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).