Timothy Cordero Bautista

July 8, 2010

DMV Notes

1. The California Driver License

1.1. Who Must Have a License
a) California Residents
• people who use public roads or parking except:
• people in the military or work for the government
• farmers on farms
• people driving ATVs / snowmobiles across (not on) roads (not freeways)
b) California Resident Military Personnel (U.S. Armed Forces)
• license is valid if for military duty or 30 days after being honorably discharged
• need to have license and discharge papers during 30 days
• can call for a license extension
• do valid if suspended, canceled, or revoked
• dependents don't qualify for extensions
c) Nonresident Military Personnel stationed in California
• see rules for “California Residents” and “Adults Visiting California”
d) New Residents
• have to apply for a license within 10 days
• residency established by voting, paying state college tuition, property taxes, having a
license, or being able to do anything else nonresidents can't do
e) Adults Visiting California
• can drive if they have a license for their home state
• Minors Visiting California
• can only drive with their permit / license for 10 days
• after 10 days, need:
• California driver license
• Nonresident Minor's Certificate
2. Obtaining a Driver License
2.1. need a birth date / legal presence document and Social Security Number,
2.2. thumb print, signature, picture, and photo ID
2.3. Acceptable Documents
a) anything issued by a country or state
b) certified copy of the original, don't use a scanner
2.4. Applications Requirements for a Basic Class C Driver License
a) submit a DMV Driver or ID card application; agree to submit to drug testing
b) birth date / legal presence document
c) SSN
d) pay a fee when apply for any new permit or license; good for 12 months
• allows three retakes
• have to restart entire process if application expires
e) pass a vision test
f) take picture
g) give a thumb print
 h) sign name
2.5. Adults' Permit Requirements
a) can get instruction permit if 18, meet requirements, and pass tests
b) need a permit when learning to drive
c) supervisor must be 18 and have a valid CA license
d) permit doesn't allow solo driving
e) motorcycle permits can't have passengers, can only ride during the day, and can't ride on
the freeway
f) motorcycle permit requirements:
• 18
• meet application requirements
• pass a traffic and road signs tests
2.6. Adult License Requirements
a) 18
b) comply with permit requirements; schedule driving test
c) make an appointment and bring permit to test
d) pass the behind the wheel test
e) people with licenses out of state usually don't have to take behind the wheel test
f) mandatory for people for other countries
3. License Classes
3.1. Class C license
a) can drive:
• 2 axle car that weighs 26,000 lbs or less
• 3 axle car that weighs 6,000 lbs or less
• RV / motor home less than 40 feet
• 3 wheel motorcycle
• vanpool with less than 15 people; need to register medical certification with DMV and
carry medical card
b) can tow:
• anything less than 10,000 lbs
c) with a car 4,000 lbs or more, can tow:
• a trailer under 10,000 lbs
• a trailer 10,000 – 15,000 lbs with endorsement
d) farmers can:
• drive anything less than 26,000 lbs for farming
3.2. Note:
a) can't tow more than one thing
b) a passenger car
c) cars under 4,000 lbs can't tow anything over 6,000 lbs
4. The Examination Process
4.1. Where to Take the Tests
a) can take written, vision, and behind-the-wheel at supporting DMV offices
b) appointments are faster
• Note:
• written or audio exams only before 4:30 pm
• written and vision test required for licenses
• can't use cheat sheets; have to retake the test
4.2. DMV Examinations
a) license test includes:
• vision test
• traffic laws and road signs test
• behind-the-wheel driving; bring:
• old license or permit
• licensed driver older than 18
• car insurance
• valid registration; working brake lights, horn, parking break, turn signals, good
tires, working driver's side window, full view windshield, at least two rear view
mirrors
• know headlight location, windshield wipers, defroster, hazard lights, parking
break, have driver's name on insurance contract for rentals, and wear seat belt
• will be rescheduled if doesn't meet requirements
b) Special Section – Minors
• Minor's Permit Requirements
• under 18
• have license signed by parents
• Note:
• can't work as a driver
• can't drive school buses
• Permit Requirements:
• 15 ½ – 18 years old
• complete driver or ID card application
• have parents sign application
• pass traffic and road sign test; wait one week before retaking if failed
• 15 ½ – 17 ½ year old need proof that:
• completed driver's education or
• completed driver's education or training or
• taking driver's education
