California Driver’s Handbook: Traffic Laws, Safety, and Licensing

What is the purpose of the California Driver's Handbook?

To provide rules of the road and valuable information for drivers.

In how many languages is the California Driver's Handbook available?

Nine languages.

What is required to obtain a California driver's license?

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

What type of driver's license do most people need in California?

A noncommercial Class C driver's license.

Where can you start your driver's license application in California?

On the DMV website at dmv.ca.gov.

What is a provisional driver's license?

A license for drivers under 18 that comes with specific restrictions.

What are the driving restrictions for provisional drivers under 18?

Cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. and cannot have passengers under 20 unless accompanied by a qualified adult.

What must a provisional driver carry to drive for medical needs?

A note signed by a physician stating their medical condition.

What is the importance of signaling while driving?

To communicate intentions to other drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

When should you signal before making a turn?

At least 100 feet before turning.

What should you do if your signal lights are not functioning?

Use hand-and-arm signals.

What is the legal requirement regarding headsets while driving?

It is illegal to wear a headset or earplugs in both ears while driving.

What is the purpose of using your vehicle's horn?

To alert other drivers or warn of hazards.

What should you do if you need to avoid a collision?

Use your vehicle's horn to alert others.

What is the role of headlights while driving?

To help you see the road and make your vehicle visible to others.

What is the recommended action if you are driving on narrow mountain roads?

Use your horn to alert oncoming traffic.

What is the significance of the California Driver's License?

It allows you to drive on public roads and access essential services.

What can you do on the DMV website besides applying for a driver's license?

Complete transactions like driver's license renewal and vehicle registration.

What must drivers do to ensure safety while driving?

Buckle up, follow traffic laws, and avoid distractions.

What is the consequence of driving while distracted or impaired?

It could mean the difference between life and death.

What must physicians report to the DMV?

Patients with medical conditions that may affect their ability to drive safely.

What is the purpose of the 'Contact Us' section in the handbook?

To provide a way for users to send comments or suggestions to the DMV.

What does the term 'financial responsibility' refer to in the context of driving?

Insurance requirements and obligations in case of collisions.

What is the significance of the copyright notice in the handbook?

It indicates the publication is licensed under Creative Commons for non-commercial use.

What should you do if you need to cancel your teen's license?

Complete a Request for Cancellation or Surrender of a Driver License or ID Card form.

What is the main goal of the California Department of Motor Vehicles?

To ensure safe and responsible driving on California's roads.

What is the importance of the 'Disclaimer' section in the handbook?

It clarifies that the handbook summarizes laws and regulations, which may differ from the exact legal language.

When should you dim your high-beam headlights?

Within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle or within 300 feet of a vehicle you are following.

What is illegal regarding parking lights?

It is illegal to drive using only parking lights.

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, in adverse weather, or when conditions prevent seeing other vehicles.

What should you do if you can see a collision or hazard ahead?

Warn drivers behind you by turning on your emergency flashers and using hand signals when slowing or stopping.

What should you do if your vehicle has trouble?

Turn on your emergency flashers, pull off the road if possible, and call for roadside assistance.

What is a traffic lane?

A section of road for a single line of traffic.

What does a single solid yellow line indicate?

It marks the center of a road with two-way traffic; do not pass if there is a solid yellow line on your side.

What do double solid yellow lines indicate?

Do not pass over double solid yellow lines; stay to the right unless instructed otherwise.

What does a broken yellow line signify?

You may pass if the broken line is next to your driving lane and it is safe to do so.

What does a single solid white line indicate?

It marks traffic lanes going in the same direction, including one-way streets.

What do double solid white lines indicate?

They indicate a lane barrier; do not change lanes over double solid white lines.

What does a yield line look like?

A line of solid white triangles pointing towards approaching vehicles indicating where to yield or stop.

What is the purpose of a center left turn lane?

To prepare for and make a left turn or U-turn; it is not a regular traffic lane.

What is an HOV lane?

A special lane reserved for carpools, buses, and motorcycles, marked with a diamond symbol.

What should you do when changing lanes?

Signal, check mirrors, check traffic, look over your shoulder, and ensure enough space in the next lane.

What is a bicycle lane?

A lane designated for bicyclists, marked by a solid white line, and it is illegal to drive in unless permitted.

What is a buffered bike lane?

A bike lane that uses chevrons or diagonal markings for greater separation from traffic.

What is a bicycle boulevard?

A street that prioritizes bicycle travel while shared with vehicle traffic.

What is a separated bikeway?

A lane physically separated from motor vehicle traffic for exclusive use by bicyclists.

What is the minimum distance to maintain between a car and cyclist?

Three feet of distance must be maintained.

What should you do if you miss a turn?

Keep driving until you can safely and legally turn around.

What is the purpose of turnout areas or lanes?

To allow cars behind you to pass when you are driving slowly on a two-lane road.

What is the maximum distance you may drive in a center left turn lane?

You may only drive for 200 feet in the center left turn lane.

What should you do if you are driving slowly and have five or more vehicles behind you?

