Driver's license (Los Angeles, San Diego: insurance, how much, DMV)

[saphiry]

Hey,

Got a question concerning the driver's license.
Since I'm based in NYC (yea, I do realize that this is the LA forum )and originally from Europe (where public transportation is a lot better than in most parts of the US) I never really needed one, but I'm actually considering of applying for one in the next couple of months.

1. Can you guys tell me how much it is to get a driver's license, including theory lessons (if necessary), driving lessons and the test? I aim for the cheapest option of course.
2. How many days/weeks/months should i calculate from the start til I have it in my hands?
3. Also, how much do you spend per month on your car approximately (incl. gas, bills, insurance)?

Thanks!

[1200RT]

Originally Posted by saphiry

Hey,

Got a question concerning the driver's license.
Since I'm based in NYC (yea, I do realize that this is the LA forum )and originally from Europe (where public transportation is a lot better than in most parts of the US) I never really needed one, but I'm actually considering of applying for one in the next couple of months.

1. Can you guys tell me how much it is to get a driver's license, including theory lessons (if necessary), driving lessons and the test? I aim for the cheapest option of course.
2. How many days/weeks/months should i calculate from the start til I have it in my hands?
3. Also, how much do you spend per month on your car approximately (incl. gas, bills, insurance)?

Thanks!

1) Driver License/Identification Card Application Fees

2) If you pass all applicable written and driving tests (if necessary), you are issued a temporary (paper) license on the spot.

3) a lot. (this will vary greatly depending on who you're asking) - but as a minimum, $300 car payment, $80-100 insurance, $200-900 gas (depending on where you drive).

[Fontucky]

You don't need "theory lessons" to pass the written test. Simply acquire a test prep booklet from the CA DMV, study it, then take the test.

[1200RT]

Originally Posted by Fontucky

You don't need "theory lessons" to pass the written test. Simply acquire a test prep booklet from the CA DMV, study it, then take the test.

You can even acquire it online now.

http://apps.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl600.pdf (large PDF file)

[Fontucky]

My my, thangs sho have changed.

[Dennis P]

Originally Posted by Fontucky

My my, thangs sho have changed.

I know! You can even book an appointment to your local DMV and renew your driver's license and registration online. Who would've ever thought?

[sergeid]

Hi everybody,
I just passed my writing test last week in Los Angeles DMV,but I need to move in San Diego right now.
I would like to know,is it possible to take the driving test there in San Diego?

[ferretkona]

Originally Posted by sergeid

Hi everybody,
I just passed my writing test last week in Los Angeles DMV,but I need to move in San Diego right now.
I would like to know,is it possible to take the driving test there in San Diego?

Just keep all your paper work together and it should be fine.

[sergeid]

Great!!!!

thanks for the reply.

[oddstray]

Depending where in Europe you're from, this warning may or may not apply ...

My DH is from England. In England all drivers must pass stringent tests. They all are trained using the same set of rules. They all drive assertively because if they don't that impedes traffic. It works only because they're all following the same rules.

In the US there are 50 different sets of traffic laws. Driving in the US is haphazard compared to driving in England. (I'm trying to convince DH to adopt the driving philosophy I was taught, namely, every other driver on the road will seem like an idiot, so drive defensively. Because every other driver is from a different state and learned a different set of rules.)

And sadly, I have to warn you that drivers in San Diego are selfish and aggressive (compared to, say, Los Angeles). Be extra careful driving in San Diego.