California DMV Experience

Been driving for awhile in California and finally reached the dreadful moment to get tested.

Although, DMV website has good information on all the details to get your driving license, I thought I'd give my account from what I've understood so far.

Please check out the process first on the DMV site incase it has changed over time. The experiences below are just to remind/help you if things go sideways.

Process:

The process listed below are for a non-citizen trying to apply for a California Drivers License.

Steps:

1. Schedule an appointment from DMV for your Written Test

2. Fill out the forms before your appointment. Make sure you have the relevant documents
3. After you've cleared your written test,  schedule your Behind the Wheel appointment
4. Practice all that has been described in the Drivers Ed/DMV Videos before the actual test
5. Give the test and wait for your drivers license

Appointments:
1. Try to get the appointment by calling the Toll Free number for the written Test.
2. You need to get the first appointment for the "Office Visit" to complete the Written Test.
3. Clear the Written Test to get the Temporary Permit (printed paper) having the License no.
4. Now you can get the Behind the Wheel Test appointment.

Written Test:
1. Prepare by going through the Drivers Handbook
2. Take a few sample tests online
3. Practice the rules

DMV Test:
1. Review the Drivers Handbook
2. Learn to drive calmly in various conditions- residential, commercial, weather conditions etc.
3. Practice the route near the DMV that you plan to take your test from
4. Documents: Car Insurance, DMV Registration, Temporary/Instructional Permit
5. Need to drive your own car. If used then please familiarize yourself well.

Personal Experiences:
These are personal experiences which may help others to avoid certain problems.

Appointment:
-You could get your appointment online but it does not show up when your search for it after the date/time slot has been allocated.
- I finally called the toll free number to confirm the appointment for the booked slots. Its easier to have them call you back rather than wait in the queue.

Written Test:
- Initially I thought that the rules are simple and can be learnt easily. The only way to know the rules well is to practice them.
- You could also go through the practice tests for the last few years to gain the required confidence of taking the test.
- When I took the test at the Santa Clara DMV, they had provided us with Touch Screen machines to take the test. Its quite simple and easy to use the setup.

Permit Type:
 - Please try to avoid the Instructional Drivers Permit which mandates that you drive with someone holding a Permanent Drivers Permit.
- You need to get your Temporary Drivers Permit if you have an International Drivers license or a license from your country of origin.

Behind the Wheel:
- Try to drive as confident as you normally do and at the end of the experience try to be calm no matter what the outcome. You have 3 tries to get your license.
- I received the 'Unsatisfactory' result when I tested for the license the first time.
- I've yet to go for the next test, but I believe it would be good to drive a few practice runs with another driver who has gone through the driving test.

References:
DMV:
How to Prepare for your DMV Behind the Wheel Drive Test
Behind the Wheel Test Video

Blogs:
Behind the Wheel Driving Test in Freemont
DMV Videos
Five Life Saving Moves
DMV Behind the Wheel Test
Map of Santa Clara Driving Test Routes

Howto apply for International Drivers Permit in Pune

Dear Drivers,

Having experienced the process of applying for an International Drivers Permit or IDP as its called at Pune RTO, thought of giving all of you a first hand account of the same.

Some rules to follow for attaining your IDP :

1. Do not go through a driving school (They charge you Rs1200 when it costs only Rs.500)
2. Do not be lazy and try the easy way out at all cost.
3. Please help the RTO by getting the required documents (explained below)
4. Plan ahead and dont reveal your date of travel to anyone at the RTO.

Documents Required :

1. 4 Photographs
2. Photocopy (Xerox) of Passport(Address page,Photo ID & Visa pages)
3. Photocopy of License (Photo Id and Address)
4. Medical Certificate (got mine from a bloke at Pune RTO for Rs.50)
5. Cash Rs.500 as Payment for IDP (All Forms are free).
6. Also carry the originals - Passport and License.
7. Ticket is not necessary. In case they ask you can tell them its on Waiting List.

Some Issues you may face :

1. The address on the Passport and License are not the same (dont fret)
2. The Passport may have Mumbai address and License may have Pune address (still dont fret)

Steps to get the License :

1. Drive to the RTO with the documents and the form filled if you got it earlier.
2. Be sure to go early to get the Officials when they are active.
3. Submit it in the main office of RTO (ask around for the IDP section).
4. Get the Form verified by the Bada Sahab (They actually check your face and the faces on the passport and license you carry with you).
5. Dont give your documents to anyone unless they are sitting at a desk and look bored.
6. Make the payment (Rs. 500 circa 2007 BC.) at the Counter (No. 24 when I went 10 days back).
7. Collect your IDP after a day and Voila you are done.

Form Downloads (Updated Dec 2012) :

1. 4A -- http://rto.kar.nic.in/idpform4A.pdf
2. 1A -- http://www.indiandrivingschools.com/rto-forms.html

Disclaimer : In case you have any issues at the RTO please, dont hold me accountable for headaches,brain damage or other mental injuries.

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