California Driver's Handbook Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards based on the California Driver's Handbook to help you learn the definitions of important terms.

California driver’s license

Allows you to drive on public roads in California.

REAL ID Driver’s License

Must be REAL ID compliant to board an airplane for domestic flights, enter military bases, and enter most federal facilities beginning May 2025.

ID Cards

Issued for identification purposes to eligible persons of any age but do not permit you to drive.

Instruction permit

Required before taking the behind-the-wheel drive test if you do not have a driver’s license from California or another state.

Behind-the-Wheel Drive Test

Drivers with a vision or medical condition may be required to take this test upon renewal.

Limit line

Shows the drivers where to stop before an intersection or crosswalk.

Traffic lane

A section of road for a single line of traffic.

Single solid yellow line

Marks the center of a road with two-way traffic. Do not pass a vehicle in front of you if there is only one lane of traffic going your direction and a solid yellow line on your side of the road.

Double solid white lines

Indicates a lane barrier between a regular use and a preferential use lane, such as a carpool (HOV) lane. Never change lanes over these lines.

Yield Line

Shows approaching vehicles where to yield or stop. The triangles point towards approaching vehicles.

Carpool/High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lanes

A special lane reserved for carpools, buses, motorcycles, or low-emission vehicles with decals.

Center Left Turn Lanes

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

Turnout Areas or Lanes

Merge into these areas or lanes to allow cars behind you to pass on a two-lane road.

Bicycle Lanes

For bicyclists only and run alongside vehicle traffic, typically marked by a single solid white line and signs.

Flashing Yellow Light

Indicates a warning to proceed with caution, slow down and be alert.

Flashing Yellow Arrow

You can turn, but your turn is not protected from other traffic. Proceed to turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic and proceed with caution.

U-turn

Is when you turn your vehicle around to go back in the direction you came.

Mountain Roads Right-of-Way

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

Safety zones

Spaces set aside for pedestrians waiting for buses, streetcars, and trolleys, marked by raised buttons or markers on a road.

Basic Speed Law

Requires you to drive slower when there is heavy traffic or bad weather and not block normal traffic flow by driving too slowly.

Skid

A skid is when one or more of the tires lose traction with the road and the vehicle starts to slip.

Hydroplaning

Occurs when driving in wet or rainy conditions when a vehicle rides on water because the tires lose all contact with the road.

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)

Measures how much alcohol is present in your bloodstream.

Proof of financial responsibility (insurance)

You must have this with you when you drive and if you get into a collision.

California’s Administrative Per Se Law

Requires DMV to suspend your driving privilege if you are arrested for DUI.

Reexamination

The California Vehicle Code allows DMV to investigate and reexamine every driver’s ability to operate a motor vehicle safely.