LA prepares for driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants

SOUTH LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Beginning on January 1, 2015, a new law will allow undocumented immigrants to get a driver's license in California. There's now a workshop to help them through the process.

Representatives from the LAPD, the mayor's office and the DMV held a meeting at 6 p.m. Monday at the Jackie Tatum Harvard Recreation Center to answer questions from the public.

Governor Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 60 into law, allowing for the licenses to be issued. It has the backing of L.A. Police Chief Charlie Beck and Mayor Eric Garcetti.

The Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs is working to get the word out about the new law.

"We've hosted a number of workshops and clinics to really inform the public of what it is and how they can access a driver's license, because we believe that it's better for our roads when there's safe drivers on the roads," said Linda Lopez, chief of the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs.

Undocumented workers will have to apply for a driver's license at the DMV, and must pass the driving test and the written test.

Drivers who get the license and get stopped by the police will not have their cars impounded or get deported.

"The driver's license, the way it is and the way it'll be shown and produced for undocumented folks, will really have a lot of safeguards, and so we're working very closely with law enforcement on that issue so that there isn't that fear," said Lopez.

State officials expect 1.5 million in California will apply for the new driver's license in the next three years.

Some people think those who are here illegally may be afraid to get a driver's license.

"I think a lot of people are going to be scared of that, because then now there's a form to find you," said South L.A. resident David Vargas. "How can they be sure that they're not going to use that to deport them later on?"

Some drivers who spoke to Eyewitness News think the new law is better for everyone.

"It will make the streets safer, so I think they should give them their license. They're already here. They're here, so might as well," said one area resident.

People are encouraged to begin studying now for their driving test so they're ready to pass it come January.