Study the California Driver's Handbook (2025)

Under 18: permit from 15½ with driver education (optional from 17½, but then no drive test before 18) and a parent's signature, usable once your instructor validates it. License from 16 after 6 months with the permit, driver education and training, and 50 hours of practice (10 at night) with a licensed driver 25 or older. First 12 months: no driving from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. and no passengers under 20 without a parent or a licensed driver 25 or older, unless a signed note covers an exception. Adult learners practice with a licensed driver 18 or older.

California Driver's Handbook (2025), Section 2: Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver's License (What You Need, Applying For An Instruction Permit, Driving Schools, Applying For A Driver's License, Minor's Restrictions and Exceptions)

Also drawn from: California DMV, Fast Facts FFDL 19, Provisional Licensing (rev. 7/2019), Exceptions to Restrictions (when reasonable transportation is not available); California DMV, Learner's Permits, FAQs: I'm almost 18. Do I need to take driver education/driver training (DE/DT) in order to get my instruction permit?; California DMV, What Is REAL ID?, With a U.S. passport or other federally accepted ID you do not need a REAL ID; it is recommended; California Driver's Handbook (2025), Section 1: The California Driver's License (Class C, Card Designations, REAL ID, licenses for undocumented residents, ID cards)

From permit to license: the steps in California

Under 18: driver ed before the permit (from 15½; optional from 17½, but then no drive test before 18), knowledge test, training signed by an instructor, 50 hours of practice (10 at night), 6 months with the permit, drive test at 16 or later. Then 12 months with no driving 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. and no passengers under 20 without a parent, guardian or licensed driver 25+, and no phone until 18. Adults: permit, practice with a licensed driver 18+, drive test.

California DMV, Driver's Licenses (under 18, over 18); Learner's Permits; Fast Facts FFDL 19 Provisional Licensing; Handbook Section 2

Also drawn from: California DMV, Fast Facts FFDL 5, Requirements for a California Driver License (rev. 6/2020), What Are the DL Types? (new residents get a California DL within 10 days)

For parents: helping your teen get a California license

Your signature makes you financially responsible. Your teen practices 50 hours (10 at night) with you or another licensed driver 25+, after the instructor validates the permit; you sign to certify. Cover city, freeway, night and bad weather before the test. First year: no driving 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., no passengers under 20 unless you or another licensed driver 25+ rides along. No phone until 18. You can cancel the license at any time.

California DMV, Teen Driver Tips (Driving Skills, Parental Concerns, For Your Driving Test); Fast Facts FFDL 19; Handbook Sections 2, 7 and 10

Your knowledge test day at the DMV

Book an appointment, bring your identity and residency documents, the $46 fee and your glasses, and start the test before 4:30 p.m. One right answer out of three, 80% to pass, three tries, 7 days between tries if you are under 18. The permit never lets you drive alone.

California DMV, Learner's Permits; Driver's Licenses (Situation #2: three attempts at each knowledge test); Teen Driver Tips (Test Preparation); Licensing Fees; Fast Facts FFDL 5 (Application Process)

Also drawn from: California DMV, Fast Facts FFDL 19, Provisional Licensing (rev. 7/2019), Instruction Permit Requirements (to pass the knowledge test, you may miss no more than 8 questions); California Driver's Handbook (2025), Section 3: The Testing Process > Knowledge Tests (no testing aids, such as the handbook or a cell phone)

The vision, knowledge and drive tests

Vision test: passing with lenses adds a corrective lenses restriction. Knowledge test: three attempts, no aids, minors wait 7 days to retake. Drive test: minors wait 14 days to retake; bring a licensed driver (18, or 25 for minors), proof of insurance and registration; driver assistance stays off and cameras never replace your own checks.

California Driver's Handbook (2025), Section 3: The Testing Process (Driver's License Tests, Other Things to Know for Your Behind-the-Wheel Test)

Changing, replacing and renewing your license

Report a new address within 10 days (no new card unless you request and pay for one). Never drive on an expired license. A replacement makes the old card invalid. Out of state, ask for a one-year extension before expiry.

