For Faith, a Nigerian fashion startup founder and part-time consultant, her creative ambitions have taken her across the globe. From the bustling streets of Abuja where she grew up, to the sun-drenched freeways of the City of Angels, and finally to the transit networks of London, her commuter journey has been anything but static. When she lived in Southern California, it was her, Google Maps and her beloved Laquisha—a 2016 Toyota RAV4—against the world.
Los Angeles Expat Mobility: Quick-Start Checklist
Navigating the sprawling freeway systems of Southern California is a major milestone for any newly arrived expat. To help you master how to drive in Los Angeles without getting caught out by local regulations, we have put together this essential three-step checklist:
- Check Your Licence Eligibility: Understand state-specific rules. While California allows temporary driving on valid foreign or international credentials, you must apply for a local driver’s licence at a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office within 10 days of establishing residency.
- Study the Local DMV Handbook: Prepare for the written knowledge exam. Even experienced drivers must master local traffic laws, sign systems and state rules before taking the practical road test.
- Invest in a FastTrak Tag: Los Angeles has express lanes and tollways. Ensure your vehicle has an active FastTrak transponder affixed to the windscreen to seamlessly bypass cash-only lanes and avoid expensive penalty bills.
When did you leave Nigeria and were you driving before you left?
I left Nigeria in 2015 and yes, I was driving then. My first driving experience was in Abuja with a Toyota Camry, tryna learn how to manoeuvre through the hustle and bustle of the city. I was about 14.
What are some of the common ways to get around in LA and London?
I’m the queen of google maps, so that’s what I used in LA for the most part. I also used Waze over there ‘cause it was nice to have alerts of traffic, police, traffic cameras, etc.
But now in London, I use the tube predominantly, so no driving here.
It’s not very essential to drive in London.
What do you look out for when you’re buying a car?
The price, and brand of the car are most important to me. I like using brands I’m familiar with such as Toyotas, Hondas and Mercedes.
What car do you drive currently?
I don’t have a car unfortunately.
I sold my baby last year, her name was Laquisha and she was a 2016 Toyota RAV4 . My sister had it for about a year or so before I inherited it from her and just paid the full balance that was left on the car.
How difficult was it to get all the requirements you needed to drive in LA?
Well, I drove in LA for about 5/6 years and I failed the driving test 3 times. I don’t know why it was that hard for me, but I finally got my California licence. Getting a licence in California costs $98, but that doesn’t include the insurance you have to pay for your car monthly and the yearly registration haha. Driving is expensive lowkey.
Prior to getting it, I was using the international driving licence from Nigeria but it only allows you for a very short period
Is it better to lease or to rent in LA and London?
In London, I’d say it’s better to rent here, but it’s still kind of pointless ‘cause you might as well just Uber if you really need to drive and the public transport system is quite good, so that’s enough for me
What is the best part of driving in your city?
I can’t answer this for my current city but in LA I loved how big the roads are. Driving was also very therapeutic for me; you get to see so much and be in control.
What is a traffic rule in LA that took you a lot of time to get used to?
I got used to pretty much everything. I blame it on having to retake my driving test and written tests so many times; I learned a lot and got used to making sure I don’t make any mistakes haha.
Tell us something interesting or unique about driving in your city.
Unique.. I can’t really say about LA but it’s so weird to drive on the right side in London, I hate it
Have you ever gotten a traffic fine? What was it for?
Yup! Speeding—a few times.
What’s the traffic situation in LA like during rush hour and how did you deal with it?
It’s always a lot of traffic. With my work being flexible, I tried to beat it by either leaving earlier or later.
How did you handle aggressive drivers or road rage in LA?
I tried to maintain my calm, but sometimes I cussed them out from my car.
What’s the craziest thing that’s happened to you while driving there?
Being pulled over by the cops with a bunch of friends in the car, coming back from a night out. It was scary ‘cause of all the crazy things you see in America, but thankfully it was all okay.
What’s the biggest challenge of parking in LA, and how did you typically find good spots?
Parking in LA is awful! If the parking situation for a place is bad, that’s enough reason for me not to go. I don’t care if I’m bailing on people ‘cause finding parking alone could take 30 minutes-1 hour and it’s just frustrating for no reason.
What’s the best city you’ve driven in and why?
Best city…maybe Alicante (in Spain) because the scenery is beautiful and it’s easy to drive there. But I do love driving in LA.
Recently, I visited Montenegro and absolutely loved driving there ‘cause of the scenery as well. It was very beautiful.
What’s the worst city you’ve driven in and why?
Hmm, Abuja. Everyone is mad there.
If you had an unlimited budget to rent one car for a day, what would it be?
Hmmm…to rent, I lowkey wanna try that ugly ass Tesla cyber truck just out of curiosity. But based on preference, Ferrari Purosangue or Porsche Cayenne . The latest versions of course!
FAQs on Navigating Los Angeles’s Road Systems
To help you transition smoothly onto the freeway networks of Southern California, we have compiled the most common questions expats face when getting behind the wheel.
Can You Drive in Los Angeles With a Nigerian Licence?
No, you cannot use your Nigerian driver’s licence as a permanent driving solution. While California permits visitors and temporary expats to drive using valid foreign credentials, you must apply for a California driver’s licence at a DMV office if you become a resident or reside in the state long term. This process requires passing a written knowledge test and a practical road exam.
Is Public Transport a Realistic Alternative in LA?
Unlike London, where the Tube makes driving largely redundant, Los Angeles is highly reliant on personal vehicles. The metropolitan area is incredibly spread out, meaning a trip from one end of the city to another can easily take over an hour by car. Outside highly concentrated downtown corridors, relying solely on public transport will severely limit your mobility.
What Are the Speed Limit Customs on Southern California Freeways?
Southern California freeways have posted speed limits, but traffic flow often moves significantly faster when lanes are clear. However, speed enforcement via highway patrols is highly active. Exceeding speed limits can lead to heavy fines, point deductions on your licence or immediate citation. Always monitor highway signs and utilize real-time traffic apps like Waze to stay informed of patrol alerts.
