How I got my driver's license in California USA

I recently got transferred to bay area from Hyderabad India. And the first most important thing that I had to do was to get California driver's license. Once I got my license I realised that there are certain things which I was not aware of and did not find online. So, I am writing my experience with DMV and the process I followed to get California driver's license.
Steps that I followed are:

1. Getting the "temporary/instructions" permit to drive in California: I went to Santa Clara DMV on Nov 6 2013. It took me about four and half hours without appointment, but with appointment it was taking only 20 to 30 minutes. I wrote the test and could barely pass it. I got 30/36 correct answers, which is the minimum requirement. After passing the test I got "temporary" permit because I had Indian driver's license. .Which means I can drive a motor vehicle alone for 60 days. Those who do not have either other state or other country driver's license , get "instructions" permit , which means they can drive only when another person having a permanent driver's license is sitting with them. Sometimes DMV guys do not ask if you have other countries driver's license, in that case you have to tell them and ask for "temporary" permit.
• Documents required for writing test are:
1. Passport
2. I-94
2. Booking a behind the wheel driving test: Behind the wheel driving test can only be taken with appointment. You cannot just walk into DMV for behind the wheel driving test. Usually appointments are available only after 30 days. But if you call many times a day you may get an early appointment which got cancelled by someone. I called up on 16th evening and got first appointment on 17 Dec. 
3. Driving Test: On the test day I drove around the DMV in morning to familiarise with roads. In evening I took the test. Examiner instructed me to route around DMV. In the beginning only I made  a mistake, I stopped at green signal while taking right turn. I stopped because there was a lady standing at sidewalk and all set to jump on crosswalk. But the examiner did not like it and marked it as a critical error. So, I flunked. Here I got to know that even though I flunked but the "temporary" permit still remains valid till its expiry data. I booked again for 26th Dec, this time prepared better than last time. But I got the appointment at San Jose DMV. It is a little far so I did not go there to check the route around DMV. Anyway this time I passed with 8 minor mistakes. (You are allowed to make 15 minor mistakes and 0 critical errors). 
• Documents required are:
1. Temporary permit
2. Insurance copy of the vehicle
3. Title of the car you are planning to drive. I had brand new car without number plate and title. So, I just told them that it is a new car and they searched for the car using VIN as on the insurance.
4. Waiting for license: After passing the behind the wheel test it takes about 2 weeks to get the license but usually you get before that time.

Some questions that I had before getting driver's license are as follows:

Q. I am holding a temporary permit and if I fail in the behind the wheel driving test will I be able to continue driving with the temporary permit or the temporary permit will be cancelled and a new instructions permit will be issued?

A. The temporary permit will remain valid till the expiry of the permit. Even if you fail you can drive alone on the temporary permit.

Q. My temporary permit is expiring can I extend it?
A. Yes, you can. But it depends upon the discretion of the DMV guy to whom you approach. If you have valid reason for not passing the behind the wheel driving test before the expiry of the permit then you can get it extended. Recently one of my colleague got extension in San Jose DMV. While one of my other colleague did not get the extension and got learners permit.

Q. I am going to have take my driving test as the same DMV, can I get the same examiner?
A. One of my friend attempted the driving test for the second time at the same DMV (Santa Clara, CA) and same examiner who tested him last time came but when he checked some docs and realised that he already tested him then he told my friend that he cannot test him again and asked some other examiner to test. He passed in second attempt.

Helpful links:

http://ryangaraygay.com/dmv-behind-the-wheel-driving-test-in-fremont-ca/

America calling ???...Some desi gyaan for you...

N number of people visit the USA for many reasons. Some visit for business, some for studies, some for tourism and many other purposes. I have had the privilege to be there on B1B2 (tourist visa) and then L2 that is (Dependent spouse visa). Each time that I have been to America...there are a few basic things that I have learnt about this country. Many intriguing and funny notes to be registered here. I will fill up some interesting insights about the USA. Hope they would fall useful for someone who visits the this country for the  first time.

1> Carry your passport copy all the time while you stay in USA. Original passport is a little risky to carry in a foreign country but a xerox of passport is very necessary. One's identity can be checked anytime any where in this country. Passports are the best bets if you are asked to provide a proof of age in case of purchasing liquor.

2>When you use some ones washroom for taking a bath. Be aware there are 2 curtains in the bath tub. One curtain needs to be taken inside of the bath tub...the other needs to be let loose outside the bath tub. As the force of the shower is so strong if both the curtains are left out side...water spills on the floor, in another scenario if both the curtains are taken inside the bath tub, once you step out the curtains again it will wet the floor form droplets of water.

3>The showers in most the bath tubs are adjustable. They have a knob on the top of the shower head...with which one can modify the flow of water according to ones liking.

4>Please do keep all your dental ammunition ready to be used. May be because of the closed environment...I mean to say...as most of the rooms are closed...and windows are hardly opened...foul breath is easily recognized and remembered! Using after mints, brushing before you go to work, using dental floss...keeping a chewing gum handy in your tote bag is always a wonderful idea.