California Driver's Handbook (2025), Section 4: Changing, Replacing, and Renewing Your Driver's License (Changes to Your License, Change Your Address, Replace or Renew Your Driver's License, Extend Your Driver's License)

No earplugs in both ears; know what your medicines do. Hands at 9 and 3 or 8 and 4; hand-over-hand for slow turns, parking and skids. Signal 100 feet before a turn and 5 seconds before a freeway lane change. Dim high beams at 500 feet for oncoming traffic and 300 feet when following. Headlights from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, and whenever fog, rain or snow makes you use the wipers (low beams).

California Driver's Handbook (2025), Section 5: An Introduction to Driving (health, Controlling the Vehicle, Signals, Horns, And Headlights)

One solid yellow line shows the middle of a two-way road; white lines mark lanes going your way. Never pass over double solid yellow lines (except to enter a carpool lane with a left entrance, when signs send you to the other side, or to turn left into or out of a driveway or make a U-turn) and never cross a two-set yellow barrier (except at a designated opening) or double solid white lines. Broken lines next to your lane allow a safe pass or lane change. Lane 1 is the far-left lane. Center left turn lane: 200 feet at most. Turnout: five or more vehicles behind you. Bike lane: only to park, enter or leave the road, or turn within 200 feet.

California Driver's Handbook (2025), Section 6: Navigating the Roads > Traffic Lanes (Lane Markings, Choosing a Lane, Changing Lanes, Types of Lanes)

Signal 100 feet before a turn. Stop at the limit line, else before the crosswalk, else before the intersection. Right on red: full stop first, yield to pedestrians, not where NO TURN ON RED is posted, never on a red arrow. Left on red: only one-way to one-way, when no sign forbids it, yielding to anyone with a green light. Keep wheels straight while waiting to turn left. End a turn in the matching lane: a left turn in the left lane closest to the middle, a right turn in the lane closest to the right edge. Only onto a one-way street may you end elsewhere (unless signs or arrows show more lanes): any open lane when turning left with three or more lanes your way, any lane if safe when turning right from a one-way street. U-turns: OK across a double yellow, in residential areas with 200 feet clear, at an intersection on a green light or green arrow (unless NO U-TURN is posted); in business districts only at an intersection or a divider opening; never on one-way streets, at fire stations or railroad crossings.

California Driver's Handbook (2025), Section 6: Navigating the Roads > Turns (Right Turns, Left Turns, U-TURN, Examples of Turns, Braking)

Highway traffic goes first: merge at the speed of traffic, cross lanes one at a time, never over solid lines. Signal about five seconds (400 feet) before an exit. Gaps: 150 feet in the city, 300 feet on the highway. Pass only with any hill or curve one-third of a mile away or more, never within 100 feet of an intersection, bridge, tunnel or railroad crossing, never off the pavement. Pass on the right only with two lanes your way, a left-turning car ahead, or a one-way street.

California Driver's Handbook (2025), Section 6: Navigating the Roads > Merging And Exiting (Merging, Exiting, Crossing or Entering Traffic), Passing (How to Pass, Being Passed)

Parallel parking: a space at least three feet longer than your car, two feet beside the front car, finish within 18 inches of the curb. Backing: three vehicle lengths within three feet of the curb. Hills: downhill wheels to the curb, uphill wheels away, no curb wheels right. Curbs: white passengers, green limited time, yellow loading, red no stopping, blue disabled placard. No parking within 15 feet of a hydrant, 20 feet of a crosswalk, 3 feet of a disabled ramp. Freeway: removed after four hours.

California Driver's Handbook (2025), Section 6: Navigating the Roads (Continued) > Parking (Parallel Parking, Straight Line Backing, Parking on a Hill, Parking at Colored Curbs, Illegal Parking, Electric Vehicles)

When an officer stops you

Right signal on, pull fully onto the right shoulder, radio off, window down, hands visible, stay inside. The officer states the reason before questioning you, unless withholding it is needed to protect life or property from an imminent threat. Show license, insurance and registration; refuse a search in words, never by force; state and local officers cannot ask about immigration status.

California Driver's Handbook (2025), Section 6: Navigating the Roads (Continued) > Law Enforcement Stops (During a Law Enforcement Stop, Your Rights During the Enforcement Stop)

Red means stop; a red arrow means no turn until green; flashing red works like a STOP sign. Yellow means stop if you safely can; flashing yellow means slow down and go with care; a flashing yellow arrow lets you turn left after yielding. Green still means yield to anyone in the intersection; a green arrow is a protected turn. A dark signal is an all-way stop. Drivers yield to pedestrians already crossing, even on a flashing DON'T WALK.

