The Official Jonny Driving School Blog

Can I drive in California with an out of state driver's license or out of country license?

Roberto from Los Angeles asks: Hi Johnny, i am an international student of music, and i've been in LA for a year and a half, and probably i will stay another 2 years. my question is if i can drive in california with my country's driving license. i know a lot of people have asked you that before, but yet is not clear to me, because everybody asks like if they were visiting as tourists. i want to know if it doesn't matter in which status are you (tourist,student,worker etc.) thanks for your time and i hope i've been clear enough.

Roberto, you polite fellow you,

According to the official CA DMV website, 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 become a California 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.

Here's the link if you would like more info: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/dl/dl_info.htm#two500

Hope that helps, thanks Roberto!

Jonny Driving School
DrivingSchoolProgram.com

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California Traffic School

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For the CA drivers exam, what controls on the vehicle does the examiner want me to know?

Tania from Beverly Hills High: I'm taking my California drivers exam and i wanted to know before the test, what on the vehicle does the examiner want me to know?

Hello Tania, so young and nervous about passing your test. Someday when you're old and gray you'll look back and laugh (or cry if you still haven't earned your license).

Anyhow, if you are taking your in-car DMV drive test (in California), here are the pre-drive questions they will ask you:

Hand signals (right-turn, left-turn, slow/stop)

Locate windshield wiper controls

Locate/explain headlight control (they will probably just ask you the low-beams)

Locate Hazard light control

Locate front window defroster control

Set and Release emergency parking brake

Identify all the gears (Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive)

Also, make sure all of your car's turn signals, headlights, and braking lights work. Make sure all of your tires are properly inflated.

Hope that helps!

Until next time Tania, know your pre drive test questions, but more importantly, know how to drive safely - it's the harder part of the test!

Jonny Driving School
DrivingSchoolProgram.com

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New York Defensive Driving Course

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What will the DMV Test Examiner ask you before leaving the parking lot?

Edward from Downtown Magnets High School in Los Angeles asks: Well im taking the driving test today, in THREE HOURS!!! I was wondering if you can tell me what the DMV instructors ask you before leaving to do the test (about the car)? Kind of nervous, can't wtrite!

Hey Edward

Luckily they're not grading you on your spelling! I kid, I kid. Take a deep breath Ed, you'll be just fine (if you know how to drive of course).

Here's what you need to know for what we like to call the pre-drive test administered at the CA DMV for nervous drivers everywhere trying to earn a license:

Know your hand signals (left, right, stop)

Know where to find: headlight controls, windshield wiper controls, emergency hazard light button, window defroster

Know how to set and release the emergency parking brake

Be able to identify the major gears (Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive)

That should help you with the pre-drive test questions, now you just need to ace the driving part, Good luck Edward! Let us know how you do!

Jonny Driving School
DrivingSchoolProgram.com

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New York Defensive Driving Questions

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Is it an instant fail if you hit the curb on your Oregon driving test at the DMV?

Alex from West Linn HS in Oregon asks: Hi i live in oregon, my friend just took the driving test and said if you hit the curb that is NOT an instant fail? is this true? can you please email me back

Hey Alex

It is my understanding that in Oregon, hitting the curb on your drive test is a potential auto fail. It really depends on two factors:

- how hard you hit the curb (did you barely touch it, scrape it, or did you run into it hard?)
- the examiner's point of view (some examiners are more laid back, some are more strict, or you might just catch an examiner in a bad mood). Each examiner will grade a little differently based on how they interpret the situation.

So my answer to you would be this: Don't touch the curb whatsoever because you are not supposed to. Give yourself at least 6 inches or more of cushion for peace of mind. That way, you don't have to worry about whether or not you will fail.

Hope that helps!

Until next time, stay away from that curb and off the sidewalk Alex!

Jonny Driving School
DrivingSchoolProgram.com

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Traffic School

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I already have a driver license from another country. What will I have to do to get my driver license in the US?

Kisha from California and/or Florida asks: I already have a drivers license from another country. im married here now. i was authorised from the immigration society that i can go get my drivers license. my question is what do i need to do. do i have to do the dmv test, behind the wheel test, or just the vision and hearing test? i need to know that i can be prepared please help.

It will depend on what state you are talking about. In California, the quick answer is YES, you will be required to take the written test, the behind the wheel test, and the vision test. Here's a list of what the CA DMV requires (as listed on their website) for your driver's license:

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

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 If your current name no longer matches the name on your birth data/legal presence document, see "True Full Name" and "How to Change Your Name" for more information.

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.

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.

Make a driving test Appointment(s) . (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

IN FLORIDA, it looks like if you have a valid license from your home country, you need to bring:

Age 18 or Older

Non-United States Citizen proof of identity.

Proof of Social Security number, if issued Chapter 322, Florida Statutes, requires the Department to collect social security numbers for the issuance of driver license and identification cards.

Proof of residential address

Proof of completion of a Traffic Law & Substance Abuse Education Course OR license from another state, country, or jurisdiction.

I also found:

Note: A new resident exchanging a valid out-of-state license for a Florida license will be required to pass the vision and hearing tests only.

