First-time driver's license for adults in CA?

Question

I'm 24, and never had a driver's license in the US. I plan on moving to CA in a few months and buying a car.
I'm trying to figure out what'd be better, get the license while I'm here in Chicago, or just wait for CA, buy insurance, take the exams there, and then buy the car.

1. Is there a waiting period before I will have complete driving privileges?

2. Does one usually need to retake the exams in order to transfer an out-of-state (IL) license into a CA one? Does it matter if you've had the license for years or weeks?

bostonian is right, I found out that CA drivers handbook which says the most US license transfer won't need retaking the driving exam. Thanks, folks.

Answer 1

You won't have to take the CA road test if you have an IL license and if IL has reciprocity with CA. You will have to take the written and pass the eye test. One day is good enough for license tranferability.

If you're over 21, you'll have full driving privileges as soon as you pass the tests. The graduated licenses are for under 18s or under 21s; it varies from state to state.

Answer 2

Even if you had a license before you still need to take the California exams, written and driving. Whether you had it for a day or 10 years somewhere else. Once you have it there are no limitations (except commercial and motorcycle).
To make it easy on yourself, you may want to take the exam in a small or rural place.(suburb).
You had a license outside the USA? Should make it easier, unless you were used to a right hand drive.
If you have a 'foreign' drivers license, which is still valid, you can use it until you get the local one.