Driving in California
NB: For those of you who already have a U.S. driver's license from another U.S. state, you need to pass the California Written Test only, not the Driving Exam.
No need to go in person to the DMV: you can take the Written Test online.
You must have a California driver's license, issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The DMV is the California state agency that is responsible for processing and issuing your driver's license or your state identification card (ID). The DMV office closest to Caltech is in Pasadena.
If you want to schedule an appointment with the Pasadena DMV but the times offered do not match with your possibility, then you can consider going to another DMV office: Glendale, West Covina, Montebello and Lincoln Park.
The cost of the permit Class C is $49 ($41 for the Written Test and $8 for the Driving Test - Nov 2023)
There are two tests to take at the DMV: The Written Test (California driving rules) and the Driving Test (called Behind The Wheel).
The Written Test. The written test examines your understanding of the California driving laws, which differ from other states. You need to answer 38 questions correctly out of the 46 questions to pass the test. You can either go in person OR take the test online from home.
. Online from Home: click here
. To schedule for an in-person: either call 1-800-777-0133 or choose yourself the day and time.
. Last option, you can come to any DMV without an appointment; an officer will give you a time slot to take the Written Test. Expect to wait ~ 3-4 hours.
The Written Test results are available as soon as you finish the test.
For your written test appointment, be prepared to:
- Bring your passport and your Social Security Number (SSN)
- A print of your I-94 and DS-2019
- A proof of your residency
- Pay an application fee ($41 in cash, debit or credit card, check)
- Pass a vision test (you will do it on the DMV site)
- Have your picture taken (you will do it at the DMV site)
- Give a thumbprint (you will do it at the DMV site)
- Take the Written Test.
- The California Driver Handbook and sample tests will help you study for the test.
Note: the SSN is not required to get a driver's license, unless you have one; therefore, students, staff/scholar's spouse-significant one can obtain a California Driving License.
The Driving Test (behind-the-wheel). Once you have passed the written test (you will know the same day, right after your exam), you may immediately schedule the driving test. Plan to be accompanied by someone who has a valid California driving license the day of your test. Pay the $8 fee (in cash, debit or credit card, check). To pass the behind-the-wheel test, you must do less than 15 mistakes and the driving test lasts approximatively 15 minutes. Please be aware that the DMV does not provide cars to take the test, so you can either rent a car or ask a friend to drive you to the DMV and use his/her car while you take the driving test (and check with him/her the car is insured appropriately). Alternatively, you can enroll in a driver education course and the driving school may lend you a car for the driving test.
Tips: If the day and time offered seem too far away (one month and more sometimes), you should check the online appointment system for the Pasadena site and other DMV sites around.
NEW: REAL ID - What is it?
REAL ID is an option for customers who wish to board domestic flights or enter secured federal facilities beginning May 7, 2025. A valid passport also serves in lieu of a REAL ID compliant driver license or identification card. Individuals must decide whether REAL ID is necessary for them. If not, they can simply continue to have a federal non-compliant card.
Here is the list on TSA's website of acceptable identification
With respect to REAL ID, the federal government determines which documents are acceptable in order to apply. These documents include an unexpired foreign passport with a valid US Visa and approved I-94 form. Additional acceptable documents are included on the attached list.
Driving Under the Influence (SB 61, Hill): This law extends the existing Ignition Interlock Device (IID) pilot project to July 1, 2017 for, Alameda, Los Angeles, Sacramento, and Tulare counties. The IID pilot project requires a person convicted of a DUI to install an IID for five months upon a first offense, 12 months for a second offense, 24 months for a third offense, and 36 months for a fourth or subsequent offense. The project was originally set to end on January 1, 2016.
Earbuds or Headsets (SB 491, Transportation Committee): This law, among other things, makes it unlawful to wear a headset covering, earplugs in, or earphones covering, resting on, or inserted in, both ears, while operating a motor vehicle or a bicycle. This prohibition does not apply to persons operating authorized emergency vehicles, construction equipment and refuse or waste equipment while wearing a headset or safety earplugs.
Rules differ according to your age. If you are 25 years old or older, you can rent a car using your home country driver's license. If you are between the ages of 18 and 25, you must provide an international driving permit/license (you have to pay a fee to obtain it from the equivalent of the DMV agency in your home country). In addition to the rental fee, you will have to pay a daily "underage driver fee," which is about $19/day (as of August 2022).
Caltech has some agreements with major rental car companies. These agreements are for business purpose only; if you plan to rent a car for your personal use, the agreement does not apply.
