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Driving

Smog Check Stations in Milpitas

These certified smog check stations have all served Milpitas drivers for many years.

Smog Check

Milpitas is in a Basic Area where you may obtain your inspection at any licensed Smog Check station. You will receive the same Two-Speed Idle test you have always received. Your vehicle will be tested for harmful levels of emissions of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. Your vehicle must be tested every two years, when sold, or upon initial California registration.

About Smog Testing

The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) – Milpitas
Your one-stop-shop for finding out information about smog checking. Resources for both car owners and service stations providing smog checks. Click here for form to find smog check service in Milpitas. (Put 95035 in the zip code.)

Certified Smog Test Stations

Als Smog & Repair
Open Monday-Saturday. We are a Star Certified Smog Check Station and our expert automotive technicians are ASE Certified.
61 Minnis Circle
408-942-7789

Happy Smog Check
Get coupons up to 60% off. Our stations offer some of the lowest smog checks prices in the industry.
12 N Park Victoria #B
408-262-6899
and
10 N Main St.
408-693-9880

Milpitas Smog Test Only
Welcome to one of the top smog check stations in Milpitas! We are a state licensed Test Only center which means we can test nearly any type of vehicle. Print this page for 20% off coupon.
1638 S. Main St.
408-262-9885

Quality Tune-Up Shop
Time to get your oil changed or get a smog test?
92 Serra Way
408-262-3211

See also ~ Vehicles – Shopping, Sharing, and Service for Cars in Milpitas

Drivers Ed

California online driving class, practice tests, and other tips for teens to learn how to get a permit and California drivers license to be allowed to drive.


How to apply for a provisional permit if you are under 18

Teen Driver Roadmap
Are you age 15 to 17-1/2? Discover the path from learner’s permit to licensed driver and beyond.
Here are some driving schools in nearby Silicon Valley cities.

The Best 10 Driving Schools in San Jose, CA
Learn to drive and qualify for a license in four weekend days. Teen program available. Read reviews in Yelp from students who have taken the driving lessons with each company.

Step 2

  • Call the DMV field office nearest you and make an appointment to take the written test.

Wait times available on these links below for the office and the ones nearest it.

Fremont DMV Field Office
4287 Central Ave., Fremont, CA 94536

Los Gatos DMV Field Office
600 N Santa Cruz Avenue, Los Gatos, CA 95030

Mountain View IBC
595 Showers Dr., Mountain View, CA 94040

San Jose DMV Field Office
111 W. Alma Ave., Ssan Jose, CA 95110

Santa Clara DMV Field Office
3665 Flora Vista Ave, Santa Clara, CA 95051

Santa Teresa DMV Field Office
180 Martinvale Lane, San Jose, CA 95119. Frequently has the shortest wait times.

Step 3

Be prepared with proper identification documents, proof of insurance, for the vision screening, and for the photograph.

How to Apply For a Social Security Card
If you need to replace a lost Social Security card, change the name shown on your card, or request a replacement card, you need to complete Form SS-5 which is available for download. Or you can call 1-800-772-1213.

Step 4

  • Study the Drivers Handbook

California Driver Handbook and Motorcycle Handbook, and others.
You are responsible for knowing these tips and regulations before you take the driving test. DMV. Available in many languages.

You are responsible for knowing these tips and regulations before you take the driving test. DMV.

California Drivers Test
Interactive sample driving test online, if you have Java-enabled browser. Answer sheet available for those who don’t. From DMV site. Available in many languages.

Step 5

What to expect at the DMV when you show up to take the written test.

  • Have all the forms mentioned in Step 2 with you plus the certificate awarded when you passed the drivers ed course.
  • Have your picture taken (Where to get a haircut in Milpitas.) This photo will be your primary identification for 4 years, so try to make it look great.
  • Pay the application fee (This fee entitles you to three exams of any type within the 12-month period and pays for both the instruction permit and the driver license. If all requirements are not met within the 12-month period, the application becomes void and all steps must be completed again.)
  • Pass a vision exam (Eye care specialists in Milpitas.)
  • Pass a traffic laws and sign test. There are 46 questions on the test. A passing score is at least 39 correct answers. You have three chances to pass the test. If you fail, you must wait 7 days before taking it again.

