California English - California DMV

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California English - California DMV
English

              California
              PARENT-TEEN TRAINING GUIDE

                                Gavin Newsom, Governor
                                State of California
This handbook is available at   David S. Kim, Secretary
dmv.ca.gov.                     California State Transportation Agency
                                Steve Gordon, Director
                                California Department of Motor Vehicles
California English - California DMV
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California English - California DMV
HANDS OFF THE
MOBILE DEVICE

                            X
                                                 7

It Can Wait!
It is against the law for minors to use   Messages
a hands-free device while driving.
                                                     ®
California English - California DMV
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California English - California DMV
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GETTING STARTED..................1                           When You Hear a Siren ............27
Parents’/Guardians’ Role............1                        Motorcycles, Bicycles, Scooters,
Driving Risks...............................1                Etc. ...........................................27
How to Use This Guide...............5                        When You See a School Bus....27
The Provisional Driver License...6                           Railroad Crossings ...................28
Principal Licensing                                          Quick Stops and Skids .............28
Requirements .............................6                  If Your Brakes Fail ....................28
Before Starting the Engine .........7                        Tire Blowout..............................29
During Practice ...........................9                 Stuck Accelerator......................29
DRIVING SKILLS.....................10                        When You Cannot See Because
                                                             of Fog, Rain, or Snow...............30
Operating a Manual
Transmission ............................10                  Driving on Slippery Roads ........31
Backing Up the Vehicle............. 11                       Driving in Wind .........................31
Practicing Turns........................ 11                  Overheating Car Conditions .....31
Signaling to Other Drivers ........12                        When You Are Stuck in Snow or
                                                             Mud...........................................32
Right Turns ...............................12
                                                             Hydroplaning ............................32
Left Turns..................................13
Intersections .............................14                SAFE DRIVER CHECKLIST....32
Roundabouts ............................16                   Safe Driver Checklist ................33
                                                             Is Your Teen Ready for a
PARENT-TEEN DRIVING
                                                             License? ...................................35
CONTRACT .............................18
                                                             Tips for Your Teen About DMV’s
Lane Choice .............................21
                                                             Driving Tests .............................35
Lane Changes ..........................21
                                                             Now That Your Teen Has a
Keeping Space Around the                                     License .....................................36
Vehicle ......................................21
                                                             SUPERVISED DRIVING LOG..37
Parking on Hills.........................23
Parallel Parking (Street with Two-                           SUPERVISED DRIVING LOG..39
Way Traffic)...............................23                SUPERVISED DRIVING LOG..40
U-Turn ......................................25
Freeway Driving........................25
Driving at Night .........................26
SPECIAL PROBLEMS AND
EMERGENCIES .......................27
What to Do if a Collision
Occurs ......................................27

                                                   - iii -
California English - California DMV
Slow down
                                                           and stop.
                                                            Every intersection is a
                                                            crosswalk.

California has the nation’s highest number of pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities.
When you drive, take extra care around people walking and biking. It’s the
human thing to do.

         m     Look twice for people walking or biking before you make a turn. Always
               come to a complete stop before making a right turn on red.

         g     Stop for people in crosswalks. Every intersection is a crosswalk, even if it’s
               unmarked.

         C     If another car is stopped at a crosswalk, you should stop, too. There may be
               someone crossing that you can’t see.

                                                                                OIi
                                                                                riAi,ic
                                                                                 SAFET Y

                 #GoHumanSoCal            O CJ Q               /GoHumanSoCal
California English - California DMV
© Copyright, Department of Motor Vehicles 2019
                                   All rights reserved.
This work is protected by U.S. Copyright Law. The DMV owns the copyright of this
work. Copyright law prohibits the following: (1) reproduction of the copyrighted work;
(2) distribution of copies of the copyrighted work; (3) preparation of derivative works
based upon the copyrighted work; (4) displaying the copyrighted work publicly; or (5)
performing the copyrighted work publicly. All requests for permission to make copies
of all or any part of this publication should be addressed to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
Legal Office MS C128
PO Box 932382
Sacramento, CA 94232-3820
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this publication. The products and services provided by the advertising sponsors
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If you would like to advertise in this publication, please call the Office of State
Publishing Advertising Department at 1-866-824-0603.

                                        -v-
California English - California DMV
WHEN
RED LIGHTS
ARE FLASHING
THERE IS NO PASSING
IN EITHER DIRECTION

                    Let’s keep
                 our kids safe,
                   California!
GETTING STARTED                         IMPORTANT: It is illegal to
                                           operate a motor vehicle on a
Teen drivers tend to be high-              California roadway without
risk drivers. Teens receive                a valid permit or driver
more traffic citations and are             license (DL) for the class
hurt or killed at a higher rate            of vehicle being operated.
than other drivers. As a parent/
                                         • Read pages 9–10 of this
guardian, you want to keep
                                           guide prior to beginning
your teen safe.
                                           your practice sessions.
PARENTS’/GUARDIANS’                      The best teacher is a good role
ROLE                                     model!
While California law sets the            DRIVING RISKS
requirements for teen driving,
you as an informed parent/               Driving is potentially
guardian and role model can              dangerous for everyone, but
enhance your teen’s safety               more so for teen drivers. The
by assuring that they have               risk of vehicle collisions is
adequate instruction. This               higher among teens than any
Parent-Teen Training Guide               other age group. In fact, per
helps you provide your teen              mile driven, teen drivers are
with additional driving skills.          nearly 3 times more likely to
This guide does not contain all          be in a fatal crash. According
of the licensing requirements.           to the Center for Disease
Before you and your teen begin           Control, traffic collisions are
the driving practice sessions:           the leading cause of death for
                                         teens. Lack of experience may
• Take the time to familiarize           lead to judgement errors and
   yourself with the California          increased risk-taking. It takes
   Driver Handbook, which                practice to be able to drive
   contains all licensing                safely. Teens show the most
   requirements.                         improvement within the first
                                         year, and within the first 1,000
                                         miles driven.

