California DMV Handbook (2026)
Handbook
1. Driver Basics
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Under 18: must get a learner’s permit before a license.
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Carry license + insurance when driving.
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Driving without them = fines or suspension.
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Under 18 restrictions: no passengers under 20 (first year) unless with adult 25+, no driving 11 PM–5 AM.
2. Speed Limits
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65 mph = most freeways (some allow 70 mph).
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55 mph = two-lane undivided highways.
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25 mph = homes, business areas, school zones (children present).
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15 mph = alleys, blind intersections, near railroad crossings if vision blocked.
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Work zones: follow posted signs (often 25–40 mph).
3. Signs, Signals, and Markings
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Red = Stop.
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Yellow = Caution / Slow.
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Green = Go if clear.
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Flashing red = Stop, like stop sign.
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Flashing yellow = Slow, proceed with care.
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Solid yellow line = no passing.
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Broken yellow line = passing allowed if safe.
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White curb = passenger drop-off.
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Green curb = limited time.
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Yellow curb = loading zone.
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Red curb = no stop/stand/park.
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Blue curb = disabled only.
4. Right of Way
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Pedestrians: always first in crosswalks (even unmarked).
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Intersections: first come, first go. Tie → yield to the right.
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Emergency vehicles: pull over right + stop.
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School bus with flashing red lights: stop both directions (unless divided highway).
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Blind intersections: stop, creep forward to see.
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Funeral processions: yield.
5. Turning & Lane Use
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Right on red: full stop first, unless sign says “No Turn on Red.”
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Left on green: yield to oncoming cars and walkers.
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Left turn from one-way → one-way: allowed on red after stop.
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U-turns: legal if safe, unless sign prohibits, or in business districts/fire station areas.
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Bike lanes: merge only in last 200 ft before right turn.
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Carpool (HOV) lanes: 2+ people or special sticker.
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Roundabouts: yield to traffic already inside.
6. Parking Rules
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Park within 18 inches of curb.
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Hill parking:
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Uphill with curb → wheels away.
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Downhill (with or without curb) → wheels toward curb/road edge.
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Don’t park:
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Within 15 ft of fire hydrant.
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In disabled spot without permit.
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On sidewalks or bike lanes (unless posted).
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7. Vehicle Equipment
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Car must have: working brakes, lights, mirrors, horn, windshield wipers, tires.
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No heavily tinted windows (front side).
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Muffler required (no loud exhaust mods).
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Keep windshield clear (no big stickers).
8. Safety Must-Knows
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Seat belts: required for all passengers.
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Children under 8: car seat/booster in back seat.
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Headlights: 30 min after sunset → 30 min before sunrise, bad weather, or anytime wipers are on.
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Following distance: 3 seconds minimum; more at night/rain.
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Cell phones:
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Over 18 = hands-free only.
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Under 18 = no phones at all (even hands-free).
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No smoking in car with minor.
9. Sharing the Road
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Bikes: give at least 3 ft space when passing.
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Motorcycles: full lane.
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Trucks: need more room; avoid blind spots (“No-Zones”).
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Light rail/streetcars: stop behind if safe.
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School crossings: obey crossing guards.
10. Alcohol & Drugs
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BAC limits:
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0.08% = 21+ (regular drivers).
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0.04% = commercial drivers.
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0.01% = under 21.
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Open alcohol/cannabis containers: only in trunk, never with driver/passengers.
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DUI penalties: fines, license suspension, possible jail.
11. Defensive Driving & Emergencies
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Skids: steer into skid, don’t brake hard.
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Hydroplaning: ease off gas, steer straight.
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Tire blowout: hold wheel, slow gradually, don’t brake hard.
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Accident: stop, exchange info, report if injury or >$1000 damage.
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Work zones: slow down, obey flaggers, fines are doubled.
12. Driving Environment
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Freeways:
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Enter = use ramp, match speed, merge safely.
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Exit = signal early, slow in exit lane only.
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Mountains: downshift to save brakes.
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Fog: low-beam headlights, slow down.
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Rain/snow: increase following distance.
13. Test-Day Reminders
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Always make full stops (no “California roll”).
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Don’t block crosswalks or intersections.
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Signal 100 ft before turns/lane changes.
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Check blind spots over shoulder.
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Practice parallel + hill parking.