THE CALIFORNIA DRIVER LICENSE
A driver license shows that you have been given permission by the State of California to drive on public roadways.  You may apply for a license at any office of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

You will receive a license after you have paid the fee, correctly answered questions about the law and safety rules, shown that your physical and mental condition is satisfactory, demonstrated your ability to drive safely, and have no outstanding actions on your driver record.  If you have a medical problem or a disability, the department may require you to take a driving test and/or present a statement from your physician regarding your condition.  For your first California license you must provide your social security number and proof that you are in the United States legally.  Your thumb print or finger print, if you have no thumbs, will be taken.  Your picture will also be taken.  Driving tests for license renewals and holders of valid out-of-state licenses are normally waived.

Fees mentioned in this handbook are subject to legislative change.

IDENTIFICATION
The issue of identification (ID)-its reliability, integrity, confidentiality, etc.,-is of prime concern to all levels of government, and the private sector as well.

It becomes critical that ID documents be completely authenticated and accurate in order to positively and uniquely identify each individual.  The California Legislature has declared the driver license and ID card as the primary identification documents in this state.  California state law now requires that all applicants for an original California driver license or ID card submit proof of legal presence in the United States (US) as authorized under federal law.

Therefore, when applying for a driver license or ID card, you must present an acceptable birth date/legal presence document and provide your social security number to safeguard the accuracy and integrity of departmental documents.

Here are some of the acceptable birth date/legal presence documents: U.S. Birth Certificate, U.S. Certificate or Report of Birth Abroad, Proof of Indian Blood Degree, U.S. Passport, U.S. Armed Forces ID Cards, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, American Indian Card, Resident Alien Card, Canadian Passport, foreign passport, or Mexican Border Crossing Card with a valid I-94.

WHO MUST HAVE A LICENSE

California Residents
If you are a California resident and drive a motor vehicle on a public highway or in a parking facility open to the public, you must have a California driver license.

Residents who may not need a California driver license are:

Visitors To California
If you are a visitor in California over 18 years old and have a valid driver license from your home state or country (where you live permanently), you may drive in this state without getting a California driver license as long as your home state license remains valid.

When you make your home here or take a job, you must get a California driver license within 10 days.

Evidence or residency is established by any of the following voting in California elections: paying resident tuition at a public institution of higher education; filing for a home owner's property tax exemption; obtaining a license; or any other privilege or benefit not ordinarily extended to nonresidents.

Visitors Who Are Minors
If you are a visitor in California, between 16 and 18 years old, you may drive here with your home state license or instruction permit for only 10 days after you arrive in California.  After the 10 days you must have either a Nonresident Minor's Certificate or a California license.  You may not work as a driver, for pay, until you are 18 and have a California license.

A Nonresident Minor's Certificate lets you drive in California with a valid home state license.  The certificate is issued by DMV to a minor who has given proof of financial responsibility in case of an accident.  Proof is usually a motor vehicle accident insurance certificate from an insurance company allowed to do business in California.

BASIC DRIVER LICENSE INFORMATION

Age Requirements:
No matter what your age, you must bring an acceptable birth date/legal presence document the first time you apply for a license.  (See page 1*)  Only a document produced by an issuing authority, including a certified photocopy which has an impressed seal, or an original stamped impression is an acceptable birth date/legal presence document.  It will be returned to you.

Adults:  If you are 18 years old, meet the requirements, and pass the tests, you may be issued a California Driver license.  There is no upper age limit.

Minors:  A minor is someone under the age of 18 years. Minors must have their application for a license or any change of signed by their parents.*

Minors Employed As Drivers
Persons under 18 may not be employed to drive a motor vehicle.  Minors may not drive a school bus containing pupils.  You must be at least 21 to drive most commercial vehicles for hire in interstate commerce and to transport hazardous materials or wastes.