                                   -1-
Among teen drivers, those at                  driving can be deadly.
especially high risk for motor                There is a zero tolerance
vehicle collisions are:                       law in California for
• Males - In 2013, the motor                  teens who drive under
   vehicle death rate for teen                the influence of drugs or
   male drivers and passengers                alcohol.
   was twice that of their                • High speeds
   female counterparts.                     – Teens involved in severe
• Teens driving with teen                     collisions were usually
   passengers - The presence                  driving at high speeds.
   of teen passengers increases           • Distractions
   the collision risk of                    – Music, cell phones, pets,
   unsupervised teen drivers.                 and passengers should be
   This risk increases with the               avoided where possible.
   number of teen passengers.                 As the number of teen
• Newly licensed teens -                      passengers increases, the
   Collision risk is particularly             risk of collision increases.
   high during the first months               The provisional DL
   after getting a DL.                        restricts carrying teen
Talk to your teen about                       passengers for the first
avoiding the following risky                  year or until the driver
driving situations:                           turns 18 years old.
• Driving under the influence               – It is illegal to use a
   of alcohol and/or drugs                    cell phone or other
   – Drinking any amount of                   wireless electronic
      alcohol impairs a person’s              communication device
      judgement. Many                         while driving, unless
      drugs, legal and illegal,               making a call for
      can negatively affect                   e m e rg e n c y s e r v i c e s
      perception and reaction                 or on private property.
      time while driving. The                 Furthermore, it is against
      combination of drugs                    the law for teens to use
      and/or alcohol while                    hands-free devices while
                                              driving.

                                    -2-
• Mental State                           • Driving at night
  – Ensure your teen is                    – Driving at night requires
    aware that their emotions                extensive practice. The
    can interfere with safe                  highest collision risk for
    driving. Ensure your teen                teens occurs on weekend
    is in the proper state of                nights. The provisional
    mind, not tired, mad, sad,               DL restricts night driving
    etc.                                     for the first year or until
• Financial Responsibility                   the driver turns 18 years
  – The California                           old.
    Compulsory Financial                 • Obstructions
    Responsibility Law                     – Anything that restricts
    requires every driver                    or obscures the driver’s
    and every owner of a                     view and ability to scan
    motor vehicle to maintain                traffic is dangerous.
    financial responsibility                 Objects blocking the
    (liability coverage) at all              front or side windows,
    times. You must possess                  or hanging from the
    evidence of financial                    rearview mirror, should
    responsibility whenever                  be removed. Also, remind
    you drive, including the                 your teen to be cautious
    drive test, and must show                when driving near blind
    it to a peace officer after              intersections, parked
    a traffic stop or collision,             vehicles, and when
    when asked to do so. If                  driving in unpleasant
    you do not comply with                   weather, such as fog,
    this law, you may have to                snow, or heavy rain.
    pay a fine or your vehicle
    may be impounded.

                                   -3-
• Not using a safety belt               The graphics below illustrate
  – The driver and all                  what can happen in a collision:
    passengers must wear a                              IMPACTS
    safety belt or you and/or
    your passenger(s) may be
    cited. If the passenger is
    under 16 years old, you
    may becited if they are not
    wearing their safety belt.
    The graphic illustrates
    what can happen in a                            - If the red arrow were another car

    collision. If you are
                                         hitting your car on the driver's side:
                                         1   you would first be thrown against the
    struck from the side, the                driver's side door,

    impact could push you                2   then you would "rebound" and be thrown
                                             toward the passenger side door.
    back and forth across
    the seat. Safety belts and
    shoulder harnesses keep
                                                       CAR                DRIVER

    you in a better position
    to control the vehicle and
    may minimize serious
    injuries. The graphic
    also illustrates how your
    vehicle stops when you              NOTE: Lap-only belts increase
    collide, but you keep               the chance of spinal column
    going at the same speed             and abdominal injuries—
    you were traveling, until           especially in children. The
    you hit the dashboard or            use of a safety belt reduces the
    windshield. At 30 mph,              chance of being thrown from a
    this motion is equivalent           vehicle in case of a collision.
    to hitting the ground from
    the top of a three-story
    building.

                                  -4-
HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE                    4. Demonstrate. Allow
1. Discuss the expectations                 your teen to observe a
   and responsibilities of                  demonstration of driving
   operating a vehicle safely.              skills in different scenarios.
   It is recommended that you               Discuss any errors or
   and your teen complete                   questions your teen might
   a Parent-Teen Driving                    have regarding different
   Contract outlining the                   driving situations.
   agreed upon expectations              5. Practice and record your
   and responsibilities                     progress. Have your teen
   o f a s a f e d r i v e r.               practice the skill. When
   NOTE: A sample Parent-                   you decide that your teen
   Teen Driving Contract                    can perform a certain skill
   is included in this guide                easily and well, double-
   starting on page 18.                     check the directions and
2. Develop a lesson plan.                   note the driving skills on
   You and your teen should                 the Supervised Driving
   identify what driving skills             Log on pages 37-40.
   your teen should focus on             6. Prepare for the test.
   practicing.                              Review the Driving Risks
3. Familiarize yourself with                section starting on page
   proper skills. Read the                  1 with your teen. Use
   directions for the skill                 the Safe Driver Checklist
   you wish your teen to                    on page 33 to take your
   practice and log them on                 teen on a “test” drive.
   the Supervised Driving                   Make sure that your teen
   Log on pages 37-40.                      performs all the items on
   Check the directions in this             this list correctly. Spend
   guide to be sure the skill is            more practice time with
   performed correctly.                     your teen on any item(s)
                                            missed.

                                   -5-
THE PROVISIONAL                                Motor Vehicles (DMV) website
DRIVER LICENSE                                 at dmv.ca.gov or at a DMV
To decrease motor-vehicle                      field office. Revoking your
collisions involving teens, a                  consent will cancel the minor’s
special “provisional” license                  instructional permit or DL and
and instruction permit is issued               may extend the provisional
to minors. A minor is a person                 restrictions when applying for
under 18 years old.                            a new application.
The following restrictions                     Complete driver education
apply to minors during the                     (classroom training) and
first 12 months:                               driver training (behind-the-
                                               wheel training) in a public or
A minor cannot:                                private high school, or a state-
• Drive between 11 p.m. and                    licensed professional driving
   5 a.m.                                      school. (The hours required
• Tr a n s p o r t p a s s e n g e r s         for driver education and driver
   under 20 years old, unless                  training classes are defined
   accompanied by a licensed:                  in the California Education
   – Parent or guardian.                       Code §§51851 and 51852.)
   – California driver 25                      Internet, correspondence, or
      years old or older.                      other distance-based driver
   – Or certified driving                      education training must be
      instructor.                              the equivalent of an approved
                                               classroom instruction.
PRINCIPAL LICENSING                            NOTE: If you use the services of
REQUIREMENTS                                   a professional driving school,
As a parent or guardian, you                   ask to see the instructor’s
may revoke your consent at                     identification (ID) card and
any time by completing a                       confirm that the school is
Request for Cancellation or                    licensed by DMV. Professional
Surrender of a Driver License                  driving schools and instructors
or Identification Card (DL 142)                in California are licensed by
form. The form is available                    DMV after meeting qualifying
online at the Department of                    standards.

