Newport Driving School - Serve Orange County



	Professional and Experienced Instructors

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We've assembled answers to the questions we are asked most frequently at Newport Driving School.

How to apply for a provisional permit if you are under 18

To apply for a provisional permit, you will need the following:

Be at least 15 ½, but under 18 years of age
Visit a DMV office ( make an appointment for faster service)
Complete the application form DL 44 (An original DL 44 form must be submitted. Copies obtained by xeroxing, faxing, or other methods will not be accepted.)
Have your parents' or guardians' signatures on the application form DL 44
Give a thumb print
Have your picture taken
Provide your social security number . It will be verified with the Social Security Administration while you are in the office.
Verify your birth date and legal presence
Provide your true full name
Submit the proper form(s) for driver education and/or driver training classes (See below for details.)
Pay the application fee (This fee entitles you to three exams of any type within the 12-month period and pays for both the instruction permit and the driver license. If all requirements are not met within the 12-month period, the application becomes void and all steps must be completed again.)
Pass a vision exam
Pass a traffic laws and sign test. There are 46 questions on the test. A passing score is at least 39 correct answers. You have three chances to pass the test. If you fail, you must wait 7 days before taking it again.

Note: To allow you sufficient time for testing DMV will not be administering written or audio exams after 4:30 p.m.

Driver Education and Driver Training Form Requirements

If you are 15 ½ to 17 ½ years of age, you will need to provide proof that you:

Completed driver education (Form DL 387 or OL 237) and are taking driver training (DL 392 or OL 392)

Completed driver education and driver training (DL 387, DL 388, DL 388A, OL 237, or OL 238).

Are enrolled and participating in an approved integrated driver education/driver training program (DL 400).

If you are over 17 ½ but under 18 years of age, you may get your permit without the driver education and driver training certificates however, you will not be able to take the driving test until you turn 18.

Once you pass your written test, you will be issued a provisional permit.

A parent, guardian, spouse or adult 25 years of age or older, who has a valid California driver license, must be with you when you drive. He or she must sit in a position close enough to take control of the vehicle, if necessary. It is illegal for you to drive alone at any time.

Before being eligible to take your driving test you must:

Be 16 years old

AND

Have held your permit for a minimum of six months

AND

Have completed driver education

AND

Have completed 6 hours of professional driver training

AND

Have completed 50 hours of practice with an adult 25 years or older. The adult must have a valid California driver license and certify to the 50 hours of practice. At least 10 of the 50 hours must have been done at night.

You will be asked to show that you are properly insured before the driving test begins or the driving test will be postponed ( California Insurance Requirements ).

After you pass your driving test you will be issued an interim license valid for 60 days until you receive your new photo license in the mail. Check your address before you leave DMV and tell the DMV representative if you have moved or if your address is incorrect. If you have not received your license after 60 days, call 1-800-777-0133 to check on the status. Have your interim license with you to provide information when requested.

If you fail your driving test, you must wait two weeks before you can take the test again. You have three chances to pass.

If driver education and driver training were taken in a state other than California, DMV will accept either a To Secondary Schools Other Than California Schools form DL 33 completed by the out-of state school, or a letter on the out-of state school's stationery signed by a school official stating that the courses are equivalent to California's requirements. Instructional permits issued by another state are not acceptable proof.

Provisional Instruction Permit - Cumulative Credit

Your driver license application is valid for 12 months from the application date. If your application will expire before you have held your provisional instruction permit for six months, you must return to DMV and start a new application. You will need to pay the application fee and fulfill all application requirements . Take your instruction permit with you to DMV. You will be credited for the time you have held your instruction permit and receive cumulative credit towards your subsequent provisional instruction permit to meet the six-month requirement before taking your driving test.

You must keep the expired instruction permit with your new instruction permit until you pass your driving test. The new instruction permit and the expired permit is the only proof of credit that satisfies the six-month requirement. When a new application is started, DMV does not retain the previous application information. If you lose your expired instruction permit, without the necessary proof of a previous application, the full six-month waiting period will be required before you will be allowed to take your driving test.

Bring both your instruction permits with you when you take your driving test.

Parents' or guardians' signatures - accepting liability for a minor

When parents or guardians sign for a minor to get a driver license, they are stating that they will accept financial responsibility for that minor. Financial responsibility in California requires that drivers and vehicle owners carry the following minimum monetary limits:

$15,000 for injury or death of 1 person per accident
$30,000 for injury or death of 2 or more persons per accident
$5,000 for any property damage per accident

Evidence of financial responsibility must be carried at all times in the vehicle. Most Californians maintain financial responsibility through insurance companies, which provide the policy holder with an identification card to be used as evidence of coverage. The card must state the insurance company's name and address, the period of coverage, and policy number.

