal coach. When you think you are ready to take the test, you need to make an appointment before taking the test, either through the DMV website or by calling DMV. You need to have a car for the test, and accompanied by a person who has a California driver’s license. When you arrive at the DMV office, the representative of DMV will check the documents of the car, especially the vehicle insurance, so make sure you have these documents with you. After checking these documents, you just need to wait in your car. The test instructor will first inspect the car to make sure its condition is ready for the test. Then the instructor will test you some basic operations, i.e., parking brake, signal light, and so on. After that, you will start the driving test and drive around the DMV office, following the instructor’s instruction. When you drive back to DMV’s parking lot and stop at the designated place, the instructor will give you the test result and tell you if you pass or not. If you fail the test, you need to schedule another test, and you have three attempts. If you pass the test, the office will give you a temporary driver’s license, then you could drive by yourself. The official driver’s license will be mail to your address later.
Now, with your driver’s license, you could drive to the grocery store, the beach, or the national park, just enjoy the life in California!
Reference:
1. Requirements for a California Driver License (FFDL 5), https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/pubs/brochures/fast_facts/ffdl05
2. California Driver Handbook, https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/pubs/hdbk/driver_handbook_toc