• provisional permit no valid until start driver's training or become 17 ½
• motorcycle permit needs to be 15 ½ – 17 ½ and proof of driver's education and
training
• Note:
• if at least 17 ½, don't need training to get permit; have to wait until 18 to
get license
• Minors' Permit Restrictions
• practice with a licensed driver 25 years or older
• person needs to be able to take control of car
• can't drive alone
• M1 or M2 motorcycle permits can't carry passengers
• can't ride at night or on the freeway
• Minors' License Requirements
• at least 16
• proof that finished driver training and education
• have permit for at least 6 months
 • parent signature on permit; 50 hours of driving, 10 at night
• pass the behind-the-wheel test in under three tries; pay a retest fee and wait two
weeks before trying again
• can drive alone
• becomes a full license when 18
• can't drive 11pm-5am, have passengers under 20 unless with parent or driver 25
years or older for first year
• Exceptions – Minors License Restrictions
• need a signed note explaining why and end date for:
• medical reasons, signed by doctor
• school, signed by principal
• job, signed by boss
• driving an immediate family member with doctor and parent's note
• Exception:
• don't apply to emancipate minors
• declare self emancipated at DMV with Proof of Financial Responsibility form
• Traffic Violations
• half of drivers 15 – 19 get a ticket in first year
• most common in speeding; loss of control, 50 percent of tickets
• breaking laws increases chance of an accident
• Teenage Traffic Deaths
• drivers 15 -19 get the most tickets, accidents, and injuries
• accidents are the leading cause of death for teens
• minors are 2 ½ times more likely to get into an accident than average
• risk of injury is 3 times greater than average
• Actions Against the Provisional License
• teens get into two times the accidents in half the distance compared to adults; 4
times as many accidents per mile
• deaths caused by inexperience, not knowing car, and pushing cars and selves to
the limit
• Keeping Your Provisional License
• DMV tracks driving record; does:
• suspends license for not showing to court for tickets
• suspends until ticket fines are paid
• first at fault is warning
• second is no driving for 30 days without licensed parent or someone over 25
• third is suspended for 6 months and probation for a year
• at fault during probation is suspension
• 13 -21 DUI suspends license for a year, or delays license eligibility, or take
DUI program
• punishments continue past 18 to full term
• stronger actions based on record
• Habitual Truant 13 – 18
• suspends, restricts, delays, or revokes for a year if truant often
• Minors and Cell Phones
 • can't use cell phone while driving
• violations result in fines
• Exceptions: calling police, ambulance, fire department, or other emergency
5. Miscellaneous Licensing Information
5.1. To Replace License
a) go to DMV and pay replacement fee
b) need photo ID
c) minors need parents to sign DMV application form
d) destroy old, invalid license after getting new one
5.2. Name Changes
a) change name with Social Security Administration first
b) bring old license, valid document with new name, fill DL44, and pay fee
c) DMV verifies information with SSA
5.3. License Renewals
a) sends notice two months before
b) follow instructions on notice
c) make an appointment if didn't get notice
d) qualified drivers can renew through mail or online
e) license last five years, expires on birthday
f) driving test may be required for renewals, regardless of age
5.4. Renewal by Mail or Internet
a) for people who haven't had two consecutive five-year extensions, can renew by mail or
online if:
• expires before 70
• not on probation license
• didn't violate ticket court appearances in two years
• not suspended license for BAC level or drug tests within two years
• don't have more than one total violation count
• Note: can renew online if mail notice has Renewal ID Number
5.5. License Extension
a) free one year extensions before license expires if away from state more than a year
b) not available to limited term drivers
c) mail request to Sacramento DMV with driver license number, name, birth date, address,
and out of state address
5.6. License in Your Possession
a) always have license when driving
b) show it to police officers when asked
c) show it after an accident
5.7. Address Changes
a) notify DMV of new address within 10 days
b) free
c) can change address for license, ID card, and cars online
d) Change of Address form and mail it
e) call and ask for form
f) space on back of license for new address
g) can write address on piece of paper
h) DMV gives change of address certificate when at office
i) post office doesn't forward DMV correspondence