Permitting An Unlicensed Person To Drive
It is against the law to loan your vehicle to an unlicensed or suspended person.  If the person is caught driving, your vehicle may be impounded for 30 days. (VC 14602.6)

Minors: Your must not let your child, ward, employee, or another person under the age of 18 years, drive on a highway or in a public parking facility unless the minor has a license or permit.  If your child, ward, employee, or other person under the age of 18 has a learner's permit, an adult 25 years of age or older must be in the vehicle.

The law also says that you must not employ, permit, or authorize any person to drive a vehicle on a public street or highway unless the person is licensed to drive that class of vehicle.

Adults: You must not let an unlicensed adult drive on a highway or in a public parking facility.

LICENSE CLASSES

There are nine classes of California driver licenses.  You must tell the department the type of license you need to drive the vehicles available to you.  The license classes are defined as follows:

NOTE:  Class M1 or M2 is added to any other class license after passing law and skill tests.

Class A*
You may drive any legal combination of vehicles, including vehicles und Classes B and C.

You may tow:

Class A Fire Fighter*

Class B*

You may drive:

any single vehicle with a GVWR of more than 26,000lbs.

You may tow a single vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000lbs. or less.

Class B Fire Fighter*
You may drive only a Class B defined single fire fighting vehicle and all the vehicles listed under Class C.  You may not drive a bus.

You may tow a single vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000lbs. Of less.

Class C

You may drive:

A farmer of employee of a farmer may drive:

You may tow:

With a vehicle weighing at least 4,000 lbs., You  may tow a:

NOTE:  No passenger vehicle regardless of weight, may tow more than one vehicle.  No motor vehicle under 4,000 lbs. unladen may tow any vehicle weighing 6,000 lbs. Or more gross. (VC 21715) Class C licensees may not tow more than one vehicle.

Class C Commercial
You may drive any Class C vehicle carrying hazardous materials which requires placards.  The hazardous materials (HAZMAT) endorsement must be on the license.  Drivers who transport hazardous wastes, as defined by Health & Safety Code 25115 and 25117, are also required to have the HAZMAT endorsement.

You may tow the same vehicles listed in Class C.

Class M1
You can operate any 2-wheel motorcycle or motor driven cycle. Refer to the Motorcycle Driver Supplement for more information.

NOTE:  The DMV will not issue a license to operate a two-wheel vehicle to anyone under 21 years of age unless that person has completed a CHP approved motorcycle rider training program certified on the DMV for Certificate of Completion of Motorcycle Training (DL 389).  Fixed and mobile motorcycle training sites are located throughout California.  The telephone number for locating the nearest training site is 1-800-CCRIDER.

TRAINING APPROVED BY THE CHP IS REQUIRED FOR DRIVERS UNDER 21 FOR A MOTORCYCLE (M1 OR M2) LICENSE

DRIVING IS A PRIVILEGE NOT A RIGHT

THE DRIVER LICENSE EXAMINATION PROCESS

Where Do You Take The Tests?
You may take the written, vision, and driving tests at any DMV office which provides driver license services.  Written and vision tests are required when you apply for an original, renewal, or upgrade to a different class of license.  Driving tests are usually waived for the class of license you currently have.  Appointments are available for all DMV services.  An appointment is usually required to take any driving test.

What will The Examination Include?

Your examination for a driver license includes the following:

During The Driving Test
The driving test is your chance to show that you can drive safely.  Only you and the examiner (or other DMV personnel) may be in the vehicle with you.  No animal may be in the vehicle.  The examiner will give you directions.  You will not be tricked or asked to do anything illegal.

You will be asked to show the arm signals (see page 34*).  However, during the test, you must use the vehicle's turn signal lights.

The examiner will ask you to simulate parking on a hill. To back up in a straight line, or to turn the vehicle around on a narrow two-way street ("three point turn" or "turnabout").

During the driving test,  the examiner will note:

Interim License
After you have passed all the tests, you will give a thumb print and have your picture taken.  You will then be given an interim license valid for 60 days.

