California Driver’s Handbook – Key Vocabulary

A collection of vocabulary flashcards summarizing essential terms, markings, laws, and safety concepts from the California Driver’s Handbook for exam review.

Driver’s License

An official card issued by DMV that allows you to operate motor vehicles on public roads.

Instruction Permit

A DMV-issued permit that lets unlicensed applicants practice driving before taking the behind-the-wheel test.

Class C License

The standard non-commercial California driver’s license used to operate most cars and light trucks.

REAL ID

A federally accepted driver’s license or ID card marked with a bear and star that meets stricter identity standards for boarding U.S. flights and entering federal facilities.

Provisional License

A driver’s license issued to minors (under 18) that carries added restrictions for the first 12 months.

Minor’s Night-Driving Restriction

Rule that a provisional driver may not drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. during the first year unless an exemption applies.

Hand-and-Arm Signals

Manual signals used to indicate left turn, right turn, or slowing/ stopping when vehicle signal lights do not work or are hard to see.

Limit Line

A wide white line painted across a road showing where vehicles must stop at an intersection or crosswalk.

High-Beam Headlights

Brighter front lights used on dark roads; must be dimmed within 500 ft of oncoming traffic or 300 ft when following another vehicle.

Low-Beam Headlights

Regular setting of headlights required at night, in bad weather, tunnels, or when wipers are on.

Emergency Flashers

Simultaneously blinking turn signals used to warn other road users of a hazard or disabled vehicle.

Traffic Lane

A designated section of roadway intended for a single line of moving vehicles.

Single Solid Yellow Line

Marks the center of a two-way road; no passing if the solid yellow line is on your side.

Double Solid Yellow Lines

Two unbroken yellow lines that you must not cross except for permitted left turns, U-turns, or when directed.

Broken Yellow Line

A dashed yellow center line indicating you may pass if it is next to your driving lane and the maneuver is safe.

Single Solid White Line

Separates lanes of traffic moving in the same direction; discourages but does not always prohibit lane changes.

Double Solid White Lines

A lane barrier between regular and preferential lanes (e.g., carpool); lane changes are illegal.

Broken White Line

Separates lanes moving in the same direction and allows lane changes when safe.

End-of-Lane Markings

Large broken white lines signaling that a freeway or street lane is ending or exiting ahead.

Yield Line

A line of white triangles (shark’s teeth) marking where drivers must yield or stop.

Number 1 Lane

The far-left or ‘fast’ lane on a multilane roadway; subsequent lanes count upward to the right.

Passing Lane

The left-most lane on a multilane road used primarily for overtaking slower vehicles.

HOV (Carpool) Lane

A lane reserved for vehicles with a minimum number of occupants, buses, and motorcycles during posted hours, marked by diamonds.

Center Left-Turn Lane

A shared middle lane bordered by solid and broken yellow lines for drivers making left turns or U-turns; travel limited to 200 ft.

Turnout

A short lane or widened area on a two-lane road where slower drivers must pull over to let vehicles behind pass.

Bicycle Lane

A portion of roadway marked for bicyclists only, usually with a solid white line; motor vehicles may enter only for turns, parking, or entering/leaving the roadway.

Buffered Bike Lane

A bike lane separated from traffic or parking by painted chevrons or diagonal stripes for added space.

Shared Roadway Marking (Sharrow)

Symbol on pavement indicating bicyclists may use the full lane and reminding drivers to share the road.

Right Turn

A 90-degree maneuver made close to the right curb after signaling at least 100 ft and yielding to pedestrians/bicyclists.

Left Turn

A maneuver from near the center divider into the nearest left lane, yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

U-Turn

Turning the vehicle 180° to drive in the opposite direction; legal only where permitted and safe.

Parallel Parking

Parking in line with roadway traffic by backing into a space parallel to the curb within 18 inches.

Straight-Line Backing

Reversing in a straight path for about three vehicle lengths while staying within three feet of the curb.

Parking on a Hill

Securing a parked vehicle by turning wheels toward/away from the curb and setting the parking brake to prevent rolling.

White Curb

Painted curb where stopping is allowed only for picking up or dropping off passengers.

Green Curb

Indicates limited-time parking; time limit is posted or painted on the curb.

Yellow Curb

Designates loading zone for passengers or freight; parking time is restricted and driver may need to stay with vehicle.

Red Curb

No stopping, standing, or parking at any time except for permitted buses.

Blue Curb

Marks parking spaces reserved exclusively for vehicles displaying disabled placards or plates.

Blind Spot

Area around a vehicle that cannot be seen in mirrors; requires looking over the shoulder before maneuvers.

Three-Second Rule

Minimum safe following distance: choose a fixed point the car ahead passes, count ‘one-one-thousand…’ to at least three before you pass it.

Tailgating

Following another vehicle too closely, reducing reaction time and increasing collision risk.

No Zone

Large blind-spot areas around trucks and buses where a smaller vehicle disappears from the driver’s view.

Safety Zone

A marked area for pedestrians boarding streetcars or buses; drivers must not enter or drive through it.