Driver Education and Driver Training Information

You may take driver education (classroom training) or driver training (behind-the-wheel) in a public or private high school, or in a state licensed, professional driving school.

Driver Education and Driver Training courses must be conducted as prescribed by the Department of Education. Driver Education must consist of at least 30 hours or 2 1/2 semester periods of professional classroom instruction. Driver training must consist of at least six hours of behind-the-wheel professional instruction.

Professional schools and instructors in California are licensed by the DMV. Schools must carry liability insurance, be bonded, and maintain complete records for DMV inspection. Their teaching cars are subject to inspection every 6 months. Instructors must pass qualifying examinations every three years, or show proof of continuing education in traffic safety.

Provisional driver license restrictions during the first year

Effective January 1, 2006, a new law will increase driving restrictions for persons under the age of 18 who:

Are issued a provisional driver license (DL) on or after January 1, 2006, or
Already hold a provisional DL issued on or after January 1, 2005.

Provisional Driving Restrictions —You must be accompanied and supervised by a licensed parent, guardian or other licensed driver 25 years of age or older or a licensed or certified driving instructor when you:

Transport passengers under 20 years of age at any time, for the first twelve months .
Drive between 11 pm and 5 am for the first twelve months .

Previously, a provisional license holder was prohibited from transporting passengers under the age of 20 for the first six months , and not allowed to drive between midnight and 5 am for the first twelve months after issuance of his/her DL.

Persons under 18 may not be employed to drive a motor vehicle. When you turn 18 years of age, the provisional part of your license ends. You may continue to drive as an adult using your photo license, which will expire on your 5th birthday after the date you applied.

Exceptions to Restrictions

When reasonable transportation is not available and it is necessary for you to drive, the law grants the following exceptions for minors to drive between 11 pm and 5 am or to transport an immediate family member unaccompanied and unsupervised.

The law requires that you must carry a note explaining why you must drive and when the necessity will end.

Medical Necessity
The note must be signed by your physician and contain a diagnosis and probable date when recovery will end your need to drive.
School or School–Authorized Activities
The note must be signed by your school principal, dean, or his or her designee and include a reason for the school or school–authorized activity and the date when the activity will end.
Employment Necessity
The note must be signed by your employer and verify employment and the date your employment will end.
Immediate Need of Family Member
The note must be signed by your parent or legal guardian and include the reason and date the necessity will end.
Emancipated Minor
No documentation is needed for this exemption, however you must have already declared yourself emancipated by completing a DMV form and by providing Proof of Financial Responsibility (SR 1P) in lieu of your guarantors' signatures when you applied for your instruction permit.

Questions and Answers—Changes to Provisional Driver License Restrictions

Q. What changes are there to the provisional driver license restrictions?

A. Effective January 1, 2006, persons under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian or other person specified by law when:

Transporting passengers under 20 years of age, at any time for the first twelve months .
Driving between the hours of 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM for the first twelve months

Q. I was issued my provisional driver license on May 1, 2005, and was already restricted for six months. Now, I drive friends to school everyday who are under 20 years of age. Will I be restricted again in January 2006?

A. Yes, you will be restricted through April 2006, or until your 18 th birthday, whichever comes first.

Q. When I was issued my provisional driver license, DMV said I would be restricted for six months. Now, DMV is saying 12 months. Does that mean 12 additional months after the six months I already completed?

A. No. The restrictions last a total of 12 months from the date of issuance that displays on your provisional driver license.

Q. I am not sure when my restrictions began. How will I know when they end?

A. Look at the bottom of your driver license. Just to the left of your photograph is the date when the restrictions began. Calculate one year from that date to determine the date the restrictions end.

Q. Will I still be restricted when I turn age 18?

A. When you turn age 18, you will no longer be under the provisional driver license restrictions.

Q. There are two dates at the bottom of my license. Which one indicates the day the restrictions began?

A. The date closest to the photograph is the date the restrictions began.

Q. Will I have to get a new driver license?

A. No. You will not need to get another license.

Q. Why is the department discriminating against teen drivers?

A. The department is not discriminating. It is implementing legislation to save lives. Recent statistics show that citations/serious accidents involving provisional drivers during the 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM period have dramatically increased over the past five years. The change in law should reduce accidents and save lives.