Step 6

Get the Keys! Learn to drive!
Get the Keys! Learn to drive!

Congratulations! You passed the written test! What do you do for the next 6 months?

  • Locate a driving school and take the three 2-hour sessions of on-road instruction.

Driving School Association of California
Locate a driving school, safe driving tips, traffic schools, practice tests, insurance rates for new drivers.

  • Begin your on road driving lessons with your parent or guardian or other licensed driver 25 years old or older.
  • Complete 50 hours of practice with an adult 25 years or older. The adult must have a valid California driver license and certify to the 50 hours of practice. At least 10 of the 50 hours must have been done at night.
  • Learn all you can on how to be the best driver you can be.
  • Learn how to take care of the car entrusted to you.

Articles on Road Rage and Aggressive Driving
Learn about Road Rage and how to defuse it. By Dr.Leon James and Dr. Diane Nahl.

Free DMV Practice Test for California Permit
Good driving habits that hold true on every highway.

New Driving Laws
The following are bills signed into law by the governor which have the most significant impact on the department.

Scooter Safety
Here are a few easily digestible guidelines for scooter safety that everyone who uses scooters should observe.

Teen New Drivers’ Homepage
Advice from one teenager to others. Some advice adults would probably not think to point out, such as how to best navigate a school parking lot, or that it is best not to hit a school bus. Look out for anything to do with the mail. If there’s one deer there’s bound to be another.

Winter Driving Tips
Winter driving on roads and highways in the snowcapped mountains of California can be a pleasant adventure or it can be frustrating, tiring and sometimes even hazardous. The CHP provides the following information to help make your mountain driving safe and pleasant.

Step 7

Before being eligible to take your driving test you must:

  • Be 16 years old

AND

  • Have possessed your permit for a minimum of six months

AND

AND

AND

  • Have completed 50 hours of practice with an adult 25 years or older. The adult must have a valid California driver license and certify to the 50 hours of practice. At least 10 of the 50 hours must have been done at night.

You will also need to show proof of insurance for the vehicle you will be taking your drive test in.

After you pass your drive test you will be issued an interim license valid for 60 days until you receive your new photo license in the mail. Double check your address before you leave DMV and tell the DMV representative if you have moved or if your address is incorrect. If you have not received your license after 60 days, call (916) 657-7790 and they can check on the status for you. Have your interim license with you to provide information when requested.

If you fail your drive test, you must wait two weeks before you can take the test again. You have three chances to pass.

Step 8

Congratulations! You passed the road test! You have been issued a provisional license, which has these restrictions for the next year.

Persons under 18 may not be employed to drive a motor vehicle. When you become 18, the provisional part of your license ends. You may continue to drive as an adult using your photo license, which will expire on your 4th birthday after the date you applied.

Driving Legally in Milpitas

To drive legally in Milpitas and around California, you are responsible for know ing how to drive safely and within the driving laws of the state.

Agencies

California Highway Patrol
Site is now strictly a PR page. The only possibly useful page, “Traffic” now works.

Department of Motor Vehicles
Home page. Skip the Visit. Use our New Service Advisor! The more frequently used sections are linked on “Driving Through.” Make an online appointment. 800-777-0133 for general info.

Office of Traffic Safety
The Office of Traffic Safety, through partnerships and public education campaigns, strives to continue to reduce the number of alcohol-related collisions throughout the state.

Laws

California Driver Handbook
You are responsible for knowing these tips and regulations before you take the driving test. DMV.

Child Safety Seat Requirements
SB 567 by Senator Jackie Speier (D-Hillsborough) requires that children less than six years of age or weighing less than 60 pounds be properly restrained in a child passenger restraint system and doubles fines for first-time child safety seat violations.

Diamond (HOV) Lanes
To use the carpool lane during commute hours, you must be traveling in a carpool, vanpool, or public transit vehicle. Motorcycle riders may also use carpool lanes. During non-commute hours, the lanes revert to general traffic use. Each child counts as an occupant, but pets, infants still in the womb, inflatable dolls or ghosts do not (we’ve heard ’em all).

Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we are asked most frequently about the Department of Motor Vehicles Drivers’ Test.

Vehicle Code of California
Got a ticket and wonder just what code violation they are accusing you of? Look here! DMV.

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Milpitas

As Teslas are made a few exits up the 880 freeway north of Milpitas, electric vehicles have become very popular in the area. Travelers often want to know where they can charge up their electric car, and may have preferences as to the type of charger. You can also view the full map on Google.

I have arranged each type of electric vehicle charging station by its location, north to south. (Fremont border to San Jose border.) As you can see, most are along McCarthy Blvd., which runs parallel to I-880 to its west. From I-880, take the Dixon Landing exit and head west (right), and then immediately left on McCarthy Blvd. and go south. (Note: McCarthy is an excellent alternative route should 880 have too much traffic. It begins as Fremont Blvd. up in Fremont, and becomes O’Toole in San Jose, ending on E. Brokaw, not far from the airport.

ChargePoint Charging Station
We help drivers make the switch to electric by offering connected charging wherever they work, shop, eat and play. with our free mobile app, special driver discounts and integration with automakers, we offer a seamless driving and charging experience.
400 N McCarthy Blvd
430 N McCarthy Blvd
690 N McCarthy Blvd
1102 S Abel St

Electric Charging Station
Unknown brand.
1001 Murphy Ranch Rd

EVgo Charging Station
Pay as you go and membership pricing by the minute.
301 Ranch Dr
447 Great Mall Dr

SemaConnect Charging Station
Join the SemaConnect Network today – the most open ecosystem of
electric vehicle charging stations in North America! Member login.
455 E Calaveras Blvd (City Hall)
160 N Main St. (Library)
777 Bellew Dr. (Crowne Plaza)
1501 McCarthy Blvd

Tesla Supercharger
Stop along the world’s fastest charging network while you grab a quick bite to eat. With our rapidly expanding Supercharger locations placed on well-traveled routes, Tesla can get you anywhere you want to go.
901 E Calaveras Blvd Embassy Suites – quite a few charging stations on SE corner of hotel
333 S. Abbott Ave. In Denny’s parking lot, near the I-880 and 237/Calaveras Bl. interchange, SE corner.
1010 Great Mall Dr. Great Mall, outside Red Robin restaurant, SW corner of mall

Vehicles – Shopping, Sharing, and Service for Cars in Milpitas

Milpitas has been a car-town since its inception when it incorporated around the new Ford factory being built here. A fair number of the Mustangs built at that factory have been lovingly maintained by local residents, and we look forward each June to the car show.

Advice & Assistance

Bill of Sale for Automobile
Nolo Press sells these forms right online. You fill it out online, and then pay to get the printed version. Inexpensive way to sell your used vehicle and have the legal documentation.

Californa’s Lemon Law
A purchaser or lessee of a motor vehicle has various rights under both state and federal law if the vehicle does not perform as provided under an express warranty.

DMV Now Kiosk
Use the California DMV Now kiosk, a fast and easy way to renew your vehicle registrations. The California DMV Now kiosk uses scanning and touchscreen kiosk technology to securely update vehicle information through step-by-step instructions and optional voice assistance. Simply follow the guided on-screen instructions. After a successful renewal, documents print instantly at the kiosk. Inside Safeway at 555 E. Calaveras Blvd.

Drive
Mercury News site with auto reviews, information about car shopping online.

Kelly Blue Book Official Guide
The nation’s leading provider of automotive pricing and value information.

Where is my car?
Professional thieves can steal any car, but make them work for yours. To prevent thefts, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) recommends “Layered Protection.” The more layers of protection on your vehicle, the more difficult it is to steal.

Car Detailers

Dragon Auto
We’ve found that graphene or teflon fix the shortcomings of ceramic coatings, while still offering all the same benefits!
20 Windsor Street
408-539-7499

68 Auto Detail
Premium auto detailing facility. Offers PPF film, ceramic coating, window tinting, vehicle wraps, and pointless dent repair.
51 Minnis Circle
510-657-6868

Clubs

Golden Gate Porsche Club Regional Time Trial Ground School
A day of classroom instruction and video. You do not need to bring your Porsche nor will the cars be driven or inspected at the ground school.