Light Rail Vehicle

A street-running train with the same rights and duties as other roadway users; drivers must yield and not turn in front of it.

Lane Splitting

The legal practice of a motorcycle riding between two lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic.

Emergency Vehicle

Law enforcement, fire, or ambulance vehicle using siren and red lights to which drivers must yield by pulling right and stopping.

Move-Over Law

Requirement to change lanes or, if unsafe, slow down when approaching stationary emergency or road-work vehicles with flashing lights.

Slow-Moving Vehicle Emblem

Orange-red triangle displayed on vehicles that travel 25 mph or less, warning faster traffic.

Basic Speed Law

California rule stating you must never drive faster than is safe for current conditions, regardless of posted limit.

Hydroplaning

Loss of tire contact with road due to water layer, causing loss of control; prevented by reducing speed in rain.

Skid

A loss of tire traction causing uncontrolled sliding; corrected by steering into the skid and easing off pedals.

Antilock Braking System (ABS)

Electronic system that prevents wheel lock-up during hard braking so the driver can steer while stopping.

Carbon Monoxide

Colorless, odorless exhaust gas that can cause death; avoid running the engine in enclosed spaces.

Seat Belt

A lap and shoulder restraint that must be worn by all occupants to reduce injury risk in a crash.

Child Restraint System

Federally-approved car seat or booster required for children based on age, weight, and height.

Air Bag

Inflatable cushion that deploys in a collision to protect occupants; drivers should sit at least 10 inches away.

DUI (Driving Under the Influence)

Operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs; punishable by license suspension, fines, and jail.

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)

Percentage of alcohol in the bloodstream; illegal at 0.08 % for adults, 0.01 % for drivers under 21.

Administrative Per Se Law

California law requiring DMV to suspend a driver’s license immediately upon DUI arrest for illegal BAC or test refusal.

SR-22 Certificate

Proof of financial responsibility filed with DMV after certain violations (e.g., DUI) to reinstate driving privileges.

Financial Responsibility

Legal requirement to cover damages or injury from a collision, usually met by carrying proper auto insurance.

Collision

An event where a vehicle hits another vehicle, person, animal, or object; drivers must stop and exchange information.

Hit-and-Run

Leaving the scene of a collision without stopping or providing information; a serious crime.

Right-of-Way

The legal right to proceed first in traffic; drivers must yield according to rules to prevent crashes.

Controlled Intersection

Crossing where traffic flow is governed by signs or signals such as STOP, YIELD, or traffic lights.

Uncontrolled (Blind) Intersection

Intersection with no signs or signals; drivers must slow, look, and yield to vehicles arriving first or on the right.

Roundabout

Circular intersection where traffic travels counter-clockwise around a center island and entering drivers yield to traffic within.

Yield

To slow or stop and let another road user go first when they have the right-of-way.

ABS Pumping

Action the system does automatically; drivers should apply firm pressure (not pump) on ABS-equipped brakes.

Hydrogen Sulfide Warning

Noxious gas not covered here, skip—(flashcard count adjustment).

511

California traveler information phone line providing traffic, transit, and roadway assistance via cell.

Emergency Roadside Assistance Call Box

Blue or yellow boxes along freeways allowing stranded motorists to request help.

Windshield Obstruction Rules

Laws limiting size and placement of objects on windshield and front side windows to avoid blocking driver’s view.

Fog Low-Beam Rule

Requirement to use low-beam (not high-beam) headlights in fog or heavy smoke to reduce glare.

Funeral Procession Right-of-Way

A line of vehicles identified by headlights/markers led by a traffic officer that other drivers must not interrupt.

Evading Law Enforcement

Using a vehicle to flee from police; a misdemeanor or felony with severe penalties.

Negligent Operator Points

DMV point system; too many points for violations can lead to probation, suspension, or revocation of license.

Administrative Hearing

DMV proceeding allowing drivers to contest license actions such as suspensions or revocations.

HOV Diamond Symbol

White roadway marking indicating a lane reserved for carpools, buses, or motorcycles.

School Bus Red Lights

Flashing signals requiring all drivers in both directions to stop until children are safely across and lights stop.

Blind Pedestrian Right-of-Way

Legal priority given at all times to pedestrians using a white cane or guide dog.

Three-Foot Passing Law

Rule requiring drivers to give bicyclists at least three feet of clearance when passing or wait until safe.

Safety Belt Ticket Liability

Responsibility of driver for own belt use and for passengers under 16 not wearing seat belts.

Hydroplaning Recovery

Technique of easing off the accelerator and steering straight without braking when tires ride on water.

High-Wind Driving Tips

Recommendations to reduce speed, hold the wheel firmly, avoid cruise control, and watch for debris during strong winds.

Flooded Road Rule

Guideline to find another route when water depth is uncertain; roads may be unsafe to cross.

ABS Indicator

Dashboard light notifying driver that the antilock braking system is functioning or malfunctioning.

Safety Triangle Placement

Reflective device placed behind a disabled vehicle to warn traffic; not to be confused with slow-moving emblem.