California DMV Driver's Handbook - Vocabulary Flashcards (Video Notes)

Vocabulary flashcards covering core terms and concepts from the California DMV Driver’s Handbook as presented in the video notes.

REAL ID Driver’s License

REAL ID-compliant license required beginning May 2025 to board domestic flights and to enter many federal facilities.

Instruction Permit

A permit you must obtain before taking the behind‑the‑wheel test to get a driver’s license.

Class C License

The noncommercial standard driver’s license for most vehicles; other vehicle types require different classes.

Vision Test

DMV test to ensure you can see well enough to drive; may require corrective lenses.

Knowledge Test

Multiple-choice test on traffic laws and signs; minors have specific retake rules.

Behind‑the‑Wheel Drive Test

Practical driving test to assess your real driving ability.

Driving Performance Evaluation (DPE)

Score sheet used during the behind‑the‑wheel test; sample available online.

Provisional License

License issued to minors with certain restrictions until they reach full privileges.

Provisional Restrictions

Night driving limits, passenger limits, and other rules for provisional license holders.

Change of Address

Notify DMV within 10 days of moving; you may request a replacement license.

Replace or Renew Your Driver’s License

Process to renew or replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license.

Extension (Out‑of‑State License)

One‑year extension available if you’re out of state and cannot renew.

DMV KIOSKS

Self-service kiosks for vehicle registration, driver records, and more.

SR 22 / SR 1P

California Insurance Proof Certificate; filed after certain violations to prove financial responsibility.

SR 1 (Accident Report)

Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California that must be filed with DMV.

Traffic Violator School

Option to attend a course to keep a citation off your insurance record.

Suspension

DMV action temporarily revoking your driving privilege.

Revocation

DMV action permanently or long‑term removing your driving privilege.

Administrative Hearing

DMV hearing to contest proposed driving actions; request within a time limit.

Minor’s Restrictions

Special limits on minors’ licenses (e.g., nighttime driving, passenger limits).

Basic Speed Law

Drive at a safe speed for conditions; not faster than posted limits.

Three‑Second Rule

Rule to maintain a safe following distance by counting three seconds.

Right‑of‑Way

Rules that determine who goes first at intersections and merges.

BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) Limits

Legal limits: 0.08% for 21+, 0.01% or higher for under 21, higher limits for CDL or for‑hire drivers.

DUI Penalties

Consequences for driving under the influence, including suspension, IID, and possible jail time.

Ignition Interlock Device (IID)

Breathalyzer device that may be required on a vehicle after DUI conviction.

Seat Belts

Requirements to wear seat belts; penalties for noncompliance.

Child Restraint Systems

Rules for securing children by age/height (rear-facing, rear seat, or seat belt).

Air Bags

Safety feature; sit at least a specified distance from the airbag; children’s position matters.

Unattended Children and Pets

It is illegal to leave a child under 6 or an animal unattended in a vehicle.

Blind Spots / No Zones

Areas around large vehicles that other drivers may not see; check mirrors and look over shoulders.

Hazardous Loads Placards

Diamond signs on trucks indicating dangerous loads; rules for crossing railroad tracks.

Roundabouts

Traffic flows counter‑clockwise around a central island; yield and signal while exiting.

Pedestrians’ Right‑of‑Way

Pedestrians generally have the right‑of‑way in crosswalks and intersections.

Bike Lanes and Bicycle Safety

Bike lanes are for bicyclists; entering or driving in them is restricted except for certain maneuvers.

HOV (Carpool) Lanes

Diamond‑marked lanes reserved for carpools or eligible vehicles; decals may be required.

Signaling and Lane Changes

Rule to signal before turns or lane changes; check mirrors and blind spots.

Parking Colored Curbs

White, Green, Yellow, Red, Blue curbs indicate time limits, loading zones, or disabled parking.

Emergency Vehicles Right‑of‑Way

Move to the right edge and stop for emergency vehicles using sirens or lights.

School Bus Rules

When a school bus flashes yellow/red lights, know when to stop and proceed safely.

Speed Limits Near Schools

Cities may have reduced speeds near schools; obey posted signs and crossing guards.

Railroad Crossings Rules

Stop when warning devices require; look both ways before crossing.

Collision Reporting

SR 1 filing requirement if damage or injuries occur; report within 24 hours if injury.

Financial Responsibility

Required insurance standards; minimum limits for bodily injury and property damage.

Vehicle Registration Requirements

Register your vehicle and transfer ownership within specified timeframes.

Senior Driver Resources

Programs and resources for seniors, such as mature driver courses and senior ID cards.

Glossary of Key Terms

Definitions of common DMV terms such as yield, three‑second rule, and VRU.

Three‑way Right‑of‑Way Scenarios

Rules at intersections with multiple users (vehicles, bikes, pedestrians) to determine priority.

Traffic Citations (FTA)

Failure to appear on a ticket can suspend driving privileges until appearance.