Applying for a California Driver’s License as AF-1 Visa Student - 18 Years or Older

Sep 18, 2026

A student-oriented guide explains how to apply for a California driver’s license for AF-1 visa holders who are 18 years or older. It introduces the DMV’s role in licensing and driving-related services, clarifies when an out-of-state or foreign license may allow temporary driving, and provides a CA driver’s license checklist. The guide details who must take the written test, how to schedule testing, review the California Driver License Handbook, practice Class C sample tests, and access free language interpretation services including ASL.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages24

Reading Time1 h 0 min

AccessFree to download

Applying for a CA Driver’s License

What is the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)?

Driving in California and license considerations

CA Driver’s License Checklist

Who Needs to Take the CA Written Test?

Preparing for the CA DMV Written Test

Interpreters and the CA DMV Written Test

Contact details for Santa Monica DMV

APPLYING FOR A CALIFORNIA DRIVER’S LICENSE AS AF-1 VISA STUDENT (18 YEARS OR OLDER) Santa Monica College International Education Center Applying for a CA Driver’s License This PowerPoint addresses: 􀂆 What is the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)? 􀂆 How to obtain a driver’s license if you are 18 years or older and on a F-1 visa? 􀂆 The Santa Monica DMV – DMV location nearest to Santa Monica College 􀂆 What is the contact information for the Santa Monica DMV? 􀂆 What are their office hours? 􀂆 Driving/Public transportation directions What is the Department of Motor Vehicles? In the U.S., the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is the government agency in charge of areas having to do with driving a vehicle (i.e. vehicle registration, driver’s license, safety inspections, etc.). Driving in California… If you plan to drive a car while in the U.S., you must have a driver’s license. California law states that if you are visiting and have a valid driver’s license from your home state or country, you may drive in our state without getting a California Driver’s as long as your home state/country license remains valid ; however, it is recommended that you apply for a CA driver’s license as soon as possible if you plan to drive in CA as a student. CA Driver’s License Checklist Basic Requirements to Receive a CA Driver’s License 􀂅 Schedule an appointment to take the Written Test 􀂅 Bring all the documents you need to take the Written Test 􀂅 Pass the Written Test and receive your Driver’s Permit 􀂅 Schedule an appointment to take the Driving Test 􀂅 Take the Driving Test 􀂅 Pass the Driving Test and receive your interim Driver’s License 􀂅 Wait for your new photo license in the mail Who Needs to Take the CA Written Test? 1. Any F-1 visa student over 18 yrs. old who wants to obtain a CA driver’s license and has a valid • International driver’s license; • Driver’s license from another U.S. state; • Or driver’s license from another country or another state in the US. 2. Any F-1 visa student over 18 yrs. old who wants to obtain a CA driver’s license but does not have a valid driver’s license will need to take and pass the DMV written test. Preparing for the CA DMV Written Test Three Steps to Prepare for the CA DMV Written Test 1. Schedule an appointment to take your written test. 􀂉 Option One - To reduce your wait time, the IEC recommends scheduling an appointment online • [Go to](Go to www.dmv.ca.gov)[ ](Go to www.dmv.ca.gov)[www.dmv.ca.gov](Go to www.dmv.ca.gov) • Click on Online Services • Click on Appointments 􀂉 Option Two - Schedule an appointment by calling 1-800-777-0133 Preparing for the CA DMV Written Test Three Steps to Prepare for the CA DMV Written Test 2. Review the California Driver License Handbook prior to taking the written test at the DMV. 􀂉 English Version [http://dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl600.pdf](http://dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl600.pdf) 􀂅 Handbook Versions in otherlanguages [http://dmv.ca.gov/pubs/pubs.htm](http://dmv.ca.gov/pubs/pubs.htm) Preparing for the CA DMV Written Test Three Steps to Prepare for the CA DMV Written Test 3. Practice taking one or all of the Class C sample written tests. At the DMV, the written test is available in English and many other languages. Click “sample written tests” for examples. Sample Written Tests Interpreters and the CA DMV Written Test The Department of Motor Vehicles provides interpreters, including American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters, at no cost to the customer If you need a language interpreter schedule an appointment by calling 1-800-777-0133 and indicating foreign language assistance is needed. For the California Relay Telephone Service from TDD phones, call 1-800-735-2929 or, from voice phones, call 1-800-735-2922 for assistance in contacting DMV and making arrangements for an ASL interpreter.

FAQs

What is the DMV and what does it do?

The DMV is the U.S. government agency responsible for driving-related areas such as vehicle registration, driver’s licenses, and safety inspections.

What are the main steps to get a California driver’s license?

Schedule and take the written test, pass it to receive a driver’s permit, then schedule and take the driving test. After passing, you receive an interim license and wait for the photo license by mail.

Do AF-1 visa students over 18 need to take the written test?

They need to take and pass the DMV written test if they do not have a valid driver’s license. Those with a valid international license, another U.S. state license, or a valid license from another country may have different requirements.

How can I get language interpreter help for the DMV written test?

The DMV provides interpreters at no cost. To request foreign language assistance, schedule an appointment by calling 1-800-777-0133 and indicate language support is needed; TDD users can call 1-800-735-2929 and voice users can call 1-800-735-2922.

Sep 18, 2026

Uploaded by Jordan Avery