Driver's License
How to Obtain a California Driver’s License or id
If you plan to drive a car in the United States, you are required to have California Driver’s License.
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driver's license or id
If you plan to drive a car in the United States, you are required to have California Driver’s License. The State of California does not recognize an International Driving Permit or International Driver’s License as a valid form of driver’s license. You may also use your Driver's License as a legal form of ID in many public places.
Apply at the CA DMVDID YOU KNOW?
SJCC International Students are eligible for CA Identification Cards.
If you have or are eligible for a social security number, then you must provide the number on your application for ID or Driver's License.
Exception to the SSN requirement: If you are legally present (have the F-1 visa) in the U.S., but ineligible for an SSN, you are exempt from SSN requirements.
You must still provide at least two acceptable birth date/legal presence documents for any DL/ID card application OR provide a valid SSN.
Steps to Obtaining Your Driver's License
- Study and Prepare for Written Exam
- Visit the DMV for the Written Exam
- Present Your Information to the DMV
- Take the Knowledge Exam
- Prepare and Take Driving Exam
- Receive Your License
Contact Us
- International Student Program (ISP)
- +1 (408) 759-4499
- internationalprogram@sjcc.edu
- ISP Office - GE-118
- Monday - Thursday
9 AM - 4 PM PST
Fridays
10 AM - 1 PM PST
- Mailing Address
San José City College
International Student Program
2100 Moorpark Avenue
San José, CA 95128 U.S.A.
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VTA Eco Pass
All registered SJCC students are eligible for a personalized VTA Eco Pass Clipper Card (Eco Pass). This gives SJCC students the opportunity to utilize affordable public transportation on the VTA Bus and VTA Light Rail systems. SJCC Student ID cards are separate from the Eco Pass. Both cards are available at the Welcome Center in the Student Center.
VTA Eco passhow to Obtain Your Driver's License if you are over 18
Read step by step instructions on how to apply for your california driver's license
Study for the Driver's Knowledge test. Study material is available on the DMV website and includes:
- The California Driver Handbook (multiple languages).
- Sample tests.
- Road sign flashcards.
- Make an appointment before visiting a DMV office. Appointments can be made online at www.dmv.ca.govor by calling 1-800-777-0133.
You need to prepare the following documents:
Reminder: The DMV requires that you present original documents.
- Valid passport
- I-94 Arrival/ Departure record
- I-20
- Two residency documents (lease, utility bill, or letters from the college.) If your address and name on top of it.
- Any driver license or permit issued previously by any state (if applicable).
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Provide all of the documents listed in STEP 2.
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The representative will scan your fingerprint.
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An application fee (or any other applicable fee) will be collected.
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The representative will test your vision (ensure you bring your corrective lenses if needed).
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Your photo will be taken.
The test may be done on the computer (TouchScreen Testing) or in certain cases, on
paper or audio. Knowledge tests are available in multiple languages. Once you complete
the test, follow the directions provided by the representative.
Didn’t pass? Don’t worry. You can repeat this step. Before retesting, study the California Driver Handbook. Provisional applicants must wait a week before retesting. If you still do not pass
the knowledge test after three (3) attempts, you will need to begin the application
process again (go to STEP 1).
NOTE: You may NOT drive unless you have a valid document in your possession that authorizes you to drive.
Passed your knowledge test? Congratulations!
Even if you have driven before, it is a good idea to practice driving before making a driving test appointment.
The behind-the-wheel driving tests are available by appointment only. Once you are ready, you can schedule an appointment online at www.dmv.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-777-0133.
On the day of your driving test appointment, arrive 10-15 minutes early with an accompanying licensed driver as described in your permit’s restrictions. Go to the START HERE window or a designated check-in counter.
The items you will need include:
- Current proof of registration of the vehicle.
- Current proof of insurance for the vehicle.
- The permit that was issued to you.
- A driver license or permit issued previously by any state or country (if applicable).
No one except the examiner is allowed to accompany you during the driving test.
Your driving test begins with a vehicle safety check. This pre-drive inspection demonstrates that you are familiar with your vehicle and that your vehicle meets the DMV’s minimum safety requirements.
Didn’t pass? Don’t worry. You can make an appointment to repeat this step. Provisional applicants must wait two (2) weeks before retesting.
Check the DMV website for the retest fee(s). If you still do not pass the driving
test after three (3) attempts, you will need to begin the application process again
(go to STEP 1).
Pass? Congratulations!
After you have passed the knowledge test, you must return back to the window to receive
your licensing document. You will be issued a Driver's Permit. Read your permit carefully
to make sure you understand the restrictions that apply.
After successfully completing the testing process, you may be issued an interim or temporary license.
An Interim License is a paper driver license issued to you while the hard copy license is in process.
A Temporary License is a paper driver license issued because the application is incomplete and is pending additional information or requirements. An interim or temporary driver license may be valid for up to 60 days.
You may drive without an accompanying driver until your license expires.
If you do not receive your driver license card within 60 days, please call 1-800-777-0133.
Parking permits and Fees
Parking permits are required to park on the SJCC campus.
Parking Permit Fees
• $45 for Fall and Spring Semester permit for automobiles• $15 for Fall and Spring Semester for a motorcycle permit• $10 for Summer Semester permit for automobiles• $5 for Summer Semester permit for motorcycles• $3 DAY permit.
Important Information:
- Semester parking permits are valid at all campuses and may be purchased online through Self-Service on any computer (from home, work, school) when paying by credit card.
- All automobiles must have the permit placed on the left -hand bottom corner of the front windshield. Violation of parking rules can result in citations ranging from $37 to $300.
- Disabled Person Parking spaces and red zones are enforced at all times. Please read the posted signs and follow instructions printed on parking permits.
- Regulations are enforced in all lots beginning the first day of classes.
- All motorcycles must have a current permit affixed to the right front fork and must be parked in designated motorcycle stalls. Motorcycles may not park in regular vehicle stalls.