Driving in Los Angeles
If you are a visitor in California over 18 and have a valid driver’s license from your home country, you may drive in California without getting a California driver’s license, as long as your home country license remains valid.  However, if you will be purchasing a motor vehicle and auto insurance, most insurance companies will require a valid California Driver’s license. 

Obtaining a California Driver’s License
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website outlines the process of obtaining a California Driver’s License.  The application process includes a written test and driving skills test administered by the DMV.  The California Driver’s Handbook is an indispensible resource when preparing for these tests.  Samples of written tests are also available online for your reference.

Obtaining a California Identification Card
A California driver’s license is commonly used as an important form of identification.  Students and scholars who do not drive are instead able to obtain a California Identification (ID) card.  The DMV website offers detailed guidelines on obtaining an ID card. 

Required Documents at the DMV
In order to verify your birth date and legal status for a driver’s license or ID card application, you should take the following documents with you:

• Valid passport
• I-94 card
• I-20/DS-2019

International Driving Permit
The State of California does not recognize an International Driving Permit (IDP) as a valid driver license. However, 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.

The IDP is also referred to as an International Driver License or International License.

Visiting the DMV
The DMV office located closest to the USC main campus:
3615 S. Hope St.
Los Angeles, CA 90007
(800)777-0133
Office Hours and Customer Wait Time Information
Office Map in Google Maps

OIS advises USC international students and scholars to visit this office not only because it is the office closest to campus, but also because they are familiar with assisting the USC international community. 

When you are ready to take your exams and apply for a driver’s license, OIS recommends making an appointment online to reduce the waiting time at the DMV office.