Q. How will these restrictions show on my driving record?

A. The restrictions will read: “First 12 months of licensure may not transport passengers under age 20, and may not drive between the hours of 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM without parent/other driver as specified in Section 12814.6 CVC.”

Q. When the restrictions end, will they be removed from my record automatically?< /b>

A. Yes, the restrictions will be automatically removed from your record when the 12 months have ended or when you turn age 18, whichever comes first.

Q. I work a summer job which requires me to drive between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM. Can I apply for an exception?

A. California Vehicle Code Section 12814.6 provides an exception for a person who has to work, provided that reasonable transportation facilities are inadequate. You must carry a statement with you that is signed by your employer verifying your employment and indicating the date your employment is expected to end. An application for an exception is not necessary.

Q. Are there any other exceptions to the restrictions?

A. Medical necessity when reasonable transportation facilities are inadequate. You must carry a signed statement from your doctor stating the diagnosis and the probable date the necessity will end.

Schooling or school-authorized activities when reasonable transportation facilities are inadequate. You must carry a statement signed by the school principal, dean or a staff person authorized by the principal or dean, indicating when the schooling or school-authorized activity will be completed.

Necessity of family member including yourself, when adequate transportation facilities are unavailable and you need personal transportation or to transport a family member. You must carry a signed statement by a parent/legal guardian verifying the reason you must drive and the probable date the necessity will end.

Emancipated minor If you have filed documents with DMV to show you are emancipated and have filed either an SR-1P or SR 22 as required by law, you are not held to the provisional driving restrictions. It may be a good idea to carry proof of your emancipated status with you.

Q. I did not receive the letter notifying me of the new restrictions and I was cited by law enforcement for violating these restrictions. What can I do?

A. The department has made a reasonable effort to notify every driver and his or her parents /guardians by mail and has notified the newspapers and media about this change in the law. It is the responsibility of the driver and his or her parents/guardians to be aware of changes in the law affecting the driving privilege.

Q. My friend and I got our licenses at the same time. Why is my license restricted and his is not?

A. Has your friend turned 18 years of age? The restrictions end when a driver turns age 18. Make sure your friend is aware of the new changes in the law.

Q. When the restrictions end, will I receive a new license?

A. No, a new driver license will not be issued.

Q. Can I drive in the event of an emergency even though my provisional license is restricted?

A. The law does not provide for emergencies; only for exceptions as listed in Vehicle Code Section 12814.6. It is the discretion of law enforcement to determine if they will cite you for violating your provisional license restrictions.

How to apply for a motorcycle or moped driver license if you are under 18

There are two classes of motorcycle licenses, Class M1 and Class M2.

With a Class M1, you can operate any 2-wheel motorcycle and any motorized vehicle in Class M2.
With a Class M2, you can only operate any motorized bicycle or moped or any bicycle with an attached motor.

Effective January 1, 2006, you may operate a motorized scooter with a Class M1 or M2 driver license. Prior to January 1, 2006, you must have a Class C or higher driver license to operate a motorized scooter.

A motorized scooter is defined as: A two-wheeled "device" powered by a motor with a floorboard that is designed to stand on when riding. The scooter may also have a driver's seat.

Refer to the Motorcycle Driver Handbook for more information.

To apply for a motorcycle Class M1 or M2 permit, you will need to:

Be at least 15 ½ years of age
Visit a DMV office ( make an appointment for faster service)
Complete application form DL 44 (An original DL 44 form must be submitted. Copies obtained by Xeroxing, faxing, or other methods will not be accepted.)
Have your parents' or guardians' signatures on the application form DL 44
Give a thumb print
Have your picture taken
Submit proof you have completed both driving education and driver training. (DL 387, DL 388, DL 388A, OL 237, or OL 238)
Present an acceptable birth date/legal presence document.
Provide your true full name .
Provide your social security number. It will be verified with the Social Security Administration while you are in the office.
Pay the required application fee . This fee is good for 12 months and allows you to take the appropriate law test(s) and skills test three times, if needed, within the 12 month period. This fee pays for both the instruction permit and driver license, if you qualify within that time period. If the application expires, it becomes void and all steps must be completed again.
Pass an vision exam.
Pass a traffic laws and signs test.
Pass an additional law test of motorcycle driving rules.
OR
Show your California driver license, if you have one issued to you.
Pay the application fee
Pass a vision exam
Pass a traffic laws and signs test for motorcycles

Note: To allow you sufficient time for testing DMV will not be administering written or audio exams after 4:30 p.m.

