On January 1st, the Department of Motor Vehicles tackled a tidal wave of applicants who are now allowed to get a California driving license, regardless of their immigration status.

The DMV instated this law as part of a three-year program that will increase road safety and make immigrants’ lives easier. California is one of only ten states to allow residents without a legal presence to drive.

California has an undocumented population of 2.45 million, the largest in the nation. Now, with the new law, immigrants must learn the rules of the road before they begin driving. Also, low-income undocumented immigrants will be eligible for state-administered insurance, which is at a lower cost.

 Around 1.4 million illegal immigrants are expected to apply for the new AB60 California driving license over the next three years.The DMV prepared for the new surge by hiring 900 additional staff and erecting four new branches. Additionally, consultants were sent to various branches throughout California to handle the flow.

The Assembly Bill 60 requires immigrants to pass an exam with written, vision, and on-the-road driving portions. In order to receive the California driving license, immigrants must show proof of residence and have vehicle insurance.For residents without a legal presence, the proof of residence may take the form of a lease, utility bill, tax return, or other DMV-approved records.