Learning to drive in visa limbo, part 2

October 21, 2021 12:48 PM

This is a followup to this earlier question, which, I now see, was pretty confused. Thanks to everyone for putting me on the right track! My question now is about AB60 licenses in California. In particular, what sort of ID do I need to apply for one, and what are my options as a Brit? More inside.

I can't get a regular driver's license, as I'm currently in visa limbo, and will be for the foreseeable future. I'm in California. I have a UK passport, and no other official photo ID. I don't have an SSN. I had hoped I could apply for an AB60 with just my passport, along with my proof-of-residency documents. However, the person at the DMV insisted that I needed a further piece of ID for the application, and suggested I could get a consular card. I'm not even sure these exist for Brits.

I'm having some difficulty finding this clearly documented online. I think I fall into the case in Table B of this guide, which does seem to say that I need two documents. Table C in that document mentions the possibility of submitting fewer documents, and having them reviewed, which isn't an option the DMV person mentioned to me.

If it makes any difference, I'm currently just trying to get an instructional permit, as I need to learn how to drive.

My questions are:

(1) Is there any way to do the application with only a British passport? Is secondary review a viable route?

(2) Does anyone have any experience getting a second piece of British ID, like a consular card?

(3) If I do have to apply for another ID, is there any way I can legally start learning to drive while I'm waiting for it? I'm desperate to get underway.

posted by ectopus to Travel & Transportation (2 answers total)

I mean, on Table C it does say, "As many as possible of the following documents" - if you just have the passport, that is as many as possible! Table C seems to require a higher level of scrutiny but it still seems like they ought to honor that. I can't speak to the California DMV, but I have definitely been misinformed by DMV/RMV employees in the past. It's uncomfortable, but you may need to just keep going back and bugging them to escalate you to a supervisor.

Alternately you could use your passport to apply for a California ID (it seems like a foreign passport with I-94 should be accepted as proof of identity on its own for a state ID), and then use the California ID to apply for a driver's license. This is kind of ridiculous since they are being issued by the same agency, so the only actual proof was your passport in the end! But hey, bureaucracy.

As for learning to drive without a license, it *is* legal for you to drive on private property, but you will probably find it difficult to find a driving school that will give you road lessons without a learner's permit (mostly for insurance reasons).

Regardless, if you're going to be using a driving instructor, start calling driving schools now! There are lots of driving schools near me that seem to cater to recent immigrants - I'm sure it's similar in SoCal. They may be able to help you navigate the DMV situation as well (although they are probably more familiar with Latin American immigrants than folks from the UK).
posted by mskyle at 1:56 PM on October 21, 2021

Do you have a UK licence? Is it valid in the US? Unofficially (as in: go check) I understand that it's a one year validity and in your case that would probably be since last entry. You can't turn up for your test without a provisional permit in the US and someone else in the car, mind.

When you apply for your licence in the US, said temporary permit does allow you to practice with a qualified driver in the car, I believe. That's what they will give you on day one. You will, of course, also need insurance, which is probably easiest to get by adding yourself to someone else's policy.
posted by How much is that froggie in the window at 5:42 PM on October 21, 2021