After studying both the California Driver and the Motorcycle Handbooks , call your local DMV to schedule your appointment for the traffic laws and sign test.

After completing the requirements, you will be issued an instruction permit to allow you to practice driving a motorcycle. You may not drive at night, on the freeway, or have any passengers with you.

To apply for your motorcycle driver license, you must:

Be at least 16 years old
Have had your permit for 6 months
Have completed driver education and driver training or have your California driver license.
Complete a motorcycle rider training course given by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). All persons under 21 are required to complete the course.
Submit the CHP completion certificate (You will not be required to take the motorcycle driving test at DMV.)
For information about the CHP training course, please call 1-877-743-3411 or visit www.ca-msp.org .

After you submit the CHP completion certificate, you will be issued an interim license valid for 60 days until you receive your new photo license in the mail. Double check your address before you leave DMV and tell the DMV representative if you have moved or if your address is incorrect. If you have not received your license after 60 days, call 1-800-777-0133 and they can check on the status for you. Have your interim license with you to provide information when requested.

How to renew your driver license in person

If you already have a California license and are due to renew, you will need to:

Visit a DMV office ( make an appointment for faster service)
Complete application form DL 44. (An original DL 44 form must be submitted. Copies will not be accepted.) OR bring in the renewal notice DMV mailed to you (Cross out any old information and write in current information)
Give a thumb print
Have your picture taken
Pay the application fee
Pass an vision exam
Pass a traffic laws and sign test. You will only need to answer the first 18 questions of the 36 question exam. A passing score is at least 15 correct answers. You have three chances to pass.

Note: To allow you sufficient time for testing DMV will not be administering written or audio exams after 4:30 p.m.

After you complete the requirements you will be issued an interim license valid for 60 days until you receive your new photo license in the mail. Check your address before you leave DMV and tell the DMV representative if your address is incorrect. If you have not received your license after 60 days, call 1-800-777-0133 to check the status. Have your interim license with you to provide information when requested.

If your license has expired, it is illegal for you to drive. There are no penalties or late fees to renew your license. If you are a commercial driver and your license has expired more than a year, you will need to also take a driving test in the type of commercial vehicle you will be driving.

How to renew your driver license by mail

You may be eligible to renew your license by mail if you can answer No to all of the following questions:

Does your driver license expire more than 60 days from today's date?
Will you be 70 years of age or older when your current driver license expires?
Are you currently on any type of driving probation or suspension?
Did you violate a written promise to appear in court within the last two years?
Have you already received two consecutive four year extensions by mail?

If you qualify and have not received a notice to renew by mail, complete a Renewal By Mail Eligibility Information form DL 410FO and send it along with a check for the renewal fee to:

Department of Motor Vehicles
ATTN: Renewal By Mail Unit
PO Box 942890
Sacramento, CA 94290-0001

If you need further information, please call 1-800-777-0133.

How to renew your driver license by Internet

You may be eligible to renew your license by Internet if you receive a Renewal By Mail (RBM) Notice with a Renewal Identification Number (RIN), and:

Have access to the Internet
Not have a change of address or change of personal description
Have a verified Social Security Number (SSN) on DMV's record (since October 2000, DMV verifies SSNs with the Social Security Administration)
Have a valid credit card (Visa, Master Card, American Express or Discover)

If you qualify and wish to renew by Internet, go to www.dmv.ca.gov , click on the Online Driver License Renewal button and follow the posted instructions.

Please have your RBM notice and credit card handy before starting your transaction.

If you would like further information, please visit our Driver License Internet Renewal FAQ web page, or call 1-800-777-0133.

How to renew an instruction permit

If your permit has expired, you must start again. This means resubmitting documents, paying the application fee, and taking the required tests.

If you are under 18 years of age, you will need your parent(s) or guardian(s) signature on the application form.

How to apply for a duplicate driver license or identification (ID) card

To apply for a duplicate license or ID card, you will need to:

Make an appointment to visit a DMV office
Complete application form DL 44 (An original DL 44 form must be submitted. Copies will not be accepted.) For a duplicate driver license, minors must have parents' or guardians' signatures on the DL 44
Pay the application fee (No fee senior citizen ID card)
Give a thumb print
Have your picture taken

To ensure your identity is secure, the DMV will validate your photograph, social security number, and your personal information.