Use a turnout area or lane to let other vehicles pass.

What is a shared roadway bicycle marking?

Markings that alert drivers that bicyclists can occupy the lane.

What are the rules for using an HOV lane?

You must have a certain number of people in your vehicle or be riding a motorcycle, and you cannot cross double solid lines to enter or exit.

What is the first step to make a right turn?

Drive close to the right edge of the road.

What should you do if a designated right turn lane is available?

Enter at the opening.

How far can you drive in a bike lane before making a right turn?

Within 200 feet from the turn.

What should you check for when making a right turn?

Bicyclists in your blind spots.

When should you start signaling before a right turn?

About 100 feet before the turn.

What is a limit line?

A wide white line that shows drivers where to stop before an intersection or crosswalk.

What should you do if there is no limit line?

Stop before you enter the crosswalk or intersection.

What is the correct procedure for looking before making a right turn?

Look both ways (left-right-left) and turn when it is safe.

Where should you complete your right turn?

In the right lane.

Can you turn right at a red light?

Yes, after a complete stop unless there is a NO TURN ON RED sign.

What should you do at a red arrow light?

Do not turn right; wait until the light changes to green.

Is it legal to drive in a public transit bus lane when making a right turn?

Yes, you may cross a bus lane to make a right turn.

What is a dedicated right turn lane?

A lane that allows you to make a right turn without stopping.

What should you do when making a left turn?

Drive close to the center divider or into the left turn lane.

What must you respect when entering a two-way center left turn lane?

The right-of-way of any vehicle, bicyclist, or motorcyclist already in the lane.

How far before a left turn should you start signaling?

100 feet before the turn.

What should you do if there is no limit line when making a left turn?

Stop before you enter the crosswalk or intersection.

What is the correct procedure for looking before making a left turn?

Look both ways (left-right-left) and begin your turn when it is safe.

What is a U-turn?

A maneuver to turn your vehicle around to go back in the direction you came.

Where can you make a U-turn?

Across a double yellow line, in a residential district if no vehicles are approaching, or at an intersection on a green light.

Where is it illegal to make a U-turn?

Where a NO U-TURN sign is posted, at railroad crossings, or in front of a fire station.

What should you do when merging onto a highway?

Be in the proper lane on the on-ramp and at or near the speed of traffic.

What is the proper distance to signal before exiting a highway?

Five seconds (approximately 400 feet) before you exit.

What should you do when entering traffic from a full stop?

Signal and leave a large enough space to get up to the speed of traffic.

What is the recommended space to merge into traffic on city streets?

Half a block, which is about 150 feet.

What is the recommended space to merge into traffic on highways?

A full block, which is about 300 feet.

What should you wait for before making a left turn when an oncoming vehicle has its right turn signal on?

Wait for the vehicle to start its turn.

What should you assess before attempting to pass another vehicle?

You must judge whether you have enough space to pass and check for oncoming vehicles, hills, curves, intersections, or road obstructions.

When is it dangerous to pass another vehicle?

It is dangerous to pass if you are approaching a hill or curve where you cannot see if other traffic is coming.

What is the first step to safely pass a vehicle on an open highway?

Signal that you plan on passing.

Under what conditions can you pass on the right?

You can pass on the right if there are two or more lanes going in your direction, the driver ahead is turning left, or you are on a one-way street.

What is parallel parking?

Parallel parking is parking in line with the road and other parked vehicles.

What is the first step in parallel parking?

Find a space that is at least three feet longer than your vehicle and signal your intention to park.

What should you do when backing up in a straight line?

Check traffic, signal, and back up while remaining within three feet of the curb.

How should you park on a hill with no curb?

Turn the wheels toward the shoulder of the road.

What do colored curbs indicate?

Colored curbs have special parking rules: white for passenger loading, green for limited time, yellow for loading/unloading, red for no stopping, and blue for disabled parking.

What should you do if you see a NO PARKING sign?

Never park or leave your vehicle where a NO PARKING sign is posted.

What are your responsibilities during a law enforcement stop?

Signal, move to the right shoulder, turn off the radio, remain inside the vehicle, and keep hands visible.

What must law enforcement officers do before questioning you during a stop?

They must state the reason for the stop.

What rights do you have if an officer asks to search your vehicle?

You have the right to say no, but you cannot interfere if the officer decides to search anyway.

What documents must you produce when stopped by law enforcement?

You must provide a driver's license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration.

What should you do before exiting your vehicle after parking?

Look carefully for passing vehicles, bicycles, and motorcycles.

What is the recommended action if a vehicle is passing you?

Allow the vehicle to pass while maintaining your lane position and speed.

What should you do if you must stop on a freeway?

Park completely off the pavement and stay in your vehicle with the doors locked until help arrives.

What is the correct action to take when parking headed downhill?

Turn your front wheels into the curb.

What is the correct action to take when parking headed uphill?

Turn your front wheels away from the curb and let the vehicle roll back slightly until it touches the curb.

What should you do if you are passing a vehicle and there is not enough space to return to your lane?

Do not pass unless you have enough space to return safely.