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Applying for Driver's License

Steps on how to obtain a California Driver's License

  1. You must first obtain a Social Security number. If you are unable to obtain a social security number, you will need to obtain a "denial notice" (refusal letter, 676-SSAL) from the Social Security Administration.
  2. Schedule an Office Visit Appointment online with your local DMV (HERE).
  3. Take your I-20 Original form, passport, visa, I-94, and Social Security Card or Denial Notice Letter with you to your appointment.
  4. Pass the written test. To practice prior to the written test, click HEREYou have two chances to pass the written test. If you fail the first time, you can retake it on the spot or schedule another appointment to take the written test. 
  5. Schedule a Behind-the-Wheel Driving Test Appointment with your local DMV HERE
  6. Make another appointment for your Driving test. After passing the driving test, you will be given an interim driver's license valid for 90 days and your Driver License card will be mailed to you. You have three chances to pass both 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. We recommend you make the appointment online first.

You can access the Department of Motor Vehicles California Driver's Handbook HERE. This publication describes in detail the application procedures as well as the written test and driving test requirements. The test consists of two parts-a written test and an in-car test. You must bring your own insured automobile and no official lessons are necessary. You must also present proof of your legal status in the U.S. by showing your valid passport, I-94, and your I-20.

DMV offers alternative methods for completing the driver license written examination. The examination may be conducted:

  • In a foreign language (Amharic, Hindi, Portuguese, Tagalog, Armenian, Hmong, Punjabi, Thai, Arabic, Japanese, Russian, Tongan, Cambodian, Korean, Samoan, Vietnamese, Chinese, Laotian, Spanish, and Farsi/Persian)
  • In American Sign Language
  • By listening to a cassette tape rather than reading the material
  • By having an examiner ask the questions (Oral Examination)
  • It is advisable for an individual with special needs to discuss those needs with the local driver license supervisor to allow him or her to better assist the applicant

Ho to get to the DMV office by car

Riverside DMV, 6280 Brockton Avenue, Riverside, CA 92506 (800) 777-0133: Take 91 E, Exit Central Ave, Turn left on Central Ave, Turn Right on Brockton Ave, Turn Right on Gardena Dr.

Norco DMV, 3201 Horseless Carriage Dr, Norco, CA 92860: Take 91 W, Take 15 N, Exit Second St, Turn Left on Second St, Turn Right on I-15BUS/Hamner Ave, Turn left on Town and Country Dr, Turn Right on Tara Ln, Turn Right on Horseless Carriage Dr. 

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