The Milpitas Car Club
Meets at Foster Freeze at 78 Serra Way on Thursday nights at 6 p.m. Bring an old or new unique car and have some food, laughs, and enjoy car talk.

MoparAlley Automobile Club
Meetings held on the 3rd Saturday of every month. Starts at 6:30 PM. Call 408-246-4404 or email for location. 1089 Courtland Avenue, Milpitas, CA 95035-6925

Dealers

Envision Honda Of Milpitas
Making it easy to get all the available vehicle information so you can spend less time researching and more time enjoying your purchase. Check out our new specials and used specials for additional savings on your next vehicle. Under new ownership.
920 Thompson St.
Sales: 408-324-7400
Service: (408)-324-7405
Parts: (408) 324-7420

Envision Toyota of Milpitas
Our Dealership has built a reputation on providing courteous, honest service. Our customers appreciate the way we do business, and we know you will too. Take a moment to read the info below and find out what makes us an exceptional place to buy or service your automobile. Under new ownership.
950 Thompson St.
Sales: 877-280-1044
Service: 888-687-7127
Parts: 888-661-5024

Design

BlackTrax
The most innovative import and domestic tuner shop in Northern California, delivering the latest in custom and high performance solutions for your import and domestic vehicles.
1819 Houret Court
408-408-946-2900

California Mobility Works (CMW)
CMW is developing and preparing manufacturing of mobility products for both the consumer and commercial markets. CMW currently occupies a 20K Sq ft R&D, Design Center in Milpitas California. We are planning on acquiring another 30K sq ft at the same location for a total of 50,000 sq. ft. for our Silicon Valley corporate headquarters and manufacturing.
1355 California Cir.
408-357-4745

SafeAI
Builds autonomous mining & construction equipment with deep expertise developing safety protocols for autonomous passenger cars – the most difficult autonomy scenario.
1900 McCarthy Blvd #310

Qnovo
Qnovo’s Adaptive Charging safely adds up to 20% capacity, extending the range of the vehicles without increasing cost and weight. Qnovo’s technology is in 150M smartphones.
400 N. McCarthy Blvd.
510-592-7728

Gas

Cheapest Gas In Milpitas
Find out where to get the cheapest gas in our town. Widget updates daily. Other resources for saving on your car and truck fueling.

Parts

Andy’s Autosport
A store specializing in body kits that dresses up your car’s exterior and distinguish it from the every day daily driver. 673 S. Milpitas Blvd., 800-419-1152.

O’Reilly Auto Parts
2 locations in Milpitas to help you fix up your car or truck yourself.
46 S Abbott Avenue
408-263-5660
and
1350 S Park Victoria Dr
408-946-3677

Repairs

Auto & Truck Service and Repair Shops in Milpitas
The Minnis Circle, Milpitas, auto service shops all cooperate with one another, so, say, you need some mechanical work, a smog test, and wheel alignment, they will shuffle the car between the service shops. You pay for all where you pick the vehicle up.

Road Service

ProStar Towing
Tow trucks large and small to get your impaired vehicle safely home. Lots of tow truck clip art, if you need one for a school report. ProStar donated towing services to the Milpitas Historical Society to get Leapin’ Lena out of the Great Mall to get it ready for the 4th of July Parade.

Storage

R’n R Vehicle Storage
Home of high-quality services and inside storage for your treasured RV, boat or auto. On Ames near S. Milpitas Blvd.
408-694-3492

Tires and Brakes

Tires and Brakes in Milpitas
Shops in Milpitas that can repair or replace everything concerning your tires and brakes, suspension work, alignment, and more.

Used Vehicles

Carfax Lemon Check
Don’t make a $10,000 mistake! Millions of used cars have costly hidden problems. Use Carfax Vehicle History Reports to confirm a clean history or to reveal potentially costly hidden problems.

Transportation Classifieds
Search these ads for that new or used car, truck, van, boat or motorcycle. Place an ad for your used vehicle.

Cheapest Gas and Station Locations in Milpitas

Locate the least expensive, cheapest gas stations to fill up your tank in Milpitas, CA 95035

This post is easier to read on a smart phone if you select the text version.

