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Transcript of DMV Driving Handbook
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Copyright, Department of Motor Vehicles 2003.
All rights reserved.
This work is protected by U.S. Copyright Law. DMV owns the copyright of this
work. Copyright law prohibits the following: (1) reproduction of the copyrighted
work; (2) distribution of copies of the copyrighted work; (3) preparation of derivative
works based upon the copyrighted work; (4) displaying the copyrighted work
publicly; or (5) performing the copyrighted work publicly. All requests for permission
to make copies of all or any part of this publication should be addressed to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
Legal Office
P.O. Box 932382Sacramento, CA 94232-3820
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VEHICLE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS .................................................................................... viiiDISCLAIMER...............................................................................................................................................1
ACCURATE IDENTIFICATION ........................................................................................................................ 1The California Driver License ....................................................................................................................... 2
Who Must Have A License ............................................................................................................................ 2California Residents ................................................................................................................................ 2
California Service Persons Away From Home..................................................................................... 2Nonresident Military Person Stationed Here ........................................................................................ 2New Residents .........................................................................................................................................3
Visitors to California ................................................................................................................................ 3Basic Driver License Information .................................................................................................................. 3
Age Requirements ................................................................................................................................... 3Minors Employed As Drivers .................................................................................................................. 3Permitting An Unlicensed Person To Drive .......................................................................................... 4
LICENSE CLASSES ...................................................................................................................................... 4THE DRIVER LICENSE EXAMINATION PROCESS ............................................................................... 6
Where Do You Take The Tests? ............................................................................................................ 6DMV Wants You To Pass ........................................................................................................................ 6What Will The Examination Process Include? ..................................................................................... 7During The Driving Test .......................................................................................................................... 8
MINORS PROVISIONAL PERMIT REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................. 9Provisional Permit Restrictions ........................................................................................................... 10Where Can I Take Driver Education or Driver Training? ................................................................. 10Can I Drive With the Permit Outside of California? ........................................................................... 11
MINORS PROVISIONAL LICENSE REQUIREMENTS ......................................................................... 11Provisional License Restriction Exceptions ....................................................................................... 11
PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR ADULTS ............................................................................................. 12LICENSE REQUIREMENTS FOR ADULTS ........................................................................................... 13OTHER LICENSING INFORMATION ...................................................................................................... 13
License May Be Refused ..................................................................................................................... 13Driver License With Restrictions .......................................................................................................... 14To Replace a Lost Or Damaged License ........................................................................................... 14To Change Your Address ..................................................................................................................... 14To Change Your Name ......................................................................................................................... 14When Will Your License Expire? .......................................................................................................... 15
One Year Extension .............................................................................................................................. 16Always Carry Your License ................................................................................................................. 16LAWS AND RULES OF THE ROAD ...................................................................................................... 16
TRAFFIC CONTROL AT INTERSECTIONS ........................................................................................... 16PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS ............................................................................................................................ 17SIGNS ............................................................................................................................................................18RIGHT-OF-WAY LAWS .............................................................................................................................. 19
Pedestrians ............................................................................................................................................ 20Other Vehicles ....................................................................................................................................... 20
SPEED LIMITS ............................................................................................................................................ 20Maximum Speed Limit ......................................................................................................................... 21When You Must Drive Slowly .............................................................................................................. 21Special Speed Limits ............................................................................................................................ 21Turnout Areas .........................................................................................................................................22
USE OF LANES .......................................................................................................................................... 22Lanes For Through Traffic ................................................................................................................... 23Lanes For Turning ................................................................................................................................ 23Bicycle Lanes .........................................................................................................................................24Safety Zones ......................................................................................................................................... 24
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Lanes For Passing................................................................................................................................ 24Carpool Lanes And Controlled Onramps ........................................................................................... 25Special Lanes .........................................................................................................................................25
ROAD MARKINGS ......................................................................................................................................25TURNS ......................................................................................................................................................... 26
Center Left Turn Lane .......................................................................................................................... 26Examples Of Right And Left Turns ..................................................................................................... 27Legal U-Turns .........................................................................................................................................28Illegal U-Turns ....................................................................................................................................... 28
END-OF-LANE MARKINGS ...................................................................................................................... 29PARKING ...................................................................................................................................................... 29
Parking On A Hill ................................................................................................................................... 29Parking At Colored Curbs .................................................................................................................... 30No Parking ............................................................................................................................................. 30Special Parking Rules .......................................................................................................................... 31
MORE RULES YOU MUST KNOW.......................................................................................................... 31
SIGNALS ....................................................................................................................................................................... 32SAFE DRIVING PRACTICES ................................................................................................................. 33
Visual Search ............................................................................................................................................... 33Looking Ahead ...................................................................................................................................... 33Looking To The Sides........................................................................................................................... 34Looking Behind ......................................................................................................................................35Having Clear Windows And Mirrors ................................................................................................... 36
Adjusting Your Seat And Mirrors .......................................................................................................... 36Wearing Glasses Or Contact Lenses................................................................................................. 36How Well Can You See And Stop? .................................................................................................... 37
HORN, HEADLIGHTS, and EMERGENCY SIGNALS .......................................................................... 38Use Your Horn ....................................................................................................................................... 38Dont Use Your Horn ............................................................................................................................. 38Use Your Headlights ............................................................................................................................. 39Use Your Emergency Signals ............................................................................................................. 39Signal When You Change Direction ................................................................................................... 39Signal When You Slow Down Or Stop Suddenly ..............................................................................40
FOLLOWING DISTANCE ........................................................................................................................... 40Keep A Cushion Ahead ........................................................................................................................ 40
Keep A Cushion To The Side .............................................................................................................. 41Keep A Cushion Behind ....................................................................................................................... 45Taking Dangers One At A Time ........................................................................................................... 45Splitting The Difference ........................................................................................................................ 45
Allow A Cushion For Problem Drivers ................................................................................................ 45SAFETY BELTS .......................................................................................................................................... 46CHILD SAFETY SEATS ............................................................................................................................. 47RIDING SAFELY WITH AIR BAGS ........................................................................................................... 48UNATTENDED CHILDREN IN MOTOR VEHICLES.............................................................................. 48MERGING, PASSING, and ENTERING TRAFFIC ................................................................................. 48
Space To Merge .................................................................................................................................... 49Space To Cross Or Enter ..................................................................................................................... 49Space To Exit .........................................................................................................................................49Space To Pass ...................................................................................................................................... 50Oncoming Vehicles ............................................................................................................................... 50Hills Or Curves ...................................................................................................................................... 50Intersections .......................................................................................................................................... 50Lane Restrictions ...................................................................................................................................50Space To Return ................................................................................................................................... 51
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On A One Lane Mountain Road .......................................................................................................... 51SHARING THE ROAD WITH OTHER VEHICLES .............................................................................. 51
