Once you’ve settled down (like after the first week), you may wish to consider applying for a California driver’s license. The process is quite simple and usually does not require advance notice to the DMV. The advantage of getting a driver’s license early is you’ll be able to use it as a form of ID for local activities (e.g. going to a bar or buying beer at Safeway or borrowing books at the library) and also establish California residency. There are many benefits in establishing California residency such as lower college fees if you’ve lived here for at least a year.
Applying for a California driver’s license can be a one or two step process depending on where you’re coming from. For the sake of this article, I’m going to assume you’re at least the age of majority (e.g. you’re older than 18). If you already have an out of state license, such as from New York, you may be able to just drop by the DMV and request a form to transfer your NY license to CA. You’ll probably pay a nominal fee of something like $21 and ask if you want to donate your organs – if so, your CA license will have a pink dot on it. This is the simplest and easiest method. I went to the CA DMV in San Jose, if that matters.
The next one is for those out of country. Since I’m originally from Canada, California doesn’t recognize out of country licenses even though I have a full “adult” one. Step 1 involved paying the $21 and taking a multiple choice exam which I didn’t study for. I highly recommend you spend at least an hour beforehand studying it because it’s a really tough exam even though you get three ties to pass. In California, the driver’s handbook are free and available at the DMV. Just ask around and someone will show you where they are; the books are printed on recyclable paper so you might overlook it as a pamphlet the first time. I believe the passing percent is 70% and I just scored to pass. It’s not just your typical “What do you do at a stop sign?” type question, but also asks “What should be the minimum height for the rear of a truck carrying livestock ?”. You have as long as needed to take the written exam (it’s offered in many different languages besides English and Spanish) so take your time and don’t rush it. Afterwards, you hand in your exam and it’s graded by hand. If you pass, they’ll ask you when you want to book your road test and print out a temporary ID on a piece of paper for you. Come back on the day of your road test with that piece of paper!! Don’t lose it!!
Here, I recommend those that are unfamiliar with California traffic to take at least an hour drive with a driving instructor. I Googled for a San Jose driving instructor and came up with a guy named Thao (408-646-3915). I don’t remember the exact rate, but I think it was around $20/hr and $80/day on the day of the road test. I don’t have any relation with him or get any kick backs, so feel free to use anyone you prefer. Although the road test is really simple: just simple stop and go along side streets and no highway stuff, the benefit of learning California highway on-ramps and U-turns at traffic lights from a local is a great deal for only $20.
If you have any questions about obtaining a CA driver’s license, let me know by posting a comment and I’ll try my best to answer it. Good luck and welcome to Silicon Valley!