CA DL/ID Informational and Situational Thread (Exam Q's, tips)
 

This thread will be informational for those who are in CA trying to get a CA DL..especially if you have an out of state license too!
I just want to help everyone out here. Just because I have everything now, I'm not trying to ditch everyone on this forum because there are still those waiting! So, here's to help.

So first off, I went to the SSA 11/28/12 .. then I went to the DMV 11/29/12 so I guess I took a risk.

I went to the DMV line at 7 A.M. in the morning at Lincoln Park (because one of the members told me he got a 5 year license here :smile:) *fingers crossed*
So I lined up, applied for my license. Here's the thing. I have an out of state license from WA like many of you have posted. So I finished my application, and the lady just asked for my EAD, no SSN actual card (just the number).
She then also asked for my WA ID since I told her I had one (I didn't have to take behind wheel test because of this). I paid $31 and she hands me a receipt and tells me to stand in line in which I got my fingerprint/picture taken. Then I went to the testing room for my written exam.

I took the written exam and got 1 wrong which means I passed. The lady asked me for my WA license and she hole punched it (which means it's temporary now). She told me I didn't need it and she handed me over my Temporary CA License and said I should receive my ID in the mail soon.

In no way shape or form did anyone ask me about DACA! Also, I was very surprised because I went to SSA on 11/28 around 1pm (near closing time)..and went the next morning to the DMV 11/29 first in line in the morning and the information was already processed. The DMV was able to verify my SSN obviously because if they didn't, I wouldn't have gotten my temp license. Ah I'm so thankful!
--

Also, I'd like to help those out in the WRITTEN EXAM
. I have my paper and will be posting a video shortly..but in the meantime, I will post YouTube links and really these are all you need. (Questions exactly the same except maybe 1 or 2)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1H040zd7BO0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HD_UTKCbD_Q

http://www.youtube.com/user/enjoyqwer
^ ^ user has about 6 sample tests -- very helpful.

So how to study? Honestly, I just looked at these videos once. They pretty much have all the same questions, but I urge you to look at all the vids because some have different questions!

Lastly, I would like to say that in no way shape or form did ANYONE ask about DACA, my status, etc at the DMV. It was a very smooth process. IF ANYONE HAS QUESTIONS, DO NOT HESITATE TO ASK IN THIS FORUM.

Also, I will update on how many years my license is for.

Re: CA DL/ID Informational and Situational Thread (Exam Q's, tips)
 

Good info!! My tip: MAKE AN APPOINTMENT!! It's easier. When I went I was in n out within the hour. Didn't even have time to sit down and read a magazine I took with me to kill time ;)

Re: CA DL/ID Informational and Situational Thread (Exam Q's, tips)
 

They didn't ask about DACA, but they inputted my EAD expiration date.. omg that's the third time i've mentioned that, i need to stop, or I might jinx myself.

Re: CA DL/ID Informational and Situational Thread (Exam Q's, tips)
 

How did you see? They're behind computers typing lol unless you have crazy eyes.
Did they tell you they typed it in?

Re: CA DL/ID Informational and Situational Thread (Exam Q's, tips)
 

The computer is relatively lower than me, and close to where I was. She was inputting my information from my EAD and had her thumb on each section she needed. The very last thing she had her thumb on was the expiration date, and she proceeded on her keyboard's numpad with 11082014. This is for both my ID and DL transactions. But VJB2 said, the same thing happened to him, and his plastic expires in 5 years. So I'm keeping my fingers crossed. :)

Re: CA DL/ID Informational and Situational Thread (Exam Q's, tips)
 

Ah icic, yeah we shall see. 2 years is still good, we can just renew

Re: CA DL/ID Informational and Situational Thread (Exam Q's, tips)
 

So when are you taking the behind the wheel test?

Re: CA DL/ID Informational and Situational Thread (Exam Q's, tips)
 

i have my behind the wheel driving test on monday im so nervous. for you guys that passed it already do you have any advice that you can give me!