LARGE TRUCKS AND RVs ...................................................................................................................... 51Braking ................................................................................................................................................... 51Turning ................................................................................................................................................... 51Truckers Blind Spots ........................................................................................................................... 51Maneuverability ......................................................................................................................................52
SCHOOL BUSES .........................................................................................................................................53BUSES AND STREETCARS ..................................................................................................................... 53LIGHT RAIL VEHICLES (TROLLEYS) ..................................................................................................... 54EMERGENCY VEHICLES ......................................................................................................................... 54SLOW MOVING VEHICLES ...................................................................................................................... 55
ANIMAL-DRAWN VEHICLES .................................................................................................................... 55MOTORCYCLES ......................................................................................................................................... 55BICYCLES .................................................................................................................................................... 56PEDESTRIANSWHO ARE BLIND ........................................................................................................... 57
ROAD WORKERS ...................................................................................................................................... 58RAILROAD (TRAIN) CROSSINGS ........................................................................................................... 58TROLLEY CROSSINGS ............................................................................................................................ 59HAZARDOUS LOADS ................................................................................................................................ 59
MOBILITY AND GRIDLOCK................................................................................................................... 60DEALING WITH TRAFFIC CONGESTION ............................................................................................. 60DEALING WITH ROAD RAGE .................................................................................................................. 60DEALING WITH TECHNOLOGY.............................................................................................................. 61
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE ........................................................................................................................... 62Keep Your Car Where It Can Be Seen .............................................................................................. 62
Adjusting Speed.................................................................................................................................... 62What Is The Road Like ........................................................................................................................ 62Curves .................................................................................................................................................... 62Water On The Road ............................................................................................................................. 63Slippery Roads...................................................................................................................................... 63Driving In Traffic .................................................................................................................................... 63How Fast Is Traffic Moving? ................................................................................................................ 63
HANDLING EMERGENCIES .................................................................................................................... 64If You Get Into An Acceleration Skid ................................................................................................... 64
If You Get Into A Locked Wheel Skid ................................................................................................. 64Steering Wheel Locking Device .......................................................................................................... 65Drive Defensively To Avoid Accidents ................................................................................................ 65The Most Common Causes Of Accidents. ........................................................................................ 65
ACCIDENTS ................................................................................................................................................ 65If You Are Involved In An Accident ...................................................................................................... 66
ACTIONS RESULTING IN LOSS OF LICENSE .................................................................................. 66FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY................................................................................................................. 66INSURANCE ................................................................................................................................................ 67
How Much Insurance Must You Carry? ............................................................................................. 67
Reporting The Accident To DMV ........................................................................................................ 67Accidents On Your Record .................................................................................................................. 68Accidents, Insurance, and Minors ...................................................................................................... 68
DRINKING/DRIVING OR BOATING ..........................................................................................................68Some Basic Facts ................................................................................................................................ 68Drivers 21 and Older ............................................................................................................................ 69Drivers Under 21 ................................................................................................................................... 70Why Is Drinking And Driving So Dangerous? .................................................................................... 70What Is The Limit? Zero Tolerance .................................................................................................... 70
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DRUGS AND DRIVING .............................................................................................................................. 71ADMINISTRATIVE PER SE ...................................................................................................................... 71
BAC CHART .......................................................................................................................................... 72Cost of a DUI ......................................................................................................................................... 73How Long Will I Be Suspended Or Revoked? .................................................................................. 74Restricted License ................................................................................................................................ 74Ignition Interlock .................................................................................................................................... 75
NEGLIGENT DRIVING/LOSS OF LICENSE FOR ADULTS ......................................................................... 75POINTS ON THE DRIVER RECORD ...................................................................................................... 75
ACTIONS AGAINST THE PROVISIONAL LICENSE ..............................................................................76Traffic Violations Increase Accidents ................................................................................................. 76Teenage Traffic Deaths ........................................................................................................................ 77How To Keep Your Provisional License ............................................................................................. 77
VandalismAll Ages ............................................................................................................................ 77Habitual TruantPersons Age 13 To 18 ........................................................................................... 78Possessing Firearms ........................................................................................................................... 78
TRAFFIC VIOLATOR SCHOOL DISMISSALS ....................................................................................... 78SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION BY DMV........................................................................................... 78SUSPENSION BY JUDGE ........................................................................................................................ 78
HEALTH AND SAFETY........................................................................................................................... 79HOW TO REFER AN UNSAFE DRIVER................................................................................................. 79
VISION .......................................................................................................................................................... 80HEARING ..................................................................................................................................................... 80
ALERTNESS ................................................................................................................................................ 80MEDICATIONS ............................................................................................................................................ 81HEALTH AND EMOTIONS ........................................................................................................................ 81
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL CONDITIONS PHYSICIANS ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT ................ 81MISCELLANEOUS ................................................................................................................................... 82
IDENTIFICATION (ID) CARD .................................................................................................................... 82FREE ID CARDS FOR PHYSICAL AND MENTAL CONDITIONS ............................................................. 82
CHANGE OF NAME ON ID CARDS .................................................................................................................... 82
MEDICAL INFORMATION CARD ............................................................................................................. 82ORGAN DONOR (GIFT OF LIFE PROGRAM) ....................................................................................... 82DESIGNATED DRIVER PROGRAM ........................................................................................................ 82DIPLOMATIC DRIVER LICENSE ............................................................................................................. 83
DRIVING SCHOOLS ...................................................................................................................................83MATURE DRIVER PROGRAM ................................................................................................................. 84RENEWAL BY MAIL ................................................................................................................................... 84
AVAILABILITY OF PUBLIC INFORMATION AND CONFIDENTIALITY OF RECORDS .................. 84WHERE TO WRITE .................................................................................................................................... 86SAMPLE TEST ............................................................................................................................................ 86
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This is a brief summary ofCalifornias vehicle registration
requirements. Detailed informa-tion is contained on the Department
of Motor Vehicles (DMV) websiteat www.dmv.ca.gov or in bro-chures entitled Fast Facts orHow To which are available bymail or by calling 1-800-777-0133.
Visit DMV online to make anappointment or call 1-800-777-0133.
Registering a California VehicleWhen you purchase a new or usedvehicle from a licensed Californiadealer, the dealer collects sales taxand fees to register and title the
vehicle.
The dealer submits the fees and
documents to DMV and gives youa temporary operating authority.Usually within six to eight weeksafter your purchase date, you willreceive a Registration Card,
stickers, and a Certificate of Title,if appropriate.
If you purchase a vehicle from aprivate party, you are responsiblefor transferring the ownershipwithin 10 days. Submit these items:
A properly endorsed and
completed Certificate of Title orApplication for Duplicate Title(REG 227).
Smog certification provided by
the seller, if required.
Use tax payment, if required.
Odometer Mileage Disclosurestatement, if required.
Appropriate DMV fees.
When you sell or transfer avehicle, report it to DMV within 5days on the Notice of Release ofLiability form (REG 138). Enterthe name and address of the
purchaser and the date you sold or
transferred the vehicle. Completethe entire form.
Registering an Out-of-StateVehicleIf your vehicle is registered inanother state or foreign country,you must register the vehicle inCalifornia within 20 days afteryou become a resident or get a job.
(See pages 2 and 3.)
Nonresident military personnel andtheir spouses may operate theirvehicles in California with validhome state license plates or until
the plates issued from their lastduty station expire. They may
renew the registration in their homestate before it expires or registerthe vehicle in California.
Items needed to register all out-of-state vehicles are:
Completed and signedApplication for Registration(REG 343).
Verification of the vehiclecompleted by DMV or an AutoClub employee.
VEHICLE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
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DMV INFORMATION
DMV field offices have varying business hours and days of service. Mostoffices are open for Saturday service (8 AM - 12 PM) once a month (usuallythe third Saturday). A few offices offer only driver license or vehicleregistration service. Check the State Government section of your local
phone book.
Visit DMVs website: www.dmv.ca.gov for information about:
Appointments
Field officelocations, hours, directions, phone numbers
Ordering personalized plates
Driver license and identification card information
Vehicle/Vessel registration information
Formsfor downloading
Publicationshandbooks, brochures, sample tests
Links to other state and federal agencies
Much more
Advertising sponsorship, instead of your fees, helps defray the printing costsof this publication. The products and services provided by the advertising
sponsors are not promoted or endorsed by DMV, but the significantcontribution by the advertising sponsors is most appreciated.