You will be issued an interim license valid for 60 days and/or a receipt for your ID card until you receive your new photo license and/or photo ID card in the mail. Check your address before you leave DMV and tell the DMV representative if your address is incorrect. Your new license and/or ID card will be mailed to you within 60 days. If you have not received your license and/or ID card after 60 days, call 1-800-777-0133 to check the status. Have your interim license and/or ID card receipt with you to provide information when requested.

How to change your name on your driver license and/or identification (ID) card

To apply for a name change you will need to:

Visit a DMV office ( make

an appointment

Complete application form DL 44 with your new information. (An original DL 44 form must be submitted. Copies will not be accepted.)
Give a thumb print
Have your picture taken
Pay the application fee (No fee for a senior citizen ID card)

Acceptable evidence of your new name may be provided by showing an original or certified copy of a Birth Date/Legal Presence document or a true full name document .

Please contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) to change your name on SSA records, if you have not already done so. DMV electronically verifies your name, birth date and social security number with the SSA.

If your information does not verify, you will not receive your new California driver license or identification card. You will receive a Request for Verification of Information letter from DMV informing you that the information you provided (name, birth date, and/or SSN) does not match SSA's records.

You will be issued an interim license valid for 60 days and/or a receipt for your ID card until you receive your new photo license and/or photo ID card in the mail. Check your address before you leave DMV and tell the DMV representative if your address is incorrect. Your new license and/or ID card will be mailed to you within 60 days. If you do not receive your license and/or ID card after 60 days, call 1 (800) 777-0133 to check on the status. Have your interim license and/or ID card receipt with you to provide information when requested.

Note: A name change on your driver license or identification card will not change your vehicle registration information. Follow this link to find out how to change or correct the name on your vehicle/vessel's DMV record.

Identification (ID) cards

DMV issues ID cards to persons of any age. The ID card looks like a driver license, but is used for identification purposes only. A regular ID card is valid for six years, and a senior citizen ID card is valid for 10 years. To qualify for a senior citizen ID card, you must be age 62 or older.

Reduced-fee ID card

You may pay a reduced application fee for an original or renewal identification card if you meet income requirements from a public assistance program. If you are eligible, the governmental or non-profit program will give you a completed Verification for Reduced Fee Identification Card form (DL 937) to take to DMV to apply for your reduced fee identification card.

See your local public assistance program agency for information about eligibility requirements and obtaining a DL 937 form.

How to apply for or renew an identification (ID) card

DMV issues two types of ID cards. A regular ID card valid for six years, and a senior citizen ID card valid for 10 years. To qualify for a senior citizen ID card, you must be age 62 or older.

To apply for an ID card you will need to do the following:

Visit a DMV office ( make an appointment for faster service)
Complete application form DL 44 (An original DL 44 form must be submitted. Copies will not be accepted.)
Give a thumb print
Have your picture taken
Provide your social security number . It will be verified with the Social Security Administration while you are in the office.
Verify your birth date and legal presence (you may use your California driver license)
Pay the application fee . (No fee for a senior citizen ID card.)

Check your address before you leave DMV and tell the DMV representative if your address is incorrect. Your new ID will be mailed to you within 60 days. If you have not received your ID after 60 days, call 1-800-777-0133 to check the status. Have your receipt and/or old ID card with you to provide information when requested.

DMV will exchange a valid license for a no-fee ID card to drivers who are no longer able to drive safely because of a physical or mental condition. Please call your local DMV for additional information.

To renew your ID card, you will need to:

Visit a DMV office ( make an appointment for faster service)
Complete application form DL 44. (An original DL 44 form must be submitted. Copies will not be accepted.)
Give a thumb print
Have your picture taken
Pay the application fee . (No fee for a senior citizen ID card.)

Double check your address before you leave DMV and tell the DMV representative if your address is incorrect. Your new ID will be mailed to you within 60 days. If you have not received your ID after 60 days, call 1-800-777-0133 and they can check on the status for you. Have your receipt and/or old ID card with you to provide information when requested.

Social security number (SSN) requirement

The Social Security Act allows any state to use the SSN to establish the identification of an individual. The California Vehicle Code requires the collection of the social security number.

All applicants must submit to DMV their social security number. Evidence of your social security number is required only on applications for an original commercial driver license and any request to correct a SSN that is already on the driver record data base, regardless of the class. The SSN is considered confidential and will not appear on the photo license or be encoded on the magnetic stripe. Any documents that the department is authorized to release to the public will have the SSN masked. The SSN is electronically verified with Social Security Administration while you are in the DMV office for all DL/ID card transactions, if it has not already been verified.