I would recommend visiting http://www.flhsmv.gov/ddl/geninfo.html#d for full details, as there is a lot of information to consider. But from what I understand, if you are a new resident, you should only have to pass the vision and hearing test if you already have a valid, non-expired license from another state or country.

At the end of the day, it looks like you have a very complicated situation. Everything I see on the FL website says you need a SSN to get a license in Florida. I would strongly advise you contact the FL DMV to get a definitive answer to your question - they have an online contact form at: http://www.flhsmv.gov/html/contact.html

Good luck, sorry I couldn't get you the exact answer you were seeking.

Hope that helps, thanks!

Jonny Driving School
DrivingSchoolProgram.com

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Get Florida Traffic School for Tickets

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Can you tell me what the DMV instructor will ask me before we start the actual drive test?

Edward from Downtown Magnets High School in Los Angeles asks: Well im taking the driving test today,in THREE HOURS!!! I was wondering if you can tell me what the instructors ask you before leaving to do the test (about car) kind of nervous cant wtrite.. ?

Mr. Edward - so young and so nervous, just as I was when I went to get my license. Well never fear Edward, I'm here to help and guide you into your driving future.

Here are the questions the DMV examiner will ask you before you depart for the driving portion on your in car test. These questions make up the pre-drive portion of your test, each incorrect answer counts as 1 point against you, if you miss 3 questions it is considered an automatic fail. The questions are:

- Know your hand signals (left turn, right turn, and slow/stop)

- Know where to find and how to activate:
1) headlight controls
2) windshield wiper controls
3) emergency hazard lights
4) window defroster

- Know how to set and release the emergency parking brake

- Be able to identify the major gears (Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive)

That should help you with the pre-drive test questions at the DMV, but that's just the beginning - I'd be more worried about the actual drive test - AHHHHHHHHH!

Good luck Edward, hopefully you don't need it!

Until next time, take a deep breath, eat a good breakfast, and ace that drive test!

Jonny Driving School
DrivingSchoolProgram.com

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California Traffic School

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OMG can i change my picture on my license??? please help!! thx Jonny!!!!!!

Chelsey from Escondido, CA Exclaims: My friend nd told me that the picture they took for my permit will be the same picture that they put on my driver's license!!?! Is that true? I totally didn't know they were going to take my picture and I look HORRIBLE!! HELP!!!!!!!

Chelsey, you have larger problems that your driver's license picture. For instance, your excessive use of exclamation points is somewhat disturbing. But, we are here to talk about driving, so let me address your question.

The answer is yes, the picture the Escondido DMV took of you for your permit paperwork will be the same photo they use on your CA driver license. However, depending on the DMV and the mood of the DMV employee assisting you, you can actually request that they retake your license photograph, free of charge. If you attempt to do this, make sure you ask them to retake the pic BEFORE you take your DMV drive test. If they print up your DMV drive test paperwork, it may be too late for them to enter a new photo ID into the system.

Hope that helps!

Until next time Chelsey from Escondido, do your make-up, comb your hair, and go retake your driver license photo... you bright shining star you!

Jonny Driving School
DrivingSchoolProgram.com

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Escondido Driving School Online

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Can I drive in California if I am from another country?

Daryl from La Canada Asks: My girlfriend has a U.K driver license and is going to be staying with me in my La Canada, CA home. Can she drive a car legally here, or does she have to get a California drivers license?

Hello Daryl from La Canada, according to the CA DMV, if you are over 18 and visiting California with a valid drivers license from your country of residence, you can drive in California without having to get a CA driver's license, as long as the license from your home country remains valid. However, if your girlfriend gets a job in La Canada or becomes a resident, she must get a state driver license within TEN days.

Hope that helps.

Until next time Daryl from La Canada, tell your girlfriend she can drive in CA, show her around California, and tell her good luck on our freeways!

Jonny Driving School
DrivingSchoolProgram.com

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La Canada Driving School

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I Lost my Driver License in California - how do I get a new one?

Steve from Salinas Asks: Help Jonny! I lost my drivers license at the mall and I can't find it!! How can I get a new one?

Oh me, oh my Steve, however did you lose your driver's license? And what mall were you at, I didn't even know there was a mall in Salinas. Anyways, I digress. Here's what you need to do to get a duplicate license from your local Salinas DMV, which I believe is located at:

260 E. Laurel Drive, Salinas, CA 93906 (800)777-0133

Steps to getting your duplicate California Drivers License in Salinas and anywhere in CA:

• Fill out a Driver License or ID Card Application form DL44. Get this form at the Salinas DMV or have it mailed to you by calling (800)777-0133.
• If you are a minor (under 18 years old) - make sure your parents signs the DL 44 form.
• You must also pay the replacement fee, which as of today is $22.

Hope that helps.

Until next time Steve from Salinas, quit losing your license, call the Salinas DMV, and say goodbye to $22!

Jonny Driving School
DrivingSchoolProgram.com

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Free Salinas Drivers Ed Online Trial

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I just got into a bad accident? Will I lose my license?