Gas Stations and Prices

Lowest Gas Prices in Milpitas
Milpitas Gas Prices provided by GasBuddy.com

Costco on Automation Pkwy, San Jose.

Price Trends in the San Jose Area

Price Trends for San Jose
San Jose Gas Prices Provided by GasBuddy.com

Fuel Saving Tips

San Jose Fuel Saving tips

AAA Tweets
Get tips and interesting facts from the American Automobile Association through their Twitter feeds.

Where to Complain About Gas Prices

Gasoline Price Comments and Concerns
Sick of paying higher prices for gas in the Bay Area? Complain to the California Energy Commission here.

Gas Company Sites

ARCO Gas
Usually the best gas prices in town are at the Arcos.
Locations:
Best Price NW side of town: From 880, take Calaveras east, north on Abbott about 2 blocks.
Park Victoria and Landess, northwest corner of intersection, 1 block east of Landess exit off 680.

76 Conoco
What is Top Tier gasoline? Road tools available. Trip Planner. How to get their credit card or give gift cards.
Locations:
Tied for Best Price East Side of town: From 680, take Calaveras East 1 block on southwest corner of intersection with Park Victoria.
From 880, take Calaveras east, north on Abbott about 1 block.
From 880, take Calaveras east, on south side of the street about a block to Serra intersection.

Chevron
Check out why gas prices are so high. Find out about prospecting for crude oil, refineries and gas stations.
Locations:
Best Price right off 880: From 880, take Dixon Landing Road exit, right on California Circle.
From 880, take Great Mall exit. Located next to the McDonalds on the outer loop.
From 680, take Landess exit and head east. Located at the northest corner of intersection with Park Victoria.

Shell
Yelp review of the station at N. Park Victoria and E. Calaveras.
Locations:
Tied for Best Price East Side of town: 12 N Park Victoria Dr
990 Jacklin Rd Has car wash.
1780 S Main St. Has car wash.

See also ~ Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Milpitas
I have arranged each type of electric vehicle charging station by its location, north to south. As you can see, most are along McCarthy Blvd.

Tires and Brakes in Milpitas

Shops in Milpitas that can repair or replace everything concerning your tires and brakes, suspension work, alignment, and more.

Auto Innovations
Yelp review: “All of my suspension work, spring installs, coilover installs, sway bar installs, strut bar installs, alignments, and yes even TPMS swaps have all been completed by Orlando and his team.” From their beginnings as a tire shop, they’ve expanded their product and service offerings to include wheels, suspensions, alignments, and Recaro Seats (Baby seats, too!).
1337 Minnis Circle
408-956-8004

Big O Tires
We provide the following auto repairs: Tires, Wheels, Axle / CV Joint / Driveshaft Repair, Belts and Hoses, Brakes, Electrical: Starting / Charging / Batteries, Lube and Oil Change, Preventive Maintenance, Steering and Suspension, Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) and Wheels Alignment. We have plenty of parking, free Wi-Fi, a comfortable waiting area, and are within walking distance to restaurants and shops.
Tire coupons, specials & promotions.
For Mobile Tire Service Call Phone: 510-679-3625 Or Email: Bigomobileservices@Bigo.com
100 S. Main Street
408-946-6828

Firestone
We offer you practical advice on keeping your car running newer, stronger and longer. We stay true to your manufacturer’s recommended service schedule, by performing basic maintenance to prevent extensive repairs. We offer free courtesy checks for your vehicle. And we provide you with complete service options that fit your budget, as well as your automotive needs
Offers and Rebates.
2 locations in Milpitas to help you replace tires.
Wheel Works
2 North Abel St.
408-934-3800
Firestone Complete Auto Care
1379 S Park Victoria Dr. This location.
408-945-3911.

Great Mall Tire Outlet
Coupons.
Our shop manager Frank has been working in Milpitas for over 30 years. The best thing he earned in the last 30 years is the reputation that will never rip people off by over selling them tires and services or sell tires at a high margin price. Our shop began as a start up, which is why we make sure that you get an unforgettable experience that will keep you coming back again and again.
312 S. Main Street, Unit 1
408-992-1377

More resources for vehicles in Milpitas.

