Questions about California driving laws.. please help!?

Question

My friend and I are planning to go to the DMV this saturday to get our permits to legally learn how to drive. (i'm 19 and she's 18) I already know how to drive, so does my friend, but I recently heard that even if you're over 18 you still need a permit for [x] amount of months, is this true? or can I walk in and take my drivers test? Does anyone know what the California law says? [please, only CA drivers - thank you] and don't say call the DMV- the rude biotch on the phone hung up on me!

i took drivers ed sophomore yr of high school and the laws have supposedly changed since then. I can pass the written test, I have a car, insurance, registration, but all i need is a licence. im 19 now, why should it matter whether or not i have a permit. if it does, someone please tell me! thank you!

Answer 1

How to apply for a driver license if you are over 18

If you are a visitor in California over 18 and have a valid driver license from your home state or country, you may drive in this state without getting a California driver license as long as your home state license remains valid.

If you take a job here or become a resident, you must get a California driver license within 10 days. Residency is established by voting in a California election, paying resident tuition, filing for a homeowner's property tax exemption, or any other privilege or benefit not ordinarily extended to nonresidents.

To apply for an original driver license if you are over 18, you will need to do the following:

Visit a DMV office (make an appointment for faster service)
Complete application form DL 44 (An original DL 44 form must be submitted. Copies will not be accepted.)
Give a thumb print
Have your picture taken
Provide your social security number. It will be verified with the Social Security Administration while you are in the office.
Verify your birth date and legal presence
Provide your true full name
Pay the application fee
Pass a vision exam
Pass a traffic laws and sign test. There are 36 questions on the test. You have three chances to pass.(Sample Test)
Note: To allow you sufficient time for testing DMV will not be administering written or audio exams after 4:30 p.m.

You will then be issued a permit if you have never been licensed before. When you practice, you must have an accompanying adult who is 18 years of age or older, with a valid California license. This person must be close enough to you to take control of the vehicle if necessary. It is illegal for you to drive alone.

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.

To take your driving test, you will need to:

Make a driving test appointment. (Driving tests are not given without an appointment.) You may also call 1-800-777-0133 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, to make a driving test appointment.
Provide proof of financial responsibility
California Insurance Requirements
You have three chances to pass the driving test. If you fail, you may practice for a while, then make another appointment. There is no waiting period, but you must make an appointment. If you fail to successfully complete the driving test on the first attempt, you must pay a $5 fee for each additional driving test that is administered under an application for an original or renewal driver license.

After you pass your driving test you will be issued an interim license valid for 60 days until you receive your new photo license in the mail. Double-check your address before you leave DMV and tell the DMV representative if you have moved or if your address is incorrect. If you have not received your license after 60 days, call 1-800-777-0133 and they can check on the status for you. Have your interim license with you to provide information when requested.

If your name is different on your birth date and/or legal presence document than the one you are currently using, you will also need to provide an additional acceptable document to establish your true full name, such as; a marriage certificate, dissolution of marriage, adoption or name change document that shows your current name.

Answer 2

Not if you're over 18. You will get a permit, but there is no time limit before you can take the driving test as long as you're over 18--other than however long it takes to make an appointment for it.

The reason you need a permit is because can't legally drive to take the driving test without one!

If you have a license from another state, you don't need to take the driving test.

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/dl/dl_info.htm#2500


BTW, the written test in CA was the hardest, most detailed one I've ever taken. Pay attention to any detail in the driver's manual that includes a number, no matter how strange and inconsequential it seems (eg, how far things can extend out the left side of your vehicle), because it's probably going to be on there! Do the online practice tests first:
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/interactive/tdrive/exam.htm

Answer 3

You need a temporary permit no matter what age you are, if you don't have a valid drivers license from anywhere. Otherwise they won't even give you a test.
To get the temp you'll have to pass the written test!

Answer 4

Yes, if you are a first time legal driver you are required to have a learners permit to drive on Cal. roads when accompanied by a responsible licensed driver. You may walk in to take the drivers written test, an appointment is best, it can be made through your computer.

Answer 5

After you've turned 18 you can take the drivers test the same day you get your permit if they aren't too busy.

Answer 6

My suggestion is to go to the DMV and get a drivers manual.
Didn't they say anything about this in your drivers ed class?

Answer 7

If you have a signed paper from all parents with the date on it, it should be fine. And if there is anyone in the car over 25 have them sit in the front seat, and you don't need any signitures.