                                         -6-
Pass the knowledge test. Your            before the driving test may be
teen should have completed               taken.
the knowledge test on the                N O T E : You may obtain a
TouchScreen Terminal (TST)               Driving Test Criteria (DL
and obtained a provisional               955) handbook at a local
instruction permit. If your teen         DMV field office or online
did not pass the knowledge               at dmv.ca.gov to assist with
test, they must wait 7 days              driving instruction.
(1 week), not including the              Your teen must have a
day the test was failed before           California instruction permit
retaking the test.                       or an instruction permit
NOTE: The provisional                    issued from another state
instruction permit is not valid          for at least 6 months (or turn
until your teen begins driver            18 years old), before they can
training with an instructor or           schedule their driving test.
is 171/2 years old.                      Information regarding the
Complete at least 50 hours of            knowledge and driving tests
supervised driving practice.             are found in the California
It will take more than 15                Driver Handbook, which is
minutes of practice time every           based on the California Vehicle
day for 6 months to complete             Code.
50 hours of practice driving,
of which at least 10 hours               BEFORE STARTING THE
must be night driving practice.          ENGINE
The parent or guardian and               • R e v i e w y o u r t e e n ’s
the instructor must sign the               instruction permit. Be
statement on the provisional               aware of any provisional
permit certifying that the teen            restrictions and additional
has completed the supervised               instructions.
training. The signed permit              • Identify practice areas
must be presented to DMV                   appropriate to your teen’s
                                           driving ability. This will
                                           allow you to be aware

                                   -7-
of any hazards, signs, or                    on the outside of the left
    signals. Start with basic                    side of the vehicle, that
    driving situations, such as                  are secure, unbroken, and
    in a residential or rural area,              provide clear visibility.
    and increase complexity                    – Fasten the safety belt(s).
    over time. Congested, urban                  For the best protection,
    traffic or freeways are not                  safety belts should be
    the best starting areas.                     adjusted to fit your teen
•   Until your teen has learned                  before they start driving.
    the traffic rules and how                    Always wearing your
    to control the vehicle, you                  safety belt helps develop
    may consider practicing in                   a habit for your teen
    a vehicle with an automatic                  anytime they are driving.
    transmission, if possible,              NOTE: The parent or guardian
    because it is easier to drive.          seat should be positioned to
•   Evaluate the vehicle’s tire             allow them to take control of
    tread. Each tire must have              the vehicle, if needed.
    1/32” inch tread depth                     – Locate and demonstrate
    grooves and any 2 major                      that the following are
    adjacent tread grooves.                      fully functional:
•   Review and demonstrate                       ◦ Driver window
    the proper arm signals for:                  ◦ Turn signals
    a left turn, a right turn, and
                                                 ◦ Brake lights
    slowing down or stopping.
                                                 ◦ Hazard warning lights
•   Have your teen sit in the
                                                    (emergency flashers)
    driver’s seat of the vehicle,
    and before starting the                      ◦ Emergency/parking
    engine:                                         brake
    – Adjust the seat, if                        ◦ Defroster (front/rear)
       necessary.                                ◦ Horn
    – Adjust the mirrors, if                     ◦ Headlights
       necessary. The vehicle                    ◦ Windshield wipers
       must have at least 2                 NOTE: The windshield should
       mirrors, including one               be free from any cracks

                                      -8-
and material obstructing or                  response to a question, say
reducing visibility.                         “correct”).
                                         •   For each action, guide
DURING PRACTICE                              your teen through 2 or 3
• Avoid all distractions. The                practice trials, and then
  stereo and other electronic                allow your teen to practice
  devices should be turned                   without specific assistance
  off. This includes cell                    or direction.
  phones. Initially avoid                •   Av o i d d r i v i n g l o n g
  having passengers in the                   distances. Even 1 hour can
  vehicle. As your teen gains                be exhausting to a new
  experience, passengers may                 driver. It may be better to
  be in the vehicle but should               initially start with short
  not interfere or distract your             driving experiences and
  teen.                                      build up to longer ones.
• When giving directions, first              Stop practicing when your
  state where the action will                teen becomes tired or upset.
  take place, and then state             •   Read the traffic environment
  the action to be completed                 ahead, to the sides, and
  (for example, “at the next                 behind while observing your
  intersection turn left”). Give             teen’s driving behavior.
  directions in plenty of time
                                         •   If you see a bad traffic
  so your teen can understand
                                             situation ahead that your
  and prepare to complete the
                                             teen cannot handle, pull
  action.
                                             over and stop.
• Be patient, sympathetic, and
                                         •   Do not expect your teen to
  understanding. Keep your
                                             drive the way you do. You
  voice calm. Be alert at all
                                             have years of experience and
  times.
                                             have developed behaviors
• Avoid the use of terms with                and patterns that your teen
  possible double meanings                   does not have.
  (instead of “right” in
                                         •   When your teen is done
                                             practicing, show them how

                                   -9-
to park the vehicle and turn              4. Practice pressing down
  off the engine.                              the clutch and shifting to
• After driving, evaluate and                  a gear you have chosen.
  summarize each driving                       After shifting becomes
  experience. Ask your teen                    easy, have your teen
  how they think they did.                     practice shifting in and out
  This could help identify                     of first gear when stopping
  concerns and things that                     and starting.
  should be practiced. This                 Shifting into First Gear
  guide provides a sample                   1. Place the gearshift into
  lesson plan and pages                        neutral.
  for tracking your teen’s                  2. With the clutch firmly
  progress.                                    depressed and a foot on
                                               the brake pedal, start the
    DRIVING SKILLS                             engine.
OPERATING A MANUAL                          3. Release the parking brake.
TRANSMISSION                                4. Move the gearshift lever
A vehicle with an automatic                    from neutral to first gear.
transmission is recommended                 5. Let the clutch come up very
because it is easier to operate.               slowly until it reaches the
If operating a manual                          point at which the engine
transmission and your teen has                 takes hold and begins to
problems shifting, practice the                pull the vehicle forward.
steps below without releasing               6. Move your foot from the
the parking brake. With the                    brake to the gas pedal and
ignition off, have your teen:                  press down gently.
1. Depress the clutch pedal                 7. Slowly let the clutch pedal
    to the floor. Hold it there.               come up all the way.
2. Practice shifting through                NOTE: Do not allow your teen
    all the gears.                          to push in the clutch and coast
3. Practice until shifting is               to a stop. The vehicle must
    automatic.                              remain in gear at all times.

