SECTION 3. The California Driver’s License. Flashcards
A California driver’s license gives you permission to drive on public roads. You must:
- Have your driver’s license with you when you drive.
- Show your driver’s license to any law enforcement officer who asks to see it.
- Show your driver’s license to the other driver(s) if you are in a collision.
- Have a valid driver’s license. It is a misdemeanor to drive with an expired driver’s license. You may get a ticket, have your vehicle impounded, and be required to appear in court.
Who Must Have a Driver’s License?
- California Residents
- Military Personnel (U.S. Armed Forces)
- New California Residents
- Adults Visiting California
Adults Visiting California
Visitors over 18 years old may drive in California with a valid driver’s license from their home state or country.
Penalties for Unlicensed Drivers
Driving without a license could result in a fine and jail sentence.
It is illegal for anyone with a suspended or revoked driving privilege to drive your car. If an unlicensed person is caught driving your vehicle, it may be impounded for 30 days.
Anyone hired to drive interstate commercial vehicles must be at least 21 years old. You also must be at least 21 years old to transport hazardous materials or waste.
Types of Driver’s Licenses
Most people need a Class C driver’s license.
To operate commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and other types of vehicles, you must have a different class of license.
With a Class C driver’s license, you may drive a:
- Two-axle vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,000 lbs. or less.
- Three-axle vehicle weighing 6000 lbs. or less (gross).
- House car (vehicle designed for human habitation) that is 40 feet or less.
- Three-wheel motorcycle with two wheels located in the front or back.
- Vanpool vehicle designed to carry between 10 and no more than 15 people (including the driver).
With a Class C driver’s license, you may tow:
- A single vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs. or less (including a tow dolly).
- With a vehicle weighing 4000 lbs. or more unladen, a:
—Trailer coach or fifth-wheel travel trailer under 10,000 lbs. GVWR when towing is not for compensation.
—Fifth-wheel travel trailer exceeding 10,000 lbs. but under 15,000 lbs. GVWR, when towing is not for compensation, and with endorsement.
A farmer (or employee of a farmer) may drive:
Any combination of vehicles weighing 26,000 lbs. GVWR or less (if used only in agricultural operations and not for hire or compensation).
Drivers with a Class C license may not tow:
- More than one vehicle.
- A passenger vehicle (regardless of weight) may not tow more than one vehicle.
- A motor vehicle weighing under 4000 lbs. (unladen) may not tow any vehicle weighing 6000 lbs. or more gross.
REAL ID Driver’s Licenses
The federal government passed the REAL ID Act of 2005 in response to the events of 9/11. Beginning May 2023, your driver’s license or identification (ID) card must be REAL ID compliant if you use it to:
* Board an airplane for domestic flights.
* Enter military bases.
* Enter most federal facilities.
Driver’s License Designations
- Organ and Tissue Donation
- Veteran
- ID Cards
Organ and Tissue Donation
Your driver’s license or ID will display a pink DONOR dot showing your participation in the donor program.
If you are at least 18 years old, your authorization does not require the consent of your legal guardian.
Veteran
Veterans may request to have the word “VETERAN” added to their card for an extra $5 fee
ID Cards
ID cards are only used for identification purposes. They do not permit you to drive in California. ID cards are issued to eligible persons of any age.
To get an ID card, you must provide your:
* Identity document.
* Residency document(s).
* Social security number.