4>Again because of the closed air environment...body odor is also easily detected. Using after shave, deodorant sticks, perfumes is highly recommended.

5>Walking shoes are a must in this country, if you are here for tourism. Depending upon which state you are visiting and which time of the year...makes a difference in what you should wear.

6>America being a developed country, most of the folk get intimidated when an American starts talking in their accent. There is nothing to be stressed about. Average American would feel bad that you could understand their mother tongue but they cannot. So here...you already are superior. Now just calm your nerves and listen to what the firangi says. They are pretty comprehensive when it comes to explaining a desi.

7>Most of the Americans are very gracious and friendly. Anytime of the day, you will find gora people greeting and asking things just to know if you are doing fine. They use a lot of adjectives in their daily gibber jabber. Like delightful, amazing, excellent, wow, awesome, wonderful, lovely, beautiful. As an Indian is not accustomed to such adjective loaded greetings. One tends to feel underscored by their civility. All you have to do is smile...smile genuinely...and say something good + morning, afternoon or evening...and say thank you.
That would work most of the time.

8>If you are visiting someone whom you have known before...and you are invited to their dwelling do not expect formality at all. They would ask for coffee or meals just once. If you say no, their culture does preach to quiz the guests intentions again and again on eats and drinks. Which according to me is sober and should be accepted affirmatively. And also remember, you are welcome hence you are at their house. Americans are particular about whom they would like to visited by.

9>Punctuality. This word holds a lot of weight still in their dictionary. They are very time oriented and appreciate people who respect and keep commitments by meeting and doing things on time.

10> Most of the hotels, cafes and shops have free Wifi. Even Amtrak which is railways...has wifi. Amazing isn't it?

11>Americans are warm to those whom they really appreciate and love spending time with. Hugging and cheek peck kissing is a usual way of expressing affection. And they do it with so much of APNAPAN...that one really does feel loved and wanted. So if you are a dear person and and have been good to someone any time of your visit...be prepared to be hugged...that is another reason to maintain dental and body-odor hygiene. :->

12> Proximity. That is another point of concern. They like to have personal space everywhere. You would see public transport or public places...crowded...but still people having a hand full distance from one another. They would not even enter an elevator if there are already 3 people inside...terming it to be a little busy/tight.

13> America is the best place for pedestrians. A pedestrian can cross a road at the ped Xing....even without looking back to see if he would be hit by road traffic. Drivers are patient and courteous to pedestrians...and they feel bad for those ped's who walk with groceries in their hands. For them any foreigner who is walking with grocery in their hands is a very poor sight to see. Many drivers offer a drop if they have time to stop and convince you to enter their cars. I have witnessed this courtesy so many times...while I was there. But I always took my grocery walking as an aerobic activity that hence enjoyable.
There are signals designed for pedestrians to push button and opt for a walk sign in next possible minute, which by the was is like a blessing when one needs to cross really wide and busy roads.

14>If you are driving, its best to have GPS activated on your phone, if not...take Google map directions preferably a print out. There will absolutely be no paan wala's or mochi or a kiraana shop to direct you to your already missing destination.

15>If you are undergoing a treatment/ or have some sort of allergy carry most of your medicines along with you. Critical or I can say even not so critical medicines are only given on prescription. Although variety of over the counter pharmacies are available throughout USA.

16> For children below the age of 5 years it is mandatory to be seated in a car seat. Although each state has a different rule that needs to be observed by its people. And because the traffic there is fast paced...all Americans do care for the child and have car seats matching the appropriate age and size of the child.

17>Most of the cities in USA do have an Indian Store. One can find anything and everything in these stores. They are very well equipped with Indian groceries. One can get pressure cookers, jhaadu's, sweets, Indian clothing and all the stuff one can need for mandirs.

18> Outlet malls are worth visiting in this country. Especially during holidays or discount periods. One can have the best of the deals. Another amazing thing about these malls is...if you purchased an item from one shop and later find out that the same or a better item of your like is available at lesser price, you can just go back and return the item you purchased at the first place. If you paid in cash you get a cash back..or else the amount gets credited to your credit/debit card in a couple of days.

19> While eating at a restaurant if you find something unusual about the food served to you, you can ask the waiter to just replace it with another dish or decide not to eat at all at that same place.

20>There is a lot of comfort to be felt in case of home improvement and maintenance. Instead of ramu's or sarla bai....they have dishwashers, coffee makers, waste disposal in the sink, laundry with washers and dryers, vacuum cleaners and blowers. Cleaning is maintaining ones house is fun and pleasant.

Each country has its distinguishing points. With the USA I can say its diversity, its cosmopolitan approach, its acceptance towards foreigners from around the world is its spark. It definitely provides a better standard of living. Welfare regulates the lives of poor people and in turn provides them better prospects to grow in life.Perhaps for a person who is a desi really serious desi adjusting to America's individualistic life may be a great hastle...But if you do get a chance t o visit USA I know you will not miss it for the world...you will definitely have great time there...and if you too find something extraordinary about this amazing country...do post it for me...I will love to hear your point of view too.