                                   - 10 -
BACKING UP THE VEHICLE                            accelerator, if needed —
Practice on a residential street                  be ready to brake to control
with little or no traffic, or in a                the speed of the vehicle.
parking lot with no obstacles                 8. Occasionally check their
or vehicles. Before starting                      blind spots.
to back up, have your teen                    9. Move slowly and avoid
turn their head to survey the                     sudden movement of the
area rather than relying just                     steering wheel.
on the rearview and/or side                   10. Turn the steering wheel
mirrors, or camera, which may                     to the right, if they wish
not show all hazards. Avoid                       to back to the right. Turn
backing around corners or                         the steering wheel to the
sharp curves unless there is                      left, if they wish to back
good visibility in all directions.                to the left.
If your teen seems to have                    11. Press the brake gently to
problems backing, have them                       stop.
follow the steps below:                       12. Shift into park.
1. Put their left hand at the
    top of the steering wheel.                PRACTICING TURNS
2. Place their foot on the                    Practice turning in a large,
    brake.                                    open parking lot, or other area
3. Shift to reverse.                          without traffic, pedestrians, or
                                              bicyclists. The first few times,
4. Check in all directions for
                                              give directions on steering
    traffic, children, animals,
                                              throughout the turn. Be ready
    and objects in or moving
                                              to grab the wheel, if necessary.
    toward their path.
                                              Practice right turns first.
5. Release the parking brake.
6. Place their right hand
    on the back of the seat
    and look over their right
    shoulder through the rear
    window.
7. Release the foot brake
    slowly and apply the

                                     - 11 -
Signaling to Other                               MAKING A RIGHT TURN
Drivers
                                        STOP
Have your teen demonstrate
arm and electric turn signals as
shown in the graphic. During

                                                                           STOP
the driving test, your teen must
                                                                       E
use the vehicle’s turn signal                                    WID
                                                            RN
during the last 100 feet before

                                                        U
                                                     TT
reaching the left or right turn.

                                               DO NO
At freeway speeds, it is best to
signal at least 5 seconds before                      STOP
changing lanes.
        SIGNALING TO
                                                                       3
       OTHER DRIVERS
                                                                       2
                                                                       1
     LEFT TURN      RIGHT TURN

                                              (1) About 100 feet from corner:
                                                  • Reduce speed.
                                                  • Begin signaling.
                                              (2) STOP BEHIND LIMIT LINE:
           SLOW or STOP                           • Look over right shoulder.
                                                  • When safe, move as
                                                    close to the right curb as
                                                    possible. Enter bicycle lane
Right Turns                                         when it is safe.
                                                  • Look both ways.
Give the instruction to turn
                                              (3) If safe, turn into right lane.
at least 200 feet (more than
one-half city block) before
turning. This will allow the
teen enough time to signal,
check traffic, and start the turn.
Approach the turn in the right
lane, turn into the right lane,

                                     - 12 -
and remain in that lane until             7. Complete the turn in the
the turn is completed.                       right lane.
N OTE : Do not turn wide as               8. Turn the steering wheel as
it could create a hazard with                the front end of the vehicle
oncoming traffic.                            enters the proper lane, and
If your teen has difficulty                  then straighten the vehicle
making right turns, follow                   in the lane.
these steps:                              LEFT TURNS
1. Signal a right turn as                 After your teen can make a
   soon as possible, without              right turn well, practice left
   confusing other drivers.               turns. If your teen has difficulty
2. S l o w d o w n a s t h e y            making left turns correctly,
   approach the turn. Check               follow these steps:
   the traffic ahead, behind,             1. Signal a left turn as soon
   and over their right                       as possible, without
   shoulder.                                  confusing other drivers.
3. Drive close to the right               2. S l o w d o w n a s t h e y
   edge of the road. If they                  approach the turn. Check
   are merging into a bike                    the traffic ahead, behind,
   lane, they must look over                  and over their left shoulder.
   their right shoulder before            3. Drive close to the center
   merging to ensure the lane                 divider or turn lane.
   is clear.                              4. Obey all signs and/or traffic
4. Obey all the signs and/                    signals. At the intersection,
   or traffic signals. At the                 look left, right, and ahead.
   intersection, look left,               5. Keep the steering wheel
   right, and left again.                     straight and yield to
5. Yield to pedestrians and                   pedestrians and bicyclists.
   bicyclists.
6. Turn the wheel to the right
   when the front bumper
   enters the intersection.

                                 - 13 -
MAKING A LEFT TURN                             6. Look left, ahead, right, and
                   STOP                              left again and proceed into
                                                     the intersection when safe
                                                     while turning the steering
                                                     wheel to the left to enter
                                                     the new lane.
               DO NOT                             7. Accelerate the vehicle
                        CUT                          and allow the wheel to
       STOP

                                                     straighten on the new lane
                          CO
                              RNE

                                                     to complete their turn.
                                 R

                                  STOP            note: Do not drive too close
                              2                   to the corner as it could create a
                                                  hazard with oncoming traffic.
                                                  intersections
                                                  Discuss the following steps
                              1                   for controlled intersections
                                                  and uncontrolled or “blind”
                                                  intersections with your teen.
                                                  Directions for Controlled
(1) About 100 feet from corner:                   Intersections
    • Reduce speed.
    • Begin signaling.
                                                  1. When approaching an
                                                     intersection with a traffic
(2) STOP BEHIND LIMIT LINE:                          signal light, be ready to
    • Look left, then right, then left               brake and keep plenty
      again.
    • If safe, make turn.
                                                     of room between their
                                                     vehicle and the vehicle
                                                     ahead. Even when the light
                                                     is green, it is against the
                                                     law to enter an intersection
                                                     when there is not enough
                                                     space to completely cross
                                                     before the light turns red.
                                                     If heavy traffic (gridlock)

                                         - 14 -
causes them to block cross                • Safely select an appropriate
   traffic, they can be cited.                  space for entering an
2. Check traffic ahead and                      intersection where there is
   to the side for vehicles                     cross traffic.
   on cross streets before                   A blind intersection means
   entering the intersection.                that a driver cannot see traffic
3. Watch oncoming traffic                    on the cross street for at least
   for any vehicle making an                 100 feet in each direction
   illegal turn.                             during the last 100 feet before
4. Check for and yield to any                crossing because a building or
   pedestrian and bicyclists                 other object blocks the view.
   crossing at a corner or                   When approaching a blind
   other crosswalk.                          intersection, have your teen:
When the Light Turns Yellow                  1. Slow to a safe speed, a
                                                 maximum of 15 mph,
Teach your teen how to decide
                                                 which will let them stop
when it is safe to stop at a
                                                 safely.
yellow light. As your teen
approaches the green light,                  2. Look for pedestrians,
have them tell you, at regular                   bicyclists, and cross traffic.
intervals, whether it would be               3. Look for approaching
safe to proceed if the light were                vehicles on side streets.
to turn yellow. Make certain                 4. Look left, right, and left
that your teen consistently                      again for traffic on the
identifies the point at which a                  cross street before entering
safe stop could be made.                         the intersection.
Directions for Uncontrolled                  5. If their view is blocked,
(No Signs or Signals) and Blind                  move slowly forward until
Intersections                                    they can see clearly in both
Encourage your teen to develop                   directions.
the skills to:                               6. If the road is clear, cross
• Judge the speed and                            the intersection.
   distances of other vehicles
   at or approaching an
   uncontrolled intersection.