If you would like to advertise in this publication, please call the Office of StatePublishing Advertising Department 1-866-824-0603.
Out-of-state title and/or currentlyissued out-of-state registration
card, if the title is not submitted.
Smog certification (Vehicles thatare 30 or more model years oldare exempt from smogcertification.)
Weight certificate forcommercial vehicles only.
Appropriate DMV fees.
Completed Odometer MileageDisclosure statement, ifapplicable.
VEHICLE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS, continued
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DISCLAIMER
Fees mentioned in this handbookare subject to legislative change.
When using this handbook, please
remember that it is only a summaryof the laws and regulations. DMV,law enforcement, and courts followthe full and exact language of thelaw contained in the CaliforniaVehicle Code. If there is a conflict,this handbook cannot be reliedupon as law. You may buy a copyof the Vehicle Code at any DMVoffice or visit our website atwww.dmv.ca.gov.
ACCURATE IDENTIFICATIONThe California driver license (DL)and identification (ID) cardtheirreliability, integrity, confidentiality,etc.,is of prime concern to all levelsof government, and the private sectoras well.
It becomes critical that thesedocuments be completely authenti-cated and accurate in order to
positively and uniquely identify each
individual. The California Legisla-ture has declared the driver licenseand ID card as the primaryidentification documents in this state.California state law requires that allapplicants for an original CaliforniaDL/ID card submit proof of legal
presence in the United States (U.S.)as authorized under federal law. Yourtrue full name, as shown on yourlegal presence document, will appearon your DL/ID card.
Therefore, when applying for anoriginal DL/ID card, you must
present an acceptable birth date/
legal presence document and/ortrue full name document and
provide your social securitynumber. If the name on your out-of-state DL/ID card is different
from the name on your birth date/legal presence document, you mustalso bring in an acceptable true fullname document. (See page 15)
Your thumb print* will be taken.
Your picture will also be taken. Forany other DL/ID card transaction,
you are required to presentacceptable photo identification tosafeguard the accuracy and integrityof the Departments documents.
An acceptable birth date/legalpresence or true full name documentis one produced by an issuingauthority such as a county or state.This document is a certified copy ofthe original(the original is alwaysretained by the issuing authority)and will contain an impressed seal oran original stamped impression. Thecertified copy will be returned toyou. If you make a copy of the
certified copy, DMV will not acceptit for birth date/legal presence or truefull name verification.
These are some of the acceptablebirth date/legal presence documents:U.S. Birth Certificate, U.S.Certificate or Report of Birth Abroad,
Proof of Indian Blood Degree, U.S.Passport, U.S. Armed Forces IDCards, Certificate of Naturalization,Certificate of Citizenship, ResidentAlien Card, foreign passport, orMexican Border Crossing Card witha valid I-94.*Throughout this handbook, the term thumb print
will be used to mean a thumb print or finger print, ifyou have no thumbs.
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Your social security number willbe verified with the Social SecurityAdministration.
THE CALIFORNIA DRIVER
LICENSEA driver license shows that youhave been given permission by theState of California to drive on
public roadways. You may applyfor a license at most offices of theDepartment of Motor Vehicles(DMV).
You will receive a license afteryou have paid the fee, correctlyanswered questions about the lawand safety rules, shown that your
physical and mental condition issatisfactory, demonstrated yourability to drive safely, and have no
outstanding actions on your driverrecord. If you have a medicalcondition or a disability, DMV mayrequire you to take a driving testand/or present a statement fromyour physician regarding yourcondition.
WHO MUST HAVE A LICENSECalifornia ResidentsIf you are a California resident anddrive a motor vehicle on a publichighway or in a parking facilityopen to the public, you must havea California driver license.
Residents who may not need aCalifornia driver license are:
1. Members of the Armed Forcesor civilian employees of theUnited States Government whoonly drive vehicles owned or
controlled by the United States,on federal government
business.
2. Persons who drive farmingvehicles which are not normally
used on public highways.
3. Persons who drive legallyregistered off-highway vehiclesor snowmobiles, while goingstraight across a highway (otherthan a freeway).
California Service PersonsAway From HomeIf you are out of state on activemilitary service in the United StatesArmed Forces, your Californiadriver license will continue to bevalid beyond its normal expirationdate. Your license is valid for the
full time you are absent from thestate and if honorably dischargedoutside of California, for 30 daysfrom your discharge date. Carry
both your driver license anddischarge papers during those 30days.
You may ask the DMV for a card(DL 236) which extends yourlicense. Your license is not valid ifit has been suspended, canceled,or revoked.
Military dependents do not qualifyfor an extension.
Nonresident Military PersonStationed HereIf you are 18 years of age or older,see the rules for CaliforniaResidents and Visitors toCalifornia. Licensees eligible for
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military extensions should carrydocumentation from their homestate to verify their status to locallaw enforcement.
New ResidentsWhen you make your home here ortake a job, you must get a Californiadriver license within 10 days.
Evidence of residency isestablished by any of the following:voting in California elections;
paying resident tuition at a publicinstitution of higher education;filing for a home owners propertytax exemption; obtaining a license;or any other privilege or benefitnot ordinarily extended tononresidents.
Visitors To CaliforniaIf you are a visitor in Californiaover 18 years old and have a validdriver license from your home stateor country (where you live
permanently), you may drive inthis state without getting aCalifornia driver license as long as
your home state license remainsvalid.
Visitors Who Are MinorsIf you are a visitor in California,
between 16 and 18 years old, youmay drive here with your homestate license or instruction permit
for only 10 days after you arrive inCalifornia. After the 10 days youmust have either a NonresidentMinors Certificate or a Californialicense. You may not work for pay,until you are 18 and have aCalifornia license.
A Nonresident Minors Certificatelets you drive in California with avalid home state license. Thecertificate is issued by DMV to aminor who has given proof of
financial responsibility. Proof isusually a motor vehicle accidentinsurance certificate from aCalifornia insurance company.
BASIC DRIVER LICENSEINFORMATION
Age RequirementsNo matter what your age, you mustbring an acceptable birth date/legal presence document and provideyour true full name the first timeyou apply for a license. (See
page 1.)
Adults: If you are 18 years old,
meet the requirements, and passthe tests, you may be issued aCalifornia driver license. There isno upper age limit.
Minors: A minor is someone under18 years of age. Minors must havetheir application for a license or
any change of license class signedby their parents.*
Minors Employed As DriversA person under 18 may not beemployed to drive a motor vehicle.Minors may not drive a school buscontaining pupils. A person must
be at least 21 to drive commercialvehicles in interstate commerce orto transport hazardous materialsor wastes.*Throughout this handbook, when referring to the
licensing requirements for minors, the term parents
means both custodial parents unless only one parent
has custody; or all legal guardians unless only one
legal guardian has custody.
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Permitting An UnlicensedPerson To DriveIt is against the law to loan yourvehicle to an unlicensed orsuspended person. If the person is
caught driving, your vehicle may be impounded for30 days.(VC 14602.6) The impoundingagency must give you a phonenumber to call for furtherinformation.
No person of any age may drive on
a highway or in a public parkingfacility unless the person has avalid license or permit.
The law also says that you mustnot employ, permit, or authorizeany person to drive a vehicle on a
public street or highway unless the person is licensed to drive thatclass of vehicle.