Re: CA DL/ID Informational and Situational Thread (Exam Q's, tips)
 

I don't need to take behind wheel since I had out of state dl :)
As for your driving test, make sure you always constantly look both ways and observe the intersections
When you're stopped..etc lol
You'll be fine!

Re: CA DL/ID Informational and Situational Thread (Exam Q's, tips)
 

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/wasapp/dlstatus/displayStatus.do
you should check this website to see if they have shipped out your license!

Re: CA DL/ID Informational and Situational Thread (Exam Q's, tips)
 

- wear long earrings so the instructor can see/hear you turning your head to check for blind spots and intersections. for guys, just make big shoulder pizzazz movements.

- always let the pedestrian hop onto the curb he/she is crossing onto before turning right, as ridiculous at it may seem.

- be conservative when stopping before limit lines and cars. i know my car, and i know that when i stop, i never cross the limit line. but the examiner doesn't know your car, so make sure you stop well before the limit line where it's clear you haven't crossed it.

- PEDESTRIANS PEDESTRIANS BICYCLES PEDESTRIANS!!! just let them all go first if you're not sure. worst thing is to have an automatic disqualification for not letting pedestrians go first, even if it's your right of way.

Re: CA DL/ID Informational and Situational Thread (Exam Q's, tips)
 

will do, thanks!! :D

Re: CA DL/ID Informational and Situational Thread (Exam Q's, tips)
 

please let me know what it says =D
mine says it has been processed, but not shipped (well it's only been 1 day) LOL
I just can't wait though!!

Re: CA DL/ID Informational and Situational Thread (Exam Q's, tips)
 

when yo say you went to the ssa, do you mean to apply for a ssn, or to get the printout?

Re: CA DL/ID Informational and Situational Thread (Exam Q's, tips)
 

Do you have previous driving experience? I only practiced for about a month and passed my test missing 5 points, you can miss up to 15. i was really freaked out too, but looking back at it it was not that bad. just take deep breaths lol.

-look left and right at every intersection you stop and pass by.

-always stop behind the limit line. even if you are turning right and cannot see, stop behind the limit line, look both ways, inch forward, and then proceed.

-DO NOT, i repeat, DO NOT, look TWICE when you turn right. for example, drive up to the intersection, look left, make sure its clear, and then turn. do not turn your head to the left again, automatic fail. they'll see it as an "unsure turn" and you weren't looking where you were going. same goes for making left turns.

-scan your eyes. look at the mirrors periodically. i would say you should move your eyes around every 10 seconds or less. i'm serious. the tester was looking directly at my eyeballs lol.

-BLIND SPOTS: anytime you use your directional lights, lane changes, turning, going into a driveway or parking lot, every time you make a turn in a parking lot. always check your blind spots.

-always stay within 10 miles of speed limit. no more no less. if there are children OUTSIDE of the gates of a school, go 25, or you will fail. if you are driving through a residential area and people are around, my instructor suggested i hover over my brakes and keep moving your head around to show that you are aware that there are people.

-my biggest suggestion is to drive around the dmv where you will be taking your test. i practiced in the area for like 3 days and even followed some that were taking their test to see what i would be doing and where i'd be going. when i went to take my test, i was very familiar with the road.

Re: CA DL/ID Informational and Situational Thread (Exam Q's, tips)
 

Just to apply..never got printout
Didn't need it since I knew my ssn

Re: CA DL/ID Informational and Situational Thread (Exam Q's, tips)
 

Same! processed but not shipped lol. Wow, we applied for the card around the same time~ I passed the behind the wheel on the 27th, so we should be getting our plastics at around the same time!

So this may be a shot in the dark, but I think knowing if we're getting a 2-year or full-term license has to do with our paper license says "Temporary Driver's License" or "Interim Driver's License," temporary being limited term, and interim being a full term.

I gathered this because I have some international student friends who took the driver's test and got a paper saying "temporary," and resident/citizen relatives having had "interim" paper licenses.

