Summary of California (CA) DMV Handbook 2026

A California driver's license is a privilege, not a right. Most drivers use a noncommercial Class C license. A REAL ID is marked with a bear and star and is required for certain federal purposes, while an AB 60 license is available to eligible California residents regardless of immigration status.

For the test, know that every driver must carry the correct license for the vehicle being operated and obey any restrictions printed on it. The DMV may suspend or revoke driving privileges when a driver is unsafe or violates the law.

Applicants generally need proof of identity and California residency, a Social Security number when required, and the application fee. A minor must be at least 15½, complete driver education, and have a parent or guardian sign the application. The permit becomes valid for practice only after the minor begins behind-the-wheel training with an instructor.

A minor must be at least 16, hold the permit for six months, complete driver training, and log 50 supervised hours, including 10 at night. During the first 12 months of a provisional license, the driver generally may not drive from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. or carry passengers under 20 without a licensed adult age 25 or older, unless a legal exception applies.

The licensing process includes vision, knowledge, and behind-the-wheel tests. Applicants receive three attempts to pass the knowledge test before they must reapply, and minors must wait seven days after a failed attempt. Handbooks, phones, and other testing aids are prohibited.

For the drive test, bring a properly registered and insured vehicle with working lights, signals, horn, brakes, mirrors, seat belts, windows, and safe tires. Automated parking, adaptive cruise control, and similar driver-assistance features cannot perform test maneuvers for you; the examiner expects direct observation, correct signaling, smooth control, and safe decisions.

Notify the DMV of an address change within 10 days. It is illegal to drive with an expired license, and limited-term licenses are not eligible for an extension. If you are temporarily outside California and cannot renew, request any available extension before the license expires.

Safe driving begins with clear vision and hearing, alertness, and knowing whether prescription or over-the-counter medicine can impair you. It is illegal to cover both ears with a headset or earplugs. Keep both hands positioned for control, normally around 9 and 3 o'clock, and look well ahead rather than focusing only on the vehicle in front.

Signal at least 100 feet before a turn and for about five seconds before changing lanes on a freeway. Headlights are required from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise and whenever weather requires windshield wipers. Dim high beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle and 300 feet when following another vehicle.

Yellow lines separate opposing traffic; white lines separate traffic moving in the same direction. Never cross double solid white lines, and cross yellow lines only when the markings and maneuver allow it. Before changing lanes, signal, check mirrors, look over your shoulder for the blind spot, and move only when there is enough space. Enter a bicycle lane only where permitted, usually within 200 feet of a turn, and give bicyclists at least three feet when passing.

Complete right turns near the right curb and left turns from the proper lane without swinging wide. A right turn on red is allowed only after a full stop unless prohibited; a red arrow means no turn. The center left-turn lane may be used for no more than 200 feet. Never pass where visibility is limited or within 100 feet of an intersection, bridge, tunnel, or railroad crossing. When parking on a hill, turn the wheels so the vehicle would roll away from traffic if the brakes failed.

A flashing red signal is treated like a stop sign; a flashing yellow means slow down and proceed cautiously. At an uncontrolled or all-way-stop intersection, the first vehicle to arrive goes first, and simultaneous arrivals yield to the vehicle on the right. Left-turning traffic yields to oncoming traffic, vehicles entering a roundabout yield to traffic already inside, and drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks.

Memorize the commonly tested speed limits: 65 mph on many highways, 55 mph on two-lane undivided highways and when towing, 25 mph in many business, residential, and school areas, and 15 mph at blind intersections, alleys, and certain railroad crossings. Pull right and stop for approaching emergency vehicles. Stop for a school bus displaying flashing red lights unless it is on the opposite side of a divided or qualifying multilane highway.

Scan at least 10 to 15 seconds ahead and maintain a minimum three-second following distance, adding more space in poor conditions. Check blind spots before turning, merging, changing lanes, backing, opening a door, or leaving a parking space. Slow gradually on wet or icy roads, use low beams in fog, and avoid cruise control when traction or visibility is poor.

If the vehicle skids, ease off the accelerator, avoid sudden braking, and steer in the direction you want the vehicle to travel. Every occupant must use a seat belt. Young children need the legally required rear-facing seat, child restraint, or booster based on age and size. Handheld phone use and texting are illegal; minors may not use a phone while driving except for an emergency.

The illegal BAC thresholds most often tested are 0.08% for drivers 21 or older, 0.01% for drivers under 21 or on DUI probation, and 0.04% for commercial drivers or drivers carrying passengers for hire. California DUI laws cover alcohol, cannabis, illegal drugs, and prescription or over-the-counter medicine that impairs driving. Only time lowers BAC.

Driving implies consent to chemical testing after a lawful DUI arrest; refusal can cause a one-year suspension or revocation. Open alcohol or cannabis containers must not be in the passenger compartment. DUI consequences can include license loss, fines, jail, treatment requirements, vehicle impoundment, and an insurance filing, and convictions remain on the driving record for 10 years.

California drivers must carry proof of financial responsibility. The minimum liability limits are $30,000 for one person's injury or death, $60,000 for more than one person, and $15,000 for property damage. Driving uninsured can lead to a lengthy suspension, especially after a collision.

After a collision, stop, help anyone injured, call 911 when necessary, move out of traffic when safe, and exchange identification, registration, and insurance information. Report a crash to law enforcement within 24 hours if someone is injured or killed. File an SR-1 with the DMV within 10 days when anyone is injured or killed or property damage exceeds the reporting threshold.