LICENSE CLASSESThere are ten classes of Californiadriver licenses. When you apply fora driver license, tell DMV the typeof license you need. The license
classes are defined as follows:NOTE: Class M1 or M2 is addedto any other class license after
passing law and skill tests.
Class A*You may drive any legalcombination of vehicles, including
vehicles under Classes B and C.
You may tow:
- any single vehicle with a GrossVehicle Weight Rating(GVWR) of more than 10,000lbs.
- any trailer bus, withendorsement
- more than one vehicle, withendorsement
- any vehicle under Classes B
(an additional endorsementmay be required) or C
Class A Fire Fighter*You may drive only Class A andClass B defined combination firefighting vehicles and all vehicleslisted under Class C.
You may tow a single vehicle witha GVWR of more than 10,000 lbs.
Class A NoncommercialYou may drive any of the vehicleslisted under Class C.
You may tow travel trailers weighingover 10,000 lbs. GVWR or 5th-wheeltravel trailers weighing over 15,000lbs. GVWR when the trailers are notused for hire (pay or othercompensation). Study material forthis class of license is contained inthe Recreational Vehicles andTrailers booklet, available at any
DMV office.
Class B*You may drive:
- any single vehicle with a GVWRof more than 26,000 lbs.
- a 3-axle vehicle weighing over6,000 lbs. gross.
- any bus (except a trailer bus),with endorsement.
- any farm labor vehicle, withendorsement.
- all vehicles under Class C.
You may tow a single vehicle witha GVWR of 10,000 lbs. or less.*Refer to the Commercial Driver Handbook for
additional information and study material.
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Class B Fire Fighter*You may drive only a Class Bdefined single fire fighting vehicleand all the vehicles listed underClass C.
You may tow a single vehicle witha GVWR of 10,000 lbs. or less.
Class B NoncommercialYou may drive:
- any vehicles listed underClass C.
- a housecar over 40 feet but notover 45 feet, with endorsement.
You may tow any vehicle listedunder Class C. Study material forthis class of license is contained inthe Recreational Vehicles andTrailers booklet, available at any
DMV office.
Class CYou may drive:
- any 2-axle vehicle with aGVWR of 26,000 lbs. or less.
- any 3-axle vehicle weighing6,000 lbs. or less gross.
- any housecar, 40 feet or less.- a vanpool vehicle, designed to
carry more than 10 but lessthan 15 persons including thedriver. The driver must have avalid medical report on filewith DMV and carry a valid
medical card. The driver mustalso have a signed certificationstating he/she has not beenconvicted of reckless driving,drunk driving, or hit-and-runin the last five years.(VC 12804.9[j])
A farmer or employee of a farmermay drive:
- any combination of vehicleswith a Gross CombinationWeight Rating (GCWR) of
26,000 lbs. or less if usedexclusively in agriculturaloperations and it is not forhire or compensation.
You may tow:
- a single vehicle with a GVWRof 10,000 lbs. or less including
a tow dolly, if used.
- a boat trailer provided theGCWR does not exceed26,000 lbs. when the towing isfor recreational purposes orrepair, is not used in commerceor contract carrier operations,
or in business, is not for hire,and doesnt require an oversize
permit (VC 35780).
With a vehicle weighing at least
4,000 lbs., you may tow a:
- trailer coach or 5th-wheeltravel trailer under 10,000 lbs.
GVWR when towing is not forcompensation.
- 5th-wheel travel trailerexceeding 10,000 lbs. butunder 15,000 lbs. GVWR,when towing is not forcompensation and with
endorsement.NOTE:
No passenger vehicle regardlessof weight, may tow more thanone vehicle.
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No motor vehicle under 4,000lbs. unladen may tow any vehicleweighing 6,000 lbs. or moregross. (VC21715)
Class C licensees may not tow
more than one vehicle.
Class C CommercialYou may drive any Class C vehiclecarrying hazardous materials orwastes (Health & Safety Code 25115 and 25117) which require
placards. The hazardous materials(HAZMAT) endorsement must beon the license.
You may tow the same vehicleslisted in Class C.
Class M1You may operate any 2-wheel
motorcycle or motor driven cycle.Refer to the Motorcycle DriverSupplementfor more information.
Class M2You may operate any motorized
bicycle, or moped, or any bicyclewith an attached motor. Refer to
theMotorcycle Driver Supplementfor more information.
NOTE: The DMV will not issue alicense to operate a two-wheelmotorized vehicle to anyone under21 years of age unless that personhas completed a CHP approved
motorcycle rider training programcertified on the Certificate ofCompletion of MotorcycleTraining (DL 389). Fixed andmobile motorcycle training sitesare located throughout California.
The telephone number for locatingthe nearest training site is 1-800-CCRIDER.
Ambulance Driver Certificate
If you wish to drive an ambulanceused commercially in emergencyservice (VC 2512), apply at anyDMV office. You may purchasean Ambulance Driver Handbookfor $5.
Verification of Training
Document*If you wish to drive a transit bus,you must have a Class A or Blicense with a passenger transportendorsement.
THE DRIVER LICENSEEXAMINATION PROCESS
Where Do You Take The Tests?You may take the written, vision,and driving tests at any DMV officewhich provides driver licenseservices. Written and vision testsare required when you apply for anoriginal, renewal, or upgrade to a
different class of license. Drivingtests are usually waived for theclass of license you currently have.Appointments are available for allDMV services. An appointmentis usually required to take any
driving test.
DMV Wants You To PassDMV wants you to pass your test.There are exams in many differentlanguages. However, you must havethe ability to read traffic signs inEnglish. If the exam is not available
*Refer to the Commercial Driver Handbook for
additional information and study material.
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in the language you speak, you maytake the exam with the help of aninterpreter. The exams are alsoavailable in video, audio, and large
print formats. If you have difficultywith an exam, tell the DMVemployee. You can be moresuccessful by following these
suggestions: Read this handbook. Take a few
days to review the information.
Ask a family member or a friendto test your knowledge.
Read the test questions carefully.Dont read anything extra intothe question. There is only onecorrect answer.
All test questions are based onthis handbook. If you miss aquestion, the DMV employee cantell you where to find the correctanswer.
Review the sample test questionson page 86. Sample questionsare also available on DMVswebsite: www.dmv.ca.gov.
What Will The ExaminationProcess Include?
Your examination for a driverlicense includes the following:
A vision test. If you need glassesor corrective contact lenses to
pass this test, you must wearthem. Your license will showthat you must wear corrective
lenses while driving. If you donot pass the vision test, you will
be referred to your visionspecialist. A driving test may berequired.
You will not get a license if yourcorrected vision is 20/200 orworse in the better eye. You maynot use a bioptic telescopic orsimilar lens to meet this standard.
A test of traffic laws, road signs,and driving safety rules (written
or audio) to find out if you knowhow to legally drive your vehicle.
A driving test, if required. Thistest is usually given byappointment only. For thedriving test, bring with you:
- your old license or instruction
permit, if you have one.
- a licensed driver.
- a car that is safe to drive,currently and properlyregistered, and displays a frontand rear license plate. Makesure your vehicles brake
lights, horn, parking brake, andelectric signals are working
properly and the vehicle doesnot have bald tires. The driversside window must roll down.The windshield must allow afull, unobstructed field of
vision and there must be tworear view mirrors (one must beon the left outside of thevehicle).
- you will be asked to locate theswitches for the vehiclesheadlights, windshield wipers,
DRIVING IS A PRIVILEGENOT A RIGHT
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defroster, and emergencyflashers. You mustdemonstrate how to use the
parking brake. You will beasked to show that your car is
properly insured. If you use arental car for the driving test,the drivers name must showon the contract as the insured.You must also wear your seat
belt (see page 46).
