English 2019 California Driver Handbook

English

2020

Gavin Newsom, Governor State of California

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David S. Kim, Secretary California State Transportation Agency

This handbook is available at dmv..

Steven Gordon, Director California Department of Motor Vehicles

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Dear fellow Californian,

We have more licensed drivers and registered vehicles than any other state. That means California's roads pose unique challenges for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. But when we follow the rules of the road and drive with safety in mind at all times, everyone benefits. That is why this California Driver Handbook is so important. Within these pages ? and online at DMV. ? you will find information and advice to safely travel the roads of our great state. Whether you are a young driver going over this material for the first time or refreshing your knowledge after years of on-the-road experience, I hope you find the contents informative, helpful, and practical. Yes, California's traveling environment poses unique challenges ? from the coasts to the mountains and everywhere in between. While we may encounter varying conditions as we move throughout the state, the laws on how to reach our destination safely do not. Please be safe when you're behind the wheel and remember to put away your smartphone while driving.

Si ncerely,

DAVID S. KIM Secretary California State Transportation Agency

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEW 2020 LAWS..................................VI

DMV INFORMATION ............................. VIII Where to Write ......................................ix

GENERAL INFORMATION....................... 1 Disclaimer ............................................. 1 DMV's Function and Vision................... 1 Accurate Identification .......................... 1 Basic Information .................................. 2

THE CALIFORNIA DRIVER LICENSE .... 2 Who Must Have a Driver License? ....... 2 California Residents.......................... 2 California Resident Military Personnel (U.S. Armed Forces) ....... 2 Nonresident Military Personnel Stationed in California....................... 3 New California Residents ................. 3 Adults Visiting California................... 3 Safety for the Aging Driver................ 3

OBTAINING A DRIVER LICENSE ........... 4 REAL ID Act.......................................... 5 How the REAL ID Act Impacts Californians ....................................... 5 Do I Need a REAL ID? ..................... 5 How Do I Prepare to Apply for a REAL ID Card? ................................. 5 Married, Divorced, or Name Change?............................................ 6 Application Requirements for a Basic Class C Driver License ......................... 6 Adults' Permit Requirements ................ 7 Adults' Driver License Requirements ... 8

DRIVER LICENSE CLASSES .................. 9

THE EXAMINATION PROCESS .............10 Where to Take the Tests.....................10 DMV Examinations ............................11 Cheating ............................................12

SPECIAL SECTION ? MINORS............ 12 Minors' Permit Requirements .............12 Minors' Permit Restrictions.................13 Minors' Driver License Requirements ....................................13 Exceptions ? Minors' Driver License Restrictions........................................14 Out-Of-State Minors ..........................15 Out-Of-State Minors' Permit...........15 Out-Of-State Minors' Driver License ..........................................15

Actions Against the Provisional Driver License..............................................15

Keeping Your Provisional Driver License ..........................................16 Minors and Cell Phones .....................16

MISCELLANEOUS LICENSING INFORMATION.....................................17

To Replace a Lost/Stolen or Damaged Driver License....................................17 Name Changes..................................17 Gender Category Changes ................17 Driver License Renewals....................18 Renewal by Mail or Internet................18 Driver License Extension ...................18 Driver License in Your Possession .... 20 Address Changes ............................. 20 Vision ............................................... 20 Medical Information Card .................. 20 Organ and Tissue Donation ...............21 Veteran Designation and Benefit Information ........................................21

How Can I Get Veterans Designation?..................................21 Register To Vote ............................... 22 Unlicensed Drivers............................ 22 Diplomatic Driver Licenses................ 22 Identification (ID) Cards .................... 22 No-Fee ID Cards .............................. 23 Identification (ID) Card Renewal by Mail or Internet.................................. 23 Driving Schools................................. 23 Mature Driver Program.......................24 Pedestrian Responsibilities ................24 New Technology ................................25

OCCUPANT PROTECTION.................. 26 Seat Belts......................................... 26 Child Restraint System and Safety Seats................................................ 26 Riding Safely with Air Bags ................27 Unattended Children in Motor Vehicles.............................................28 Distracted Driving ..............................28 Hot Weather Risks .............................28

TRAFFIC CONTROLS ......................... 29 Traffic Signal Lights .......................... 29 Pedestrian Signal Lights ................... 30 Traffic Signs.......................................31

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