California Driver's Handbook (2025), Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road > Traffic Control > Traffic Signals; Pedestrian Signals and Signs

Read the shape first. Eight sides: STOP, a full stop at the line. Downward triangle: YIELD, slow down and let others go first. Five sides: a school, so drive slowly. Round yellow sign or white X: a railroad crossing, so look, listen and be ready to stop. Diamond: a warning about the road ahead. White rectangle: a rule you must obey. Colors: red and white or white for orders, yellow for warnings, orange for road work, green, blue and brown for directions and services. A red circle with a line forbids what it shows. WRONG WAY, or red reflectors at night: turn around when safe. LEFT TURN YIELD ON GREEN: let oncoming traffic go first. NO TURN ON RED: wait for green. In orange zones, slow down, merge early and obey flaggers. Obey every warning sign.

California Driver's Handbook (2025), Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road > Traffic Control > Signs, with the sign charts (regulatory, construction and maintenance, guide, hazardous loads, warning signs)

Also drawn from: California Driver's Handbook (2025), Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road (Continued) > Road Workers and Work Zones, Neighborhood Electric Vehicles, Vehicles with Hazardous Loads, Near Railroad or Light Rail Tracks; California Driver's Handbook (2025), Section 6: Navigating the Roads > Types of Lanes (Turnout Areas or Lanes, High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lanes)

Right-of-way: who goes first

First to arrive goes first; at the same time, yield to the right. At a T, the through road goes first. Turning left, yield to close oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Entering traffic, yield to traffic already there. In a roundabout, yield to traffic inside and go counter-clockwise. Pedestrians have the right-of-way in every crosswalk, marked or not; blind pedestrians always. On a narrow mountain road, the downhill car backs up.

California Driver's Handbook (2025), Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road > Right-of-Way Rules: Who Goes First? > Intersections; Roundabouts; Pedestrians; Mountain Roads

- Cannot see a truck's mirrors: its driver cannot see you. Trucks need up to 400 feet to stop at 55 mph; pass them on the left. - Never drive through a safety zone; pass a bus, streetcar or trolley that has stopped at a safety zone or light at 10 mph or less. - Give motorcycles the full lane; lane splitting is legal. - Siren and red lights: pull right and stop; stay 300 feet back. - Pass a bicyclist with at least three feet. - School bus red lights: stop from both directions, except across a divided or 2+2 lane highway. - Train coming: stop at least 15 feet from the nearest track; never go around gates.

California Driver's Handbook (2025), Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road (Continued) > Sharing the Road (Blind Spots, Braking, Turning, Maneuvering, Buses, Light Rail, Motorcycles, Emergency Vehicles, Slow-moving Vehicles, Animals, Bicycles, Work Zones, Hazardous Loads, Towing, Around Children, Near Railroad Tracks)

Never faster than is safe (Basic Speed Law). 65 mph on most highways; 55 on two-lane undivided roads and when towing; 25 in districts and near schools with children out. 15 mph in alleys, blind intersections and blind railroad crossings; 10 mph past a bus or streetcar stopped at a safety zone or light.

California Driver's Handbook (2025), Section 8: Safe Driving (Continued) > Manage Your Speed; Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road (Continued) > Sharing the Road > Buses, Streetcars, Trolleys, Heavy Traffic or Bad Weather, Around Children, Blind Intersections, Alleys, Near Railroad or Light Rail Tracks, Business or Residential Districts, NEV and LSV

Also drawn from: California Driver's Handbook (2025), Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road (Continued) > Sharing the Road (Buses, Streetcars and Trolleys; Heavy Traffic or Bad Weather; Around Children; Blind Intersections; Alleys; Near Railroad or Light Rail Tracks; Business or Residential Districts; Neighborhood Electric Vehicles)

- Cargo over 4 feet past the bumper: 12-inch red or orange flag, two red lights at night. - No riders in a pickup bed without seats and belts; no smoking with a minor aboard. - Windshield: 7-inch square lower passenger corner, 5-inch top center for toll devices only. - Funeral processions have the right-of-way. - Adult suspension: 4 points in 12 months, 6 in 24, 8 in 36. Traffic school once in 18 months. - Provisional: 2 strikes, 30 days with a 25+ adult; 3 strikes, 6-month suspension and 1-year probation. - Hearing request: 10 days if served, 14 if mailed.