                                    - 15 -
ROUNDABOUTS                                 For roundabout with multiple
A roundabout is an intersection             lanes, have your teen choose
where traffic travels around                their entry or exit lane based
a central island in a counter-              on the destination as shown in
clockwise direction.                        the graphic. For example, to:
Roundabouts do not have                             ROUNDABOUTS
bicycle lanes, so traffic must
share the road. Vehicles or
bicycles entering or exiting the
roundabout must yield to all
traffic, including pedestrians.                CAR C
When approaching a
roundabout have your teen:                                      CAR B

• Slow down as they approach
   the roundabout.
• Yield to pedestrians and
   bicyclists crossing the                                  CAR A

   roadway.                                 • Turn right at the intersection,
• Watch for signs and/or                      choose the right-hand lane
   road markings that guide or                and exit in the right-hand lane
   prohibit certain movements.                (Car A).
• Enter the roundabout                      • Go straight through the
   (heading to the right) when                intersection, choose either
   there is a big enough space                lane, and exit in the lane
   in traffic to merge safely.                entered (Car B).
• Travel in a counterclockwise              • Turn left, choose the left lane,
   direction. Do not stop or                  continue around, and exit in
   pass.                                      the lane entered (Car C).
• Signal when they change
   lanes or exit the roundabout.
• If they miss their exit,
   continue around until they
   return to their exit.

                                   - 16 -
Parent-Teen Driving Contract
We,                                                                          and                                                                          , agree to the following conditions:
                                  Name of Teen                                                      Name(s) of Parent(s) or Guardian
Initial if                                                                                            Initial if
applies      Teen Driver’s Responsibilities                                                           applies      Parent’s Responsibilities
             I will inform my parent/guardian about my destination, who will be the passengers,                    I will listen in a respectful manner to the explanations or concerns expressed by
             and when I will return.                                                                               my teen regarding the operation of a vehicle or terms of the contract.
             I will call home if my plans change.                                                                  I will provide respectful feedback when accompanying my teen in a vehicle.

             I will notify a parent/guardian if I think that I will be more than 30 minutes late.                  I will serve as a good role model when operating a vehicle.
             I will respect and obey all driving laws and safely drive not endangering my life                     I will respect and obey all driving laws and safely drive not endangering my life
             or the lives of others.                                                                               or the lives of others.
             Everyone in the vehicle will wear a safety belt at all times.                                         Everyone in the vehicle will wear a safety belt at all times.

             I will never drink alcohol and/or use drugs and drive.                                                I will never use alcohol and/or use drugs and drive.

             I will never ride in a vehicle where alcohol or drug use is occurring.                                I will never ride in a vehicle where alcohol or drug use is occurring.

             I will not be a passenger in a vehicle whose driver appears impaired.                                 I will not be a passenger in a vehicle whose driver appears impaired.

             I will not drive aggressively, such as speeding, tailgating, or cutting others off.                   I will not drive aggressively, such as speeding, tailgating, or cutting others off.

             I will call home if I cannot get home safely.                                                         I (we) agree to come and get you at any hour from any place, with no questions
                                                                                                                   asked, or I (we) will arrange transportation to bring you home safely. I (we) expect
             I will not let anyone else drive or use the vehicle entrusted to me.                                  that a discussion of such incident would follow at a later time.

                                                                             Vehicle Costs and Maintenance
                                                                        will be responsible for the following (indicate the dollar amount or percentage of the cost):
                             Name of Teen

                   Vehicle cost                                     Fuel cost                                            Vehicle damage                                   Vehicle insurance

                   Vehicle registration                             Maintenance cost                                     Fines/penalties                                  Other

Check all that apply:

                   Check oil and other fuids                        Report unusual                                       Inspect tires and check air                      Keep interior and exterior
                   regularly                                        performance                                          pressure                                         clean
                                                                    Refuel when tank is less                             Perform normal
                   Clean all windows                                than ¼ full                                          maintenance                                      Other

                   Additional conditions or responsibilities:

We understand and agree to the terms of this contract, which may be renegotiated and revised later.

                                          Signature of Teen                                                                            Signature of Parent or Guardian

                                                Date                                                                                   Signature of Parent or Guardian
Connect
       with us

 in                          ~
                             II

         O   F CALIFO
      TE             R
  A

                     NI
ST

                       A
                         ®
LANE CHOICE                                  6. Steer to center the vehicle
Note the importance of                          in the new lane.
choosing the lane that is                    7. Turn off the signal.
appropriate for the driving                  Problems to Watch for:
action, such as turning or                   • Failing to check the rearview
parking.                                       mirror.
Drive in the lane with the                   • Failing to look over their
smoothest flow of traffic. For                 shoulder at blind spots.
example, if a roadway has 2                  • Checking over their
lanes in the same direction,                   shoulder too long while the
select the right lane. If they                 vehicle drifts from its path
can choose among 3 lanes,                      or gets dangerously close to
pick the middle lane. To drive                 vehicles ahead.
faster, pass, or turn left, use              • Not knowing if there is
the left lane.                                 enough room to change
LANE CHANGES                                   lanes. At first, you should
                                               make the judgment for your
You may discover your teen
                                               teen. When your teen is able
has difficulty changing lanes
                                               to look over their shoulder
in a smooth, continuous
                                               and still stay in the lane,
movement. Have your teen
                                               have your teen tell you
follow the steps below to make
                                               when it is safe to change
sure that a lane change is made
                                               lanes. Continue requiring a
safely:
                                               verbal check until you agree
1. Signal.                                     with their decision.
2. Check the traffic ahead.
3. Look in the mirrors for                   KEEPING SPACE AROUND
    breaks in the traffic.                   THE VEHICLE
4. Check their blind spot by                 Most drivers do not see “the
    looking over their shoulder              big picture” as well as they
    into the lane they wish to               should because they follow too
    occupy.                                  closely, and the vehicle ahead
5. Change lanes by moving                    blocks their view of the road.
    into a break in traffic flow.