Elliot Asks: I got into an accident in Los Angeles where I ran a red light and creamed another car. Totaled both cars. Will I lose my license?

Good gravy Elliot, that sounds pretty darn nasty - I hope nobody was hurt. Whether or not you will lose your license will depend on your driving record. In the state of California, you want to avoid becoming what is called a "Negligent operator" and losing your license. According to the CA DMV Official Website, you are negligent when your driving record has any of the following:

• 4 points in 12 months, or
• 6 points in 24 months, or
• 8 points in 36 months

Your running the red light incident counts for at least one point if it was your fault. Also, most traffic violations count as one point. The two point offenses are things like hit and run, reckless driving, and drunk driving.

So in short, if your record was clean before, I don't think your accident will cost you your license. However, check your driving record to see how many points you have to get the definitive answer.

Hope that helps.

Until next time Elliot, quit running red lights, quit crashing into other cars, and keep your license!

Jonny Driving School
DrivingSchoolProgram.com

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How long do I have to wait before I can drive with my friends?

Javier Inquires: Yo Jonny - I just got my license - when can I start driving with my friends in the car?

"Yo" Javier - if you are a minor, you've got to wait a full 12 months (i.e. one year) before you can have anyone under the age of 20 as the sole passenger in your car. Simple as that. And take it from me, you don't want distractions in the car anyway. They say ("they" being the masters of the universe) that you are 10 times more likely to get into a car accident during the first 500 miles of your driving life. And I have to admit, I am guilty of getting to an accident within the first week that I had my license. Why? Because my friend McGivern in the passenger seat was distracting me with his antics, causing me to run a red light. If only I had a 'Jonny Driving School' to guide me when I was a new driver...

Hope that helps.

Until next time Javier, drive alone, don't drive between 11pm and 5am, and drive distraction free!

Jonny Driving School
DrivingSchoolProgram.com

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What are the automatic fails (auto fails) you can get during your drive test at the DMV?

Nelly's Question: Hello Jonny Driving Skool!! I'm taking my license test next week - what are the things that can make me fail?

Hello to you too Nelly! As a friendly warning, please never spell School with a 'k' again. It's disrespectful to the Jonny Driving School family name.

So you want to know how NOT to fail your driving test. That's mighty pessimistic of you, but you are not alone in your pessimism. In fact, I was asked that very same question yesterday by soon to be licensed driver Ryan in Tarzana. And this is the long winded speech I gave him:

There are basically two different ways one can fail their DMV drive test. First of all, you will be disqualified if you make 16 or more minor violations. Examples of minor traffic violations include stopping on the limit-line, signaling too late or not at all, forgetting a traffic check, not making full 3-second stops at stop signs and so on. If you receive 15 or less minor violations you can still pass your test and get your license.

Now it has been my experience that most people who fail their drive test are NOT disqualified for getting 16 minor traffic violations (though it does happen). The majority of those who fail their road test commit a Critical Driving Error (CDE) or what most call an "auto fail". If you commit one CDE you may be failed by your DMV examiner. Examples of CDE's or auto fails are:

• Failing Your Pre-drive Test: If you get three wrong answers on your oral pre-drive test you don't even get to move the car. Of course, this should never happen if you know your hand signals and where your headlights, windshield wipers, hazard lights, front window defroster, and parking brake are.

• Examiner Intervention: What you don't want on your drive-test is any help from the DMV tester. That means they shouldn't ever have to reach for the steering-wheel, tell you to slow down, or give you any other sort of driving advice.

• Dangerous Maneuver: What's a dangerous maneuver you ask? Swerving, taking a turn wicked-fast, cutting off other drivers, impeding another driver's progress and any other number of things that are not safe.

• Disobeying a Sign or Signal: Pretty straightforward: run a red light or blow through a stop-sign and it's pretty safe to say your test is over. Don't break the law and you'll be fine.

• Lane Violation: Drift out of your lane: FAIL. Make a lane change without checking mirrors and over your shoulder: FAIL. You get the point.

• Speed Control: In general, if you exceed the safe speed limit by 10 miles you will fail your test. Depending on the traffic situation, you could also fail for speeding by less than 10 miles per hour. A good rule of thumb for your test is to make sure you stay within 3-4 miles of the speed limit. Of course not speeding at all is your best bet.

• And a few others: Make sure you obey traffic cops and school crossing guards if they're out and about. If it rains or snows make sure you turn on your windshield wipers and low beam headlights. And last but not least, do not "strike an object". I think it goes without saying that hitting someone or something with your car is a no-no on your DMV test. Be careful when you curbside park because hitting the curb is considered striking an object - and that, my friend Nelly, is an auto fail.

There you have it Nelly, now you know what NOT to do next week on your DMV license test. Now, if you can focus on what you need to do, you'll be fine. If you drive courteously, safely, confidently, and defensively come your exam day, you should have no problem whatsoever getting your license. Take it from me - I'm Jonny Driving School and "I know stuff"! And yes, I do enjoy quoting myself.

Hope that helps.

Until next time, be big brained, be super nice, and don't drift,

Jonny Driving School
DrivingSchoolProgram.com

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