Magnetic Stripe Driver License (Mag Stripe)
Mag stripe driver licenses are mailed from DMV's Sacramento Headquarters.  You will receive yours within a few weeks unless your record shows a reason why it shouldn't be issued.  If you have not heard from Sacramento within 60 days, you should contact your nearest DMV office.

You cannot place anything adhesive across the magnetic stripe.  See page 13 for change of address information.

New Photo Upfront Process
Starting in March 1999, DMV will begin changing to a photo upfront process. This change will make the driver license and ID card even more secure and also reduce the time it takes you to receive your photo card.

You will also notice a change in how your DL or ID card application is processed once you are in the office.  After you pay the application fee, you will have your photo taken and be issued a "photo receipt."  You must show this photo receipt to the field office employee at each testing location.

There will be no exceptions to the photo upfront process, so you must be prepared to have your photo taken when you go to DMV.

Other improvements are being made to the photo card.  A secondary photo image will appear on the front of the DL or ID card and there will be room on the back of the photo card to record a change of address.

MINOR'S PROVISIONAL PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

How Do I Get A Provisional Permit?

You must:

The provisional permit is not valid until you start your behind-the-wheel driver training with an instructor or reach age 17 1/2.  Be sure to pick up the Parent/Teen Training Aide (DL 603) to assist you in practicing your driver skills.

Provisional Permit Restrictions
Minors may use the provisional permit to practice with a parent, guardian, spouse, or an adult 25 years of age or older, who has a valid California driver license.  The person must be close enough to take control of the vehicle at any time.  A provisional permit does not let you drive alone--not even to a DMV office to take a driving test.

If you have a permit that allows you to drive an M1 or M2 vehicle, you cannot carry passengers and you must ride during daylight hours only and not on the freeway.

Where Can I Take Driver Education or Driver Training?
You may take driver education (classroom training) or driver training (behind-the-wheel) in a public or private high school, or in a state licensed, professional driving school.

Professional schools and instructors in California are licensed by the DMV.  Schools must carry liability insurance, be bonded, and maintain complete records for DMV inspection.  Their teaching cars are subject to inspection every 6 months.  Instructors  must pass qualifying examinations every three years, or show proof of continuing education in traffic safety.

A high school may issue you a student license if you are over 15 years old and have the written consent of your parents.  A student license lets you drive only during school or professional driver training.

Licensed professional driving schools issue two types of restricted licenses.  A student license to a person between 15 and up to 18 years of age and a regular license to a person 18 years of age and older.  A driving school restricted license only lets you drive during school or professional driver training.

Can I Drive With the Permit Outside of California?

Contact the driver licensing office in the state or country you plan to visit before you drive if you only have a California provisional permit.

MINORS' PROVISIONAL LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

You must:

To find out what happens if you don't obey the law, (see page 84*)  When you become 18 years old, the "provisional" part of your license ends.  You may keep the photo license you have which will expire on the fourth birthday after the date you applied for it or you may apply for a duplicate license without the word "provisional."  The fee for a duplicate license is $12.

PERMIT REQUIREMENT FOR ADULTS

Driver education and driver training, if you are interested, can be obtained from a public or private high school adult education class or from a state licensed, professional driving school.

If you want to use public roads while learning to drive, you must get an instruction permit.  You may use the permit to practice driving with an accompanying adult who is 18 years of age or older, with a valid California license, and must be with you in the vehicle close enough to take control of it any time.  An instruction permit doesn't permit you to drive alone--not even to a DMV office to take the driving examination.

If you have a permit that allows you to drive an M1 or M2 vehicle, you cannot carry passengers and you must ride during daylight hours only and not on the freeway.

To Get a Permit, You Must:

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS FOR ADULTS

If you have never had any driver license, you must:

OTHER LICENSING INFORMATION

License May be Refused

The department will take the strongest action possible against anyone who alters or otherwise attempts to falsify a driver license.  DMV may also refuse to issue you a license if you:

Conditional License
The department may place special conditions or restrictions on you license.

