California Driver's Handbook

California Driver's Handbook

What does a California driver’s license allow you to do?

To drive on public roads.

What are you required to do before you can get a driver’s license in California?

Pass the knowledge and behind-the-wheel drive tests.

What do you need to apply for an instruction permit or driver’s license?

Provide proof of identity, two proofs of residency, legal full name document, and social security number.

As a minor, how long must you wait to retake a failed behind-the-wheel drive test?

Wait 14 days to retake a failed behind-the-wheel drive test, not including the day of the failure.

Before you begin a behind-the-wheel test, what must the DMV examiner verify?

Driver window, windshield, rearview mirrors, brake lights, tires, foot brake, horn, emergency (parking brake), turn/arm signals, windshield wipers, seat belts.

If you move, how long do you have to notify DMV of your new address?

Within ten days.

What are physicians required to do?

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.

When should you use your vehicle’s horn?

Avoid collisions, alert oncoming traffic on narrow mountain roads where you cannot see at least 200 feet ahead.

When should you 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, and in adverse weather.

If you can see a collision or hazard ahead, how can you warn drivers behind you?

Turn on your emergency flashers, lightly tap your brake pedal three or four times, and use a hand signal when slowing and stopping.

What does a single solid yellow line indicate?

Marks the center of a road with two-way traffic.

When driving on roads with multiple lanes, what can you use the left and right lanes for?

Use the left lane to pass or turn left and the right lane to enter or exit traffic or when you enter the road from a curb or shoulder.

What vehicles can access carpool lanes?

HOV lanes, buses, motorcycles, or low emission vehicles with decals.

What is a center left turn lane?

Located in the middle of a two-way street, marked on both sides by two painted lines (inner line is broken, outer line is solid), and used to prepare for and make a left turn or U-turn.

When making a turn at a "T" intersection from a one-way street onto a two-way street, who has the right-of-way?

Traffic going straight through the intersection has the right-of-way.

When merging onto a highway, who has the right-of-way?

Highway traffic has the right-of-way.

List the steps to parallel park:

1. Find a space at least three feet longer than your vehicle. 2. Pull up alongside the vehicle in front of the space, leaving about two feet between vehicles. 3. Check your blind spots. 4. Begin backing up, turning your steering wheel to back into the space at about a 45-degree angle. 5. Straighten out when your rear wheel is within 18 inches of the curb. 6. Turn off vehicle and set parking brake.

When parking on a sloping driveway, what should you do?

Turn the wheels so the vehicle will not roll into the street, leave the vehicle in park and set the parking brake.

What does a white painted curb mean?

Stop only long enough to pick up or drop off passengers.

What does a green painted curb mean?

Park for a limited time.

What does a yellow painted curb mean?

Load and unload passengers and freight.

What does a red painted curb mean?

No stopping, standing, or parking.

What does a blue painted curb mean?

Parking for a disabled person or someone driving a disabled person with a special placard or special license plate.

What should you do during a law enforcement stop?

Turn on your right turn signal, move completely onto the right shoulder, turn off your radio, remain inside your vehicle unless directed to get out, roll down your window, and place your hands in clear view.

Beginning January 1, 2024, what are law enforcement officers required to do?

State the reason for a traffic or pedestrian stop before questioning related to a criminal investigation or traffic violation.

What offers convenient transactions at Grocery Stores and DMV Offices

DMV KIOSKS

What should you do at a red STOP sign?

STOP. Then make a full stop before the crosswalk/limit line, check traffic, and proceed when safe.

What should you do at a red YIELD sign?

Slow down and be ready to stop to let any vehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrian pass before you proceed.

What instruction does a red and white regulatory sign provide

DO NOT ENTER.

What does a Yellow and Black Circular Sign or X-shaped Sign indicate?

R R You are approaching a railroad crossing. Look, listen, slow down, and prepare to stop. Let any trains pass before you proceed.

Who has the right-of-way at intersections?

The vehicle that arrives to the intersection first has the right-of-way.

How do you use a roundabout?

Slow down, yield to traffic in the roundabout, enter heading to the right, travel counter-clockwise, signal when changing lanes or exiting.

What is a pedestrian?

A person walking; a person traveling on something other than a vehicle/bicycle; a person with a disability using a tricycle, quadricycle, or wheelchair.

Who has the right-of-way on mountain roads?

If two vehicles meet on a steep narrow road and neither vehicle can pass, the vehicle facing uphill has the right-of-way.

What happens inside a Large vehicle and truck drivers' No Zones?

Your vehicle can disappear from a large vehicle or truck driver’s view.

What should you do when approached by an Emergency Vehicles?

Give the right-of-way to any law enforcement vehicle, fire engine, ambulance, or other emergency vehicle using a siren and red lights.

What should you know about slow-moving vehicles?

They can take longer to get up to speed when entering traffic; large trucks, bicycles, and some cars lose speed on long or steep hills.

What are a bicyclist responsibilities?

Obey all traffic signs, signal lights, and basic right-of-way rules, ride in the same direction as traffic, and yield to pedestrians.

How much are fines for traffic violations in a work zone?

Fine for traffic violations in a work zone can be $1,000 or more.

What does a diamond-shaped sign on a truck mean?

The truck’s load may be dangerous (gas, explosives etc.).

What should you do At railroad or train crossings?

Emergency flash red lights mean stop and wait, and only proceed over the railroad tracks until the red lights stop flashing, even if the gate rises.

Who monitors your driver’s record?

DMV monitors your driver’s record

What does Tailgating do?

Tailgating makes it harder for you to see the road ahead because the vehicle in front of you blocks your view.

What should you do if you start to skid?

Slowly remove your foot from the accelerator, do not use the brakes, and turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid.

What to do if you get Stuck in Snow or Mud?

Follow these steps: 1. Shift into a low gear and keep the front wheels straight. 2. Gently step on the accelerator. Avoid spinning the wheels. 3. Drive slowly forward as far as possible. 4. Shift into reverse and slowly back up as far as possible. Do not spin the wheels. 5. Shift into a low gear again and drive forward. 6. Repeat a forward-backward motion until the vehicle rolls free. 7. In deep mud or snow, put boards, tree branches, etc., under the tires. Only take this action when the vehicle is stopped.

What is deadly Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is a deadly odorless gas released from a vehicle’s exhaust pipe.

What constitutes driving under the influence in California?

It is illegal to drive while under the influence of alcohol or any drug that affects your ability to drive safely.

What does Blood Alcohol Concentration measure?

Your BAC measures how much alcohol is present in your bloodstream.

When must you show proof of financial responsibility?

You must have your proof of financial responsibility (insurance) when you drive and for a drive test.

What should you do if are in a vehicle Collision?

If you are in a collision, you must stop.

What is required to operate your vehicle in California?

You need to register your vehicle in California to use it in the state.