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California Driver's Handbook Overview

May 18, 2025

California Driver's Handbook (DL 600)

Introduction

  • Purpose: Safety for all road users (drivers, bicyclists, pedestrians).
  • Statistics: Over 30,000 deaths and 100,000 injuries on CA roads since 2010.
  • Call to action: Practice safe driving habits.

Key Officials

  • Governor: Gavin Newsom
  • Secretary of CA State Transportation Agency: Toks Omishakin
  • Director of DMV: Steve Gordon

DMV Services

  • Online: Renewals, appointments, record requests at dmv.ca.gov/online
  • Kiosk and Phone Services: Renewals and appointments

The California Driver's License

  • Necessary to drive on public roads.
  • Class types: Most common is Class C for non-commercial vehicles.
  • REAL ID required by May 2025 for flights and federal access.
  • Undocumented residents can apply for licenses.

Getting a Permit and License

  • Must apply for a permit before taking the driving test.
  • Requirements: Proof of identity, residency, SSN, and completion of driver education if under 18.
  • Driving tests: Vision, knowledge, and behind-the-wheel.

The Testing Process

  • Vision Test: Corrective lenses requirement.
  • Knowledge Test: Multiple-choice, no aids allowed.
  • Behind-the-Wheel: Practical driving test.

Renewing and Changing Your License

  • Notify DMV within 10 days of address change.
  • Renew licenses online or at DMV offices.
  • Extensions available for out-of-state residents.

Driving Fundamentals

  • Impact of health on driving.
  • Steering techniques: Hand-to-hand, hand-over-hand, and one-hand scenarios.
  • Use of signals, horns, and headlights.

Traffic Rules

  • Understanding lane markings (solid and broken lines).
  • Proper lane usage and changing lanes.
  • Types of turns: Right, left, and U-turns.
  • Parking protocols: Parallel, on hills, colored curbs.

Navigating Roads

  • Lane types: HOV, center left turn, bicycle lanes.
  • Right-of-way rules and intersections.
  • Sharing roads with large vehicles and motorcyclists.
  • Procedures for law enforcement stops.

Safe Driving Practices

  • Importance of seat belts and child restraints.
  • Effects of weather and conditions (darkness, skids, hydroplaning).
  • Driving distractions: Cell phone usage laws.
  • Emergency responses: Disabled vehicles, tire blowouts.

Alcohol, Drugs, and Driving

  • DUI laws for all ages: BAC limits and consequences.
  • Penalties for DUI: Fines, license suspension, and programs.
  • Additional rules for drivers under 21 and possession of alcohol.

Financial Responsibility and Insurance

  • Minimum insurance requirements.
  • Reporting collisions to DMV.
  • Consequences of uninsured driving.

Vehicle Registration

  • Registration process for new and out-of-state vehicles.
  • Emission standards for California registration.

Driver Safety and Reexamination

  • Regular assessment of driving skills.
  • Reexamination process for drivers with medical conditions.

Senior Drivers

  • Renewal process for drivers over 70.
  • Mature Driver Improvement Program.
  • ID options for seniors stopping driving.

Glossary

  • Key terms like BAC, blind spots, VRU (vulnerable road users).