Driver's License

Hi there,

I always advise my Au Pairs to get the state Driver's Liscence. In California scpecially for insurance purposes and also, to use as an ID, so you guys don't have to carry your passaport everywhere (not recommended!)

To get a DL is not that hard or expensive, the Au Pair needs first of all get a Social Security Card (go to the website http://www.ssa.gov and fill out the application priory to go to their office), once you have that in hand (it takes 2 weeks usually), you can go to the DMV and get a handbook to study for your test and also go online to your DMC website and make an apponitment to make things easier. Au Pair's can take up to 3 times the test in the same day (if needed), then once you pass, schedule the behind the wheel test and you shoould be all set!!! Take one step at the time and things are not that complicated!!!!

Here's some tips:


7 Ways to help your Au Pair get a US driver’s license


There are a few things that you can do as a host parent to make the licensing process easier on your Au Pair.


1. First, get a copy of your state driving regulations in your Au Pair’s native language as well as in English. Many states have manuals in several languages that can be downloaded at home, and some have even more manuals in more languages at the actual office.

2. Use your state’s DMV website — often they have practice written tests that people can use online to test their knowledge and improve their comfort with the material. And, the DMV will have descriptions of the actual road test too, so your au pair can think about what will be expected of him.her.

3. Call ahead to see if s/he can take the test in her own language. Not that s/he shouldn’t also read and learn the rules in English too, but taking the written test in your native language may reduce some of the stress.

4. Make sure that you take all of the documents required. Check on line for the list of what’s allowed, take all of them and a few extra ones too.

5. Make sure that your own car is up to date with registration, inspections, headlights, and a current insurance card. Send your au pair to take the test in a car that will pass!

6. I tend to be a hands-off host mom, but I’ve learned that it’s better to go with your Au Pair to the DMV when she goes to take her written test. Someone at our local DMV does not understand that a J1 working visa is different from a student visa, and has turned away more than one au pair who didn’t have a school transcript with her. It’s worthwhile to have a native English speaker there to explain the visa requirements so au pairs don’t have to stand in line for hours multiple times only to be turned away.

7. And, finally, my personal tip: Once you Au Pair gets his or her license, take your Au Pair and the kids out for ice cream. It’s important to celebrate! Plus, if the kids get ice cream after their shots, then surely your Au Pair should get ice cream after getting a US license!

Any other tips?