Road Safety & Vehicle Regulations

California Driver's Handbook Summary

General Information

• This handbook contains vital information required to pass the knowledge and behind-the-wheel drive tests.
• In 2010, over 30,000 people have been killed in California.
• In 2010, over 100,000 seriously injured on California roads.
• There has been a nearly 50% increase in annual deaths and serious injuries for pedestrians since 2010.
• There has been a greater than 60 percent increase in bicyclists killed per year since 2010.
• The Department of Motor Vehicles owns the copyright to this handbook.
• The handbook is a summary of the laws and regulations in the Vehicle Code available at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov

DMV Services

• Online services for Vehicle Registration Renewal are available at dmv.ca.gov/vrservices.
• Online services for Driver's License Renewal are available at dmv.ca.gov/dlservices.
• Office Appointments can be scheduled at dmv.ca.gov/make-an-appointment.
• Other online services are available at dmv.ca.gov/online.
• Kiosk services and locations can be found at dmv.ca.gov/kiosks.
• Phone services are available by calling 1-800-777-0133.

Section 1: The California Driver's License

• A California driver's license allows individuals to drive on public roads.
• Beginning in May 2025, your driver's license or identification (ID) card must be REAL ID compliant to board an airplane for domestic flights, enter military bases and enter most federal facilities.
• Information about applying for a REAL ID is available at dmv.ca.gov/realid.
• California offers driver's licenses for all residents regardless of immigration status, dmv.ca.gov/dl contains more information.
• Information about becoming an organ and tissue donor is available at donateLIFECalifornia.org.
• Veterans can learn more about the requirements and benefits of a Veteran designation at dmv.ca.gov/veterans.
• ID cards are issued for identification purposes to eligible persons of any age, they do not permit you to drive.

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.
• To apply for an instruction permit you must provide proof of identity, two proofs of residency, a legal full name document, and a social security number. You can apply for a Class C instruction permit by:
  • Completing a Driver's License & ID Card Application.
  • Providing your documents.
  • Paying a non-refundable application fee.
  • Passing your knowledge test(s).
  • Passing a vision test.
• You must be at least 15½ years old to apply for an instruction permit, complete a driver education program, and have a parent or guardian sign to approve the application and accept financial responsibility if you are under 18 years old.
• Driver education and driver training are offered at DMV-licensed driving schools and some high schools.
• Instructors must carry an instructor's ID card.
• For more information about selecting a driving school, see the Driver Training Schools page at dmv.ca.gov/driver-ed.
• In order to get your driver's license after getting your instruction permit, you need to practice driving with a California-licensed driver who is at least 18 years old, and pass a behind-the-wheel drive test.
• You must be at least 16 years old, have an instruction permit for at least 6 months, prove that you completed driver education and driver training, and practice driving for at least 50 hours (10 at night) if you are under 18 years old.
• When you are under 18 years old, your driver's license will have the word provisional.
• Between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m and with passengers under 20 years old, you cannot drive as a provisional driver.

Section 3: The Testing Process

Vision Test

• The 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.

Knowledge Test

• When you apply for an original driver's license, you must pass a knowledge test with multiple choice questions and three attempts to pass before you must reapply.
• Minors must wait seven days to retake a failed knowledge test, not including the day of the failure.

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.
• Minors must wait 14 days to retake a failed behind-the-wheel drive test, not including the day of the failure.
• The vehicle for the drive test must have:
  • An open driver window.
  • A windshield that allows a full, clear, unblocked view.
  • At least two rearview mirrors.
  • Operational brake lights.
  • Tires with at least 1/32-inch of uniformed tread depth.
  • At least one inch of clearance between the bottom of the brake pedal and the floorboard when depressed.
  • A horn that is designed for the vehicle, in proper working condition, and loud enough to be heard from a distance of at least 200 feet.
  • An operational emergency (parking brake).
  • Operational turn/arm signals (left, right, slowing down/stopping). Windshield wipers with functional control arm or switch.
• All seat belts that work properly.
• Advanced driver assistance systems technologies, such as automated parallel parking, lane departure, and adaptive cruise control, are not permitted.