                                    - 21 -
Good drivers maintain a safe                more following distance gives
following distance to see more              them and the tailgater more
of what is happening in traffic.            time to react in an emergency.
The more distance they allow                “Lose” the tailgater as soon
between their vehicle and the               as they can. Have your teen
vehicle ahead, the more time                change lanes and allow the
they will have to see a hazard              tailgater to pass them, or slow
or collision down the road.                 down to allow enough space
They will have more time to                 between them and the vehicle
stop, or to avoid the problem.              in front of them. If this does
Encourage your teen to keep                 not work, have your teen pull
enough distance between                     off the road when it is safe and
their vehicle and the vehicle               let the tailgater pass.
ahead, to the sides, and to the             If another driver closely
rear. Your teen will then have              changes lanes in front of them,
a “bigger picture” of their                 it is better to just take their
driving environment. Steering               foot off the gas. This will give
will be easier and the vehicle              your teen space between their
can travel in the center of the             vehicle and the other vehicle
lane instead of hugging one                 without swerving into another
side of the lane or the other.              lane. Do not overreact in this
Teach your teen how to keep at              situation.
least a three-second following              Tell your teen to avoid driving
distance. When the vehicle                  in the blind spot of other
ahead passes a signpost or                  drivers. The other driver may
other object near the road,                 not see your teen’s vehicle and
count “one thousand one, one                could change lanes, causing a
thousand two, one thousand                  collision.
three.” If you pass the selected
                                                    BLIND SPOTS
object before completing this
count, you are too close.
When crowded by a tailgater,
your teen should allow extra
room between their vehicle and
the vehicle ahead. Allowing

                                   - 22 -
PARKING ON HILLS                             • Headed either uphill or
Have your teen practice                        downhill when there is no
parking on hills with little or                curb, turn the wheels so the
no traffic. If they are unable                 vehicle will roll away from
to practice parking on hills                   the center of the road if the
in your area, have your teen                   brakes fail.
practice on a flat road and                  NOTE: Always have your teen
discuss the procedures for                   set the parking brake and leave
parking on hills.                            the vehicle in gear or in the
                                             “park” position.
        HILL PARKING
                                             PARALLEL PARKING
                                             (STREET WITH TWO-WAY
                                             TRAFFIC)
                                             Parallel parking is a driving
 DOWN HILL   UP HILL    NO CURB              technique which allows your
                       UP HILL OR            teen to park parallel to the
                       DOWN HILL
                                             road in line with other parked
                                             vehicles. The steps below
When parking, have your teen:                explain how to parallel park
                                             safely.
• On a sloping driveway, turn
  the wheels so the vehicle                  1. Find a space and pull the
  will not roll into the lane if                 vehicle alongside the space
  the brakes fail.                               or vehicle in front of where
• Headed downhill, turn the                      they intend to park. Look
  front wheels into the curb or                  for a space at least 3 feet
  toward the side of the road.                   longer than the vehicle.
  Set the parking brake.                         When they find a space,
                                                 signal that they intend to
• Headed uphill, turn the front
                                                 park. Leave approximately
  wheels away from the curb
                                                 2 feet between the vehicle
  and let the vehicle roll back
                                                 or space next to the vehicle
  a few inches. The wheel
                                                 and stop once the bumper
  should gently touch the
                                                 is aligned with the space.
  curb. Set the parking break.
                                                 Check the rear view mirror

                                    - 23 -
and look over shoulder
   for approaching vehicles.
   Keep the foot on the
   brake and put the vehicle
   in reverse. Maintain the
   signal.
                                                       STEP 3
    PARALLEL PARKING
 Street with Two-Way Traffic               4. Pull forward if necessary.
                                              Your teen may need to pull
                                              forward and backward to
                                              straighten out. The vehicle
                                              should now be parallel and
                                              no further than 18 inches
                                              from the curb.
            STEP 1

2. Lift the foot off the brake.
   Before backing up, check
   mirrors and look over
   shoulder for any hazards.                           STEP 4
   Begin to back up, at
   approximately a 45 degree               5. Check for hazards. Shift
   angle.                                     the vehicle into park, turn
                                              off the engine. Check the
                                              mirrors and look over
                                              shoulder for any hazards
                                              before opening the vehicle
                                              door.

            STEP 2

3. Straighten out. Begin
   turning the steering wheel
   away from the curb when
   the rear wheel is within 18                         STEP 5
   inches from the curb.

                                  - 24 -
U-TURN                                            for vehicles to the rear
1. Practice U-turns on a wide,                    and sides if there is more
   residential street with little                 than one lane merging.
   or no traffic. Do not make                     Remember—you do not
   a U-turn in heavy traffic.                     have the right of way.
2. During the first practice                 3.   Turn on the signal.
   session, act as your teen’s               4.   Look for a space in the
   eyes while they concentrate                    traffic. Adjust the speed to
   on making the turn.                            match that of vehicles on
3. W h e n y o u r t e e n c a n                  the freeway.
   make the turn easily,                     5.   Do not slow or stop unless
   encourage them to look                         necessary.
   in all directions for traffic             6.   When reaching the freeway,
   before turning and while                       look over shoulder before
   making the turn. (Near                         moving into a space in the
   intersections a vehicle can                    first lane.
   come around the corner in                 7.   Do not cross over any solid
   just a few seconds.)                           lines while merging.
FREEWAY DRIVING                              On the Freeway
When your teen is ready for                  1. Keep up with traffic as
freeway driving, try to choose                  much as possible without
long on-ramps and off-ramps                     exceeding the speed limit.
to practice entering and exiting                Yield to faster traffic. Stay
the freeway. The following are                  to the right, as much as
freeway driving directions to                   possible.
give to your teen:                           2. Leave plenty of room
                                                around the vehicle. Use
Entering the Freeway
                                                the three-second rule
1. Be in the proper lane for                    described on page 22 for
   the on-ramp.                                 following distance, and
2. While still on the ramp,                     adjust the lane position
   check mirrors. Watch                         as needed for traffic
   traffic in the lane they will                conditions.
   be entering. Also, watch

