Consider Los AngelesTransportation
This section relates to the area LA covers. You need to know how to navigate it and why having a car is best. This section covers public transport and how to get behind the wheel.
More Information:
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Public transport
- Metro – underground/subway. Having lived here since 2003 I have yet to use this service. Its routes are very limited. www.mta.net
- Surface trains, information can be found at www.metrolinktrains.com
- Buses – can be dirty and unreliable. However, they are cheap and do travel most places. I do know people that live in LA who do not own cars and are quite happy taking the bus everywhere. I am not one of them. NOTE: If you are planning to use buses to get to meetings, they are often late. More information, routes and schedules visit www.mta.net (Metropolitan Transportation Authority)
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Taxis
Taxis are not as user friendly as other big cities. You should bear in mind the areas that they cover and the traffic may mean they work out to be quite expensive. Make note drivers carry little change and expect a tip, between 10% and 20%. There is currently a small gas surcharge to add to the fee.
It should also be noted that different taxi companies have a license for different areas. This means that if a cab collects you, it should take you wherever you wish to go, however the same cab company may not be allowed to return and pick you up. Which means you should be aware of the local taxi phone numbers at your destination. Much more complicated than you would like. But vital, especially if you are going out for drinks.
NOTE: There are major pitfalls of not owning a vehicle, particularly if you come from a city with great public transport.
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Renting a car
When you first get to LA you may find it easier to rent a car prior to searching for one to purchase. The easiest option would be to hire from the airport you arrive at. However, if you don't come by plane most busy streets have car rental offices.
One option I have used in the past is the tried and tested Rentawreck. Their website may not be up to much but you may want to give them a try. The Pico Blvd location is nearest to LAX. Cars range from old wrecks to new and everything in between. A very popular place to get a car if you are planning on needing one for longer than a few days. Insurance may also be cheaper as that is what is expensive when using the companies that supply new cars. However be totally clear what insurance coverage you are buying. www.rentawreck.com
Other rental companies include (alphabetical order);
Again - the Thomas Guide is the best map money can buy. Available in most bookshops.
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Buying a car
Where to buy? For private sales, websites are generally the preferred route, although there are newspapers with cars listed and weekly printed magazines featuring car sales, which can be found in the local grocery stores.
To find a car dealership, you will not have to go far! An internet search on the car manufacturer's websites will tell you the nearest dealership. Further information is featured in the Financial Chapter of this website.
NOTE: Sale prices or "sticker" as they are known do not include sales tax. Currently this is 8.25% so can lead to a significant amount of money on top of the featured price.
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Insurance
One of the best things that you can do once arriving here is join AAA. Primarily it is a breakdown service.
However it is so much more than that. As a non-profit organization it also offers extremely competitive car insurance. Bear in mind that it is unlikely any insurer will take any notice of you car insurance history and your exemplary record from outside the USA. They only care about your history in the USA. However when I first applied I faxed all my previous history and UK drivers license info to their office anyway.
AAA [or "Triple A"] will also assist you registering your vehicle and help with any travel and tourist plans you may have. www.aaa.com
If you have come from abroad and decide it would be cheaper to buy a car instead of renting you can purchase insurance (you will need your passport and a mailing address). One supplier is Nick Azer Insurance based near Beverly Hills, telephone (310) 441 0333
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The drivers test
If you are a visitor in California over 18 and have a valid driver license from your home state or country, you may drive in this state without getting a California driver license as long as your home state license remains valid.
If you take a job here or become a resident, you must get a California driver license within 10 days. Residency is established by voting in a California election, paying resident tuition, filing for a homeowner's property tax exemption, or any other privilege or benefit not ordinarily extended to nonresidents.
The test is split in two, a written exam that if you pass you can then go on to the driven test. Appointments are made through the DMV www.dmv.ca.gov but be prepared to wait your turn. You can only take the test if you have a Californian Social Security Number. Appointments can be scheduled online or over the phone.