hello fellow Californians today we're embarking on a journey through the California DMV handbook section by section each section of this handbook is packed with valuable information to keep you safe on the roads and help you navigate California's traffic laws whether you're a new driver or just brushing up on your knowledge this handbook is an essential guide we'll be breaking it down into manageable sections making it easy for you to understand and absorb from obtaining your driver's license to understanding the rules of the road we've got you covered we'll even delve into important topics like safety alcohol and insurance requirements so whether you're a driver a cyclist or a pedestrian this journey is for you let's start with Section 1 and work our way through ensuring that you're well equipped with the knowledge to make California's roads safer for all stay tuned for Section 1 of the California DMV handbook audio the California driver's license one the California driver's license a California driver's license allows you to drive on public roads before you can get a driver's license in California you are required to pass the knowledge and behind the wheel drive tests based on information in this handbook you must have the correct license to drive your vehicle type most people need a non-commercial-class C driver's license to operate commercial vehicles motorcycles and other types of vehicles you must have a different class of license for information on vehicles covered by a Class C visit dmv.ca.gov DL card designations real ID driver's license beginning May 2025 your driver's license or identification ID card must be real ID compliant if you use it to board an airplane for domestic flights enter military bases enter most federal facilities visit dmv.ca.gov really D to learn more about applying for a real ID driver's licenses for undocumented residents California offers drivers licenses for all residents regardless of immigration status for more information visit dmv.ca.gov DL organ and tissue donor for information visit donatellifecalifornia.org veterans visit dmv.ca.gov veterans to learn more about the requirements and benefits of a veteran designation ID cards ID cards are issued for identification purposes to eligible persons of any age they do not permit you to drive to get an ID you must provide your identity document residency documents and social security number visit dmv.ca.gov ID Dash cards to complete an ID card application and get information on current acceptable documents and reduced fee no fee or senior ID cards buckle up every time do it for you and those you love section 2 getting an instruction permit and driver's license if you do not have a driver's license from California or another state you must apply for an instruction permit before taking the behind-the-wheel drive test to get your driver's license what you need to apply for an instruction permit or driver's license you must provide proof of identity proving who you are two proofs of residency proving you live in California exceptions May apply legal full name document proving your current name if the name on your identity document and application do not match social security number exceptions May apply for real ID requirements current acceptable documents and eligibility visit dmv.ca.gov really d register to vote for information on registering to vote visit California Secretary of State at sos.ca.gov applying for an instruction permit to apply for a class C instruction permit 1. complete a driver's license and ID card application 2. provide your documents three pay a non-refundable application fee 4. pass your knowledge tests five pass a vision test for more information visit dmv.ca.gov instruction permit for a complete list of application steps and requirements if you are under 18 years old you will also need to be at least 15 and a half years old complete a driver education program have a parent or Guardian signed to approve the application and accept financial responsibility see section 10. if your parents or Guardians share joint custody of you both must sign wait to use your instruction permit until you start behind the wheel driver training with an instructor who will validate the permit driving schools driver education and driver training are offered at DMV licensed driving schools and some high schools instructors must carry an instructor's ID card ask to see it see the driver training schools page at dmv.ca.gov driver Dash Ed for more information about selecting a driving school applying for a driver's license to get your driver's license after you have your instruction permit you need to practice driving with a California licensed driver who is at least 18 years old 25 for minors this person must sit close enough to take control of the vehicle if needed pass a behind-the-wheel drive test if you are under 18 years old you will also need to be at least 16 years old have an instruction permit from California or another state for at least six months or turn 18 years old before scheduling your behind-the-wheel drive test prove that you completed both driver education and driver training practice driving for at least 50 hours with a California licensed driver who is at least 25 years old 10 hours must be at night see the driver's licenses page at dmv.ca.gov DL services for the complete list of application steps requirements the parent team driving contract and driving performance evaluation DPE score sheet miners restrictions and exceptions when you are under 18 years old your driver's license will have the word provisional as a provisional driver you cannot drive between 11 pm and 5am during the first 12 months you have your license with passengers under 20 years old unless your parent or guardian or other California licensed driver at least 25 years old rides with you for pay or operate vehicles that require a commercial Class A B or C license there are exceptions to these restrictions if you have a medical need and cannot reasonably find another way to travel you must carry a note signed by your physician the note must have your medical condition and date you are expected to recover drive for schooling or a school activity you must carry a note signed by your school principal Dean or designee must drive for work reasons you must carry a note signed by your employer the note must confirm your employment must drive an immediate family member you must carry a note signed by your parent or legal guardian the note must State the reason you need to drive the family member and date when the need will end note a parent or Guardian May cancel their teen's license by completing a request for cancellation or Surrender of a driver license or ID card form section 3. the testing process