Driver’s Licenses, Vehicle Registration
and other DMV Matters
Links: 
Department of Motor Vehicles
Driver’s Licenses and California Identification Cards
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues California Driver’s Licenses and Identification cards. These documents have recently been declared the primary identification documents in this state. Even if you do not drive, you may find it worthwhile to obtain a California Identification card. If you do drive, you may find it difficult and very expensive to buy insurance without a California Driver’s License. The DMV is very strict about receiving accurate and authentic identification documents in order to apply for a license. Note: They are in the process of removing the requirement of having a Social Security Number (due to the refusal of the Social Security Administration to acknowledge driving as a legitimate reason to assign a SSN for non-working non-resident aliens). 

The application for a California Identification card does not require a test or eye exam. You only need to provide the necessary documentation, pictures and fees. This identification card does not authorize driving. To be eligible for a driver’s license, you must know the California traffic laws and rules for safety, which are present in the California Driver’s Handbook. You can obtain the handbook from the LBNL Human Resources office, on-line at the DMV web-site or at a regional DMV office. The handbooks are free and are updated yearly.

In order to apply for an original driver’s license or identification card you must present:

  • Your legal presence document
  • Your SSN or alternative DMV issued number 
  • Your thumbprint (taken at the DMV office)
  • Your picture (will be taken for the card at the office)
  • Payment of the application fee (current fees are in the CA Driver’s Handbook)
Your legal presence document can be any one of the following:
  • Resident Alien Card
  • Temporary Resident Identification Card
  • Canadian Passport or Birth Certificate
  • Nonresident Alien Canadian Border Crossing Card
  • Valid foreign passport with a valid Record of Arrival/Departure (form I-94)
  • Employment Authorization Card
  • Mexican Border Crossing Card with valid I-94
  • "Processed for I-551" stamp in a valid foreign passport
  • Refugee travel document
  • Certificate of Identity with a valid I-94
  • U.S Border Crossing ID card and Visa with valid I-94
The Process: Obtaining a License or Identification Card
First, you will need to complete the Driver License or Identification Card Application, which is available at the Human Resources office of LBNL on University Avenue, on the DMV web-site and at the DMV regional offices. The application will ask you whether you want a commercial or non-commercial license: choose non-commercial. You are applying for a Class C driver’s license or identification card. Remember: do not sign the application until you are instructed to do so by a DMV employee. 

Upon completing the application, you must make an appointment for your behind-the-wheel driving test. No driving tests will be given without an appointment. When you go for your test appointment you will bring your unsigned application, along with your legal presence document, SSN (or alternative) and application fee to the DMV office. In addition to your driving test, you will also be given a written test (available in a few other languages) on traffic laws and an eye test. 

To be prepared for all three tests you need to bring: your corrective contact lenses or glasses (if you need them to pass the eye test), and a registered, safe car. You must provide a car for the driving test, the DMV will not provide cars for the test.

The Eye Test: An eye test will be given to measure how clearly you see. Bring and wear your corrective lenses if you need them. Your license will be marked indicating you must wear them while driving.

The Written Test: A written test of traffic laws, road signs and driving safety rules will be given. The questions will ask you about the information in the California Driver’s Handbook. The tests are available in many languages, but you must show the ability to read and understand simple English (as it is used in traffic and highway signs.)

The Driving Test: The test is given by appointment only. Bring with you the following items: your old license (international, home or other state’s), a licensed driver, a car that is safe to drive. 
Before the Test

Your Car: must be registered, safe, and have rear license plates. Your vehicle’s brake lights, horn, parking brake and electric signals must be working properly. There must be at least two rear view mirrors (one on the outside left).

Your examiner will escort you outside the DMV building. You will be asked to enter your car and show the arm signals. (However, during the test, you must use the turn signal lights). You will be asked to locate the headlight switch, windshield wipers, defroster, and emergency flashers. You must demonstrate how to use the parking brake. You will be asked to provide proof of insurance. Remember to wear your seat belt, it is required by California law. 

During the Driving Test
The driving test is required for all new drivers to show the ability to drive safely. Only you and the examiner may be in the vehicle. The examiner will give you all the directions. There will be no trick questions, and everything should be clear and straight-forward. There may be other considerations, and this is not a complete list, it is merely a guide on the expectations of the examiner. For a more complete description of the examination, look at your handbook. 

What you will be asked to demonstrate:

  • parking on a hill
  • backing up in a straight line
  • three-point turn (turning the vehicle around on a narrow two-way street)
What the examiner will "grade" you on:
  • How you start your vehicle. Are you aware of passing cars, do you signal and wait before entering traffic?
  • Vehicle control, correct use of gas pedal, brake, wheel, signals, horn.
  • Speed limits, driving in traffic, driving on the freeway, obeying traffic signals/signs
  • How do you stop, steer, back up, change speed according to road conditions, judge distance between cars.
  • Are you a courteous, attentive driver?
At the end of the test, the examiner will give the score sheet, with points deducted for all the driving "mistakes" you may have made. In order to pass, you must receive a score of 70/100 or better. If you do not pass, you are eligible to retake the driving exam two weeks from your last exam date. If you passed the written exam, you do not need to retake it. If you passed the exam, you will be asked to give your thumb print and have your picture taken. You will then be given a temporary interim license (valid for 60 days). Your driver’s license should arrive in the mail within a few weeks. If not, call the local DMV office.

Vehicle Registration: Registering Your Vehicle
Registration of your vehicle is mandatory in California. You can register at any DMV office. When you purchase a used car, you must obtain the certificate of ownership (pink slip) from the previous owner or dealership. Your name should be indicated as the new owner. You will also need a smog certificate (it is the responsibility of the previous owner to provide it for you). Take both the pink ownership slip and white smog certificate with you when you register your car. You will fill out a registration form. You will be issued a registration paper and a sticker with the current year on it. You must place the sticker on the upper right hand corner of your rear license plate. The registration slip should be placed in the glove compartment of the car. You must register your car every year. If you are purchasing a new vehicle, the dealership will take care of the registration for you, and you will be mailed license plates. If you bought a used car, you are responsible for its registration. Used cars keep the same license plates. 

The registration application is available at the LBNL Human Resources office and on the DMV web-site: http://www.dmv.ca.gov

Oakland DMV Office (closed until Spring 2000)
5300 Claremont Avenue
Oakland, CA
(510) 450-3691

El Cerrito DMV Office
6400 Manila Dr.
El Cerrito, CA
(510) 235-9171