                                    - 25 -
3. Watch for merging traffic                  to give your teen for driving
   at on-ramps.                               at night:
4. Signal and look over the                   1. Turn the headlights on
   shoulder before changing                       when darkness makes it
   lanes.                                         harder to see (no later than
Leaving the Freeway                               one-half hour after sunset).
1. When planning to exit                          It is illegal to drive using
   a freeway, well before                         only parking lights.
   the exit, scan for signs                   2. Drive more cautiously.
   indicating which lane to                       Your teen should be able
   use.                                           to stop the vehicle within
2. Move into the proper exit                      the distance that they can
   lane at least one-half mile                    see ahead.
   before the exit. Do not                    3. Leave plenty of room
   wait until the last minute.                    around the vehicle.
   You may cause a collision                  4. Signal well in advance of
   if you change lanes in a                       every move.
   hurry.                                     5. Avoid looking into the
3. Signal 4 or 5 seconds                          headlights of an oncoming
   before the off-ramp.                           vehicle. Look to the right
4. After entering the off-                        edge of the road. Your teen
   ramp, slow to the posted                       must learn to maintain
   speed limit.                                   the vehicle’s direction of
5. Do not cross over any solid                    travel when the headlights
   lines when exiting.                            of oncoming traffic make
                                                  it hard to see.
DRIVING AT NIGHT                              6. Practice all of the skills
Do not start night driving                        described for a minimum
until your teen has mastered                      of 10 hours of night
all driving skills during the                     driving.
daylight hours. Begin night
driving in a familiar, low traffic
area. Below are the directions

                                     - 26 -
SPECIAL PROBLEMS                            in a citation. Sometimes, the
 AND EMERGENCIES                             driver of an emergency vehicle
                                             will use a loudspeaker to direct
WHAT TO DO IF A COLLISION                    a driver blocking the road.
OCCURS                                       MOTORCYCLES,
Talk to your teen about what to              BICYCLES, SCOOTERS,
do in the event of a collision.              ETC.
What to do as a witness or as
                                             Be aware that because they are
someone involved in a collision
                                             small—motorcycles, bicycles,
is noted in the California
                                             scooters, and skateboards—
Driver Handbook.
                                             can be difficult to see.
WHEN YOU HEAR A
                                             WHEN YOU SEE A
SIREN
                                             SCHOOL BUS
   EMERGENCY VEHICLES                        When you see flashing red
                                             lights on a school bus, have
                                             your teen stop at a safe distance
                                             away from the school bus, and
                                             remain stopped until the red
     PULL OVER AND STOP FOR                  lights stop flashing. Traffic
      EMERGENCY VEHICLES
                                             in both directions must stop
                                             unless driving on a divided
When a fire truck, ambulance,
                                             highway. School buses are
police vehicle, or other
                                             required to flash the red lights
emergency vehicle approaches
                                             at all stops.
from behind with its siren
on, have your teen pull over                 Be cautious around stopped
when possible to the right                   school buses, even if the red
side of the road. Stop until                 lights have stopped flashing.
the emergency vehicle passes.                Assume a child might dart out
However, never stop in an                    in front of you.
intersection. Continue through
the intersection and then pull
to the right as soon as possible.
Failure to pull over may result

                                    - 27 -
RAILROAD CROSSINGS                     the front wheels to roll again
When driving close to a railroad       so you can steer.
crossing, have your teen look        • Has rear-wheel ABS, stop
and listen for trains in both          braking and turn the steering
directions. Be ready to stop, if       wheel into the direction of
necessary. Expect a train on a         the skid.
track at any time, day or night.     • Has front-wheel ABS, steer
Never stop on a railroad track.        where you want to go and
Usually by the time a train sees       carefully accelerate to keep
a vehicle, it will be too late for     the vehicle moving.
it to stop. When traffic is heavy,   • Does not have ABS, lightly
wait off the tracks until your         and briefly “pump” the
teen is sure they can drive over       brakes. To pump the brakes,
the tracks without stopping.           your teen should:
                                       – Push the brake pedal hard.
QUICK STOPS AND SKIDS
                                       – As the vehicle begins to
Avoid sudden stops. If your
                                          skid, quickly let up on the
vehicle has four-wheel antilock
                                          brake. Push it down again
braking system (ABS), apply
                                          quickly.
firm pressure on the brake pedal.
                                       – Use this quick, pumping
NOTE: To determine if a vehicle           action until the vehicle is
has ABS, review the vehicle               stopped.
owner’s manual. There may also
be an illuminated ABS symbol         IF YOUR BRAKES FAIL
on the dashboard immediately         If the brakes fail, your teen
after starting the engine.           should:
If your teen stops quickly or the    1. If available, downshift into
vehicle begins to skid, and the          a lower gear.
vehicle:                             2. If the vehicle:
• Has just rear-wheel ABS               – Has four-wheel ABS,
   (common in light trucks),              apply firm pressure on the
   ease up on the brake pedal             brake pedal.
   while maintaining just               – Has just rear-wheel ABS,
   enough pressure to allow               ease up on the brake pedal

                                 - 28 -
while maintaining just                  2. Slow down gradually. Take
       enough pressure to allow                   their foot off the gas pedal
       the front wheels to roll                   slowly, but do not hit the
       again.                                     brakes.
     – Does not have ABS,                      3. Let the vehicle slow to a
       pump the brake pedal.                      stop, completely off the
3.    Apply the parking brake,                    road.
      but be ready to release it if            4. Apply the brakes when the
      the vehicle begins to skid.                 vehicle is almost stopped.
4.    Remember they can still
                                               STUCK ACCELERATOR
      steer and swerve to avoid
      a collision.                             If the accelerator becomes
                                               stuck, your teen should:
5.    Sound their horn and flash
      their lights to warn other               • Shift to neutral.
      drivers.                                 • Apply the brakes.
6.    When they no longer need                 • Keep their eyes on the road.
      to change direction and                  • Look for a way out.
      have stopped, turn off                   • Warn other drivers by
      the ignition. (Turning off                  honking and turning on
      the key locks the steering                  hazard warning lights.
      wheel of many vehicles,                  • Try to drive the vehicle
      so do not turn off the                      safely off the road.
      ignition until they come                 • When they no longer need
      to a complete stop.)                        to change direction and
TIRE BLOWOUT                                      have stopped, turn off the
Teach your teen to always keep                    ignition. (Turning off the
both hands on the wheel. If a                     key locks the steering wheel
tire goes flat suddenly, they                     of many vehicles, so do not
need both hands to control the                    turn off the ignition until
vehicle. If they have a sudden                    they come to a complete
tire blowout, your teen should:                   stop.)
1. Hold the steering wheel
     tightly and steer straight
     ahead.

