California Driver Handbook
ACCURATE IDENTIFICATION
The reliability, integrity, and con fidentiality of the California driver license (DL) and identification (ID) card is of prime concern to all levels of government, and the private sector as well.
It is critical that these documents be completely authenticated and ac curate. The California Legislature has declared the DL/ID card as the primary identification documents in this state. California law requires that all customers who apply for an original California DL/ID card submit proof of legal presence in the U.S. as authorized under federal law. Your true full name, as shown on your legal presence document, will appear on your DL/ID card.
BASIC INFORMATION
A driver license shows that you have been given permission by the state to drive on public road ways. You may apply for a driver license at most DMV offices. (See DMV Information)
If you have no outstanding actions on your record, you will receive a license after you pay the fee, cor rectly answer questions about the law and safety rules, show that your physical and mental condition is satisfactory, and demonstrate your ability to drive safely. If you have a medical condition or a dis ability, DMV may require you to take a driving test and/or present a statement from your physician regarding your condition.
A person must be at least 21 years old to drive most commercial vehicles for hire in interstate com merce and to transport hazardous materials or wastes.
DUPLICATE LICENSES
To replace a lost or damaged driver license, you must go to a DMV office and pay the $21 fee for a duplicate. You should also present photo identification. If DMV cannot confirm your identity, you will not be issued a temporary license. If you are a minor, your parents must sign the DMV application form (DL 44).
Once a duplicate license has been issued, the previous license is not valid. Destroy it if you find it later.
ADDRESS CHANGES
When you move, you must give DMV your new address within 10 days. There is no fee to change your address. You may notify DMV of your address change for your driver license, identification card, and vehicles online Change of Address, (or) download a Change of Address (DMV 14) and mail it to the address on the form, or call DMV at 1-800-777- 0133 and request a DMV 14 be mailed to you.
A new driver license is not issued when you change your address. A space is provided on the back of your driver license or identification card to record your address change.
You may also type or write your new address on a small piece of paper, sign and date the paper and carry it (do not tape or staple) with your driver license or identification card.
If you change your address in a field office, the DMV representative will give you a Change of Address Certificate (DL 43) to complete and carry with your license.
Reminder: The post office does not forward DMV correspondence.
NAME CHANGES
Change your name with the local Social Security Administration (SSA). DMV electronically verifies your name, birth date and social security number (SSN) with the SSA.
If you change your name, you must take your old DL/ID card to a DMV office with acceptable verification of your “true full name.” (See section above for more information about identification )) You must pay the applicable fee and a new picture and thumb print will be taken. Your old photo DL/ ID card will be invalidated and returned to you.
LICENSE RENEWALS
If you are renewing a California DL, you must be at least 18 years old.
DMV issues a regular DL for a five-year term. The license expires on your birthday in the year shown on the license. It is against the law to drive after your license expires.
DMV sends a renewal notice to your address of record about two months before your license ex pires. Follow the instructions on the renewal notice. If you do not receive a renewal notice, go online or call to make an appointment.
(See page ix.) If DMV cannot confirm your identity, you will not be issued a temporary license.
A driving test may be required as part of any driver license transac tion. Driving tests are not required simply because of age.
Qualified drivers may be eligible to renew by mail or online at DMV’s website. (See page 60)
Refer to the California Commercial Driver Handbook, the Recreational Vehicles and Trailers Handbook, or the California Motorcycle Handbook for additional license information.
If you are renewing a California DL, you must be at least 18 years old.
DMV issues a regular DL for a five year term. The license expires on your birthday in the year shown on the license. It is against the law to drive after your license expires.
DMV sends a renewal notice to your address of record about two months before your license expires. Follow the instructions on the renewal notice. If you do not receive a renewal notice, call to make an appointment. (See DMV Information)
If DMV cannot confirm your identity, you will not be issued a temporary license.
A driving test may be required as part of any driver license transaction. Driving tests are not required simply because of age.
Qualified drivers may be eligible to renew by mail or online at DMV’s website. (More information about mail or internet renewal )
Refer to the Commercial Driver Handbook, the Recreational Vehicles and Trailers Handbook, or California Motorcycle Handbook for additional license information.
LICENSE CLASSES
This handbook assumes your interest is in a basic Class C license.
