If you are an international student or scholar, and intend to drive, you must get a California drivers license (at least an interim license) within 10 days.

How to apply for a California drivers license or identification card

• Visit a DMV office (make an appointment online for faster service)

• Complete application form DL 44 An original DL 44 form must be submitted.

• Give a thumb print

• Have your picture taken

• Provide your social security number (if eligible)

• Verify your birth date and legal presence

• Provide your true full name
• Pay the $25 application fee ($21 for identification card application)

• Pass a vision exam (not necessary for identification card application)

• Pass a traffic laws and sign test. There are 36 questions on the test. You have three chances to pass (not necessary for identification card application).
  Once you pass the written test you will get an interim driving license that you may use together with your home country driving license to start practicing for the driving test.
• 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. You have three chances to pass the driving test.

State law requires every applicant for an original California identification (ID) card and drivers license to show verification of birth date and proof of legal presence within the United States to help safeguard the accuracy and integrity of departmental documents.

• Resident Alien Card
• Temporary Resident Identification Card

• Canadian Passport or Birth Certificate
• Nonresident Alien Canadian Border Crossing Card

• Valid foreign passport with a valid Record of Arrival/Departure (form I-94 Arrival-Departure Record)

• Call a DMV office to set up an appointment. (Driving tests are not given without an appointment.)
  
  Phone: 1-800-777-0133
• Provide proof of financial responsibility/Show evidence of liability insurance

After you pass your drive test you will be issued an interim license valid for 60 days until you receive your new photo license in the mail. If you did not present complete documentation to verify birth date and legal presence, you will be issued a temporary license valid for 60 days until you complete the documentation requirements. Make sure you provide the DMV with your correct mailing address.

WARNING: International students and scholars applying for a California driver’s license may have to wait up to one year to receive a permanent license. The reason for this is that the DMV has to go through the extra step of verifying the student’s immigration status with the Immigration Service before issuing a license. If you have not received your license after 60 days, you can write or fax the Sacramento DMV (phone: 916-657-7445 or fax: 916-657-6419) and ask again that they solicit the verification from the Immigration Service. Send to DMV a copy of your passport, 1-94 card, temporary driver’s license and phone number. The DMV will renew your request for verification with the San Francisco USCIS office. In the meantime you should continue to update your temporary license until the permanent license arrives.

If you wish to apply for a motorcycle license, the procedure is similar; however, you must complete a motorcycle riding training course given by the California Highway Patrol or the Department of Motor Vehicles. Obtain the Motorcycle Driver Handbook for more information.

Vision exam requirement : A 20/40 visual acuity with or without glasses is the department’s vision guideline. The department has authority for administering the vision exam per the California Vehicle Code.

Bring your eyeglasses if you wear them. Applicants who do not pass the eye exam may, depending on the circumstances, be referred to a vision specialist. The vision specialist may prescribe eyeglasses or a stronger prescription for the current eyeglasses worn.

Negligent operator violation point count: Once you are licensed to drive in California it is important that you continue to follow all the laws and practice safe driving habits. If you start accumulating tickets for moving violations, which count as 1 or 2 points, you may be considered a negligent operator and may lose your privilege to drive. Driving offenses, such as hit and run, reckless driving, and driving under the influence, are designated as 2 points and will remain on your record for 7 years from the violation date. Most other offenses are designated as 1 point and will remain on your record for 3 years from the violation date. Any "at fault" accident is normally counted as 1 point. If you are cited for a 1-point violation, use a local traffic school to keep the point off your record. Valid once every 18 months.

When you are required to report an accident to the DMV

•There was property damage of more than $500 or

• Any one was injured (no matter how minor) or killed.

Identification (ID) cards