The driving test will be
postponed if the vehicle doesnot meet the aboverequirements or if you refuseto use your seat belt during thedriving test.
During The Driving TestThe driving test is to show that you
can drive safely. Only you and theexaminer (or other DMV
personnel) can be in the vehicle.No animal may be in the vehicle.The examiner will give youdirections and will not trick you orask you to do anything illegal. Thedriving test will only be given after
all the requirements have been met.(See page 9 or 12.)
You will be asked to show the armsignals (see page 32). However,during the test, you must use thevehicles turn signal lights.
During the driving test, theexaminer will note:
How you start your vehicle.When leaving the curb, do youuse your mirrors and turn yourhead and look back for passingcars? Do you signal, and wait
until it is safe before enteringtraffic?
How you control your vehicle.Do you use the gas pedal, brake,steering wheel (two hands on
opposite sides), and othercontrols correctly?
How you drive in traffic. Do youuse the proper lane? Do yousignal, turn your head and look
back before pulling away fromthe curb or when you change
lanes? Do you signal the properdistance before turning? Do youfollow other vehicles at a safedistance?
How you obey the traffic signalsand posted signs (such as speedlimit signs).
How you drive through blind orcrowded intersections. Do youscan carefully for signs, signals,
pedestrians, and other vehicles?Do you yield and take the right-of-way correctly?
How you steer your vehicle. Do
you turn from the proper laneinto the proper lane. Is your turntoo wide or too sharp?
How you stop. Do you stopsmoothly and at the right spot?Can you stop quickly and safelyin an emergency? In a vehicle
with a manual transmission, doyou keep the vehicle in gear orpush the clutch in and coast to astop?
How you back up. Do you lookover your right shoulder while
backing? Can you back in a
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straight line? Do you havecomplete control of the vehicle?
How you change your speed tosuit the number and speed ofnearby traffic, the people
crossing the street, roadconditions, weather, the amountof light, and the distance you cansee ahead.
How you judge distance. Do youstay a safe distance away fromother vehicles when following
or passing? Do you stay a safedistance away from peoplewalking or bicyclists riding onthe road?
How you respect the rights ofothers. Are you courteous toother drivers and pedestrians?
Whether you pay full attentionto the job of driving.
At the end of the test, you willget your score sheet and theexaminer will discuss the resultswith you. If you pass the drivingtest, you will be issued an interim
license valid for 60 days.
MINORS PROVISIONALPERMIT REQUIREMENTSTo get a permit, you must:
Be at least 15, but under 18 yearsof age.
Submit a completed DMVapplication form (DL 44).Signing this form means youagree to submit to a chemicaltest to determine the alcohol ordrug content of your blood whenrequired by a peace officer. If
you refuse to sign this statement,you will not get a permit or
license.
Provide your true full name.
Have your parents or guardianssignatures on the applicationform.
Present an acceptable birth date/legal presence document. (See
page 1.)
If you are under 151/2, be enrolled
in driver education and drivertraining during the same semester(simultaneous enrollment) and
bring the DMV form DL 391 orOL 239. If you are between151/2 and 171/2, you must besimultaneously enrolled or havecompleted driver education and
bring the DMV form DL 387 orOL 237. Your driving instructorwill give you the form to bring toDMV.
- If you want a permit to drivemopeds or motorcycles, youmust be at least 151/2 and bring
proof you have finished drivereducation and driver training(DL 387, DL 388, DL 388A,OL 237, or OL 238).
- If you are at least 171/2, youmay obtain a permit withoutdriver education or driver
training. However, you mustbring in the forms to show youhave completed drivereducation and driver training(DL 387, DL 388, DL 388A,OL 237, or OL 238) or waituntil you are 18 to get a license.
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Provide your social securitynumber. It will be verified with theSocial Security Administration.
Pay the required $12 applicationfee. This fee is good for 12
months and allows you to takeall appropriate test(s) three times,if needed, during that period.This fee pays for both theinstruction permit and driverlicense, if you qualify for bothwithin the 12-month period. The
fee must be paid when you applyfor any new or change of classpermit or license. The fee willnot be returned. If theapplication expires, you muststart again. This meansresubmitting documents, payingthe application fee, and taking
the required tests.
Pass an eye exam. By law, any person with a best correctedvision of 20/200 or worse in the
better eye cannot be issued adriver license. You may not usea bioptic telescopic or similar
lens to meet this vision standard. Have your picture taken.
Give a thumb print.
Pass a traffic laws and road signstest.
- If you fail the test, you must
wait one weekbefore taking itagain. This will give you timeto study.
The provisional permit is not valid
until you start your behind-the-
wheel driver training with a
licensed instructor or reach age
171/2.
Be sure to pick up theParent/
Teen Training Guide (DL 603) toassist you in practicing your driverskills.
Provisional Permit Restrictions
You must practice with a parent,guardian, spouse, or an adult 25 yearsof age or older, who has a validCalifornia driver license. The personmust be close enough to take controlof the vehicle at any time. A
provisional permit does not let youdrive alonenot even to a DMV
office to take a driving test.If you have a permit that allowsyou to drive an M1 or M2 vehicle,you cannot carry passengers andyou must ride during daylight hoursonly and not on the freeway.
Where Can I Take DriverEducation or Driver Training?You may take driver education(classroom training) or drivertraining (behind-the-wheel) in a
public or private high school, or ina state licensed, professionaldriving school. (See page 83.)
A high school instructor may issueyou a student license if you areover 15 years old and have thewritten consent of your parents. Astudent license lets you drive onlyduring school or professionaldriver training.
Licensed professional drivingschools issue a restricted licenseto a person between 15 and up to18 years of age. A driving schoolrestricted license only lets the
person drive during school orprofessional driver training.
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Can I Drive With the PermitOutside of California?Contact the driver licensing officein the state or country you plan tovisit before you drive if you only
have a California provisionalpermit.
MINORS PROVISIONALLICENSE REQUIREMENTSYou must:
Be at least 16 years old.
Prove that you have finished bothdriver education and drivertraining (DMV form DL 387,DL 388, DL 388A, OL 237, orOL 238).
Have had an instruction permitfor at least six months.
Provide a parents signature onyour instruction permit statingyou have completed all thedriving practice outlined in the
Parent-Teen Training Guide.
(Certain other persons may sign.)This booklet is available at yourlocal DMV field office.
Complete 50 hours of superviseddriving practice (10 hours must
be night driving). Your parentsmust certify to this training.
Pass the behind-the-wheeldriving test. If you fail the test,you must wait two weeks beforeyou are tested again. You haveup to three chances to pass thedriving test while your permit isvalid.
Starting July 1, 2003, if you fail thedriving test, you must pay a $5retest fee.
You may drive alone with yourprovisional license, as long as youdo not have accidents or trafficviolations. The following restrictionsapply after you are licensed:
During the first six months, youmust be accompanied by your
parent or guardian, a licenseddriver 25 years of age or older, ora licensed or certified drivinginstructor if you drive betweenthe hours of midnight and 5:00
AM or if you transport peopleunder 20 years of age.
During the second six months,you must be accompanied by adriver 25 years of age or older ifyou drive between the hours ofmidnight and 5:00 AM. However,you may transport passengersunder age 20 without supervision
between the hours of 5:00 AMand midnight.
