How to Gain Status as a Legal Driver in California - Visit your CA DMV Now

So, you’ve finally moved out west to the golden state of California. Whether you plan on hunting gold, chasing the sun, surfing in the brisk surf or following your own dreams in star-filled Hollywood, you’ve still got to find your way to the local CA state DMV eventually. You can find the closest DMV by simply visiting http://dmv.ca.gov. This web site has plenty of useful information, but unfortunately it can’t replace your need to actually physically visit the CA DMV office.

As a new resident moving into California from another one of the remarkable 49, you’ll need to at a minimum take your written test. Yes, even if you boast a sparkling clean record from your prior residence, you’ll have to take a written test and a vision test. According to the CA DMV you will need to take obtain a CA Drivers License within 20 days of becoming a CA resident, meaning you have obtained employment in the state or have enrolled in an educational institution. As a visitor to CA, you can continue driving with an out-of-state license as long as your license is valid.

If you are over 18 years of age, to apply for a CA Drivers License you must: provide a completed application form DL-44 (you can download this form prior to showing up at the DMV or you can complete it at the CA DMV office), provide a thumb print, have your photo taken, provide your social security number, verify your birth date and legal presence, provide your true full name, pay the application fee, pass a vision exam, and pass a traffic laws and sign test. You will be given three chances to pass the written test. More information on these requirements can be found at http://dmv.ca.gov/dl/dl_info.htm#2500. Additional requirements exist for those under 18 seeking a learner’s permit and for those seeking a motorcycle license.

You’ll also need to plan to register your car within 20 days of moving to CA in order to avoid any penalties. The CA DMV web site features a helpful checklist for registering an out-of-state vehicle that can be found at http://dmv.ca.gov/vr/checklists/outofstate.htm.

For some, simply taking the CA DMV Written Test will be the most daunting task standing in the way of receiving the coveted CA Drivers License. Help is available for mastering the written test. A first, and highly recommended, stop is the CA DMV web site to download the free manual. There are also study guides and practice tests available online and in the back of the manual. One handy resource is DMVCheatsheets.com, a company that provides a condensed study guide for those without the time to read through the entire manual. Additional study tips can be found at web sites such as About.com and DMVCheatsheets.com.