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California Driver's License Manual

Updated on Wed, 1/4/2012

In order to apply for your Driver's License you must first pass a written test. The driver's manual is the book that provides the information you need to know in order to pass your written test and to get your driver's permit. It is important to read the manual because Section 2 and 3 have pertinent information necessary to pass this test.

Information Covered in the Manual

The manual provides information regarding different types of licenses, state traffic laws, road signs, safe driving information and regulations - all of which will help you drive safely and successfully. For example:

  • You must pull over and stop at the side of the road for any emergency vehicle with its lights or sirens on
  • Signs in yellow with black lettering and symbols are usually warning signs

Sections of the Manual

There are several chapters within each part of the manual. The 3 major sections include:

  1. Information about licenses and owning a vehicle
  2. Traffic laws and regulations
  3. Safe driving suggestions

You can download a copy of the Driver's Manual for more detailed information.

Where to Get a Hard Copy of the Manual

Please see the Driver's Manual Here for an online copy of the manual and practice quizzes for each chapter OR the manual is available to purchase at any DMV office.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

As well as reading the manual, It is important to review all information regarding acquiring a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). Please use the following links to gain more knowledge about the licensing process.

Reviews of California Driver's License Manual

Submitted by celierox247 on Sat, 12/17/2011 - 03:25.

I'm 18, and want to start driving. But i don't know where to begin. Can someone help me on what to do????

Submitted by CBM2 on Wed, 08/03/2011 - 04:59.

Hello, so i already passed my written test, and now i want to schedule my driving test, is there anywhere on line i can schedule it... thanks in advance.

Submitted by romero_brian on Mon, 08/01/2011 - 22:45.

Hi I'm 16 & i wana get my driving permit so what do i have to do to get it ? ? ? because this all just confused me.

Submitted by KASEYSAVAGE on Sat, 07/23/2011 - 02:13.

I am 21 yrs old, I have never had my license at all. I was just wondering if I have to take the written & driving test or do I just take the driving or do I just take the written.

Does anyone know? Please let me know...

Submitted by shyana b lee on Wed, 01/04/2012 - 20:52.

you have to take both the driving and the written test because it is your first time taken the test and you never had your licence before.

Submitted by ArlynnLeon1992 on Mon, 06/06/2011 - 18:55.

I am 19 years old... my question is do you really need to pass the writting test?? i mean i do know the signs and what to do and my driving is really good im just scared that im not gonna pass the writting test.

Submitted by mrnewvegas on Mon, 05/16/2011 - 11:56.

is the only exception for minors driving only with a permit to have an adult in the passenger seat?

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 05/03/2011 - 04:22.

I am 29 years old. I am a female I never have drive. Because know body in my family teach me. I have a partime job that require me to travel one store to another. I been haveing this phobia about driving. I been catching the bus since 11 years already! I want to start learning how to drive. I want to know since I am 29 do I need a drivers permit! What are the steps I need to get there….?

Submitted by CBM2 on Wed, 08/03/2011 - 05:02.

hi! i hope somebody else has a better answer, but guess what,, im 30, and i have the same phobia,,, im soo scared of just hurting some one :S .. but well, look, i had to take the written test, its around $35 you have 3 chances, when you pass they give you a permit for 1 year, this should be enough for you to practice with someone that has a calif. license. Hope this helps...

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 04/29/2011 - 07:10.

what will i gonna do to gain back my confidence in driving...??? i learn to drive when i was at 10....i can drive our car in the city where in i dont even had my license that time but i didnt disobey any traffic rules then i met accident 2 yrs ago before i come here....that stops me to drive and apply for dl here...you know im tired to be a passenger but i cant be like this all the time.....can someone give me advice or pull my confidence up after having a 10 years experience of driving...im just 22 right now and most of the people i met on my age drives and i pity myself then...jasha

Submitted by cassyyx3 on Thu, 06/23/2011 - 22:37.

give it another chance :)

Submitted by mary lu on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 17:40.

hey my name is maria n i read ur comment here on this page. now swyy 2bugg in but i couldnt help 4rm reading what u wrote so i think that u should give urself another chance cuz u diserve it n well lk u said u cant stay lk dat 4 ever right so just try 2b more careful while driving n always b positive and also religiouse or not have faith in GOD:)

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 04/27/2011 - 19:47.

are the new L's long ways only for under age drivers? are they jus new for evryone?