The only documents acceptable for SSN verification are originals of the following:

Social Security Card (cannot be laminated)
Medicare card
U.S. Armed Forces Identification Cards:
Active-DD 2
Retired-DD 2
Reserved-DD 2
Dependent-DD 173
Military separation document-DD 214

Exception to the SSN requirement:

If you are legally present in the US, but ineligible for an SSN, you are exempt from SSN requirements. However, you must still provide an acceptable birth date/legal presence document for any DL/ID card application OR provide a valid SSN.

True Full Name

Your true full name appears on your BD/LP document. If you change your name, then you must provide one of the following documents to verify your name change:

Adoption documents that contain the legal name as a result of the adoption.
A name change document that contains the legal name both before and after the name change.
Marriage certificate (issued from a local or state Office of Vital Statistics).
Dissolution of marriage document that contains the legal name as a result of the court action.

This document must be issued by a government agency within the United States or a foreign jurisdiction that is authorized to issue such documents. The document must be a legible and unaltered original or certified copy with a government seal, stamp or other official imprint. You will need to surrender your current driver license and/or ID card.

Information about birth date/legal presence documents .
Information on how to change your name .

Birth date verification and legal presence requirements

The issue of identification reliability, integrity, and confidentiality is of prime concern to all citizens. Eligibility for government services, issuance of various licenses, assessment of taxes, the right to vote, etc., are all determined through evaluations based on identification documents. It is critical that identification documents be authenticated and accurate in identifying each individual. The California driver license and ID card have been declared as primary identification documents in this state by the California legislature.

State law requires every applicant for an original California identification (ID) card and driver license to show verification of birth date and proof of legal presence within the United States to help safeguard the accuracy and integrity of departmental documents.

If your current name no longer matches the name on your birth date/legal presence document, see " True Full Name " and " How to Change Your Name " for more information.

Only the original or a certified copy of one of the following documents is acceptable:

US Birth Certificate
US Certificate or Report of Birth Abroad
Federal Proof of Indian Blood Degree
INS American Indian Card
Birth Certificate or passport issued from a US Territory
US Passport
US Military Identification Cards (Active or reserve duty, dependent, retired member, discharged from service, medical/religious personnel)
Common Access Card (only if designated as Active military or Active Reserve or Active Selected Reserve)
Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
Northern Mariana Card
INS US Citizen ID Card
Permanent Resident Card
Temporary Resident Identification Card
Canadian Passport/Birth Certificate
Non-resident Alien Canadian Border Crossing Card
Valid foreign passport with a valid Record of Arrival/Departure (form I-94)
Certification from California Department of Corrections or California Youth Authority
Employment Authorization Card
Permanent Resident Re-entry Permit
Refugee travel document
"Processed for I-551" stamped in a valid foreign passport
Valid I-94 stamped "Refugee," "Parole or Parolee," "Asylee," or Section 207, Section 208, Section 209, Section 212d(2), HP or PIP
Immigration judge's order granting asylum
Certified court order or judgment issued from a court of competent jurisdiction.
Valid I-94 with attached photo stamped "Processed for I-551 temporary evidence of lawful admission for permanent residence"
Notice of Action (I-797 Approved Petition)
Mexican Border Crossing Card with valid I-94

For information or to request a certified copy of a birth certificate from another state, you may call the following vital statistics offices:

Alabama (334) 206-5418
Alaska (907) 465-3312
Arizona (602) 364-1300
Arkansas (501) 661-2174
California (916) 445-2684
Colorado (303) 692-2224
Connecticut (860) 509-7897
Delaware (302) 744-4549
District of Columbia (202) 442-9009
Florida (904) 359-6900 ext. 1029
Georgia (404) 679-4701 ext. 4702
Hawaii (808) 586-4533
Idaho (208) 334-5988
Illinois (217) 782-6553
Indiana (317) 233-2700
Iowa (515) 281-4944
Kansas (785) 296-3253
Kentucky (502) 564-4212
Louisiana (504) 568-8353
Maine (207) 287-3181
Maryland (800) 832-3277
Massachusetts (617) 740-2600
Michigan (517) 335-8666
Minnesota (612) 676-5120
Mississippi (601) 576-7960
Missouri (573) 751-6387
Montana (406) 444-2685
Nebraska (402) 471-2871
Nevada (775) 684-4242
New Hampshire (800) 852-3345 ext. 4651
New Jersey (609) 292-4087
New Mexico (505) 827-0121
New York (518) 474-3077
North Carolina (919) 733-3526
North Dakota (701) 328-2360
Ohio (614) 466-2531
Oklahoma (405) 271-4040
Oregon (503) 731-4108
Pennsylvania (724) 656-3100
Rhode Island (401) 222-2811
South Carolina (803) 898-3630
South Dakota (605) 773-4961
Tennessee (615) 741-1763
Texas (512) 458-7111
Utah (801) 538-6380
Vermont (802) 863-7275
Virginia (804) 662-6200
Washington (360) 236-4300
West Virginia (304) 558-2931
Wisconsin (608) 266-1371
Wyoming (307) 777-7591