My paper license says "interim," but I haven't received my plastic yet, so I don't know.. :/

Re: CA DL/ID Informational and Situational Thread (Exam Q's, tips)
 

ahh yea, you should be getting it a little earlier than me. I applied 11/29 =D But we shall see. I really hope that Interim means full term! Tried looking up difference couldn't find..

Re: CA DL/ID Informational and Situational Thread (Exam Q's, tips)
 

yes i've been driving for years everybody tells me i'll be fine just relax, but to the dmv im goingto they r ass****** and they always fail people. anyways thamks for the tips they really help!

Re: CA DL/ID Informational and Situational Thread (Exam Q's, tips)
 

thank you! i'll let you guys know how it goes on monday..

Re: CA DL/ID Informational and Situational Thread (Exam Q's, tips)
 

Thank you for the thread UCLAbeatSC! It's very informational and will definitely help out once I'm ready to go in for my ID/DL.

Re: CA DL/ID Informational and Situational Thread (Exam Q's, tips)
 

Question; when turning on any intersection where there is a pedestrian, do you have to wait until they make it all the way across and on the sidewalk on the other side, to go ahead and turn? Or can yo go once they're more than halfway across and out of the way?

Re: CA DL/ID Informational and Situational Thread (Exam Q's, tips)
 

I think this has been answered, but you have to wait until the pedestrian walks all the way... then check again to your right shoulder if any are coming. then proceed.

Re: CA DL/ID Informational and Situational Thread (Exam Q's, tips)
 

Any updates from any of you guys? I just applied for a ssn and was thinking of going to the DMV tomorrow to apply for DL
and when filing out the DL form do you leave the part where it asks you for the ssn blank or what should one do? TIA

Re: CA DL/ID Informational and Situational Thread (Exam Q's, tips)
 

Yeah leave it blank. They'll make a note of it, and let you take your written test. You won't get your permit, but if you pass, once you have your number all you have to do is go give it them, and they'll print out your permit. That's what I did. But honestly, it's kind of a waste of time. You might as well go when you have your social so you save yourself a trip.

Re: CA DL/ID Informational and Situational Thread (Exam Q's, tips)
 

I have a question. I also have a out of state DL and my friend who lives in Calif would let me use his address to apply for a CA DL. What kind of paperwork would I need to submit? And also how long did they give you (2 years, 5 years, etc)? I am currently in AZ and my DL is from New Mexico and I only received 2 years on that card so that's why I wanted to get a CA DL (not to mention my NM DL card look pretty crappy and unreal)...

Re: CA DL/ID Informational and Situational Thread (Exam Q's, tips)
 

Ok thanks, I wasn't sure about it, yeah I think I'm gonna do what you recommended since everything is happening at a good pase and wait for my SSC, I've a good felling that I'll be getting it mid week, next week if I don't I'll just wait til it arrives in the mail. Thanks again.

Re: CA DL/ID Informational and Situational Thread (Exam Q's, tips)
 

Ok so I just got my SSC in the mail today and made an appointment at the DMV already for Wednesday, I'll be studying
The rest of today and all day tomorrow for the witting test.

Re: CA DL/ID Informational and Situational Thread (Exam Q's, tips)
 

2 questions for uclabeatusc, or anyone that can answer these questions:

1. i know i've been asking this around the forum, but im just too anxious. my i821d is approved and got the approval letter, but still pending on i-765. since the ab 2189 became effective earlier this year, does that mean i can just bring my i821d approval letter and check "i will provide the ssn once i get one later" on the form??

2. follow up of question #1. if the answer is yes, does this include california ID or strictly drivers license.

Thanks to whomever answers these questions.

Re: CA DL/ID Informational and Situational Thread (Exam Q's, tips)
 

You guys are so freaking amazing... all the help you guys provide is awsome...

Re: CA DL/ID Informational and Situational Thread (Exam Q's, tips)
 

hi guys.. i think dmv has changed the written test Q's for 2013 already...i went thr all the test samples on youtube for 2012 and there were some Q's on the actual test that i didnt see before. i didnt study the booklet at all. good thing i passed tho. good luck guys