California DMV Handbook S1,2,3,4 Review

beginning of May 2025

driver’s license / ID card must be REAL ID compliant

driver’s license / ID card must be REAL ID compliant if you use it for:

• board an airplane for domestic flights

• enter military bases

• enter most federal facilities

driver’s license for undocumented residents

California offers driver’s licenses for all residents regardless of immigration status

ID cards

eligible to persons of any age but don’t permit you to drive

to get an ID

must provide your identity document, residency documents, and social security number

what you need to provide to apply for an instruction permit or driver’s license:

• proof of identity: proving who you are

• two proofs of residency: providing you live in California

• legal full name document: proving your current name if the name on your identity document and application do not match

• social security number

to apply for a Class C instruction permit

1. complete a driver’s license and ID card application

2. provide your documents

3. pay a non-refundable application fee

4. pass your knowledge test

5. pass a vision test

to apply for a Class C instruction permit if under 18

• be at least 15 ½ yrs old

• complete driver education program

• have parent/guardian sign to approve application & accept financial responsibility

• wait to use instruction permit until start behind the wheel driving training w/ instructor who’ll validate the permit

to get your driver’s license you need to:

• practice driving with a California-licensed driver who is at least 18 yrs old

• pass a behind the wheel drive test

to get your driver’s license (if you’re under 18) you need to:

• be at least 16 yrs old

• have an instruction permit from Cali or other state for at least 6 months

• prove that you completed both driver education and driver training

• practice driving for at least 50 hrs w/ California licensed driver who is at least 25 yrs old (10 hrs must be at night)

if you’re under 18 your driver’s license will have the word:

provisional

what does it mean to be a provisional driver?

you cannot drive:

• between 11pm - 5am during first 12 months you have your license

• w/ passengers under 20 yrs old (unless parent/guardian/other cali-licensed driver at least 25 is w/ you)

• for pay or operate vehicles that require a commercial class A, B, or C license

exceptions to minor’s restrictions:

• have medical need (must carry note signed by physician) - the note must state medical condition and date expected to recover

• driving for school (must have note signed by school)

• driving for work (must have note signed by employer)

• driving for an immediate family member (need note signed by parent/guardian)

What tests will you need to take for your driver’s license?

a vision test, knowledge test, and behind the wheel drive test

What must you bring to your behind the wheel drive test?

• your instruction permit or driver’s license (if you have one)

• another California-licensed driver who is at least 18 years old

• a vehicle that is safe to drive

• valid proof of insurance and vehicle registration

before you begin the driving test the DMV examiner ask you to locate and demonstrate the following

• driver window

• windshield

• rearview window

• brake lights

• tires

• foot brake

• horn

• emergency (parking brake)

• turn/arm signals

• windshield wipers: control arm or switch

• seat belts

driver window

the window on the driver side must open

windshield

must allow a full clear unblocked view for driver and DMV examiner and should be free of cracks or damage that could obstruct vision

rearview mirrors

at least two rearview mirrors, one of them must be on the left side of vehicle

brake lights

right and left brake lights must be operational

tires

must have at least 1/32 inch of uniformed tread depth, use of a donut tire is not allowed during test

foot brake

must be at least one inch of clearance between bottom of brake pedal and the floorboard when depressed

horn

designed for the vehicle, in proper working condition, and loud enough to be heard from a distance of at least 200 feet

emergency (parking brake)

how to set and release the parking brake

turn/arm signals

• left turn

• right turn

• slowing down or stopping

windshield wipers: control arm or switch

you may be required to show they function

seat belts

all seat belts must work properly and be used by the individual(s) in the vehicle

are other people allowed to accompany you during the driving test?

no only the examiner

where do you go for any changes to your license?

go to the DMV website or visit a local DMV office.