Clean Air Incentives in Milpitas and California

Making Clean Cars Easier to Buy in California

Clean Vehicle Rebate Project | Center for Sustainable Energy
California residents get up to $7,000 for the purchase or lease of a new, eligible zero-emission or plug-in hybrid light-duty vehicle. As of June 5, 2019, funding is only available for qualified lower-income applicants, as described here. All other applications for vehicles already purchased/leased will be processed and placed on a rebate waitlist. Qualified applicants on the rebate waitlist will receive payment if the project receives more funding from the State of California.

Drive Clean | Plug-in Electric Vehicle Resource
The cost of plug-in electric vehicles at first glance may seem high. But, factor in the different rebates and tax credits available, and the cost becomes quite attractive. Search incentives by your zipcode (95035) and you may find even more programs that will save you money.

Incentives | California Air Resources Board
Financial incentives are a key part of California’s efforts to ensure cleaner cars, trucks, equipment and facilities are operating in our neighborhoods. Incentives help drive the development of new, cleaner technologies and, by speeding up their sale and adoption, help clean up the air.

Vehicle BuyBack Program
The Vehicle Buy Back Program will pay Bay Area residents $1,200 to turn in their operable, registered 1997 or older vehicle for scrapping.

Report Smoking Vehicles
You may report smoking vehicles with California license plates seen in these nine San Francisco Bay Area counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano and Sonoma. You may also call 1-800-EXHAUST.

Research on Transportation Choices
Our low carbon transportation choices research program seeks to: 1) improve our understanding of household transportation and vehicle choices, 2) understand market forces, consumer acceptance, and real-world emission benefits of new and used plug-in electric vehicles and fuel cell electric vehicles, and 3) increase the adoption of clean vehicles across households of all income levels and optimize equitable distribution and return on investment of clean vehicle incentives.

Top Clean Cars for 2019 and 2020
By Josh Goldman, Senior policy and legal analyst. Electric vehicles were prominently displayed at this year’s auto shows; for good reason. EVs are cheaper and cleaner to drive than their gasoline-powered counterparts and are beginning to appear as SUVs and pickups, which are the most popular vehicle types in the U.S. Want to find out how clean an EV is in your area? Check out this handy emissions calculator.

Transportation Fund for Clean Air
TFCA’s goal is to implement the most cost-effective projects in the Bay Area that will decrease motor vehicle emissions, and therefore improve air quality. Projects must be consistent with the 1988 California Clean Air Act and the Bay Area Clean Air Plan.

Trump Administration Dramatically Reduces Penalties for Auto Inefficiency
July 16, 2019. In a Friday news dump last week, the Trump administration announced that they will be finalizing a reduction in fines for missing fuel economy targets. Not only is the administration working to roll back the strong standards set in place by the previous administration currently driving efficiency improvements across new vehicles, but now they are letting automakers off the hook if they miss targets between now and when that rollback goes into effect.

em>See also ~ Vehicles – Shopping, Sharing, and Service for Cars in Milpitas

Rent a Car, Truck or Trailer in Milpitas

Whether you need a car while yours is in for repairs, or you need a larger truck or trailer to haul something big, you can find the vehicle to rent right here in Milpitas.

Cars

Enterprise Rent-A-Car
There is no fee for additional drivers in California. Additional drivers must be 21 or older. Located at Service King.
172 S Milpitas Blvd.
408-942-0500

Hertz Rent A Car
Yelp reviews. Mixed. Official company website.
777 Bellew Dr. inside Crown Plaza Hotel
408-944-9960

Ride Sharing

Taxi & Rideshare in Milpitas, California
UpHail shows available Lyft and Uber rides available in Milpitas right now to book immediately on their site. Book it and get $50 in free ride credit.

Trucks and Trailers

Home Depot
Pickups, cargo vans and moving trucks. Also tool rentals. North end of building.
1177 Great Mall Drive
408-942-7301

UHaul
Three locations in or near Milpitas to rent trucks, trailers and more.

See also ~ Vehicles – Shopping, Sharing, and Service for Cars in Milpitas

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