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

• You must notify DMV of your new address within ten days if you move. You can submit a change of address online at dmv.ca.gov/addresschange or by mail.
• To renew or replace a lost, stolen, or damaged driver's license, visit dmv.ca.gov/dlservices, or DMV office.
• If you are out-of-state and cannot renew, you may request a one year extension of your driver's license by submitting a request with your name, driver's license number, birth date, California residence address, and out-of-state address to [email protected].

Section 5: An Introduction to Driving

Health and Driving

• Vision, hearing, fatigue, physical and mental health, medications, and overall health can affect your driving ability.
• It is illegal to wear a headset or earplugs in both ears while driving.
• Physicians are required to report patients, who are at least 14 years old, to DMV if they believe you have medical conditions that may affect your ability to drive safely, such as lapse of consciousness.

Steering Methods

• To use the Hand-to-Hand Steering (Push/Pull) method: -Start with your hands at 9 and 3 o'clock or 8 and 4 o'clock. -Do not cross your hands over the middle of the steering wheel. -Keep your hands in these positions, even when making turns.
• Use the Hand-Over-Hand Steering method when you turn at low speeds, park, or need to recover from a skid by starting with your hands at 8 and 4 o'clock, reach across the steering wheel to grasp the opposite side, let go of the steering wheel with your other hand, reach across the arm still holding the wheel, grip the wheel, and pull up.
• There are only two situations that may require steering with one hand:
  • When you are turning while backing up to see where you are going behind you. Place your hand at the 12 o'clock position on the steering wheel.
  • When you are operating vehicle controls that require you to remove a hand from the steering wheel.

Signaling

• Always signal when you turn, change lanes, slow down, or stop, using your vehicle's signal lights or hand-and-arm positions.
• You should signal at least 100 feet before you turn, before every lane change, at least five seconds before you change lanes on a freeway, and before pulling next to the curb or away from the curb. Turn the signal off when it is no longer needed.

Using your headlights

• Your vehicle's headlights help you see what is in front of you and make it easier for other drivers to see your vehicle.
• Dim high-beam headlights to low beams within 500 feet of a vehicle coming toward you or within 300 feet of a vehicle you are following.
• It is illegal to drive using only parking lights. Use your headlights when it is too dark to see from 1,000 feet away, beginning 30 minutes after sunset, until 30 minutes before sunrise, in adverse weather, when conditions prevent you from seeing other vehicles, on mountain roads and tunnels, when a road sign states that headlights must be on, and to drivers to see your vehicle, especially when the sun is low on the horizon.

Using your emergency flashers

• Turn on your emergency flashers, lightly tap your brake pedal three or four times, and use a hand signal when slowing and stopping if you see a collision or hazard ahead.
• Turn on your emergency flashers and pull off the road away from all traffic if you need to stop because of vehicle trouble.

Section 6: Navigating the Roads

Traffic Lanes and Lane Markings

• A traffic lane is a section of road for a single line of traffic.
• Lane markings on road surfaces help drivers know which part of the road to use and understand traffic rules.
• A single solid yellow line marks the center of a road with two-way traffic, pass a vehicle in front if there is only one lane of traffic going your direction and a solid yellow line is on your side of the road.
• Do not pass over double solid yellow lines and stay to the right of these lines unless you are in a in a high-occupancy vehicle, are instructed to drive on the other side of the road due to construction, or turning left across the lines to enter/exit a driveway, private road, or make a U-turn. Two sets of solid double yellow lines spaced two or more feet apart are considered a barrier. Do not drive on or over this barrier, make a left turn, or make a U-turn across it, except at designated openings.
• A broken yellow line indicates you may pass if the broken line is next to your driving lane only when it is safe.
• A single solid white line marks traffic lanes going in the same direction, including one-way streets.
• Double solid white lines indicate a lane barrier between a regular use and a preferential use lane, such as a carpool (HOV) lane.
• Broken white lines separate traffic lanes on roads with two or more lanes in the same direction.
• Ending freeway and street lanes are usually marked with large broken lines; prepare to exit the freeway or for the lane to end.
• A yield line is a solid white line of triangles that shows approaching vehicles where to yield or stop; triangles point towards approaching vehicles.