For information or to request a certified copy of a birth certificate from a US Territory or possession, you may call the following vital statistics offices:

American Samoa (684) 633-1222 ext. 214
Guam (671) 735-7263
Puerto Rico (787) 767-9120
Virgin Islands:
St. Croix (340) 773-4050
St. Thomas (340) 774-1734
St. John (340) 774-900 ext 4621
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (670) 234-6401 ext. 15
Canal Zone (202) 955-0307

US Citizenship and Immigration Services; a Bureau of Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

National Customer Service Center 1 (800) 375-5283
Consular Report of Birth Abroad (202) 955-0307

All phone numbers are subject to change without notice.

Limited Term Legal Presence

All original and pending driver license or identification cards will expire on the expiration date of his/her birth date/legal presence document (BD/LP) issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Your BD/LP document must have an expiration date 30 or more days from your application date. If your BD/LP document has an expiration date less than 30 days, you will not be able to start a driver license or identification card application.

If your BD/LP document has an expiration date of less than 60 days, you may complete your licensing requirements (written/vision/driving tests), but you will need to submit another BD/LP document with an expiration date of 60 days or more before your driver license or identification card is mailed to you.

Before your limited term driver license expires, the department will mail out an “extension” letter with instructions on how to complete your application for a driver license.

If your current name no longer matches the name on your birth date/legal presence document, see " True Full Name " and " How to Change Your Name " for more information.

Vision exam requirement

A 20/40 visual acuity with or without glasses is the department's vision guideline. Customers applying for a Class A, B, or commercial C license must see 20/40 with both eyes and each eye individually. The departmental authority for administering the vision exam is 12804.9 (a) (1) (E) of the California Vehicle Code.

Visual acuity measurements are obtained for both eyes together and for each eye separately while both eyes remain open, as in normal driving. There are two methods of testing, a Snellen chart or Optec 1000 Vision Tester.

The Snellen chart contains five lines of letters and measures the portion of an applicant's general seeing ability, known as visual acuity or keenness of vision. The Optec 1000 Vision Tester obtains a more precise vision score by providing a test situation, which is equivalent to placing the applicant at one end of a room 26 feet long to read a test target at the opposite end of the room.

Applicants who do not pass either exams may, depending on the circumstances, be referred to a vision specialist. The vision specialist may prescribe eye glasses or a stronger prescription for the current eye glasses worn.

Military personnel away from home

If you are out of state on active military service in the United States Armed Forces, your California driver license will continue to be valid beyond its normal expiration date. Section 12817 of the California Vehicle Code (CVC) authorizes the extension of your license. Call 1-800-777-0133 to update your driving record and DMV will send you a DL 236 card to carry with your driver license. The DL 236 card states CVC Section 12817. It is important to update your record as this will prevent it from being purged.

Ask the authorities in the state or country where you are on duty if they will honor your extended license. Of course, your license is not valid if it has been suspended, canceled, or revoked.

Your extended license is good for 30 days after you return to California. If honorably discharged, carry both your driver license and discharge papers during those 30 days.

When you return to California, you will need to:

Visit a DMV office ( make an appointment for faster service)
Complete application form DL 44
Give a thumb print
Have your picture taken
Pay the application fee
Pass an vision exam
Pass a traffic laws and sign test

Note: To allow you sufficient time for testing DMV will not be administering written or audio exams after 4:30 p.m.

If you will not be returning to California:

Go to the office that issues driver licenses in your new state of residence
Follow the state's requirements
Present your California driver license with your DL 236 card when requested.

If you, your spouse, and/or dependents need to apply for a duplicate license, then call DMV at (916)657-7790, provide all pertinent information requested and a license will be issued without a photo, stating "Valid without photo."