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 04/14/2011 - 20:20.

can 171/2 year old permitted driver drive with 22 year old licensed driver?

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 04/21/2011 - 19:08.

yes

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 04/25/2011 - 00:10.

no!

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 05/02/2011 - 05:13.

has to be 25 year old licensed driver.

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 04/07/2011 - 01:03.

How old and what weight can have no car seat on?

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 04/11/2011 - 21:07.

You have to 7 and weight more than 60

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 19:17.

how can i get the drivers handbook mailed to me and when i turn 18 in june what do i need to take with me to the dmv to take the test so i can get my drivers license

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 03/31/2011 - 10:09.

i am disabled. I heard from friends that my child 17 can skip driving school and get her drivers liscense so she can drive for me does anyone have any info on this? If so can you please help me with this!!

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 05/02/2011 - 05:15.

she has to be 18. I am currently 18 and didn't have to take the permit test or go through driving school, i went ahead and took the actual behind the wheel test without any of the previous tests. However if you want her to practice driving before the test, she needs to get her permit to practice driving, she cant just skip that and practice.

Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 03/27/2011 - 18:33.

So when you are 18, what test do you need to take exactly...

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 04/26/2011 - 22:54.

Once your 18 you can skip the permit test and go straight for drivers license, but you cannot drive on the road without a permit/license, no matter your age.

Submitted by Anonymous on Sat, 04/09/2011 - 05:50.

all i know is when your 18 you can SKIP the permit test

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 03/07/2011 - 14:24.

Where are the practice tests?

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 03/02/2011 - 15:33.

Gas is too much!

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 03/01/2011 - 17:09.

How can I take a free written test?

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 04/18/2011 - 03:44.

what do i need to take when i go do my drivers test?

Submitted by raiders1 on Thu, 02/10/2011 - 21:36.

hey how u do a free written test online

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 02/01/2011 - 05:10.

Switching lanes without a blinker is it consider a violation?

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 04/05/2011 - 12:47.

No, but you must signal with arm (out for left, and down for right) or proper blinker (i.e., Left or Right). A bike blinker just (hopefully) keeps you from being run over in Los Angeles. Use arm signal and prayer on bike, and arm signal or (left or right) blinkers on cars.

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 03/16/2011 - 02:00.

just go kill urself

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 02/07/2011 - 17:54.

yes

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 02/04/2011 - 03:14.

yes

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 02/01/2011 - 16:23.

yes it is. is considered dangerous. like cutting someone off

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 02/04/2011 - 03:15.

yes

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 01/26/2011 - 23:00.

im 23 and dont have my license LMAO!!!

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 03/10/2011 - 23:55.

hahahahahahahaha you smoke pot?

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 03/16/2011 - 01:58.

hahahahahahahaha i smoke meth

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 05/05/2011 - 01:56.

i do too

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 02/01/2011 - 16:23.

haha me neither but im only 15

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 02/01/2011 - 04:33.

Hahahahah, that's no bueno

Submitted by luislara on Tue, 08/24/2010 - 02:06.

i just want to be able to read all rules regulation if thier is an easer way can you help

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 04/05/2011 - 12:58.

Probably not..no habla English? If you can read English (an understand it) then reread page. Hint, read hyperlinks above. Or, you might try "Manuals and Handbooks" on the left.

But, rather than kill one or more innocent people, please consider just riding the bus. Driving a car not only is a great responsibility, but requires better judgment than you seem to have.

Submitted by Natalie Saldivar on Wed, 08/18/2010 - 05:45.

Tryin too study for the drivng test!!! aNYONE knOW WEre THeRS TEST TOOO STUDY!!!

Submitted by glen on Fri, 08/06/2010 - 22:52.

I really want my drivers license can any body help

Submitted by mary lu on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 17:50.

realy me 2 n well i need help 2 i guess we just g2 study.lol

Submitted by luislara on Tue, 08/24/2010 - 02:10.

i could help if you realy need it just get at me at laraluis1104@yahoo.com

Submitted by yolandasims on Fri, 02/12/2010 - 18:31.

i need to get my license soon flunk test twice need practice test to study on computer