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Old 06-15-2007, 10:34 AM
 
44 posts, read 195,949 times
Reputation: 25

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We are moving soon to Travis AF Base in Solano County and I was researching of what I need for a driving license. I have a European Driving License and when I used to life in Maryland all I needed was to show my German and get the Maryland driving license. Now looking at California laws all I found is that if you hold a foreign driving license you have to take another driving test. Does this apply to all countries? Somebody has an idea if I need to take another test and also can I drive with my European driving license until I get my residence there? Appreciate your help!
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Old 06-15-2007, 12:07 PM
 
28,115 posts, read 63,692,777 times
Reputation: 23268
California basis the license requirement on residency. There are exceptions for active duty military.

Your German License is valid as long as you are a tourist... buying a car and getting insurance is another matter. It can be done, but I don't know anyone who has done it recently.

First I would contact the German Consul in San Francisco. They are very knowledgeable. Also, check with the German Auto Club... I've found them to be very helpful.

Getting a California License is much more difficult for non-US citizens post 9/11. Prior, anyone could get a California License by having a Birth Certificate, paying the fee and passing the written, vision and practical driving test.

Now you will need to provide supporting documents to prove you are in this country legally and if you are here for only a short time, chances are your request will be denied.

Driver's Licenses in California are used as primary Identification. The State also can issue a State ID card for those that do not drive...

Welcome to the San Francisco Bay Area... I'm sure you will find driving here to be a bargain compared to Europe...
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Old 06-17-2007, 07:06 AM
 
44 posts, read 195,949 times
Reputation: 25
I am a holder of a green card and assumed that I will get my residency in California as this is where we are moving. Shouldn't be a green card be sufficient
as a proof? Its difficult for us to call the German Consul in California from Turkey so I will try to get more info online.
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Old 06-17-2007, 12:50 PM
 
28,115 posts, read 63,692,777 times
Reputation: 23268
Silke, my experience is dated, but the last time a friend of mine from Austria applied for a California license he brought with him his green card, passport and birth certificate. I don't know why he did not bring his Austrian Driver's license..

He had no difficulty passing the written, practical and eye test. He said it was much easier than in Austria...

Maybe someone from the California DMV can jump in?
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