Choosing and Changing Lanes

• Traffic Lanes are often referred to by number, the left (or fast) lane is called the Number 1 Lane. The lane to the right of the Number 1 Lane is called the Number 2 Lane. Then the Number 3 Lane, etc.
• Use the left lane to pass or turn left, and the the right lane to enter or exit traffic or when you enter the road from a curb or shoulder. Before you change lanes: -signal. -check your mirrors and traffic behind and beside you. -look over your shoulder in the direction you plan to move to make sure the lane is clear. -check your blind spots for other vehicles, motorcyclists, and bicyclists. -be sure there is enough space for your vehicle in the next lane, it is not necessary to slow down before a lane change.
• The passing lane (far left lane) on a multilane road is that closest to the center divider and is used to pass other vehicles. The road surface in an HOV lane is marked with a diamond symbol and the words Carpool Lane; do not cross over double solid lines to enter/exit the HOV lane - use designated entrances and exits only.
• A center left turn lane is located in the middle of a two-way street and is marked on both sides by two painted lines.
• When turning left from this lane: -look for other vehicles coming toward you in the center left turn lane. -signal. -look over your shoulder to check your blind spots . -merge completely into the center left turn lane so you do not block traffic. -turn when it is safe. Some two-lane roads have special turnout areas or lanes where you must merge to allow cars behind you to pass when driving slowly on a two-lane road.

Bicycle Lanes

• Bicycle lanes are for bicyclists only and run alongside vehicle traffic typically marked by a single solid white line and signs and are sometimes painted bright green to make them easier to see.
• It is illegal to drive in a bicycle lane unless you are parking, entering/leaving the road, or turning.

Types of bike lanes and markings are as follows:

• Bikelane: established along streets adjacent to vehicle traffic, typically by marked a single solid white line that turns into a dash-line near intersection.
• Buffered bike lane: uses chevron or diagonal markings to provide greater separation from traffic and onstreet parking.
• Bikeroute: USES Bike route Signs and shared road markings to designate a preferred route for bicyclists on streets shared with vehicle traffic.
• Bicycle boulevard: prioritizes bicycle Travel on streets shared with vehicle traffic.
• Separated bikeway: Is physically separated from motor vehicle traffic and for exclusive use of bicyclists and are also known as a cycle track or protected bike lanes.
• Shared roadway bicycle markings: alert drivers that bicyclists can occupy the lane and help bicyclists maintain a safe lane position in traffic.

Turns

• To make a right turn: -drive close to the right edge of the road. -enter a designated right turn lane at the opening. -check for bicyclists in your blind spots if in a bike lane. -watch for pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists between your vehicle and the curb. -start signaling 100 feet before the turn. -look over your right shoulder and reduce your speed. -stop behind the limit line, crosswalk/intersection, if no line/crosswalk is present. -look both ways and turn when safe. -complete your turn in the right lane and do not turn wide into another lane.
• You may turn right at a red light after a complete stop unless there is a No Turn on Red sign and following all necessary saftey precedures for right hand turns is followed.
• To turn left:
  • drive close to the center divider or into the left turn lane.
  • enter a designated left turn lane at the opening and do not cross any solid line.
  • enter a two-way center left turn lane within 200 feet of the turn.
  • start signaling 100 feet before the turn.
  • look over your left shoulder and reduce your speed.
  • stop behind the limit line or crosswalk/intersection if there isn't one.
  • look both ways and begin your turn when safe; proceed into the intersection while turning to complete your turn in the left lane.
  • keep your wheels pointed straight ahead until it is safe to start your turn.
  • accelerate and allow the steering wheel to straighten in the new lane.
• You may turn left against a red light when you are turning from a one-way stree onto a one way street while using caution and following all traffic laws .
• You may make a U-turn across a double yellow line, in residential districts, or on a divided highway if a center divider opening is provided unless a no U-turn sign is posted.