You may drive:
- any 2-axle vehicle with a GVWR of 26,000 lbs. or less.
- any 3-axle vehicle weighing 6,000 lbs. or less gross.
- any housecar, 40 feet or less.
- a vanpool vehicle, designed to carry more than 10 but no more than 15 persons including the driver. The driver must have a valid medical report on file and carry a valid medical card. The driver must also have a signed certification stating he/she has not been convicted of reckless driving, drunk driving, or hit-and-run in the last five years. (VC Section 12804.9[j] ).
A farmer or employee of a farmer may drive:
- any combination of vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,000 lbs. or less if used exclusively in agricultural operations and it is not for hire or compensation.
You may tow:
- a single vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs. or less including a tow dolly, if used.
With a vehicle weighing at least 4,000 lbs., you may tow a:
- trailer coach or 5th wheel travel trailer under 10,000 lbs. GVWR when towing is not for compensation.
- 5th wheel travel trailer exceeding 10,000 lbs. but under 15,000 lbs. GVWR, when towing is not for compensation and with endorsement.
NOTE:
- Class C licensees may not tow more than one vehicle.
- No passenger vehicle, regardless of weight, may tow more than one vehicle.
- No motor vehicle under 4,000 lbs. unladen may tow any vehicle weighing 6,000 lbs. or more gross. (VC Section 21715)
Commercial Class A
You may drive any legal combination of vehicles, including vehicles under Classes B and C.
You may tow:
- any single vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of more than 10,000 lbs.
- any trailer bus, with endorsement
- more than one vehicle, with endorsement
- any vehicle under Classes B (an additional endorsement may be required) or C
Restricted Class A Fire Fighter
You may drive only Class A and Class B defined combination fire fighting vehicles and all vehicles listed under Class C.
You may tow a single vehicle with a GVWR of more than 10,000 lbs.
Noncommercial Class A
You may drive any of the vehicles under Class C.
You may tow a travel trailer weighing over 10,000 lbs. GVWR or 5th wheel travel trailers weighing over 15,000 lbs. GVWR when the trailers are not used for hire (pay or other compensation). Refer to the Recreational Vehicles and Trailers booklet.
Commercial Class B
You may drive:
- any single vehicle with a GVWR of more than 26,000 lbs.
- a 3-axle vehicle weighing over 6,000 lbs. gross
- any bus (except a trailer bus), with endorsement
- any farm labor vehicle, with endorsement
- all vehicles listed under Class C
You may tow a single vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs. or less.
Note: Employees of school districts, private schools, community colleges, and California state universities who operate vans manufactured to carry 15 passengers, including the driver, must have a commercial driver license with a passenger transport endorsement.
Restricted Class B Fire Fighter
You may drive only a Class B defined single fire fighting vehicle and all the vehicles listed under Class C.
You may tow a single vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs. or less.
Noncommercial Class B
You may drive:
- any vehicle listed under Class C.
- a housecar over 40 feet but not over 45 feet, with endorsement.
You may tow any vehicle listed under Class C. Refer to the Recreational Vehicles and Trailers booklet.
Commercial Class C
You may drive any Class C vehicle carrying hazardous materials or wastes (Health & Safety Code §§ 25115 and 25117) which require placards with a hazardous materials endorsement.
You may tow the same vehicles listed in Class C.
Motorcycle Class M1
You may operate any 2-wheel motorcycle, motor driven cycle, or motorized scooter.
NOTE: If you already have a license, the Class M1 or M2 will be added after you pass law tests and the motorcycle skill test.
Motorcycle Class M2
You may operate any motorized bicycle, moped, any bicycle with an attached motor, or a motorized scooter.
Ambulance Driver Certificate
If you wish to drive an ambulance used commercially in emergency service (VC §2512), apply at any DMV office. You may purchase an Ambulance Driver Handbook for $5.
Verification of Transit Training Certificate
If you wish to drive a transit bus, you must have a Class A or B license with a passenger transport endorsement.
School Bus Endorsement
In addition to the certificate issued by CHP, a commercial license with a passenger/school bus endorsement is required to operate a school bus. (VC §§12517(a) and 15275)
Refer to the Commercial Driver Handbook, the Recreational Ve hicle and Trailers Handbook, or the California Motorcycle Handbook for additional license information.