Driving
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      1. The White Paper for F1 Students
      2. F-1 Living in U.S.
      3. Driving

      F-1 Driving: How to Get/Renew a Driving License as an F-1 Student?

      To apply for a driver's license in the U.S., international students need an I-20, passport, proof of address, and other required documents. You will need to pass the written exam to obtain a Learner’s Permit and then pass a road test.

      Driver’s License Application

      1. Document Preparation

      In the U.S., a driver’s license serves as a form of identification, so your identity must be verified during the application process. As an international student, you will need to prepare the following documents:

      • A valid passport and visa

      • The most recent I-20

      • Two proofs of U.S. address, such as utility bills

      • SSN: If you do not have an SSN, you can obtain a letter of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration (SSA). In the following states, you can get a driver’s license without an SSN:

        • California, Colorado, Delaware, Connecticut, New York, Utah, New Mexico, Maryland, Illinois, Vermont, Washington, and Hawaii.

      2. Written Exam

      • Before taking the exam, you need to study the materials available on the DMV website. While some online platforms may provide current-year questions, it is best to thoroughly review the sample questions and the PDF version of the traffic rules manual on the official DMV website. The test questions are randomly selected from a large question bank, so relying solely on shared questions online might not be sufficient.

      • You can schedule the written exam on the DMV website and choose to take it online from home. If you pass, you will need to visit the DMV in person to submit your documents, pay the fee, have your photo taken, and complete a vision test to receive your Learner's Permit. Alternatively, you can take the test directly at the DMV on a computer and complete everything in one visit. Payment must be completed on-site: while credit cards are accepted, a small processing fee may apply.

      Note:

      You can visit the DMV without an appointment, but be prepared for long wait times. If you decide to schedule an appointment, it is best to choose a time early in the morning when the DMV opens or late in the afternoon before closing, as these times are usually less crowded.

      • You have three attempts to pass the written exam, and you can make up to 6 mistakes on each attempt. These attempts do not need to be taken consecutively. If you fail the first two attempts, it is advisable to wait before taking the third, as the chances of failing again tend to be higher. If you fail all three attempts, your test fee will be wasted. In that case, you will need to get a free driving manual from the DMV and prepare more thoroughly.

      3. Driving Practice & Road Test

      After obtaining your Learner's Permit, you will have 1 year to prepare for the road test. If you do not pass the road test within a year, your permit will automatically expire, and you will need to start over with the written exam.

      • Local driving schools offer formal training that covers all essential skills, including those not required for the test, such as highway driving (which is not included in the California road test). However, it may be more expensive.

      • Affordable driving instructors can be found on social media platforms. Many of these instructors specialize in preparing students for the road test.

      • If you are on a tight budget, consider asking a licensed friend or family member who is over 18 to teach you.

      • DMV road test routes differ depending on location, but the test content remains largely consistent. You can find videos of specific DMV road test routes on YouTube to get familiar with the local area and test route.

      • You can schedule your road test yourself or ask your instructor to help you with the appointment. Each Learner's Permit allows for three attempts at the road test. If you fail the first attempt, you must wait 2 weeks before retaking it. Additional fees are usually required for the second and third attempts (fees may vary by city).

      • After you pass the test, your driver’s license will be mailed to your address.

       

      Driver's License Renewal

      • For F-1 students, your driver’s license is tied to the validity of your I-20. When you receive a new I-20, remember to bring it to the DMV to update your driver’s license.

      • When you are waiting for OPT, there might be a gap between the end date of your I-20 and the start date of your EAD card. In this situation, you can apply for a temporary driver’s license at the DMV. Once you receive your new EAD card, you can update it to a regular license.