If your spouse and/or dependent's California driver license will expire soon, they can apply for a renewal of their license by calling DMV at (916)657-7790 or request a no-fee one-year extension by writing to DMV at:

Department of Motor Vehicles
PO Box 942890
Sacramento, California 94290-0001

Be sure to include the name as it appears on the license, driver license number, birth date and address in the request.

How to find a driving under the influence (DUI) program

Every person convicted of a first offense DUI is required to complete an approved drinking driver program. For second and subsequent convictions, completion of an 18 or 30-month program is required.

To find out which program you require, contact the Municipal Court in the county where you appeared for sentencing of the DUI violation, or you may contact the DMV at (916) 657-6525.

Negligent operator violation point count

Once you are licensed to drive in California it is important that you continue to follow all the laws and practice safe driving habits. If you start accumulating tickets for moving violations, which count as one or two points, you may be considered a negligent operator and may lose your privilege to drive.

Most driving offenses, such as hit and run, reckless driving, and driving under the influence, are designated as 2 points and will remain on your record for seven years from the violation date. Most other offenses are designated as 1 point and will remain on your record for three years from the violation date. Any "at fault" accident is normally counted as one point.

You will be considered a negligent operator if your driving record shows any of the following point count totals:

4 points in 12 months, or
6 points in 24 months, or
8 points in 36 months

When you are required to report an accident to DMV

If you are involved in a vehicle accident that occurred in California, you must report it to DMV if:

There was property damage of more than $750 or
any one was injured (no matter how minor) or killed.

Each driver must make a report to DMV within 10 days, whether you caused the accident or not and even if the accident occurred on private property.

You must complete a DMV Traffic Accident Report form SR 1/SR 1A .

When you have completed the form, you can mail it to:

Department of Motor Vehicles
Financial Responsibility (Mail Station J-237)
PO Box 942884
Sacramento, California 94284-0884

If you do not submit this report, your driving privilege will be suspended. DMV may ask your insurance company to verify that you had coverage in effect at the time of the accident. If you did not have insurance, your driving privilege will be suspended for one year. To get your license back, after the suspension, you will need to provide proof of financial responsibility and maintain it on record for three years. The accident may count as one point on your driving record (California Insurance Requirements) .

For information about violation points and your driving record, see negligent operator violation point count.

For information about what vehicle section violations count as negligent operator points, see common California vehicle code violations used in negligent operator count

For additional information regarding accident reports, call the Financial Responsibility section at (916) 657-6677.

Alternative methods for completing the driver license written examination

DMV offers alternative methods for completing the driver license written examination. The examination may be conducted:

In a foreign language.
In American Sign Language.
By listening to a cassette tape rather than reading the material (audio).
By having an examiner ask the questions (Person-to-person Examination).

It is advisable for an individual with special needs to discuss those needs with the local driver license supervisor to allow him or her to better assist the applicant.

Note: To allow you sufficient time for testing DMV will not be administering written or audio exams after 4:30 p.m.

What other languages is the written or audio test available in?

Besides English, the basic Class C written driver license exam is also available in the following languages:

Amharic	Arabic	Armenian	Cambodian
Chinese	Croatian	French	German
Greek	Hebrew	Hindi	Hmong
Hungarian	Indonesian	Italian	Japanese
Korean	Laotian	Persian/Farsi	Polish
Portuguese	Punjabi	Romanian	Russian
Samoan	Spanish	Tagalog/Filipino	Thai
Tongan	Turkish	Vietnamese

Besides English, the basic Class C audio driver license exam is also available in the following languages:

Armenian	Chinese/Mandarin	Hindi	Hmong
Japanese	Korean	Portuguese	Punjabi
Russian	Spanish	Vietnamese

Note: To allow you sufficient time for testing DMV will not be administering written or audio exams after 4:30 p.m.

Helpful Information for DMV's Disabled Customers

International Driving Permits

The State of California does not recognize an International Driving Permit (IDP) as a valid driver license. California does recognize a valid driver license that is issued by a foreign jurisdiction (country, state, territory) of which the license holder is a resident.

The IDP is only a translation of information contained on a person's foreign driver license and is not required to operate a motor vehicle in California. Citations issued to a person in California who has an IDP, but does not have a California driver license will be placed on the Department of Motor Vehicle database.

The IDP is also called an International Driver License, International License, etc.

For more information about travel and driver licensing requirements outside of the US, visit the US State Department Road Safety Overseas website at: http://travel.state.gov/road_safety.html

Newport Driving School
Tel: 949.975.8425
Fax: 949.975.8430
4340 campus drive st. 214
newport beach ca 92660

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