California DMV Driver's Handbook

Jul 14, 2024

California DMV Driver's Handbook – Licensing Process and Road Regulations

Section 1: California Driver's License

  • Purpose: Allows driving on public roads.
    • Must pass knowledge and behind-the-wheel drive tests.
    • Non-commercial Class C license for most needs.
    • Different classes for commercial vehicles, motorcycles, etc.

Real ID Driver License

  • Deadline: Beginning May 2025, must be Real ID compliant for certain activities.
    • Uses: Board domestic flights, enter military bases, federal facilities.
    • Visit dmv.ca.gov for more details.

Driver’s Licenses for Undocumented Residents

  • Provision: Licenses available regardless of immigration status.

Organ and Tissue Donor

Veterans

ID Cards

  • Purpose: Identification, not for driving.

Section 2: Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver’s License

Applying for an Instruction Permit

  • Requirements:
    • Proof of identity.
    • Two proofs of residency.
    • Legal full name and SSN.
    • Exceptions for Real ID. Visit dmv.ca.gov/realid for details.
  • Process:
    • Complete a driver’s license application.
    • Pay fee and pass knowledge/vision tests.
    • If under 18, additional requirements (15 ½ years old, driver education program, parental approval).

Driving Schools

  • Program: Offered at DMV-licensed driving schools and some high schools.
  • More info: dmv.ca.gov/drivered.

Applying for Driver’s License

  • Practice driving supervised (California licensed driver, minimum age 18/25).
  • Tests:
    • Behind-the-wheel: Scheduled after instruction permit and required practice.
    • Requirements for minors: Min age 16, completed education/training, 50+ hours practice (10 at night).

Minor Restrictions

  • Provisional: Restrictions on time of day and passengers.
    • Exceptions for medical necessity, school/work related, etc. (with documentation).

Section 3: Testing Process

Vision, Knowledge, and Behind-the-Wheel Tests

  • Vision: Must meet standards, corrective lenses allowed.
  • Knowledge: Multiple-choice, max 3 attempts before reapplication.
  • Behind-the-Wheel: Assesses safe driving ability, test conditions, vehicle requirements (insurance, registration).
  • Vehicle Pre-check: Includes operational checks on windows, lights, mirrors, tires, etc.

Section 4: Changing, Replacing, and Renewing Your Driver's License

Changes to Your License

  • Updates: Name, physical description, gender identity – visit dmv.ca.gov for details.

Address Change

  • Requirement: Notify DMV within 10 days of moving.
    • Not automatic new license issuance.

Replace/Renew Driver's License

  • Driving with Expired License: Illegal.
  • Renewal Process: Visit DMV in-person or online for specific guidelines.

Out of State Extensions

  • Eligibility: One-year extension for those out of state.
    • Documentation required.

Section 5: Introduction to Driving

Health and Driving

  • Factors:
    • Vision, hearing, fatigue, health conditions, medications.
    • Physicians may report unsafe drivers.

Steering Techniques

  • Methods:
    • Hand-to-Hand, Hand-over-Hand, One-Hand (for specific situations).

Communicating on the Road

  • Tools: Signals, horn, headlights.
  • Important Situations: Turns, lane changes, slowing/stopping, emergency flashers.

Section 6: Navigating the Roads

Traffic Lanes and Lane Markings

  • Types: Single/Double Yellow Lines, White Lines (solid, broken), Double White Lines, etc.
  • Functions: Center/dividing lanes, crossing rules, preferential lanes.

Choosing and Using Lanes

  • Guidance:
    • Left lane for passing/turning left.
    • Right lane for entering/exiting.
    • Yield lines and lane-change best practices.

Special Lanes

  • Categories: HOV, bike lanes, center left-turn lanes, turn-out.
    • Rules and Signage: For safe, legal usage.

Turns

  • Right Turns: Near right edge, bike lane navigation.
  • Left Turns: Near center divider/left-turn lane, signaling requirements.
  • U-Turns: Legal areas, no-turn zones.

Passing and Merging

  • Procedures:
    • Check for safety, space, signals, blind spots.
    • Respect right-of-way, use signals appropriately.
  • Merging: Highway speed matching, gap finding, single lane change at a time.

Special Road Conditions

  • Type:
    • Blind intersections, near schools, railroad crossings.
    • Speed limits adapt to visibility and conditions.

Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road

Traffic Control and Signage

  • Traffic Signals: Solid/Flashing Lights (Red, Yellow, Green), Arrows, Pedestrian Signals.
  • Signs: Stop, Yield, Regulatory, Warning, informational categories.

