I have a question, mostly for Californians. In NZ we have a three stage process to getting your license. Learners test where it's all theory, Restricted where you can drive between the hours of 6am and 10pm but without any passengers, and full.
I have my restricted (you have to hold fro 18 months before you can sit your full) and don't have time to sit my full before we come to the states.
What's the licensing system in California? I'm trying to figure out if i can drive at all or not.
Daily Kitten Chat Forum » General Chat
Question about american drivers licenses
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hold on let me see about getting you the website for the licensing
ok go to: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/dl/dl.htm
it has all the info needed for a Calif driver's license
Posted 1 year ago by AZDEBRA 5/27 & crew #
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Send them an email via the contact us connection...well that bites, their email contacts are only general questions or whatever, you would have to call them or write to their office in Sacramento.
Posted 1 year ago by AZDEBRA 5/27 & crew #
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Can you get an international license in NZ before you leave? I know that when I go to another country and already have an international license before I arrive there, I can drive....you just can't drive in the same country you get the international license in....it should be the same in California since other countries honor ours...
Posted 1 year ago by AZDEBRA 5/27 & crew #
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I wish I could remember Airy. I haven't lived in California for 15 years. I think you take the written part and then you have to pass the driving part and that's it. IF you are old enough, you get your license and away you go. Well if you pass the written and driving parts. lol
Hopefully SMM, 2b, Linda, or someone from Cali will be on soon. It's almost 5 am there so in a few more hours.
Posted 1 year ago by cricketsmama #
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I found this on the California Dept. of Motor Vehicles website:
International Driving Permits
The State of California does not recognize an International Driving Permit (IDP) as a valid driver license. California does recognize a valid driver license that is issued by a foreign jurisdiction (country, state, territory) of which the license holder is a resident.The IDP is only a translation of information contained on a person’s foreign driver license and is not required to operate a motor vehicle in California. Citations issued to a person in California who has an IDP, but does not have a California driver license will be placed on the Department of Motor Vehicle database.
The IDP is also called an International Driver License, International License, etc.
Here is the webpage I found this on: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/dl/dl_info.htm#international
It is very near the bottom of that webpage, under the heading of International Driving Permits.
I would still give them a call to see if your present license would be accepted for the duration of your time in the US as a student.
Posted 1 year ago by Kitten Whisperer #
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*bump*
Posted 1 year ago by KapitiKats in NZ #
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Airy, getting the Dept of Motor Vehicles to answer a phone call is pretty time consuming. And actually getting a correct answer from them is pretty rare. If you are going to be in CA for longer than six months, I would suggest that you join the Automobile Club. Not only will you get roadside assistance and free maps, but they can answer most of the questions and perform many of the services that the DMV does.
Posted 1 year ago by CheetahBoysmommy #
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Thanks everyone for your replies. Thanks 2b for your efforts :)
I have a sneaking suspicion that my restricted license is going to count for nothing in the states and I'll just have to sit a full californian drivers license.
CBM I belong to the AA here in NZ and my membership is valid overseas too :) I'll give them a ring later and see if they know what license I could get.
An International license in NZ is only possible if you have a full NZ license, which the restricted isn't (but it's better than a learners).
Not having a license isn't a major issue for us, we hadn't planned on getting a car so we'll work around any probems :) -
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Keep in mind, too, that most of the states in the U.S. seem to feel driving is a right, not a privileged. If you can pass a driving test in Germany, NZ, Switzerland, Wales, etc., you will certainly pass the test in California. In fact, you'll probably end up with a grade of 115% unless you actually run over someone during the test.
Posted 1 year ago by CheetahBoysmommy #
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So far Airy hasn't run anyone over. I taught Airy and her sister to drive, hence the white hairs appearing in my once auburn locks. Thanks to all who have helped with information and suggestions on this.
Grateful Mum.Posted 1 year ago by Moonshadow_NZ #
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