California Driver Handbook

Browse the full California Driver Handbook. Find the rules and regulations tested by the California DMV.

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ID CardsPDF page 7
REAL ID Driver’s LicensePDF page 7
The California Driver’s LicensePDF page 7
VeteransPDF page 7
Applying For An Instruction PermitPDF page 8
What You NeedPDF page 8
Applying For A Driver’s LicensePDF page 9
Minor’s Restrictions and ExceptionsPDF page 10
Driver’s License TestsPDF page 13
Other Things to Know for Your Behind-the-Wheel TestPDF page 13
Change Your AddressPDF page 14
Extend Your Driver’s LicensePDF page 14
Replace or Renew Your Driver’s LicensePDF page 14
An Introduction to DrivingPDF page 15
Hand-to-Hand Steering (Push/Pull)PDF page 15
Hand-Over-Hand SteeringPDF page 16
One-Hand SteeringPDF page 16
SignalingPDF page 16
Using Your HeadlightsPDF page 17
Using Your Emergency FlashersPDF page 18
Double Solid White LinesPDF page 19
Double Solid Yellow LinesPDF page 19
Single Solid Yellow LinePDF page 19
Choosing a LanePDF page 20
End of Lane MarkingsPDF page 20
Carpool/High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) LanesPDF page 21
Changing LanesPDF page 21
Center Left Turn LanesPDF page 22
Turnout Areas or LanesPDF page 22
Bicycle LanesPDF page 23
Right Turn Against a Red ArrowPDF page 24
Right Turn at a Public Transit Bus LanePDF page 24
Right TurnsPDF page 24
Left TurnsPDF page 25
Left Turn Against a Red LightPDF page 26
Examples of TurnsPDF page 28
BrakingPDF page 48
ExitingPDF page 29
MergingPDF page 29
Crossing or Entering TrafficPDF page 30
PassingPDF page 30
How to PassPDF page 31
Parallel ParkingPDF page 31
Parking at Colored CurbsPDF page 33
Parking on a HillPDF page 33
Straight Line BackingPDF page 33
Illegal ParkingPDF page 34
Driving GreenPDF page 35
During a Law Enforcement StopPDF page 35
Your Rights During the Enforcement StopPDF page 37
DMV OfficesPDF page 38
Flashing Yellow LightPDF page 39
Solid Red LightPDF page 39
Solid Yellow LightPDF page 39
Solid Green LightPDF page 40
Traffic Light Not WorkingPDF page 40
Flashing DON’T WALK or Flashing Raised HandPDF page 41
Highway Construction and Maintenance SignsPDF page 41
SoundsPDF page 41
STOP SignPDF page 41
DirectionalPDF page 42
WRONG WAY SignPDF page 43
Right-of-Way Rules: Who Goes First?PDF page 44
Warning SignsPDF page 44
Yellow and Black Circular Sign or X-shaped SignPDF page 44
IntersectionsPDF page 45
PedestriansPDF page 46
RoundaboutsPDF page 46
CrosswalksPDF page 47
WheelchairPDF page 47
Blind Spots (the No Zone)PDF page 48
Pedestrians Who Are BlindPDF page 48
Sharing the RoadPDF page 48
Buses, Streetcars, TrolleysPDF page 49
ManeuveringPDF page 49
TurningPDF page 49
Light Rail VehiclesPDF page 50
MotorcyclesPDF page 50
Emergency VehiclesPDF page 51
Slow-moving VehiclesPDF page 51
Animal-drawn VehiclesPDF page 52
BicyclesPDF page 52
Bicycling at NightPDF page 53
Bicycling in Travel LanesPDF page 53
Bicyclist ResponsibilitiesPDF page 53
Right WrongPDF page 54
Fines and Double Fine ZonesPDF page 55
Move Over and Slow DownPDF page 55
Road Workers and Work ZonesPDF page 55
Around ChildrenPDF page 56
Hazardous Load PlacardsPDF page 56
Heavy Traffic or Bad WeatherPDF page 56
AlleysPDF page 57
Near Railroad or Light Rail TracksPDF page 57
Other Important Roadway InformationPDF page 59
Evading Law EnforcementPDF page 59
Points on Your Driver’s RecordPDF page 59
Suspension or RevocationPDF page 60
Traffic Violator SchoolPDF page 60
Administrative HearingPDF page 61
Maintaining Your Minor’s (Provisional) Driver’s LicensePDF page 61
Record ConfidentialityPDF page 62
Your Hearing RightsPDF page 62
Be Aware of Your SurroundingsPDF page 63
Tailgating (Following Too Closely)PDF page 63
Blind SpotsPDF page 64
Know What Is at Your SidePDF page 64
DarknessPDF page 65
Know What is Behind YouPDF page 65
Locked Wheel SkidsPDF page 66
Slippery Surface SkidsPDF page 66
Sun GlarePDF page 66
Slippery RoadsPDF page 68
HydroplaningPDF page 68
Stuck in Snow or MudPDF page 68
Flooded RoadsPDF page 69
High WindsPDF page 69
Fog or Heavy SmokePDF page 70
Law Enforcement Traffic BreaksPDF page 70
Seat BeltsPDF page 71
Child Restraint System and Safety SeatsPDF page 72
Air BagsPDF page 73
Manage Your SpeedPDF page 73
Unattended Children and PetsPDF page 73
Choose Between HazardsPDF page 74
Driving Off the PavementPDF page 74
Tire BlowoutsPDF page 74
California Highway Patrol (CHP) Freeway Service Patrol (FSP)PDF page 75
If Your Vehicle Becomes Disabled on the FreewayPDF page 75
Overheating ConditionsPDF page 75
Cell Phones and TextingPDF page 76
Disabled Vehicles on Railroad TracksPDF page 76
Be Aware of Carbon MonoxidePDF page 77
Be Familiar with New TechnologyPDF page 77
Alcohol and DrugsPDF page 78
Products in a VehiclePDF page 78
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) LimitsPDF page 79
ImpairedPDF page 79
IntoxicatedPDF page 79
DUI ArrestsPDF page 80
DUI ConvictionsPDF page 81
Causes of CollisionsPDF page 82
Driving Without InsurancePDF page 82
Insurance RequirementsPDF page 82
What to Do if You Are in a CollisionPDF page 83
Reporting a CollisionPDF page 84
Buying or Selling a VehiclePDF page 85
Out-of-State VehiclesPDF page 85
Driver SafetyPDF page 86
ReexaminationPDF page 86