California Driver's Handbook - Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards based on the California Driver's Handbook.

California Driver's License

Permits driving on CA public roads after passing required tests.

REAL ID Driver’s License

Compliant ID needed for domestic flights, military bases, and federal facilities starting May 2025.

Instruction Permit

Required permit before the drive test if you lack a license from CA or another state.

Provisional Driver’s License

License with restrictions like limited driving hours (no driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. for the first 12 months) and passenger restrictions (no passengers under 20 unless supervised).

Vision Test

Assesses eyesight for safe driving.

Knowledge Test

Multiple-choice test on traffic laws and safe practices.

Behind-the-Wheel Drive Test

Evaluates driving ability and safety.

Change of Address

Notify DMV of a new address within ten days.

Fatigue and Drowsiness

Impairs vision and reaction time while driving.

Hand-Over-Hand Steering

Steering technique for low speeds, parking, or skid recovery. Start with hands at 8 and 4 o’clock, reach across to grasp the opposite side, and pull.

Signaling

Indicate turns, lane changes, slowing, or stopping with lights or hand signals.

Headlights

Use when visibility is poor (less than 1,000 feet), 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, and in adverse weather. Use low-beams with wipers.

Emergency Flashers

Use to warn drivers of collisions or hazards ahead.

Traffic Lane

A single line of traffic on the road.

Single Solid Yellow Line

Marks the center of a two-way road. Do not pass if the solid line is on your side.

Double Solid White Lines

Barrier between regular and preferential lanes (e.g., carpool). Never cross.

Yield Line

Triangles pointing towards vehicles indicate where to yield or stop.

Center Left Turn Lanes

Middle lane for left turns or U-turns, marked by broken and solid lines. Not for regular traffic or passing.

Bicycle Lanes

Lanes for bicyclists alongside traffic, marked by a solid white line and signs, sometimes painted green.

Limit Line

White line indicating where to stop before an intersection or crosswalk.

Parking on a Hill

Set parking brake and leave vehicle in park (or in gear for manual) to prevent rolling.

Driving Green

Maximize fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

DUI

Driving under the influence.

DUI Refusal

Refusing blood or urine test leads to license suspension or revocation.

Right-of-way

Determines who goes first among vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.

Intersection

Where roads meet; can be controlled with signs/signals or uncontrolled/blind.

Roundabouts

Traffic circles requiring travel in one direction around a central island.

Crosswalk

Designated area for pedestrians to cross the road safely, often marked with white lines.

Safety Zone

Space for pedestrians waiting for public transport, marked by raised buttons or markers. Never drive through.

Blind Spots

Areas around a vehicle not visible in mirrors.

No Zones

Large areas around trucks where vehicles disappear from the driver's view. If you can't see the truck's mirrors, they can't see you.

Highway Construction

Roads under construction, often at night. Reduce speed.

Skids

Loss of tire traction, causing vehicle slip and loss of control.

Slippery Surface Skids

Caused by ice or snow. Drive slowly and increase following distance.

Locked Wheel Skids

Caused by braking too hard at high speed, causing vehicle to skid regardless of steering.

Hydroplaning

Tires lose contact with the road on wet surfaces, causing loss of control. Avoid sudden changes in direction or braking.

Carbon Monoxide

Odorless, deadly gas from vehicle exhaust. Never run a vehicle in a closed garage.

Traffic Breaks

Law enforcement slowing or stopping traffic to remove hazards, manage fog, or prevent collisions.

Vehicle Becomes Disabled on the Freeway

Pull to the right shoulder, exit away from traffic, call 511, and stay inside the vehicle until help arrives.

Freeway Service Patrol

Provides free emergency roadside services during commute times.

Basic Speed Law

Safe speed depends on conditions (traffic, road surface, etc.), not just the posted limit (maximum 65 mph in ideal condition).

Reexamination

DMV re-evaluates a driver's ability based on physical/mental condition or driving record.

Driver’s License Restrictions

Places restrictions on a driver’s license to ensure a driver is operating a vehicle within their ability. Restrictions may be imposed by DMV or required by law such as requiring a driver to place special mechanical devices on their vehicle, such as hand controls Limiting when and where a person may drive, such as no night or freeway driving.