- Hertz (Limited Damage Waiver included in rates. 2738 East Colorado Blvd, Pasadena 91107. Phone (626) 578 0448. Agreement CDP No. 63515
- Enterprise (Collision Damage Waiver included in rates). 1890 East Colorado Blvd, Pasadena 91107. Phone (626) 405 0900. Agreement No. XZ32S52
- CarRentals.com
- Zipcar: Looking to run errands, grab groceries, or ditch campus for a long weekend? Use the map to find Zipcars near California Institute of Technology.
When comparing prices, add California tax rates + Vehicle licensing fee (~ 10%). Contact Caltech at 626 395 6273 if you need assistance with the rental agreements or information about a multi-months rental (62 days and over).
The mechanic part only may be included in the insurance fees but ask and check about the liability part. Liability insurance is a part of the general insurance system of risk financing to protect the purchaser (the "insured") from the risks of liabilities imposed by lawsuits and similar claims. It protects the insured in the event he or she is sued for claims that come within the coverage of the insurance policy.
If you purchase a car, you are required to obtain a Driver's License from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (California DMV).
Do Your Homework
Research the value and price of the car you want to buy. Edmunds, Cars.com and Kelley Blue Book provide information about what a car is worth. American Automobile Association (AAA) provides vehicle pricing reports for their members and to non-members for a nominal fee. Consumer Reports also provides a comparison of cars.
Buying a Used Car
If you buy a used car, the seller must provide you with the current smog certificate, issued within the last 30 days, and the CARFAX to learn the history of the car. Both these documents are required by the DMV.
Browse The Recycler, iSeeCars.com and craigslist.org (select "Cars and Trucks" under "For Sale") for listings of used cars for sale.
Car dealerships and Rental Car Companies sell used cars. Visit Hertz for example.
Campus Resources
The Caltech Marketplace
Leasing a Car
When you lease a new or used vehicle, you are essentially renting it for a longer period of time. You will pay a monthly fee, and you must return the vehicle at the end of the lease. In many leases, you have the option to buy the vehicle at the end of the lease. A Credit history may be required in order to lease a car.
Buying a New Car
Pasadena has a large range of car dealers, selling European, Asian and U.S. models.
Tips for Getting Car Quotes
Watch this video.
If you own, lease, or rent a car, automobile insurance is mandatory in California. An automobile insurance policy must provide a minimum coverage per accident for injury/death for a single or more persons and for property damage. This "third party coverage" covers the cost of any injury or damage you may cause if you are in an accident.
If you move to California from another state, be aware that many out of state insurance companies may not be authorized to do business in California. Before you drive, find out from your insurance company if you are covered in the case of an accident in California.
Los Angeles has some of the highest automobile insurance rates in the country. The California Department of Insurance provides information about various types of insurance and a cost comparison of insurance premiums (monthly or annual payments). Securing liability and comprehensive insurance can be very expensive, particularly for first-time drivers. If you maintain a good driving record for the first 18 months, your premium may decrease. If you can provide written proof (in English) that certifies your good driving record for the last three years, you might be eligible for a good-driver discount with some insurance companies. Insurance companies also offer discounts based on the driver's education level and profession. Ask the insurance company what discounts are available to you.
There are many auto insurance companies to select from, including: Allstate, American Automobile Association (pronounced Triple A), Farmers, Geico, Mercury, State Farm and 21st Century.
SAVE is a database that verifies your immigration status. If, for any reason you have some difficulties with the DMV to apply / renew your driving license, we encourage you to check SAVE. It's a system that allows DMV agencies throughout the United States to verify valid status of driving license applicants. Click here for more information.
DMV Fees. Any car purchased requires payment of various fees such as the vehicle registration fee, new license plates, transfer ownership fee and a sales tax fee (about 9% of the cost of the car purchased).
Roadside Assistance. Many drivers choose to enroll in AAA roadside assistance service for an annual fee. Membership includes 24-hour roadside assistance and towing if your car breaks down. Free State and city maps, travel guide books, passport pictures, discounts for events, attractions, hotels and car rentals are also available to AAA members. You can become an AAA member for roadside assistance even if you choose another company for car insurance.
Driving License from another US State. If you already have a Social Security Number and are moving from another US state to California, you must register your vehicles within 20 days of your arrival in California. Also, you will have to pass the DMV written test (and not the driving test) as California has its own driving rules. The California Driver Handbook and sample tests will help you study for the test.
Dependents. If you (or your spouse) do not have a Social Security Number, you can still apply to a California driver's license. There is a section only for those who are not eligible for a Social Security Number but are still considered as California residents according to the DMV.
Caltech encourages the use of Vanpool Program (at least six or more Caltech staff/student/ faculty members who live outside of the Caltech boundaries) as an alternative to driving alone.
Shuttles to/from JPL and Caltech
DISCLAIMER: The information provided on this website is for general information only. Caltech does not endorse or recommend any of the organizations listed.