California Driver Handbook
The California Driver License
Where To Take The Tests
You may take the written, vision, and driving tests at any DMV office which provides driver license services. Written and vision tests are required when you apply for an original or upgrade to a different class of license. Written tests may be required for a license renewal. Driving tests are usually waived for the class of license you currently have. However, the department may require a driving test for any type of application. Appointments are available for all DMV services. An appointment is usually required to take any driving test.
DMV Wants You To Pass
DMV wants you to pass your test. There are law exams in many different languages. However, you must have the ability to read traffic signs in English. If the language you read is not available, you may take the exam with the help of an interpreter. Audio exams and an English exam in large print are also available. If you have difficulty with an exam, tell the DMV employee. You can be more successful by following these suggestions:
- Read this handbook. Take a few days to review the information.
- Ask a family member or a friend to test your knowledge.
- Read the test questions carefully. Don’t read anything extra into the question. There is only one correct answer.
- All test questions are based on this handbook. If you miss a question, the DMV employee can tell you where to find the correct answer.
- Review the sample test questions at the back of the handbook. Sample questions are also available online. DMV’s website: www.dmv.ca.gov.
DMV's Examinations
Your driver license examinations include:
- A vision test. If you need glasses or corrective contact lenses to pass this test, you must wear them. Your license will show that you must wear “corrective lenses” while driving. If you do not pass the vision test, you will be referred to your vision specialist. A driving test may be required.
- A test of traffic laws, road signs, and driving safety rules (written or audio) to find out if you know how to legally drive your vehicle.
- A driving test, if required. This test is usually given by appointment
only. For the driving test, bring:
- your old license or instruction permit, if you have one.
- a licensed driver.
- a vehicle that is safe to drive and displays a front and rear license plate. The vehicle’s brake lights, horn, parking brake, and electric signals must work properly and the vehicle cannot have bald tires. The driver’s side window must roll down. The windshield must allow a full unobstructed field of vision and there must be two rear view mirrors (one on the left outside of the vehicle).
You will be asked to locate the controls for the vehicle’s headlights, windshield wipers, defroster, and emergency flashers. You must demonstrate how to use the parking brake. You must show that your car is properly insured. If you use a rental car for the driving test, the driver’s name must show on the contract as the insured. You must also wear your seat belt.
NOTE: The driving test will be postponed if the vehicle does not meet the above requirements or if you refuse to use your seat belt during the driving test.
The Driving Test
The driving test is your chance to show that you can drive safely. Only you and the examiner (or other DMV personnel) can be in the vehicle. No animal may be in the vehicle. The examiner will give you directions and will not trick you or ask you to do anything illegal. The driving test is only given after all the application requirements have been met.
You will be asked to show the arm signals. However, during the test, you must use the vehicle’s turn signal lights.
During the driving test, the examiner will note:
- How you start your vehicle. When leaving the curb, do you use your mirrors and turn your head and look back for passing cars? Do you signal, and wait until it is safe before entering traffic?
- How you drive in hazardous weather conditions. Do you turn on your headlights when using your windshield wipers and when it is snowing, raining, or foggy or when you can't see clearly 1000 feet ahead of you?
- How you control your vehicle. Do you use the gas pedal, brake, steering wheel (hands on opposite sides), and other controls correctly?
- How you drive in traffic. Do you use the proper lane? Do you signal, turn your head and look back before pulling away from the curb or when you change lanes? Do you signal the proper distance before turning? Do you follow other vehicles at a safe distance?
- How you obey the traffic signals and posted signs (such as speed limit signs).
- How you drive through blind or crowded intersections. Do you scan carefully for signs, signals, pedestrians, and other vehicles? Do you yield and take the right of way correctly?
- How you steer your vehicle. Do you turn from the proper lane into the proper lane. Is your turn too wide or too sharp?
- How you stop. Do you stop smoothly and at the limit line or at the corner? Can you stop quickly and safely in an emergency? In a vehicle with a manual transmission, do you keep the vehicle in gear when slowing to a stop?
- How you back up. Do you look over your right shoulder while backing? Can you back in a straight line? Do you have complete control of the vehicle?
- How you change your speed based on the amount of nearby traffic, the people crossing the street, and the distance you can see ahead.
- How you respect the rights of others. Are you courteous to other drivers and pedestrians? Do you yield or accept your right of way appropriately?
- Whether you pay full attention to the job of driving.
At the end of the driving test, the examiner will discuss the results with you and give you a copy of your score sheet. If you pass the driving test, you will be issued a 60-day interim license.s