Merging and Exiting

• When entering a highway: -Be in the proper lane on the on-ramp. -Be at or near the speed of traffic. -Merge into highway traffic when safe to do so, and only if absolutely necessary.
• To exit a highway safely: Know your exit, do so one lane at a time, when in the proper lane signal for five seconds before you exit, enter at a safe speed to exit.
• When entering traffic from a full stop, signal and leave a block or 300 feet of highway space to get up to the speed of traffic while turning, do assume that an oncoming vehicle with its right signal on is turning.

How to pass

• Check driving conditions and be aware of other cars on the road: -Signal that you plan on passing. -Look over your shoulder to check your blind spots and drive into the passing lane.
• Speed up to pass the vehicle, signal, and return to your original lane.
• You may pass on the right when an open highway has two or more lanes going in your direction, the driver ahead of you is turning left and you can safely pass on the right, or you are on a one-way street.

Parking

• To parallel park: -Find a space at least three feet longer than your vehicle. -Pull up alongside the vehicle in front of the space and leave about two feet between vehicles and stop once your rear bumper is aligned. Check your blind spots, begin backing up, turn your steering wheel at about a 45-degree angle, and straighten out before setting the parking brake.
• To back up in a straight line: -Traffic check; observe traffic and check appropriate blind spots and activate the turn signal before pulling up the curb. -Check your blind spots, look in your rearview mirror, and over your shoulder for approaching vehicles and pedestrians, back in a straight line for three vehicle lengths while staying close to the curb, and maintain control of the vehicle, back at smooth safe speed.
• When you park on a hill:
  • Turn the wheels so the vehicle will not roll into the street, leave the vehicle in park, and set the parking brake on a sloping driveway.
  • Turn your front wheels into the curb or right toward the side of the road if heading downhill or Turn your front wheels away from the curb if heading uphill.

Colored Curbs for Parking

• White : Stop only long enough to pick up or drop off passengers.
• Green : Park for a limited time, the time limit may be posted on signs or painted on the curb.
• Yellow : Load and unload passengers and freight; do not stop longer than the time posted.
• Red : No stopping, standing, or parking; buses may stop at a red zone marked for them only.
• Blue : Parking for a disabled person, which require special placards and special license plates. You may never park: where A No Parking sign is posted, on a marked or unmarked crosswalk, on a sidewalk, partially blocking a sidewalk, or in front of a driveway, within three feet of a sidewalk ramp for disabled persons, in the crosshatched area next to a designated disabled parking space, in a tunnel or bridge, or in a space designated for parking or fueling zero emission vehicles,.
  Also there are local parking laws that Authorities can reserve parking for:
• Electric vehicles to be charged while on the street
• Always watch for any NEV use and NEV Route signs
• Horses and animals on or near the road.

Law Enforcement Stops

• When being pulled over: -Turn on your right-hand signal as a signal to the officer -Move completely to the shoulder of the road when possible -Turn off your radio -Remain inside your vehicle -Roll down your window with hands clear
• Law Enforcement must have an exception and state every reason at traffic stops if one is not already assumed.

Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road

Traffic Control Signals

• Solid Red Light: stop and can turn right unless there is a NO TURN ON RED sign posted.
• Red Arrow: stop and do not turn at red arrow.
• Flashing Red Light: stop, then you may go when it is safe.
• Solid Yellow Light: caution and the light is about to turn red.
• Yellow Arrow: Protected turning time is ending, if you cannot stop safely, complete your turn, and pay attention to the next signal.
• Flashing Yellow Light: Proceed with caution and slow down and be aleart.
• Flashing Yellow Arrow: you turn, but your turn is not protected, yield, and then proceed with caution.
• Green Arrow: A reen arrow allows you to make a protected turn while vehicles are stopped by a red light.
• If a traffic light is not working, stop as if there are stop signs in all directions.