Provisional License RestrictionExceptionsThese exceptions are granted when
reasonable transportation is notavailable and it is necessary for youto drive. A note is requiredexplaining the necessity and the
date the driving necessity will end.
Medical necessity. The note mustbe signed by your physician.
School or school-authorizedactivity. The note must be signedby your school principal, dean,or his or her designee.
Employment necessity. The notemust be signed by your employerand verify employment.
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Immediate need of familymember. The note must be signed
by your parent or legal guardian.
Emancipated minor. Nodocumentation is needed.
However, you must have alreadydeclared yourself emancipatedand provided DMV with Proofof Financial Responsibility(SR 1P) in lieu of yourguarantors signatures.
To find out what happens if you
dont obey the law, see page 76.When you become 18 years old,the provisional part of yourlicense ends. You may keep the
photo license you have whichexpires on the fourth birthday afteryou applied for it or pay $12 for a
duplicate license without the wordprovisional.
PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FORADULTSDriver education and drivertraining, if you are interested, can
be obtained from a public or private
high school adult education classor from a state licensed,
professional driving school. (Seepage 83.)
If you want to use public roadswhile learning to drive, you mustget an instruction permit. You may
use the permit to practice drivingwith an accompanying adult whois 25 years of age or older, with avalid California license. The personmust be with you in the vehicle,close enough to take control of it atany time. An instruction permit
doesnt permit you to drive alonenot even to a DMV office to takethe driving examination.
If you have a permit that allowsyou to drive an M1 or M2 vehicle,
you cannot carry passengers andyou must ride during daylight hoursonly and not on the freeway.
To get a permit, you must:
Be at least 18 years of age.
Fill out the DMV application
form (DL 44). Signing this formmeans you agree to submit to achemical test to determine thealcohol or drug content of your
blood when required by a peaceofficer. If you refuse to sign thisstatement, DMV will not issue a
permit or license.
Provide your true full name.
Present an acceptable birth date/legal presence document.(See page 1.)
Provide your social securitynumber. It will be verified by theSocial Security Administration.
Pay the required $12 application
fee. This fee is good for 12
months and allows you to take
all appropriate test(s) three times,
if needed, during that period.
This fee pays for both the
instruction permit and driverlicense, if you qualify for both
within the 12-month period. The
fee must be paid when you apply
for any new or change of class
permit or license. The fee will
not be returned. If the
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application expires, you must
start again. This means
resubmitting documents, paying
the application fee, and taking
the required tests.
Pass an eye exam. By law, any
person with a best corrected
vision of 20/200 or worse in the
better eye cannot be issued a
driver license. You may notuse
a bioptic telescopic or similar
lens to meet this vision standard.
Have your picture taken.
Give a thumb print.
Pass a traffic laws and road signstest.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS FORADULTS
If you have never had any driverlicense, you must:
Be at least 18 years of age.
Complete all the steps requiredfor a permit.
Pass a behind-the-wheel driving
test. If you fail the test, you mustwait until the next day or thenext available appointment
before you are tested again. Bringyour instruction permit with you.
Starting July1, 2003, you must paya $5 retest fee if you fail the driving
test.If you have an out-of-state, or out-of-country license, or you arerenewing a California driverlicense, you must:
Be at least 18 years of age.
Complete all the steps requiredfor a permit. (A temporarylicense will not be issued if youfail the eye exam.)
Surrender your valid out-of-state
driver license. NOTE: Drivingtests for license renewals or holdersof out-of-state or U.S. territorylicenses are normally waived.However, the department mayrequire a driving test for any typeof application. Driving tests are
required for out-of-country licenseholders.
Starting July 1, 2003, a $5 retestfee is required if you fail the drivingtest.
OTHER LICENSINGINFORMATION
License May Be RefusedThe department will take thestrongest action possible againstanyone who alters or otherwiseattempts to falsify a driver license.DMV may also refuse to issue youa license if you:
Have a history of alcohol or drugabuse.
Have used the license illegally.
Have lied on your application.
Do not understand traffic lawsor signs.
Do not have the skill to drive. Have a health problem that makes
your driving unsafe.
Have an outstanding trafficcitation because you failed toappear (FTA) or failed to pay(FTP).
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Have not complied with a judgment or order for familysupport payments.
Use a crib sheet for any licenseexamination.
Impersonate an applicant orallow someone else toimpersonate you to fraudulentlyqualify for a license.
Refuse to give a thumb print.
Refuse to sign the certification
on the application (DMV formDL 44).
Submit a fraudulent birth date/legal presence document orsocial security document. SeeActions Resulting in Loss ofLicense on page 66 for furtherinformation.
Driver License WithRestrictionsThe department may place specialconditions or restrictions on yourlicense. (See the Health & Safetysection.) A driving test is normally
required to remove a specialcondition or restriction from yourlicense.
The department may suspend orrevoke your license if you violatea condition or restriction.
To Replace a Lost Or Damaged
LicenseIf your driver license is lost ordamaged, you must go to a DMVoffice and pay the $12 fee for aduplicate. You must also presentacceptable photo identification. IfDMV cannot confirm your identity,
you will notbe issued a temporarylicense. If you are a minor, your
parents must sign the DMVapplication form (DL 44).
Once a duplicate license has been
issued, the previous license is nolonger valid. Destroy it if you findit later.
To Change Your AddressWhen you move, the law requiresyou to give your new address toDMV within 10 days. Each drivermust complete and sign a Notice ofChange of Address (DMV 14)form. It is available on the Internet(www.dmv.ca.gov). This form alsoallows you to change your addressfor your vehicle registration. Mailthe completed and signed DMV 14
to: DMV, P.O. Box 942890,Sacramento, CA 94290-0001.
Type or write your new address inink on a small piece of paper. Signand date it. Carry this piece of
paper with your DL/ID card. Youwill not receive a new DL/ID card.
Do not tape or staple the change ofaddress paper to your DL or IDcard. If you go to a DMV office,ask for a Change of AddressCertificate card (DL 43) tocomplete. Carry this card with you.There is no charge to change youraddress this way.
To Change Your NameIf you change your name you willneed a new driver license. Takeyour old license in person to aDMV office. A new picture andthumb print will be taken. Your
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old photo license will beinvalidated and returned. Noadditional examination will begiven, but the required fee will becharged.
The California Code ofRegulations requires you to
provide DMV with acceptableverification of your true fullname using the same documentsthat establish legal presence in theU.S. (See page 1.) The following
documents are also acceptable toverify your true full name:
Adoption documentscontainingyour legal name as a result of theadoption.
Name change documentscontaining your legal name both
before and after the name change. Marriage Certificate.
Dissolution of marriagedocumentscontaining your legalname as a result of the court action.
If you also have an ID card, changeyour name on the ID card at the
same time. You cannot haveidentification in two differentnames. See page 82 for informationabout changing your name on anID card.
When Will Your LicenseExpire?DMV issues a regular driver licensefor either a four- or five-year term.However, some drivers may notreceive a five-year license untiltheir next renewal period. Eachlicense expires on the date shown
on the license. It is against the lawto drive after the license hasexpired.
You will be sent a renewal noticeabout two months before your
license expires (if DMV has yourcorrect address). The renewal feefor a regular Class C and/or M1/M2 license is $15. Bring the noticeand your photo license with youwhen you renew. If you do notreceive a renewal notice, bring in
your current driver license beforeit expires.
If DMV cannot confirm youridentity, you will notbe issued atemporary license.
You may be eligible to renew yourlicense by mail without taking a
test if you have a good drivingrecord. (See page 84.)
