Changing Drivers Lic from other State to CA (San Diego: how much, transfer)

[Tom63376]

If you move to California and have a valid out-of-state drivers license,
can you just pay a fee and have it changed to CA at the local DMV??

OR

Do you need to take a written exam?
Do you need to take a road test with an officer?

Thanks
Tom

[Snort]

A written test, but not a road test. And you'll pay a fee, of course. Welcome to California!

[Tom63376]

Is the written test just common sense or do you need to study the book in order to pass?

[TristramShandy]

Originally Posted by Tom63376

Is the written test just common sense or do you need to study the book in order to pass?

Take the practice exams on-line. The questions there are almost verbatim to the real test, but if you haven't taken a driving rules test for a while, you'll want to read back up on it. There's a lot of questions of "how many yards can you park from a?" and "this color curb means?" sort of questions.

[handiquack]

I passed the written test on one try when I turned in my NY license for my CA one.

All I recall of moving here was my DMV costs being VERY expensive. If you're transferring a car title be prepared - I think all of my fees for license and car reg was close to $400 (and this was in 2006!). I imagine it's even more now.

[cebu077]

Originally Posted by handiquack

I passed the written test on one try when I turned in my NY license for my CA one.

All I recall of moving here was my DMV costs being VERY expensive. If you're transferring a car title be prepared - I think all of my fees for license and car reg was close to $400 (and this was in 2006!). I imagine it's even more now.

Do you mean transferring a car title for a vehicle you already owned from your former state to California? Or are you talking about transferring a title for a vehicle you did not previously own? I'm trying to figure out how much I'll need to pay to get all of my vehicle stuff squared away.

[Lil Jhwk]

I registered my car, it's a 2008 and I only paid $199. Cheaper than in Kansas. Got my tags and everything. I skimmed the book to take my written test and passed the first time I took it. Yes, it's pretty much common sense. Just remember you only have pretty much 10 days to get your car registered by the time it comes into the state or they'll slap you with a fee

[Tom63376]

Thanks so much to all how helped me with info!
I did a google to find some online DMV tests which were a great help!

I'm trying hard to get a transfer out to San Diego but it takes some time.
I am sure I'll have a few more questions as I get closer to the move..

[thepinksquid]

I switched my license from FL to CA a few months ago and it was super easy. I went to the DMV, filled out a form, took a super easy written test (no driving test), paid around $30 I think, they took my photo, and then gave me a paper license. In about a week, I got my permanent CA license in the mail. Also, they gave my back from FL license for the interim if I needed to use it for a photo ID.

I went to the DMV in Clairmont and I have to that the people working there were actually somewhat pleasant to deal with. It was surprising.