California Driver's Handbook (2025), Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road (Continued) > Other Important Roadway Information (Evading Law Enforcement, Points, Traffic Violator School, Suspension or Revocation, Provisional License, Administrative Hearing, Unsafe Driver) and Record Confidentiality

Stay aware of what is around you

Scan at least 10 seconds ahead and keep three seconds behind the car in front. Ease off the gas when someone cuts in, let tailgaters pass by moving right, and leave extra room behind motorcycles on metal or gravel. Do not drive in someone's blind spot. Check your own blind spots with a head turn before changing lanes, merging, backing, pulling out or opening your door, and check behind you before slowing down.

California Driver's Handbook (2025), Section 8: Safe Driving > Be Aware of Your Surroundings (Scan Your Surroundings, Tailgating, Know What is At Your Side, Blind Spots, Know What is Behind You)

Also drawn from: California Driver's Handbook (2025), Glossary > Three-second rule (count three seconds from when the vehicle ahead passes a point such as a sign)

Driving in difficult conditions

At night, stop within your headlights and look at the right edge of your lane when blinded. In a skid, ease off the gas and steer into it; with four-wheel ABS keep firm pressure on the brake. Slow down 5 to 10 mph when wet, by half on packed snow, to no more than 5 mph on ice, and no faster than 30 mph when you cannot see beyond 100 feet. Do not brake when hydroplaning. Use low beams in fog and no cruise control in wind. Never pass an officer during a traffic break.

California Driver's Handbook (2025), Section 8: Safe Driving > Understand the Road Conditions (Darkness, Sun Glare, Skids, Slippery Roads, Hydroplaning, Stuck in Snow or Mud, Flooded Roads, High Winds, Fog or Heavy Smoke, Law Enforcement Traffic Breaks)

Everyone buckles up, and the driver can be ticketed for passengers under 16. Shoulder belt across chest, lap belt low on the hips. Rear-facing seat under 2 years, 40 pounds and 3 feet 4 inches, never in front of an air bag. Child seat in the back under 8 or under 4 feet 9 inches. Sit at least 10 inches from the air bag cover. Never leave a child 6 or younger without someone at least 12.

California Driver's Handbook (2025), Section 8: Safe Driving (Continued) > Protect Yourself and Your Passengers (Seat Belts, Child Restraint System and Safety Seats, Air Bags, Unattended Children and Pets)

Handling emergencies

Give more room to the bigger danger and take hazards one at a time. In a blowout, hold the wheel, keep speed and ease off the gas; do not brake hard. Off the pavement, ease off, brake gently, steer back carefully. Broken down on the freeway: right shoulder, 511 or call box, stay buckled in the car unless the shoulder is too narrow, there is a guardrail, or there is a safe place away from the lanes. Stalled on tracks with a train coming and lights flashing: get out, run away from the tracks at an angle, toward the side the train comes from, then call 911.

California Driver's Handbook (2025), Section 8: Safe Driving (Continued) > Choose Between Hazards; Know How to Handle Emergencies (Tire Blowout, Driving Off the Pavement, Overheating Conditions, If Your Vehicle Becomes Disabled on the Freeway, Disabled Vehicles on Railroad Tracks)

Distractions, phones and carbon monoxide

Phones are the main distraction: no handheld use, mount the phone and use one tap or swipe, pull off the road to call. Drivers under 18 may not use a phone while driving, even hands-free, except to call for emergency help or on private property. Never run the engine in a closed garage, and have the exhaust checked if you feel tired, dizzy or sick while driving.