Other signs

• STOP sign: Make full stop before crossing intersections, and check traffic in all directions before crossing.
• Red YIELD sign: Slow down and be ready to let any pedestrians across.
• White warning signs must be obeyed regardless of shape or color always follow the sign.
• Wrong way and enter a dangerous lane to stop.
• When in a business/residential district a speed limit of 25mph is expected.

Right-of-way Rules

• Vehicles have the right to pass each other on the road.
• The car that has the right to go first in four way stops and 4-way intersections where there are pedestrians.
• A green traffic signal does not mean go, but proceed with caution, there are blind spots around vehicles to make safe stops when coming across bicyclists and motorcycles.
• At a Roundabout, cars have the right to yield to all other traffic already in the circle.

How the road is to be shared

• Pedestrians should follow the rule of the road and expect to not interfere with other drivers.
• Mountain roads allow cars in better conditions/location to proceed first instead of one that cant.
• Large Truck Blide spots exist so that a driver cannot see another driver if there is not enough space.
• Be careful of trolley's an make sure to watch other vehicles/busses to get others around.

Vehicle Rules

-Motorcycles should have the same conditions and same rules applying.

• Emergency vehicle drivers on the road must be obeyed even over signals

• Slow Road vehicles must have the same condition applied to them as well with an orange-red sign in the back and maintain a speed of 25mph and it must be marked if the truck or trailer is dangerous or explosive..

• Never smoke in front of a minor,dump animals, drive overloaded, drive with loads that could cause danger

• Never allow someone to ride in the bed of the truck or pickup if there are no seats

• Dont use monitors to see the road unless there are other reasons

• Avoid the use or throwing things in the highways to avoid hazards.

• Not putting signs that limit views -Not going through a funeral without respect or acknowledgement -not operate of alter any Vehicle sign or plate or sticker

Section 8: Safe Driving

General

To drive safely, know what is around you, making good decisions, reacting to hazards on the road, and always keep your eyes moving.

Tailgating

Makes seeing ahead harder because the car is blocking the road. Three seconds is the safe measurement for following someone in a safe condition. More room is always needed if theres a tailgater behind you.

Know what is at each side of you and not go the blind spot so there are better areas to maneuver, and make space to enter a street.

Behind the Wheel

Check mirrors and adjust if traffic is too high to avoid risk on the street of any kind. You must understand road conditions to avoid risks. Darkness is extremely dangerous and must require you to make use of lights in open road. If you're blinded, you must shift your vision away to stay safe

• Help manage sun Glare by polarized lens,visor. Watch out for skid roads, fast turns, water, snow roads and slow and approach in order to maintain safety, and be careful of what speed to maintain to have better grip of tire.

• Slow the removal of your foot of the accelerator, gently turning to keep stability.

• When getting off the road, firmly grip the steering wheel, remove foot of the accelerator to steer back.

• In extreme heat or cold, make sure to keep the vehicle well maintained over longer driving times.

Disabled Drivers

For safer transport there are many things you can do:

• Pull over the side of the road

• Exit from the right side

• Call 511 over the phone

• Stay in the vehicle and seat belt unless told otherwise and needed.

• There are areas that aren't safe such as areas where there isn't enough space or a guardrail on the shoulder.

• Avoid distractions at al times such as phones and other factors.

• Follow the laws not to put another driver at risk by pulling over.

Phone and Carbon effects

Make sure that phone locations allow the best view to understand driving skills, and use new technological vehicles well to keep everyone in a safe practice on the road.

• Carbon based and gas vehicles make odorless gasses which requires the driver to always make sure to drive well.

Section 9: Alcohol and drugs

California driving under the influence (DUI) laws apply to both alcohol and drug and are illegal to drive with affecting your safe to drive. Medication will always affect your right to act and make safe decisions while driving. It will be illegal to drive after:

-Drinking alcohol in any amount (cough syrup) -take medications

It is illegal to drink and take drugs to make it unsafe for others to drive. For any incident a law officer will require a blood/ urine test. For bikes it will be delayed or suspended

• You must follow all possesions and alcohol usage to make sure to keep any drink sealed and unopened otherwise punishable in a trunk or somewhere drivers dont sit. -You can never drink any alcohol or light drugs when driving a bus/taxi unless theres some reason. It is illegal to drink alcohol or drugs while driving a water vessel, such as a boat/jetski.

