Drivers License (San Diego, Mesa: Home Depot, university, DMV)

[mjkk2001]

I am going to be moving to San Diego in a few months. I currently hold a valid Pennsylvania Driver's License.

For any one who has just moved into California, what is the procedure? Do I have to take a road test, a written test, etc? And what will I need to bring? The California DMV site, wasn't that specific for someone moving into the state with a license from a different state.

[xdrcx]

You have 10 days from the day you move to California to go to the DMV. You have to surrender you license from Pennsylvania at that time and get a temporary CDL. You will take a picture right then, give a thumb print and take an eyesight test. I think they give you the written at the same time, but you don't have to take a driving test if your PA License is valid. http://http://www.dmv.ca.gov/dl/dl_info.htm#2500 (broken link)

[Sampaguita]

To save time; get on the website and make an appointment. You can walk right past the long lines and up to the appointment desk for a number. You might still have to wait but your wait time will be much shorter (in my experience).

Good luck with your move!

[kettlepot]

Originally Posted by Sampaguita

To save time; get on the website and make an appointment. You can walk right past the long lines and up to the appointment desk for a number. You might still have to wait but your wait time will be much shorter (in my experience).

Good luck with your move!

ROFL! ROFL! ROFL!

I made an appointment the last time I had to go to the DMV. I had to wait 2 hours past my scheduled appointment. The building was jammed. EVERY seat in the waiting area was taken, other people who were waiting had to stand, and more still were spilling outside.

But by all means MAKE THAT APPOINTMENT!! If you don't you could be there all day long. And bring a book, magazine, or newspaper.

[Sampaguita]

Originally Posted by kettlepot

ROFL! ROFL! ROFL!

I made an appointment the last time I had to go to the DMV. I had to wait 2 hours past my scheduled appointment. The building was jammed. EVERY seat in the waiting area was taken, other people who were waiting had to stand, and more still were spilling outside.

But by all means MAKE THAT APPOINTMENT!! If you don't you could be there all day long. And bring a book, magazine, or newspaper.

Ack! That's awful.

We actually go to the one in Clairemont Mesa which seems to be less congested than the one in University Heights (is that the one you go to?).

[kettlepot]

Originally Posted by Sampaguita

Ack! That's awful.

We actually go to the one in Clairemont Mesa which seems to be less congested than the one in University Heights (is that the one you go to?).

Yes, the one on Normal Street was the one I went too. I'll be sure to go to Clairemont Mesa next time - which fortunately shouldn't be for another 6 years.
However, perhaps in 6 years the DMV will have constructed their new building in University Heights and the situation will be better. And like Charlie Brown, I will once again attempt to kick that football.

[RD5050]

I also recommend the DMV in Clairemont.

It's located in Genesee Plaza (zip code 92117), next to Home Depot:

http://maps.yahoo.com/#lon=-117.1818...2.819306&mag=3

You will also have to re-register your car in California. It will need to pass a Smog Test, which is similar to the Emissions Inspection in PA. Smog Tests cost around $25 - $50.

In CA, they don't require a full car inspection like they do in PA. All they require is that you pass a Smog Test once every 2 years.