California Driver's Handbook (2025), Section 8: Safe Driving (Continued) > Do Not Drive Distracted; Cell Phones and Texting; Minors And Cell Phones; Be Familiar with New Technology; Be Aware of Carbon Monoxide

Also drawn from: California DMV, Fast Facts FFDL 19, Provisional Licensing (rev. 7/2019), DL Restrictions (under 18: no cellphone while driving, including hands-free, unless calling emergency services or on private property)

- Limits: 0.08% over 21; 0.01% under 21 or on DUI probation; 0.04% commercial or passengers for hire. - Any drug that affects driving counts, prescribed or not; impaired below the limit is still DUI. - Refusing a test: one-year suspension or revocation. - No drinking or cannabis in a vehicle; open containers in the trunk, never the glove box (passengers in a bus, taxi, camper or motorhome excepted). - After arrest: 30-day temporary license, 10 days to request a hearing. A DUI stays 10 years. - Under 21: carry alcohol only with someone 21 or older, sealed (or closed containers carried for an employer licensed to sell liquor off-site).

California Driver's Handbook (2025), Section 9: Alcohol and Drugs (Use or Possession in a Vehicle, BAC Limits, DUI Arrests, DUI Convictions, Drivers Under 21)

- Carry proof of insurance every time you drive and at the drive test. - Minimum coverage: $30,000 one person, $60,000 more than one, $15,000 property. - Parents are financially responsible for drivers under 18. - Uninsured in a collision: suspension up to four years, fault or not. - Always stop; no injuries, move out of traffic, then call 911. Injuries: police report within 24 hours. - SR 1 to DMV within 10 days if damage over $1,000 or anyone hurt, by every driver.

California Driver's Handbook (2025), Section 10: Financial Responsibility, Insurance Requirements, and Collisions (Insurance Requirements, Driving Without Insurance, Collisions, Reporting a Collision)

Registering your vehicle

Buy: 10 days to transfer ownership. Sell: 5 days to notify the DMV. New resident or new job here: 20 days to register, and the vehicle must meet California emission rules.

California Driver's Handbook (2025), Section 11: Vehicle Registration Requirements (Buying or Selling a Vehicle, Out-of-State Vehicles)

A reexamination comes from a condition or a poor record, never age alone; a doctor, an officer or a relative can refer a driver (DS 699). After a priority reexamination notice you have five working days to contact the DMV. Restrictions (devices, no night or freeway driving, lenses, mirrors) depend on conditions, not age.

California Driver's Handbook (2025), Section 12: Driver Safety (Reexamination, Priority Reexamination, Driver's License Restrictions)

70 or older at expiry: renew in person with a vision test. The renewal notice comes about 90 days ahead. Mature driver course: 8 hours, from 55, certificate valid 3 years, renewed by a 4-hour course. Free senior ID from 62.

California Driver's Handbook (2025), Section 13: Seniors and Driving (Driver's License Renewal, Community Liaison and Outreach, Cognitive Impairment, Mature Driver Program, Senior ID Cards)

Key numbers in the California handbook

The numbers most often mixed up: - Signal 100 feet before a turn; dim high beams at 500 feet (oncoming) and 300 feet (following). - 15 mph: alleys, blind intersections, blind railroad crossings. 25 mph: residential and business districts, near a school (within 500 feet) when children are outside or crossing. 55 mph: two-lane undivided and towing. 65 mph: most highways. - Parking: 15 feet from a hydrant, 20 feet from a crosswalk, 3 feet from a disabled ramp, within 18 inches of the curb. - BAC: 0.08% (21+), 0.01% (under 21), 0.04% (commercial, paying passengers). - 10 days: new address, buying a vehicle, SR 1 report. 5 days: selling a vehicle. - Minors: permit at 15½, license at 16 after 6 months and 50 hours (10 at night); for 12 months, no driving 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. and no passengers under 20 without a parent, guardian or licensed driver 25+. - 3-second following distance, 3 feet to pass a bicyclist, at least 15 feet from the nearest rail.

California Driver's Handbook (2025), Sections 2 to 13: the key numbers stated in the handbook, gathered from the chapter pages

Also drawn from: California DMV, Fast Facts FFDL 19, Provisional Licensing (rev. 7/2019), DL Restrictions (during the first 12 months: no driving 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., no passengers under 20 unless accompanied); California DMV, Instruction and Learner's Permits, FAQs > I'm almost 18. Do I need to take driver education/driver training (DE/DT) in order to get my instruction permit? (over 17½: permit without DE/DT, no drive test before 18)