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Driver license from HK to CA

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  1. #1

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    Jan 2015
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    Driver license from HK to CA

    Hi

    I have a valid Hong Kong driver license and an expired DL from Ohio.
    I'm moving to California soon, do I need to take both written and road test to get my license in CA?

    thanks very much for your help.


  2. #2

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    Can not transfer HK to USA license. Can transfer USA license to HK license.

    Depending on how long your Ohio license has been expired, you may need to retake both written exam and road test.

    Lesson: Always keep a valid USA license, use a family/friend address who can hopefully renew for you by mail/online/kiosk.

    kypinq and shri like this.

  3. #3

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    A quite internet search makes me believe that:

    1) you can not transfer an expired license to California, you will need to take the exams and roadtest.

    2) Ohio will let you renew your expired license, up to 6 months after expiry, without having to take the exams and roadtests. After 6 months, you need to re-do the exams and roadtest.

    So if your Ohio expired <6 months, renew it.

    If your Ohio expired >6 months, then just take the exams and road tests when you arrive to California.

    kypinq and huja like this.

  4. #4

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    kypinq likes this.

  5. #5

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    Jan 2015
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    International DL

    Thanks very much for the research, MandM!

    What if I have an international DL, does that help getting one in CA?


  6. #6

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    Study up. No matter what, you're going to have to take the written test and it's more difficult than the average state test (I've taken the written in four states and I've already read it's one of the more difficult tests).

    https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/de...r_handbook_toc


  7. #7

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    There is no way around it, you need to take the test.


  8. #8

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    Jan 2015
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    I'm in CA

    Now I'm in CA.

    I can confirm that I can legally drive here with my HK license for now. but eventually I will still have to go thru the written test. So that's a relief because it is not crippling me from going to places for now.

    shri and MandM! like this.

  9. #9

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    Good to know, so visitors to California do not need an International Drivers License. I wonder if you can rent a car in California with a HK Driver License.


  10. #10

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    Aug 2013
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    Do US recognise Australian licenses at all? Wondering if any state will allow you to skip the test.

    I have a SSN but am not otherwise a citizen or resident of the US, but would like to get a US license somehow. ANy advice warmly appreciated.


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