How to Get a Driver's License
To drive in the United States, you must have a valid driver's license. If you are over 18 and have a valid driver license from your home country, you may drive in California without getting a California driver license as long as your home country license remains valid.

For more information on obtaining a driver's license, please refer to the California Department of Motor Vehicles site.

• California Driver Handbook online | printable pdf
• Samples of Driver Written Tests

Location
Find the location of the DMV nearest to you.

Making the appointment

If you have a Social Security Card:

• Make an appointment by calling your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office or make an appointment online.
• Bring your Social Security Card, passport, I-20 and I-94 (white card in your passport) to your appointment.

If you do not have a Social Security Card, you can still get a driver's license. At your appointment, you must tell the DMV representative that you do not have a Social Security Card and that you are not eligible to have one. You are no longer required to visit the Social Security Office prior to your DMV appointment.

After you pass the written test, you must make another appointment for the driving test.