DMV Driver Handbook in California

SUMMARY: California Driver's Handbook & Manuals

California DMV handbooks and manuals are available for all types of drivers in a wide variety of languages. The CA driver's handbook and other driving manuals have been created to help new-to-state residents, as well as first-time drivers, learn the rules of the road, traffic laws, and safety information. DMV handbooks and driver's manuals include: commercial driver's handbook, motorcycle handbook, CA vehicle code, and the CA driver's manual. For CA drivers looking for more detailed information about traffic laws and regulations, please visit CA DMV Vehicle Codes.

California Driver Handbook

You can access the CA driving manual in multiple languages on the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website. Languages include:

  • English.
  • Armenian.
  • Spanish.
  • Chinese.
  • Korean.
  • Vietnamese.
  • Tagalog.
  • Russian.
  • Punjabi.
  • Farsi.
  • American Sign Language (video)

The information in the DMV handbook will help you pass the written knowledge exam when you apply for a California driver's license.

To obtain a hard copy of the driver's manual by mail, please contact your local CA DMV office or call (800) 777-0133 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Driving manuals are also available in person at CA DMV offices.

What's in the Driver Handbook?

The California DMV Handbook covers various topics, including:

The drivers manual also includes tips on:

  • Driving in rain, fog, or snow.
  • How to avoid road rage.
  • Safety for the aging driver.
  • Handling emergencies.
  • Vehicle theft prevention.

Reading through the DMV handbook is a great way to refresh your memory on the driving rules and regulations in California.

You'll also find information in the driver's manual about the written and driving tests required for a CA driver's license.

Don't Forget an Online Practice Test!

A perfect complement to studying the CA DMV Manual is preparing for the written exam with the help of an online practice test. These industry-leading study guides have been created to help you pass the test on your first attempt. Our certified partner offers practice tests for all types of licenses, including motorcycle and commercial vehicle licenses, that help you learn the information in the driving manuals.

Motorcycle Handbook

View the California Motorcycle Handbook (DL 665) for information about motorcycle operation and licenses in CA. The DMV handbook covers information including:

  • Rules of the road for motorcyclists.
  • Proper head, eye, feet, and face protection.
  • Riding in a group.

The motorcycle driver's manual also has some information about preparing for the written knowledge and driving exams.

If you need general information about driving in California, such as road signs and defensive driving practices, see the CA driver's handbook in addition to the motorcycle driving manual.

In addition to studying the motorcycle driving manual, you can take online practice tests to help you prepare for the written exam.

Commercial Driver Handbook

Before applying for a commercial driver's license (CDL), you should take some time to study the California Commercial Driver Handbook (DL 650), which is available online.

The commercial driver's manual contains information about the following:

  • CDL written and road exams.
  • Medical requirements for commercial drivers.
  • CDL disqualifications.
  • Safety laws in California.

The information in the commercial driving manual is the basis for the written test you'll take when you apply for a CDL in California.

Other CA DMV Handbooks

Visit the California DMV website for other driver's manuals and DMV handbooks on topics such as:

  • Recreational vehicles and trailers.
  • Parent-teen training.
  • Vehicle industry registration procedures in California.

These DMV handbooks are designed to offer detailed guidance and information about the specific topics that they cover.

California Vehicle Code

The CA DMV website offers easy online access to the California Vehicle Code.

The Vehicle Code offers more detail than the DMV manual. You'll find a range of information related to all traffic laws, driver's licenses, and vehicle titles and registrations in California.

Keep in mind that Vehicle Code is written in legal language and may be more difficult to understand than the information presented in the driver's handbook.

Learn more about the contents of the Vehicle Code and why you may need it in addition to the California driver's manual.

DMV.ORG BBB Business Review