 5.8. Medical Information Card
a) call for a card with blood type, allergies, doctor's name, and other stuff
5.9. Organ and Tissue Donation
a) can sign up when applying for a license or renewal
b) can also donate money
c) minors need parent's signature
5.10. Unlicensed Drivers
a) illegal to let someone without a license drive
b) car is impounded for 30 days
c) can't drive in public without license
d) can't allow people to drive without license
e) need to be 21 to drive commercial cars for interstate or hazmat
5.11. Diplomatic Driver License
a) US Department of State issues licenses; exempt from CA license
5.12. ID Card
a) given to people of any age
b) need birth date, legal presence, an SSN
c) good for sixth birthday after
d) fee can be reduced for qualified people
e) 62+ can get free senior citizen ID for 10 years
5.13. Free ID for Retards
a) may need to retested more than every 5 years
b) people who can't drive anymore can trade for a free ID
5.14. Driving Schools
a) look for a qualified teachers
b) Schools need to carry insurance, be bonded, and have DMV inspection records
c) teachers need to pass a written test every 3 years
d) ask for teacher's ID card
5.15. Mature Driving Program
a) 8 hour course for 55+
b) course providers approved by DMV
c) insurance may have discounts
d) valid for 3 years and renewed with a 4 year course
5.16. Pedestrian Responsibilities
a) practice defensive driving
b) look for aggressive drivers
c) electric cars are quiet
d) right away to cars when crossing streets without cross walk
e) make eye contact before crossing; doesn't mean they're yielding right-of-way
f) don't run into the street, even at crosswalks
g) follow traffic signals and signs
h) always follow pedestrian rules
i) drivers have to yield right-of-way at any uncontrolled intersection crosswalks
j) look left, right, and left when walk signal changes
k) continue crossing if started if changes to “Don't Walk”
l) can't walk on toll bridges or highway crossing unless there is a sidewalk or signs allow
m) if no sidewalks, walk facing traffic
n) be more visible at night with bright, reflective clothes and flashlights
6. Seat Belts
 6.1. can't use car unless everyone 6 or 60 wearing seatbelts
6.2. use while moving on public and private property and parking lots
6.3. driver ticketed if under 16 passengers unbelted
6.4. can have belts installed on older cars
6.5. crash survival 2x without
6.6. lap + shoulder 4x
6.7. pregant women wear lap belt low as possible and shoulder between breasts and to side of
abdomen buldge
6.8. lap only belts increase change of spinal injuries especially children
6.9. can add on shoulder straps
6.10. Mistaken Beliefs About Seat Belts
a) seat belts keep people from being “knocked out”
b) more than half of traffic deaths happen within 25 miles of home
c) survival chance 5x better if not thrown from a car
d) car crashes are leading preventable death for children
e) required to have children in correct car seats
6.11. Child Restraint System and Safety Seats
a) can be checked with police and fire departments
b) might be refered to Child Passenger Safety
c) under 6 or 60 can ride in front when:
• no back seat, can't fit car seat in back, back seats are already filled up, or medical
reason
d) can't ride in front seat with air bag when:
• under one, less than 20 lbs, or is rear-facing
e) 6-16 and over 60 need correct seatbelts
6.12. Riding Safely with Air Bags
a) biggest risk of being too close
b) needs 10 inches to inflate
c) call car company if can't sit 10 inches away and maintain control for alternatives
6.13. Side Impact Air Bags
a) children too close to airbags at risk of serious injury
b) consider risks
c) don't lean against air bag; wear seat belts and sit right
6.14. Unattended Children in Motor Vehicles
a) illegal to leave under 6 in car unattended
b) be aware of weather conditions and don't leave the engine on
c) exception: may be left alone if with over child over 12
d) violators can be fined and forced to go to education program
e) higher DMV and court penalties if child is injured or needs emergency service
7. Traffic Lights and Signs
7.1. Solid Red- can make a right turn if clear of pedestrians, bikes, and cars
7.2. Red Arrow- can't make a right turn
7.3. Flashing Red- stop and go when safe
7.4. Solid Yellow- caution, stop if safe
7.5. Yellow Arrow- nearing end of protected turns
7.6. Flashing Yellow- proceed with caution, need to slow down
7.7. Flashing Yellow Arrow- yield, permitted, unprotected turns
7.8. Solid Green- yield; don't block intersection, will be cited
7.9. Green Arrow- protected turn, yield to traffic still in intersection
7.10. Traffic Signal Blackout- pretend there are stop signs in all directions
7.11. Pedestrian Signal Lights
7.12. Traffic Signs
a)