California Driver Handbook Table of Contents

PDF Version Of The California Driver Handbook

Governor's Message

Copyright Information

NEW 2010 LAWS

New Information

Where to Write

DMV Information

GENERAL INFORMATION

Disclaimer

Accurate Identification

Basic Information

The California Driver License

Who Must Have a License?

Obtaining A Driver License

Acceptable Documents

Application Requirements for a Basic Class C Driver License

Adults' Permit Requirements

Adults' License Requirements

License Classes

The Examination Process

Where to Take the Tests

DMV'S Examinations

SPECIAL SECTION - MINORS

Minors' Permit Requirements

Minors' Permit Restrictions

Minors' License Requirements

Exceptions - Minors License Restrictrions

Traffic Violations

Actions Against the Provisional License

Minors and Cell Phones

MISCELLANEOUS LICENSING INFORMATION

To Replace a Lost/Stolen or Damaged License

Name Changes

License Renewals

Renewal by Mail or Internet

License Extension

License in Your Possession

Address Changes

Medical Information Card

Organ and Tissue Donation

Unlicensed Drivers

Diplomatic Driver Licenses

Identification (ID) Card

Fee ID Cards for Physical and Mental (P&M) Conditions

Driving Schools

Mature Driver Program

Pedestrian Responsibilities*

SEAT BELTS

Mistaken Beliefs about Seat Belts

Child Restraint System and Safety Seats

Riding Safely with Airbags

Side-Impact Air Bags

Unattended Children In Motor Vehicles

TRAFFIC LIGHTS AND SIGNS

Traffic Signal Lights

Pedestrian Signal Lights

Traffic Signs

LAWS/RULES OF THE ROAD

Right-of-Way Rules

Speed Limits

Maximum Speed Limit

Reduced Speeds

TRAFFIC LANES

Line Colors

Choosing a Lane

Changing Lanes

Bicycle Lanes

Passing Lanes

Carpool/High Occupancy Vehicles (HOV) Lanes

Center Left Turn Lanes

Turnout Areas and Lanes

End-of-Lane Markings

TURNS

Examples of Right and Left Turns

Legal U-Turns

Illegal U-Turns

PARKING

Parking on a Hill

Parking at Colored Curbs

Illegal Parking

Special Parking Rules

SAFE DRIVING PRACTICES

Signaling

Scanning

Driving in the Fog

Driving in Darkness

Driving in Rain or Snow

Driving in Hill Country

Horn, Headlights, and Emergency Signals

Following Distances

Merging in/out Of Traffic

Passing Other Traffic

SHARING THE ROAD WITH OTHER VEHICLES

Large Trucks (Big Rigs) and RVs

Busses, Streetcars, and Trolleys

Light-Rail Vehicles

Emergency Vehicles

Slow Moving Vehicles

Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEV) and Low-Speed Vehicles (LSV)

Animal-Drawn Vehicles

Motorcycles

Bicycles

Pedestrians Who Are Blind

Road Workers and Work Zones ("Cone Zones")

Double Fine Zones

Move Over and Slow Down

Vehicles with Hazardous Loads

IMPORTANT DRIVING TIPS

Dealing with Traffic Congestion

Dealing with Aggressive Drivers and Road Rage

Text Messaging and Cell Phones

Collision Avoidance

Driving Hazards

Mechanical Tips

Collisions are not Accidents

ADDITIONAL DRIVING LAWS/RULES

Things You Must Not Do:

Things You Must Do:

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Safety for the Aging Driver

Good Vision for All Drivers

Hearing

Alertness

Medications

Health And Emotions

Conditions Physicians Must Report

Safety Tips

Record Confidentiality

Vehicle Theft Prevention Tips

Traffic Breaks

What a Driver Should Do During an Enforcement Stop

ACTIONS THAT RESULT IN LOSS OF LICENSE

Financial Responsibility

Insurance

Alcohol/Drugs while Driving

ADMIN PER SE

Court DUI Convictions

Drivers 21 and Older-DUI Programs and Restricted Licenses

Designated Driver Program

Getting a Ticket

Evading a Police Officer

Points On The Driver Record

Vandalism/Graffiti - All Ages

Speed Contests/Reckless Driving

Possessing Firearms

Traffic Violator School Dismissals

Suspension or Revocation by DMV

Suspension by Judge

VEHICLE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

California Vehicles

Out-of-State Vehicles

Related Fast Facts and Other Publications (available online):

Sample Test #1

Sample Test #2