How Long Can You Drive In California With An Out Of State License?

Once you pass the driving test and get your driver's license, that does not mean you are set no matter where you go. Yes, all states do accept out-of-state drivers licenses for visitors. However, when you become a full-time resident of a new state, you will then need to apply for a new driver's license.

This is no different in California. So, how long can you drive in California with an out of state license? Check out the rules for visitors to California below, as well as how long you have to get a new license and what you'll need to get a California driver's license.

Visitors With Out-Of-State Driver's Licenses In California

For visitors in California, the amount of time you can drive with an out-of-state license depends on your age. If you are 18 years or older, then you can drive in California for the duration of your visit.

If you are 16 or 17 and have an out-of-state driver's license, then you can only drive in California for a maximum of 10 days. This rule does not apply if you get a Nonresident Minor’s Certificate from the California Department of Motor Vehicles. In order to get a Nonresident Minor's Certificate, you will need to bring proof of insurance or ability to pay in the case of an accident to a California DMV office.

New Residents With Out-Of-State Driver's Licenses In California

The rules change once you become an official resident of California. Once that happens, you have 10 days to apply for a California driver’s license. How is residency officially established? This may include:

• Paying in-state tuition at a California college or university
• Filing for a homeowner's property tax exemption
• Registering to vote in California
• Getting any other benefit not afforded to nonresidents

An exception to this rule is if you are driving as part of your job. If that is the case, then you must apply for a California drivers license immediately. This is particularly true for rideshare drivers, according to Jaime Garza from the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

Garza said, “Yes, you will need a California license to drive in California. Even if you have driven for Lyft and Uber before in another state, you will have to get a California license and registration before being able to drive.”

Applying For A California Driver’s License

Despite the fact that you have a license from another state, you will still have to present certain documents and pass a knowledge test to get a California drivers license. Normally though, if you have a current license from another state, then the driving portion of the California exam will be waived.

For the knowledge test, it consists of 46 questions and in order to pass, you must answer at least 38 correctly. We recommend taking an online driver's ed course to help you prepare for this knowledge test, especially since some rules of the road are different state-to-state.

If you pass the written test and are between 16 and 18 years old, then you will be issued a provisional California driver's license. What does this mean? You can legally drive, but you are subject to restrictions. During the first 12 months after you are licensed, with some exceptions, you are not permitted to:

• Drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
• Drive passengers under 20 years old, unless you are with a driver who is over 25 and holds a California license.

These provisional restrictions expire after a year or when you turn 18 years old. Otherwise, if you are over 18 years old, you would be issued a full driver's license for your new state of residence.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our friendly support staff. If you want to start your driver's training journey with Coastline Academy, make sure to sign up for Drivers Ed and book your driving lesson today.