Drivers License (San Bernardino: insurance, how much, to buy)

[sjcassin]

I currently have a full uk driving license however when i move to California how long will I have to take the US/Ca driving test. I will be moving to CA to reside permanently.

When a US Citizen comes to the UK to live they have one years grace in which they are still able to drive around however they must take the british test within a year.

Is this the case when I come over?

[JustJulia]

Go to dmv.ca.gov, which is the site for California's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). It's pretty easy to use. Here's some information for newcomers.

Information For Persons New To California

I've also called the DMV a few times, and if you call at off-peak times (not Monday morning, not during lunchtime, etc.), you should get through with not too long a wait.

Good luck!

[MapleLeaf]

from California DMV HTVR9 - How To Register A Out-of-State Vehicle (Nonresident Vehicle)
"Definition of a nonresident vehicle
A nonresident vehicle was last registered outside the state of California. Anyone who brings a vehicle into California, or purchases a nonresident vehicle while in California, should be aware of the registration requirements.
NOTE: California law prohibits residents or businesses from importing and/or registering a new vehicle with less than 7,500 miles at the time of purchase unless it meets or is exempt from California Emission standards. If you acquire a 49-State vehicle (manufactured for all states except California) from another state or country, you may not be able to register your vehicle in California."

Can anyone please explain me "NOTE:" in simple English... I don't understand anything.
We have 3.5 y.o. Toyota Sienna and brand new 2009 Honda Civic. Can I bring them to CA?

[ferretkona]

Originally Posted by sjcassin

When a US Citizen comes to the UK to live they have one years grace in which they are still able to drive around however they must take the british test within a year.

Is this the case when I come over?

With citizenship we have 10 days to change our address with the DMV. I suspect you will need to check with the DMV , it may possibly be explained with the green card.

Originally Posted by MapleLeaf

Can anyone please explain me "NOTE:" in simple English... I don't understand anything.,,We have 3.5 y.o. Toyota Sienna and brand new 2009 Honda Civic. Can I bring them to CA?

Yes, you will need to register them with the DMV within 10 days, bring proof of insurance. You can also do this at the Auto club with shorter wait time.

[MapleLeaf]

Originally Posted by ferretkona

Yes, you will need to register them with the DMV within 10 days, bring proof of insurance. You can also do this at the Auto club with shorter wait time.

I understand it.
I don't undestand next "California law prohibits residents or businesses from importing and/or registering a new vehicle with less than 7,500 miles at the time of purchase unless it meets or is exempt from California Emission standards"

[jc76]

Originally Posted by MapleLeaf

I understand it.
I don't undestand next "California law prohibits residents or businesses from importing and/or registering a new vehicle with less than 7,500 miles at the time of purchase unless it meets or is exempt from California Emission standards"

Basically they don't want you going to other states to buy cars, takes from the CA economy. However, it says "Unless it meets or is exempt from Ca emission standards".... well most 2008-9 models will pass the emissions test, so you should be ok.

[MapleLeaf]

Originally Posted by jc76

Basically they don't want you going to other states to buy cars, takes from the CA economy. However, it says "Unless it meets or is exempt from Ca emission standards".... well most 2008-9 models will pass the emissions test, so you should be ok.

but we alrady have cars, we just relocating from Canada

[steel7]

Good luck dealing with the ca dmv. They are very rude, foul & greedy. Expect to drop a nice chunk of change. The dmv is quite unorganized & lots of people despise them.

[handiquack]

Originally Posted by eagle7

Good luck dealing with the ca dmv. They are very rude, foul & greedy. Expect to drop a nice chunk of change. The dmv is quite unorganized & lots of people despise them.

You can't possibly think only California is like that. Welcome to the DMV of any state in the union. I've lived in 3 of the 4 largest states in the country and every single one is like that.

Not only that, but it's a general view that the DMV is known to have long lines and rude employees.

Honestly if you think the CA DMV is bad, just try getting your license or registration renewed in New York. The wait time is three times as long, the employees are even more rude, and disorganization doesn't begin to describe their operations. We have it good here - I was in and out of the DMV just last week in under 20 minutes to get my registration renewed, and it was during the rush period just before they closed.

We're spoiled here by the DMV system. Just try another state and see how much worse it is.

[steel7]

Originally Posted by handiquack

You can't possibly think only California is like that. Welcome to the DMV of any state in the union. I've lived in 3 of the 4 largest states in the country and every single one is like that.

Not only that, but it's a general view that the DMV is known to have long lines and rude employees.

Honestly if you think the CA DMV is bad, just try getting your license or registration renewed in New York. The wait time is three times as long, the employees are even more rude, and disorganization doesn't begin to describe their operations. We have it good here - I was in and out of the DMV just last week in under 20 minutes to get my registration renewed, and it was during the rush period just before they closed.

We're spoiled here by the DMV system. Just try another state and see how much worse it is.

I think it depends on which ca dmv you go to. San Bernardino dmv is quite bad & redlands isnt far behind. Ill be going to the dmv in sept & im not looking forward to it. I know the NY dmv is horrid & how they get away with there rude bs ill never understand. These are state employees paid by the tax payers yet they think they are above everyone else.