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Old 09-11-2008, 01:09 PM
 
92 posts, read 257,038 times
Reputation: 26

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I know I have asked this before briefly, but I'm a bit stuck about the whole license thing.

I'm moving to L.A. in December, and I don't have a U.K. license (though I can drive). I'm going to need a car as soon as I get to L.A because it will be so hard to look for an apartment without one. Which is why I think it will be a pain to move, take the written test, wait for a DMV appointment and then take the driving test. How long will that take?! Also bearing in mind I don't know ANYONE in L.A. How would I even get to the test centre? Or get a car to take the test in? It seems pretty impossible...

However, even if I manage to take and pass my test here before I go (the UK test is the hardest in Europe, lasting 45 minutes, with 3 manouvres, and they are VERY strict...also, driving lessons are on average $50 per hour. So it will be incredibly expensive for me too.) I'm pretty sure I can't purchase insurance on a car without a US license.

This is giving me sleepless nights! You're a trusty bunch - what would you do?
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Old 09-11-2008, 01:39 PM
 
Location: Burbank
1,203 posts, read 4,417,589 times
Reputation: 437
You can make your appointment online ahead of time.
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Old 09-11-2008, 01:45 PM
 
Location: South Bay
7,226 posts, read 22,186,024 times
Reputation: 3626
become familiar with the bus system.
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Old 09-11-2008, 02:05 PM
 
92 posts, read 257,038 times
Reputation: 26
Thanks...
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Old 09-11-2008, 06:53 PM
 
Location: California
305 posts, read 1,728,898 times
Reputation: 139
Quote:
Originally Posted by Clinton167 View Post
I'm pretty sure I can't purchase insurance on a car without a US license. ?
I don't think you can buy/lease a car without one, either. So until you get a CA license, it looks like you're public transportation-bound, unless you make friends with someone who has a car.
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Old 09-11-2008, 08:02 PM
 
Location: Hot Springs, AR
5,612 posts, read 15,109,953 times
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Unfortunately, until you get a license you will be forced to use public transportation. I'm sorry. The good news is that there are driving schools here that will allow you to use their car to take the test.
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Old 09-12-2008, 04:20 AM
 
92 posts, read 257,038 times
Reputation: 26
Well, I just found out that I CAN drive on a UK license, so I'll have to put my all into getting my license before I leave - in 14 weeks - dammit! Stilll, if I work hard...
I'm not sure what the rules are on buying a car and getting insurance with a UK license, but if the worst comes to the worst, I suppose I can always hire a car until I take my California test.
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Old 09-12-2008, 05:41 AM
 
Location: in purgurtory in London
3,722 posts, read 4,307,271 times
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Hey Clinton yes you can drive for a short time (can't remember how long) on your British license. That's if you can get it before you leave. A word of warning, insurance is expensive and more so in LA, so that's gonna be a chunk of change out of what ever amount you come with. I'd be patient if I were you and just take the dmv test when you get there. It's also a good idea to take just a few lessons with a driving school in LA before you take a test as there are so many different rules.

If you don't have a license in the UK, how good a driver are you and how much driving experience do you have? I was very naughty and drove for quite a while on a UK license before getting a full Ca lic. but I had a provisional one.
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Old 09-12-2008, 05:47 AM
 
92 posts, read 257,038 times
Reputation: 26
I started taking lessons about three years ago - I've probably had two solid years of lessons. I moved to Oregon and drove there for a year on a permit (always with someone else in the car...of course.) I don't think I'm going to take the test here. I think I'll just have regular lessons so that I'm ready to take the test when I get there. I'll study for the written test beforehand and make the appointment before I arrive in LA so I'm ready to do that as soon as I get there.
Then I just have to hope the wait times to take a driving test aren't too long.
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Old 09-12-2008, 06:38 AM
 
Location: in purgurtory in London
3,722 posts, read 4,307,271 times
Reputation: 1292
Quote:
Originally Posted by Clinton167 View Post
I started taking lessons about three years ago - I've probably had two solid years of lessons. I moved to Oregon and drove there for a year on a permit (always with someone else in the car...of course.) I don't think I'm going to take the test here. I think I'll just have regular lessons so that I'm ready to take the test when I get there. I'll study for the written test beforehand and make the appointment before I arrive in LA so I'm ready to do that as soon as I get there.
Then I just have to hope the wait times to take a driving test aren't too long.
It's a pain in the tush but it will have to be public transport when you get there. I'm assuming you will be in a motel while looking for a home? if so find one close enough to the areas you will be looking at.
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