How long can I drive in California on my Indian Driving License?

I was under the same confusion 6 years ago when I was working in MN. I took the theory test and cleared it. Since the driving lessons were a bit expensive, I called up DMV and explained that I have an Indian driving license and also cleared the theory test. So technically I know the rules of US and know to drive. So should I really take a driving license? This was her reply: "To be honest, that is still a grey area for us. I would say use your Indian driving license only. If you are being checked, do not show the yellow receipt which states that you have cleared your theory test. Then the government will expect you to apply for a driver's license. Keep driving with the Indian license and please don't get caught. If you do, show just your Indian license and not the theory clearance" So I didn't go for a US license and kept driving with my Indian licence for the next 2 years. I used to rent cars and drive in MN, CA and NV. My advice would be call DMV and ask for clarification. They might point you to the right direction.

See https://www.ftb.ca.gov/forms/2010/10_1031.pdf Pg 4-5. That should clear the residency confusion. Residency also seems to depend on where your family is based, location o your sources of income and where you are paying your taxes.

Yes you can drive. According to the CA state federal tax board you are a resident if you are present in CA for purpose other than a transitory or temporary purpose. Your summer internship is temporary, therefore you are a non-resident. Source: https://www.ftb.ca.gov/forms/2010/10_1031.pdf Edit: the only thing you can't use is an international driving permit, since CA law doesn't recognize it, however a valid Indian driver's license will be accepted.

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/dl/dl_info.htm#international Check INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMITS under Miscellaneous tab. It says:- "The State of California does not recognize an International Driving Permit (IDP) as a valid driver license. 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. Citations issued to a person in California who has an IDP, but does not have a California driver license will be placed on the Department of Motor Vehicle database. The IDP is also called an International Driver License, International License, etc."

A court would determine, based on the fact that you are employed and residing in California, even if temporarily, that you should have a California driver's license. Residing is usually defined as effectively making California your domicile, such as renting a house or an apartment, buying a home, subscribing to public utilities (water, power, cable tv) and having full-time, permanent employment. Any combination of these is sufficient. Time to start studying for your license test. Good Luck!

US residency and California residency are unrelated.  Your visa is related to US residency.  You can be a California resident without being a US resident, and vice versa.  http://www.dmv.org/ca-california/apply-license.php#New-to-California the California page on DMV indicates that if you buy a house, vote or pay tuition (in-state), then you are a resident.  You likely won't be doing any of those, so I think you'd be safe on your Indian license for a long time.

Until you establish residency, such as getting a job, registering to vote or any other thing that indicates your  presence in the state is more than temporary or transient. If you are paid for your intern position, you have a job and are living in CA. Get a license. One thing insurance companies do not tell you is that they will not pay if you are not properly licensed. If you were to be involved in an accident, and the insurance company could show that your Indian license is no longer valid for use in California, they would not pay the damages.

Whether you realized it or not, you answered your own question. Since you’re not entitled to residency, you are not a resident and therefore do not need to get a CA Driver’s License.As long as your DL from your country is still valid, it is accepted. Of course - you still need to know the California laws and can certainly be ticketed if you violate one. And they do maintain a database that includes foreign and out-of-state drivers. Just FYI.In looking up the L1 Visa you mentioned (I wasn’t familiar with it - I mostly ran across Indians with H-1B visas), Wiki has an interesting article on it, including using the L1 as a stepping stone for a green card (Doctrine of Dual Intent).https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L-1_visaI mention this because you said you had a non-immigrant visa which would appear then to only be good for a very short time - far less than a year - but you mentioned being in this country for several years. So I will make the dangerous assumption, based on your name and the years you indicated you would be here as that you’re Indian. If that is the case, you MAY have more options for residency than you’re aware of. Worth exploring if you’re interested. But I am absolutely no expert on visas or the particular agreements we have with any nation.But I think you can drive with relative peace of mind on your valid foreign DL.

This is my understanding of this situation. I am no expert. If visiting and not working, you can drive on your native country's license as long as it is valid.But, if you are working you have 10 days to take the test and get a California license. Upon doing so, the license from your country will be noted in the DMV computer as invalid.Make an appointment online to take the test. I believe study materials are also available on line.The test has both written and practical components. Don't sweat it. It seems they are biased toward passing people.Get a good nights rest prior.Verify this info with the DMV. I believe you may do so online.Good luck!