driver's license tests here is an overview of the driver's license tests 1 vision test DMV tests all applicants to ensure they can see well enough to drive safely if you take your vision test with corrective or contact lenses your driver's license will have a corrective lenses restriction if you do not pass your vision test you will be asked to have your eye doctor complete or report a vision examination form ation visit dmv.ca.gov Vision Dash standards 2. Knowledge Test when you apply for an original driver's license you must pass a Knowledge Test with multiple choice questions you are allowed free attempts to pass before you must reapply miners must wait seven days to retake a failed Knowledge Test not including the day of the failure testing options will be available once you complete your application at dmv.ca.gov DL important you are not allowed to use any testing AIDS during knowledge tests such as a California Driver's Handbook or cell phone 3. behind-the-wheel drive test when you apply for an original driver's license you will be tested on your ability to safely drive a vehicle upon renewal drivers with a vision or medical condition may be required to take a behind-the-wheel test The Examiner may give two or more instructions at one time to determine whether you can understand and properly follow both directions for example at the next street make a left turn and then at the first intersection make another left turn visit dmv.ca.gov make Dash and dash appointment to schedule a behind-the-wheel drive test appointment on the day of your behind-the-wheel test you must bring one your instruction permit or driver's license if you have one two another California licensed driver who is at least 18 years old 25 for minors unless you are already licensed to drive three a vehicle that is safe to drive for your test 4. valid proof of insurance and vehicle registration 5. if you plan to use a rental vehicle for your drive test your name must be listed on the rental contract the contract must not exclude behind the wheel drive tests note miners must wait 14 days to retake a failed behind-the-wheel drive test not including the day of the failure before you begin the DMV examiner will ask you to locate and demonstrate the following driver window the window on the driver's side must open windshield the windshield must allow a full clear unblocked view for you and the DMV Examiner windshield cracks May postpone your test rear view mirrors at least two rear view mirrors one of them must be on the left side of your vehicle brake lights the right and left brake lights must be operational tires the tires must have at least one Thirty second inch of uniform tread depth the use of a donut tire is not allowed during a drive test foot brake there must be at least one inch of clearance between the bottom of the brake pedal and the floorboard when depressed horn designed for the vehicle in proper working condition and loud enough to be heard from a distance of at least 200 feet emergency parking brake how to set and release the parking brake turn slash arm signals a left turn B right turn see slowing down or stopping windshield wipers control arm or switch you may be required to show they function seat belts all seat belts must work properly and be used by the individuals in the vehicle note if your vehicle does not meet the requirements your drive test will be rescheduled interpreters may be used during the pre-drive inspection for the identification and use of certain controls in the vehicle but may not accompany you during the drive test only the examiner is allowed to accompany you during the drive test exceptions are made for training service animals and certain law enforcement situations the use of a recording device including a video recorder is prohibited during a behind-the-wheel drive test if the recording device cannot be powered off or disabled the applicant must block it so there is no visual or audio recording during the drive test other things to know for your behind-the-wheel test the drive test is intended to determine your skill in operating a motor vehicle in most Road situations and evaluate your abilities not the vehicle's technology therefore Advanced Driver assistance systems technologies such as automated parallel parking Lane departure and adaptive cruise control are not permitted during the drive test Vehicle Safety technology such as backup cameras and blind spot monitors may be used on the drive test but are not a replacement for an actual visual check of your mirrors and blind spots to view a sample of the driving performance evaluation DPE score sheet visit dmv.ca.gov teen driver for a sample of the supplemental slash area DPE score sheet visit dmv.ca.gov seniors section 4. changing replacing and renewing your driver's license changes to your license if you legally change your name or need an update to your driver's license such as your physical description or gender identity visit dmv.ca.gov DL services change your address if you move you must notify DMV of your new address within 10 days submit a change of address online at dmv.ca.gov address change or by mail it is your responsibility to ensure DMV has your correct mailing address on record you do not automatically get a new driver's license when you change your address you may request a replacement for a fee replace or renew your driver's license it is against the law to drive with an expired driver's license to renew or replace a lost stolen or damaged driver's license visit dmv.ca.gov dlservices or DMV office before DMV can issue you a driver's license you may need to provide additional proof of your identity your driver's license and identity document May expire on the same date if so you will be required to provide a valid identity document if you are a minor your parent or Guardian must sign the application once you receive your replacement card your old card is no longer valid if you find the old card destroy it extend your driver's license if you are out of state and cannot renew you may request a one-year extension of your driver's license before your driver's license expires submit a request with your name driver's license number birth date California Residence address an out-of-state address to dl-extensions at dmv.ca.gov note limited term driver's licenses are not eligible for this extension DMV kiosks offer convenient transactions available at grocery stores DMV offices Auto clubs find a kiosk near you visit dmv.ca.gov kiosks complete your vehicle registration renewal receive a replacement registration card or sticker submit proof of insurance file for Planned non-operation piano status obtain your driver's record and Vehicle Record receiver replacement driver's license and more