If you are renewing a Class A, B,or other commercial license with aspecial certificate, be sure to gettheCommercial Driver Handbook.If you are licensed to operate a
Class M1 or M2 vehicle, see theMotorcycle Driver Supplement.
A driving test may be required as part of any driver licenseexamination. Driving tests are notrequired simply because of age.
Starting July 1, 2003, a $5 retest
fee is required if you fail the drivingtest.
Drivers with physical or othermedical conditions may have to bereexamined from time to time by a
physician or be retested more oftenthan every four or five years
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(limited term license status) by aDMV examiner. (Also see Health& Safety section.)
One Year Extension
If you are away from California(up to one year) when your driverlicense expires, you may request
by mail a one-year licenseextension before it expires. Thereis no fee for this extension.Individuals who have been issueda limited term license are not
eligible. Mail your request to theDepartment of Motor Vehicles,P.O. Box 942890, Sacramento, CA94290-0001. Include your name asit appears on the license, driverlicense number, birth date,California residence address, andyour out-of-state address.
Always Carry Your LicenseYou must have your driver licensewith you when you drive. Show itto any police officer who asks tosee it. You must also show it to theother driver(s) involved if you are
in an accident. (See page 66.)
LAWS AND RULES OF THE
ROAD
To drive safely, you must followthe many rules and laws which tell
you where and when you can drive.To follow these rules you must:
Know what traffic lights andsigns mean.
Understand right-of-way lawsand how to use traffic lanes.
Know where and when you can
park.
TRAFFIC CONTROL ATINTERSECTIONS
Traffic lights, signs, and right-of-way rules tell you when to go orstop at an intersection.
The traffic light colors are:
Red - A red signal lightmeans STOP. Youcan make a right turnagainst a red light afteryou stop and yield to
pedestrians, bicyclists, and
vehicles that are close enough tobe a hazard. Do not make the rightturn until you can turn safely. DO
NOT turn if there is a sign postedfor NO TURN ON RED.
Red Arrow A redarrow means STOP
until the green signal orgreen arrow appears. Aturn may not be madeagainst a red arrow.
Flashing RedAflashing red signal lightmeans STOP. After
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Green ArrowA greenarrow means GO. Turnin the direction the arrowis pointing. But first yieldto any vehicle, bicyclist, or
pedestrian still in the intersection.The green arrow pointing right orleft allows you to make aprotected turn. This meansoncoming vehicles, bicyclists, and
pedestrians are stopped by a redlight as long as the green arrow islighted.
Traffic Signal BlackoutIf atraffic signal light is not working
because of an electrical powerfailure, stop at the intersection and
proceed as if the intersection iscontrolled by a stop sign in alldirections.
PEDESTRIAN SIGNALSPedestrian signalsshow the words:
WALK or alighted picture of a W A L K I N G
PERSON in whitewhen it is legal tocross a street.
DONT WALKor a lighted pictureof a RAISEDHAND in orangewhen you may notstart across the street.
A flashing DONT WALK orRAISED HAND signal meansdo not start across the street becauseyou may not have enough time tomake it across before traffic starts
stopping, proceed when safe.Observe the right-of-way rules.
YellowA yellowsignal light meansCAUTION. The red
signal is about to appear.When you see the yellowlight, you should stop if you can doso safely. If you cant stop, watchfor vehicles that may enter theintersection when the lightchanges.
Flashing YellowAflashing yellow signallight warns you to becareful. Slow down and
be especially alert.
Yellow ArrowAyellow arrow means the
protected turning time period is ending. Be prepared to obey the next signalwhich could be the green or redlight or the red arrow.
Green A green lightmeans GO, but first let
any vehicles, bicyclists,or pedestrians remainingin the intersection get through
before you move ahead. If you areturning left, make the turn only ifyou have enough space to completethe turn before any oncomingvehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrian
becomes a hazard.Do not enter an intersection, even
when the light is green, unless
you can get completely across
before the light turns red. If you
block the intersection, you can
be cited.
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moving across your path. If theflashing starts after you havealready started to cross, finishcrossing the street.
At many traffic signals, you need
to push the pedestrian push button(once) to activate the WALK orWALKING PERSON signal. Ifthere are no pedestrian signals,
pedestrians must obey the red,yellow, or green signal lights.
SIGNS
Traffic Signs.The shape of a sign gives you aclue about the informationcontained on the sign. Here are thecommon shapes used:
The eight-sided redSTOPsign means thatyou must make a fullstop before entering acrosswalk or at a whitelimit line. A limit line is a widewhite line painted on the street.
When a crosswalk or limit line isnot marked, stop at the corner.
On divided highways, aSTOPsignfor crossing or turning vehicles isoften placed on the island ordividing strip. You must also stopthere.
The three-sided redYIELD sign means
slow down, be ready tostop, and let traffic(including people
walking or riding bikes) pass beforeyou proceed.
The square red and whiteregulatory signs tell you about
regulations you must
follow. For example,the DO NOTENTER sign tellsyou vehicles will be
coming toward you,usually on a freeway
off ramp. The WRONG WAY
sign may be posted with the DONOTENTERsign. If you see oneor both of these signs, drive to theside of the road and stop. You aregoing against traffic. When safe,
back out or turn around and goback to the road you were on. (Atnight, road reflectors will shine
red in your headlights when youare going the wrong way.)
A red circle with a redline through it always
means NO. The pictureinside the circle showswhat you cannot do. Thesign may be shown with or withoutwords under it.
A circular sign tells you
of an approaching
railroad crossing. See pages 22 and 58 formore information.
A five-sided sign tellyou a school is nearby.See page 21 for moreinformation.
A four-sided, diamond shaped signwarns drivers of specific roadconditions and dangers ahead.Most, but not all, warning signsare diamond shaped. All warningsigns must be obeyed.
STOP
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Examples of White RegulatorySigns
Examples of HighwayConstruction and MaintenanceSigns
RIGHT-OF-WAY LAWSRight-of-way rules help peopledrive safely. These rules go along
with courtesy and common sense.Bicyclists, moped riders, and
pedestrians must follow these
rules, too.Never insist on taking the right-
of-way. If another driver does notyield to you when he or she should,forget it. Let the other driver go
first. You will help prevent
A white rectangular sign tells you
about important rules you mustobey.
Examples of Red and WhiteRegulatory Signs
Examples of Guide Signs
Examples of Warning Signs
No U-turn No Left
Turn
No Right
Turn
LANE
ENDS
MERGE
LEFT
Crossroad
Lane
Ends
Pedestrian
Crossing
Traffic
Signal
Ahead
End Divided
Highway
Two Way
Traffic
Curve
Curve
Slippery
When Wet
Merging
Traffic
Divided
Highway
SHOULDER
WORK
AHEAD
FLAGMEN
AHEAD
AIRPORT
ONE LANE
R O A D
A H E A D
R O A D
CONSTRUCTION
A H E A D
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Information regarding pedestrianswho are blind is on page 57.
Other Vehicles At an intersection without STOP
or YIELD signs, slow down andbe ready to stop. Yield to vehiclesalready in the intersection or justentering it. Also, yield to the carwhich arrives first orto the caron your right if it reaches theintersection at the same time asyou do. At a T intersection,
without STOP or YIELD signs,vehicles on the through road havethe right-of-way.
When there are STOP signs atall corners, stop first; then followthe above rules.
When you turn left, give the right-
of-way to all vehiclesapproaching you that are closeenough to be dangerous. Lookfor motorcyclists, bicyclists, and
pedestrians. On dividedhighways, or highways withseveral lanes, watch out for
vehicles coming in any lane youmust cross. Turn left only whenyou can see that it is safe.