Intersections and Right-of-Way

  • Rules:
    • Controlled and uncontrolled intersections.
    • Regular checking for oncoming/side traffic.
  • Roundabouts: Enter/exit instructions, lane selections.

Pedestrian Rules

  • Yielding: Always give way, crosswalks rules (marked/unmarked).

Special Vehicles

  • Large Vehicles and Trucks: Blind spots, braking distances, turning paths.
  • Emergency Vehicles: Right-of-way, following distance rules.

Slow-Moving Vehicles and Animals

  • Special Paths: Designated signs and markings for NEVs, LSVs, animal-drawn vehicles.
  • Passing: Notices for animal guides or handlers.

Bicyclists

  • Rights and Responsibilities: Road-sharing, signaling, bike lanes.
  • Motorists: Safe distance passing, lane nuances, bike-friendly practices.

Road Workers and Work Zones

  • Navigating work zones: Cones, signs, double fine zones, reduced speeds.
  • Emergency Protocols: Move over/slow down laws.

Section 8: Safe Driving

Situational Awareness

  • Scanning: Ahead, next to, behind your vehicle for hazards.
  • Blind Spots: Check with head turns, mirror usage techniques.

Distances and Conditions

  • Following Distance: 3-second rule, adaptability to weather and road conditions.
  • Weather Effects: Darkness, glare, skids – slow down and adjust driving practices.

Emergency Maneuvers

  • Vehicle Control: Handling blowouts, off-pavement incidents, overheating.
  • Staying Safe: Procedures for disabled vehicles, traffic breaks.

Protecting Passengers

  • Seat Belts: Correct usage, lap and shoulder harness positioning.
  • Child Restraint Systems: Requirements by age/weight, rear seat rules.
  • Airbags: Safe distances, special conditions for children.

Speed Management

  • Basic Speed Laws: Adapting speed to conditions (traffic, road surface, etc.).
  • School Zones: Lower limits, greater care needed.
  • Safe Emergency Handling: Tire blowouts, vehicle malfunctions, accelerator issues.

Section 9: Alcohol and Drugs

DUI Laws

  • Applicability: Alcohol and drugs (prescription or illegal).
  • Zero Tolerance for Minors: Special regulations for under 21.
  • BAC Limits: Differentiated limitations based on age and type of driver.

DUI Consequences

  • Penalties: Suspension, fines, mandatory programs.
  • Repeat Offenses: Harsher penalties, long-term record impact.

Section 10: Financial Responsibility and Collisions

Insurance Requirements

  • Minimum Coverage: $15,000/person, $30,000 accident, $5,000 property.
  • Verification: Proof of insurance necessary at all times.

Collision Protocols

  • Actions: Immediate stop, help, documentation exchange.
  • Reporting: Legal requirement to notify DMV of certain collisions.

Driving Without Insurance

  • Penalties: Suspension of driving privileges.
    • Restoration: Proof of insurance certificate.

Section 11: Vehicle Registration

Registration Requirement

  • Deadline: Must register within prescribed period (20 days for out-of-state vehicles).
  • Emission Controls: Vehicles must meet California emissions standards.

Buying/Selling Vehicles

  • Notification: Timely report of transfer/sale within 10 days.
  • Required Documentation: Notice of transfer and release of liability.

Section 12: Driver Safety Reexaminations

Reasons for Reexamination

  • Causes: Physical/mental health conditions reported by relevant parties.
  • Process: Medical info, possible driving tests, suspension in severe cases.

License Restrictions

  • Purpose: Ensure drivers operate within their abilities.
    • Restrictions can include vehicle modifications, driving time, or specific conditions.

Section 13: Seniors and Driving

Unique Needs

  • Considerations: Night driving, familiar routes, avoiding complex intersections.

Warning Signs of Unsafe Driving

  • Indicators: Getting lost, car damage, frequent close calls.
  • Self-Assessment: Utilizing DMV resources for personal evaluation.

Driver's License Renewal

  • Renewal: In-person, vision and knowledge tests.
  • Ombudsman: Available for senior driving concerns.

Mature Driver Programs

  • Courses Available: 8-hour and 4-hour renewal for insurance discounts.
  • Free ID Cards: Available for seniors 62+ or those who cannot drive due to health issues.

Section 14: Glossary

  • Key Terms: Behind-the-wheel test, BAC, Driving Performance Evaluation, Right-of-Way, Vulnerable Road Users, etc.

Resources

  • More Info: Additional resources and detailed guidelines available at DMV website.