Transportation
Your next week-end is coming up and you want to visit what the local area has to offer? Whether you want to drive around or have more information about transportation and access to the local airports, familiarize yourself with all the options available. So, what's your favorite SoCal destination?
Car
For short trips, many students use Uber, Lyft or taxis. If you are over age 21, you can rent a car relatively inexpensively. Remember that other international students might also be interested in discovering the area, you can reach out and split the cost or see if one of them owns a car.
Bus
The City of Thousand Oaks provides public buses that can get you anywhere around the
city, although it may take a while (plan about 25 minutes to go to the Thousand Oaks
Mall). The buses are free for Cal Lutheran students with student ID. Bus stops are
located at either end of campus on Olsen Road. Bus routes and schedules.
The train which leaves from Moorpark or Simi Valley will take you directly to Los
Angeles. Via Metrolink Train, you can access multiple locations in Ventura County, San Bernardino, Perris Valley,
Riverside, Orange County, and Antelope Valley.
For farther destinations such as San Diego or San Francisco, you can check out the Amtrak website and find the best option for you departing from Los Angeles Union Station. Although,
it may take longer than via flight, train is usually more affordable.
While LAX might offer the widest amount of flights and destinations on a given day, don't forget to also check out the other local airports. They might be closer to you and offer more affordable prices for domestic flights.
If you want to order a shuttle to take you to the airport, do so well in advance of your flight.
Applying for a Driver's License
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues driver's licenses and car registrations. The process is completed in person at the local DMV office located at 1810 E. Avenida de los Arboles, Thousand Oaks. Because of walk-in long wait times, it is best to make a DMV appointment
- If you apply for a license, the process can take up to six months.
- A "Behind the Wheel Drive Test" may be required if you do not already have a driver's licence. There are private driving schools in Thousand Oaks that will provide driving instructions for a fee. The DMV provides guidelines for selecting a driving school.
- California requires driver's to take a written test that covers driving rules. You must read the online handbook before taking the driver's test. The DMV also provides practice tests.
- It is required that you bring all your travel documents with you to apply for a license.
- You will also need a letter from our office to verify your address and enrollment.
You can request a letter about a week after orientation when your SEVIS record has been registered.