Whenever you park off the road orleave a parking lot etc., before youenter the road again, yield to traffic.
SPEED LIMITS
Californias Basic Speed Lawstates never drive faster than issafe for current conditions,regardless of the posted speed limit.For more information, see page62.
accidents and make driving morepleasant.
However, if another driver expectsyou to take your legal turn, take it.If you dont, you may cause
confusion and delay traffic.
PedestriansPedestrian safety is a serious issue.One in six traffic fatalities is a
pedestrian. Drive cautiously whenpedestrians are near because theymay cross your path.
A pedestrian is a person on foot orwho uses a conveyance such asroller skates, skateboards, etc.,other than a bicycle.
A pedestrian can also be a personwith a disability in a self-propelledwheelchair, tricycle, orquadricycle.
Always stop for any pedestriancrossing at corners or othercrosswalks (see page 34). Do not
pass a car from behind that hasstopped at a crosswalk. A
pedestrianyou cant see may be
crossing.
Do not drive on a sidewalk,except to cross it at a drivewayor alley. When crossing, yield toany pedestrian.
Rememberif a pedestrianmakes eye contact with you, he
or she is ready to cross the street.Yield to the pedestrian.
Pedestrians have the right-of-way at corners, whether or notthe crosswalks are marked by
painted white lines.
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Maximum Speed Limit*The maximum speed limit on mostCalifornia highways is 65 mph.However, for two-lane undividedhighways and for vehicles towing
trailers, the maximum speed limitis 55 mph, unless posted for ahigher speed. On some highwaysthe maximum speed limit is 70mph, but only if there are signs
posted showing 70 mph.
Other speed limit signs are posted
for the type of roads and traffic ineach area. All speed limits are basedon ideal driving conditions.Construction zones usually havereduced speed zones.
Driving faster than the posted speedlimit, or than it is safe for current
conditions, on any road isdangerous and illegal. High speedincreases your stopping distance.The faster you go, the less time youhave to avoid a hazard or accident.The force of a 60 mph crash isnt
just twice as great as at 30 mph, itsfour times as great!
When You Must Drive SlowlyThere are times when you mustdrive slowly because of heavytraffic or bad weather. However, ifyou block the normal andreasonable movement of traffic bydriving too slowly, you may receive
a ticket. When you drive slowerthan other traffic, do not drive inthe fast lane. Move to the rightwhen another driver is close behindyou and wishes to drive faster.
When you drive a bus, tow a vehicleor trailer, or drive a truck withthree or more axles, you will betraveling slower than othervehicles. You must drive in the
right-hand lane or in a lane speciallymarked for you. If no lanes aremarked and there are four lanes inyour direction, you may only drivein either of the two lanes closest tothe right side of the road.
Special Speed Limits
Around children: Always drive more carefully near
schools, playgrounds, parks, andresidential areas becausechildren may suddenly dart intothe street. Within 500 feet of aschool, the speed limit is 25 mph
while children are outside orcrossing the street. No matterwhat the speed limit sign states,you should never drive fasterthan 25 mph when the schoolground has no fence and childrenare outside.
Sometimes lower speed limitsigns are placed near schools, solook for them.
Watch for bicyclists andpedestrians near schools.
Look for school safety patrols orschool crossing guards and obey
their directions. For the crossingguards safety, allow him or herto get safely to the side of theroad before driving ahead.
Look for stopped school busesand children crossing the street.Some school buses flashyellow*Remember, you may not drive faster than the posted
or maximum speed limit, even if you think it is safe
to do so.
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lights when the bus is preparingto stop and let children leave the
bus. This is a warning for you to prepare to stop. Flashing redlights mean you must stop from
either direction until the childrenare safely across the street andthe lights have stopped flashing.(Also see page 53)
Blind intersections and alleys:
Blind intersections areintersections where you cannot
see for 100 feet in either directionduring the last 100 feet beforecrossing.
Trees, bushes, buildings, orparked cars at intersections can block your view of vehiclescoming from the side. Slow to 15
mph for a blind intersection.However, you may drive as fastas the posted speed limit ifYIELD or STOP signs on theside streets give you the right-of-way.
The speed limit in an alley is 15
mph.Near railroad tracks:
The speed limit is 15 mph whenyou come within 100 feet of arailroad crossing and you cannotsee the tracks for 400 feet in bothdirections. You may go faster
than 15 mph if the crossing iscontrolled by gates, a warningsignal, or a flagman. (Also see
page 58)
Passing a streetcar, trolley, or bus:
At a safety zone or at anintersection where a streetcar,
trolley, or bus is stopped andtraffic is controlled by a policeofficer or traffic signal, the
passing speed limit, if it safe topass, is no more than 10 mph.
In special traffic lanes:
Sometimes different speed limitsmay be posted for different lanesof traffic.
In business or residence districts: The speed limit is 25 mph unless
signs show other limits.
Animals on or around the road:
If you see animals or livestock,slow down. Obey the person incharge of the animals. If you seea stray animal in your path, slowdown or stop, if it is safe to do so.
Turnout AreasSpecial turnout areas aresometimes marked on two-laneroads. You should pull to the sidein these areas and allow cars behindyou to pass. Other two-lane roadssometimes have passing lanes.
If you are driving slowly on a two-lane highway or road where passingis unsafe, and fiveor more vehicles arefollowing you, pullto the side of the roadwherever you cansafely do so to let
the vehicles pass.
USE OF LANESYellow lines mark the center of aroad used for two-way traffic. Youmay pass on a two-way road if theyellow center line is broken. When
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a solid and a broken yellow line aretogether, you must not pass if youare driving next to the solid line.
Two solid yellow lines mean nopassing. Never drive to the leftof these linesunless:
You are turning left at anintersection or into or out of a
private road or driveway.
The right half of the road is closed
or blocked. You are in carpool lanes with
designated entrances on the left.
White lines painted on thepavement indicate traffic going inyour direction (such as one-waystreets).
Broken white lines separate trafficlanes on roads with two or morelanes going in your direction. Drivein the lane with the smoothest flowof traffic.
If you can choose among threelanes on your side of the road, pickthe middle lane for the smoothestdriving. If you want to go faster,
pass, or turn left, use the left lane.
When you drive slowly, enter, orturn off the road, use the right lane.
If only two lanes go in yourdirection, pick the right lane forthe smoothest driving.
Dont Weavestay in one trafficlane as much as possible. Before
changing lanes, check your mirrorsand turn your head to CHECKBESIDE YOUR VEHICLE forvehicles and motorcycles in your
blind spot. Also, be sure there isenough room for your vehicle inthe next lane.
Once you start through anintersection, keep going. If youstart to make a turn, follow through.Last second changes may causeaccidents. If you missed a turn,continue to the next intersectionand work your way back to whereyou want to go.
Lanes For TurningBelow are some rules to help youwhen turning at a street corner.
Left Turn: Get close to the centerdivider line or into the left turnlane (if there is one). When turning
left, dont turn too soon and cutthe corner of the lane belongingto cars coming toward you.
Right Turn: If you are turning right,get close to the right edge of theroad (watch for bicycles ormotorcycles between your car and
(1) Solid yellow line: No passingwhen solid yellow line is on your
side.
(2) Double solid lines: No vehicle
may pass.(3) Broken yellow line: May pass ifmovement can be made in safely.
Lanes For Through Traffic
DO NOT PASS MAY PASSDO NOT PASS
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the curb). On a right turn, dontturn