I am trying to understand if my fiancee will legally be able to drive (for any limited time) with her Brazil issued drivers license. I have copied this information below from the State of California's website. The way I read it, they do not recognize a translated (or international drivers license). However, they do recognize a valid license issued by a foreign jurisdiction.

Will my fiancee's Brazilian drivers license work in between the time she arrives and when she can apply for a California drivers license?

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International Driving Permits
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.

For more information about travel and driver licensing requirements outside of the US, visit the US State Department Road Safety Overseas website at: http://travel.state.gov/road_safety.html

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Thanks, VJ!

Take a look at the DMV: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/ It will also have a lot to do with status. I think she will need LPR status for a long-term license.

Once you become resident in CA you are required to get a CADL within ten days.

Yes I understand this, but I am trying find out if she can legally drive using a valid Brazilian drivers license prior to officially becoming a CA resident / EAD or AOS.

Part of the problem as I have found it is the interpretation of "resident". We use it to mean in possession of documents which pertain to [ermanent residency, but it sems from my experience that DMV do not. From the three different DMV offices i've visited they have all interpreted it to mean from the date I physically came to LIVE in California.

That's a good point. I guess we will just have to wait it out until the needed documents arrive. Thank you!

Many people do not consider themselves "residents" before getting a GC, or at least EAD. I was one of them What really matters is if one can get insured.