BAC Limits

It is illegal to drive at:

• 0.08% over 21
• 0.01% under 21

You may get arrested with a BAC of even less when its possible that your actions have caused a risk, to receive any treatment is important for you.

• Its good to note that you can check your own drinking to see how alcohol you consumed from blood.
• Its illegal to drink and drugs while on boats or similar equipment's, or take drugs when the vehicle is operating

Drunk arrest

• The law requires to test any driver that had reason to suspect the driver had been taken.
• The officer makes the right, makes it illegal if the driver refuses.
• It is against the law if California officer will suspend someones driver's license.

Rules for all DUI

• The DUI will need you to complete a DUI program.
• File CA insurance, and or pay fee
• Require Ignition Interlock Device
• Potential sentence of Jail
• Fine to pay
• Possible impounding.

Under 21 rules for alcohol.

It is against the law for someone under 21 to drive at all with an amount of alcohol in their system and must have a licensed CA member to transport alcohol who is working for the person.

• the amount of alcohol can equal up to 30 days in car impound.
• There is a higher amount needed to be considered illegal over other drivers on the road.

Section 10: Financial Responsibility, Insurance Requirements, and Collisions

• Proof of financial responsibility is required when driving and for a drive test.

• Your insurance must cover at least for: -$15,000 for a single death or injury. -$30,000 for death or injury to more than one person. -$5,000 for property damage.

• Parents are in charge under 18 but over that number the drivers.

• Always get information if the person is legitimate from agent/broker.

• For a lower cost on liability insurance you can call 1-866-602-8861.

• Know the factors that lead to collisions to avoid them.

• Most common causes of collisions are all driver error in some scenario. -You must make an effort in accidents to help the police/victim

Collisions

In case of a collision you must:

• Stop
• Call 911 if injured and move car if nobody hurt
• Show DMV driver's license, vehicle registration, insurance if possible to others and officer
• Report information in at least an hour (24) Try to search address of others and leave detail and or call if there's property and you are guilty
• Call if animal is killed.

If reporting a collision you must file it to the DMV if:

• Over a 1k dollars is given in damage
• If more damage or in injury if there was damage.

If there is driving without insurance it: Will suspend privilege for 4years.

If the accident is on file it will show by the dollar damage or if there is one already on file.

Section 11: Vehicle Registration Requirements

• You need to register your vehicle in California to use it in the state.
• When you buy a vehicle, you have 10 days to transfer ownership to your name.
• When you sell a vehicle, you must notify DMV within five days.
• Out-of-state Vehicles require registration, including emission controls, and have 20 days to register your vehicle.

Section 12: Driver Safety

Eventually, every driver will need to evaluate and assess their driving skills and abilities. Dmv must make sure that there is safe to operate and look back for any driver to test.

DMV may request:

• Medical Information

• Conduct In person/Tele

• Require to test you

• Issues you a license -Suspends or check It is allowed to have an intervention or get a message in priority to make sure safety is being applied. DMV must take any action based on examiner's recommendations or drivers skills. If you are concerned about your driving, ask a trusted driver with a valid driver's license to monitor your driving.

Section 13: Seniors and Driving

Seniors have unique needs and are important when it comes to driving, with physical and mental attributes. You should limit or not drive at night especially and be safe when traveling with difficulty or high places.

• Make sure to always check license to see information to show good safety.
• DMV must be involved to show safe operation.

It is important to represent all Californians with safety in mind and there are programs/help for that!

This lesson covers regulations for NEVs/LSVs, animal safety, and bicycle rules. It explains speed limits, road restrictions, and proper responses to animals. Also covering bicycle equipment, positioning, and safe parking techniques on hills.