Driving experience should be counted.
California bill AB-123456 proposes to allow the DMV to negotiate reciprocity agreements with other countries, allowing exchange of a California driver's license for the foreign license and vice-versa.
Twenty eight US States and Territories already support agreements like this with Germany, South Korea, and other countries.
Ask your California State Representative and Senator to support this legislation. https://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov/ will provide contact information.
If you live within the US, a mailed letter is most effective. We suggest a Sample Congressional Letter for this purpose.
Add yourself as a supporter in the Legislative Analysis. You can register with https://calegislation.lc.ca.gov/Advocates/ to do this, or send a postal mail letter to:
To Be Determined
Sacramento, CA
Contact foreign.license.reciprocity@gmail.com for further questions about the pending legislation.