A driving test is normally required to remove a special condition or restriction form your license.  The department may suspend or revoke your license if you violate a condition or restriction.

Driving With A Suspended Or Revoked License
You can be fined and jailed if you drive with a suspended or revoked license and your vehicle may be impounded.  When DMV tells you that your license has been suspended or revoked, the court believes you know about the suspension or revocation.  (See page 87*) for additional information.

What If Your License Is Lost Or Damaged?
If your driver license is lost or damaged, you must go to a DMV office and pay the required fee for a duplicate.  You must also verbally verify your address or present an acceptable birth verification/legal presence document, utility bill, rent or mortgage coupon, or personal check printed with your name and address.

If you are a minor, your parents must sign the DMV application form (DL 44).  You will be required to give a thumb print and have a new picture taken.  Once a duplicate license has been issued, the previous license is no longer good.  Destroy it if you find it later.

What If You Change Your Address?
When you move, you must give your new address to DMV in 10 days.  It's the law.  You can telephone or write and give your name, the driver license number, your old address and your new address.  Include the apartment number or mobile home space number, if any.  A vehicle registration change of address must be in writing and should include the license plate numbers of any vehicle you own.  Mail your letter to: DMV, P.O. Box 942890, Sacramento, CA 94290-0001.

Type or write your new address in ink on a small piece with your license.  Do not tape or staple the change of address information to your driver license.  If you go in person to a DMV office, a technician will give you a Change of Address Certificate (DMV form DL 43) to complete.  Carry this card with your license.  There is no charge to change your address this way.

Changing Your Name
If you change your nave you will need a new driver license.  Take your old license to a DMV office in person.  A new picture and thumb print will be taken.  Your old photo license will not be returned.  No additional examination will be given, but the required fee will be charged.  Ask for vehicle registered in your name. 

(See page 92*) for information about changing your name on an ID card.

When Will Your License Expire?
DMV has started phasing in a five-year driver license term.  However, some drivers may not receive a five-year license until their next renewal period.

A regular driver license will be good for a four- or five-year period.  Some licenses are termed to expire at the same time as the document used to establish legal presence.  To renew this type of limited term license, a new legal presence document is required (See page 1*)  Each type of license expires on the date shown on the license.  It is against the low to drive after the license has expired.

You will be sent a notice to renew your license about two months before it expires (if DMV has your correct address).  You must still renew your license before it expires even if you do not receive a renewal notice.

You may be eligible to renew your license by mail without taking a test if your have a good driving record.  You will be sent an application to renew by mail if your are eligible.  (See page 94*)

If you are renewing Class A, B, or other commercial license with a special certificate, be sure to get the Commercial Driver Handbook for other requirements.  If you are licensed to operate a Class M1 M2 vehicle, see the Motorcycle Driver Supplement for renewal requirements.

A driving test may be required as part of any driver license examination.  Driving tests are not required simply because of age.

Drivers with physical or other medical problems may have to be reexamined from time to time by a physician or be retested more often that every four of five years (limited term license status) by a driver license examiner.

One Year Extension
If you are away from California when your driver license expires and you cannot apply in person (although you have legal residence here), write for a one-year extension of your license.  There is no fee for this extension but you must apply on or before the date it expires.  A "limited term" license cannot be extended.  Include your full name as it appears on the license, driver license number, birth date, and address.  Mail your request to the Department of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 942890, Sacramento, CA 94290-0001.

Always Carry Your License
You must have your driver license with you whenever you drive.  You must show it to any police officer who asks to see it.  You must also show it to the other driver(s) involved if you an accident.  (See page 73*)

Do not laminate your license.

This text is extracted from the DMV California Drivers Handbook. For more information and page refrences, please refer to this book. The handbook is available for free at any DMV location.

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