                                      - 29 -
WHEN YOU CANNOT SEE                         When the weather is bad:
BECAUSE OF FOG, RAIN,                       1. Slow down at the first sign
OR SNOW                                        of rain, drizzle, or snow
The best advice is avoid                       on the road. This is when
driving in the fog. Do not use                 roads are most slippery
high-beam headlights in the                    because oil and dust have
fog because they create glare                  not been washed away.
and reduce visibility. Only use             2. Turn on the lights when
low-beam headlights in the                     visibility is poor—even in
fog. Consider postponing a trip                the daylight hours.
until the fog clears.                       3. In very heavy rain or
If your teen must drive, have                  snowstorm, they may not
them slow down and turn                        be able to see more than 100
on the low-beam headlights.                    feet ahead. They may have
Never drive with just the                      to stop from time to time
parking or fog lights. Increase                to wipe mud or snow off
your following distance and                    the windshield, headlights,
be prepared to stop within the                 and taillights. When
space you can see in front of                  driving in snowy areas,
your vehicle. Avoid crossing or                carry the proper equipment
passing lanes of traffic unless                (chains, tires, etc.) in case
absolutely necessary. Listen                   they find themselves in
for traffic they cannot see. Use               conditions where they
their wipers and defroster as                  cannot drive without the
necessary for best vision.                     proper equipment (see the
If the fog becomes so thick                    vehicle owner’s manual).
that your teen can barely see,              NOTE: You must turn on your
have them pull completely                   headlights if snow, rain, fog,
off the road and activate the               dust, or low visibility (1,000
hazard warning lights. Do                   feet or less) requires the
not continue driving until the              continuous use of windshield
weather improves.                           wipers.

                                   - 30 -
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY                     OVERHEATING CAR
ROADS                                   CONDITIONS
When driving on wet, icy,               While driving in extreme heat,
gravel, or dirt roads have your         your teen should:
teen:                                   • Watch the temperature
• Drive slowly and stay                   gauge for overheating of
   farther behind the vehicle             the engine.
   ahead.                               • Avoid driving at high speeds
• Slow down as they approach              for long periods.
   curves and intersections.            • Use a lower gear in
• Avoid quick stops and fast              “creeping” traffic.
   turns.                               • Turn off the air conditioner,
• If applicable, shift into a             if the engine is overheating.
   lower gear before going              • See the vehicle owner’s
   down a steep hill.                     manual for more
• Avoid slippery areas, such              information.
   as ice patches, wet leaves,          While driving in extreme cold,
   oil, and deep puddles.               your teen should:
DRIVING IN WIND                         • Watch the temperature
                                          gauge for overheating of
Drive slower than normal
                                          the engine
when it is very windy. Lighter
vehicles, vans, recreational              – The engine may not
vehicles, and trucks with broad,              have the correct level of
high sides are sometimes                      antifreeze.
blown out of their lane. If             • Use the defroster or slightly
possible, avoid driving next              open your windows to keep
to other vehicles. Have your              them from “fogging up.”
teen grasp the steering wheel           • See the vehicle owner’s
firmly. Be prepared to correct            manual for more information.
their steering as the wind force
changes. Keep the windows
closed.

                                   - 31 -
WHEN YOU ARE STUCK IN                          vehicle could hydroplane. To
SNOW OR MUD                                    avoid hydroplaning, your teen
If your teen is stuck in snow                  should:
or mud, they should:                           • Drive slowly.
1. Shiftinto a low gear and keep               • Maintain good tire tread.
    the front wheels straight.                 • Have their tires properly
2. Gently step on the gas pedal.                 inflated.
3. Avoid spinning the wheels.                  • If possible, steer around water.
    Drive forward as far as                    • If they hear a sloshing sound
    possible.                                    from the tires, especially
4. Shift into reverse and slowly                 when changing directions,
    back up as far as possible.                  slow down.
    Do not spin the wheels.
5. Shift into a low gear again
                                                      SAFE DRIVER
    and drive forward.                                 CHECKLIST
6. Repeat a forward-backward                   • Use this checklist when
    motion until the vehicle                     your teen has finished
    rolls free.                                  practicing all the driving
7. In deep mud or snow, put                      skills discussed in this guide.
    boards, tree branches, etc.,               • Take your teen on a long
    under the tires. Never do                    “test” ride.As you ride, check
    this when the tires are                      your teen’s driving against
    spinning.                                    the checklist.
                                               • Be sure that your teen is
HYDROPLANING                                     following the safe driving
If water on the road is deeper                   habits listed.
than the tread of the tires, a fast            • Check () each item you see
moving vehicle may glide over                    your teen doing correctly.
the water and not touch the                      This list should tell you
road surface. This condition                     where your teen still needs
is called hydroplaning. If they                  practice or help. Your teen
can see reflections on the road,                 should, as a habit, do all of the
or the vehicle ahead leaves                      things listed before taking the
no tracks on the water, the                      driving test at DMV.

                                      - 32 -
SAFE DRIVER CHECKLIST
Locate the Controls                               □ Check  the mirrors and look
                                                    quickly to the side while
Your teen should be able to locate the
                                                      backing.
following controls and explains how
they work:                                        Changing Lanes
□                                                 □
                                                  □
                                                      Signal.
□
    Hazard warning lights.

                                                  □ Check
                                                      Check the mirrors.
□
    Emergency and parking brakes.
                                                             over the shoulder.
□                                                 □ lanes safely.
    Headlights.
                                                      Change
□
    Heater/defroster.
    Horn.
□   Windshield wipers.
                                                  Parking on Hills
                                                  □
                                                  □
                                                      Signal.
Before Starting the Vehicle
                                                  □ Set the parking brake.
                                                      Curb the wheels properly.
□ Adjust
□
            the mirrors.
    Fasten safety belt(s).                        Parallel Parking
Starting the Vehicle                              □
                                                  □ Look
                                                      Signal.
□ “Neutral.”
  Vehicle is in “Park” or                                   over the shoulder while

                                                  □ Yield
                                                      backing.
□
□ Start
  Foot is on the brake pedal.
        the vehicle smoothly. Do
                                                            to other vehicles, when
                                                      necessary.
  not overturn the ignition.                      Entering the Freeway
Moving Forward                                    □
                                                  □ Signal.
                                                      Check traffic flow.
□
□ Looks
  Signal.
                                                  □
                                                  □ Check
         over the shoulder before                     Time entry onto the freeway.
  pulling into traffic.                                        over the shoulder when
                                                      accelerating into a space in
Stopping
□ Stops when necessary behind
  crosswalks or limit lines.
                                                  □ Signal
                                                      traffic.
                                                               early and slow down
                                                      on the exit ramp to the posted

                                                  □ Adjust speed to road conditions.
Turns                                                 speed limit.
□
□ Begin
   Signal and slow for turns.
          and end turns in the                    Defensive Driving Techniques

□ Yield
   correct lane.
         right-of-way, when
                                                  □ Check      the mirrors frequently

                                                  □ Check
                                                      and before braking.

□ Accept
   necessary.                                                  the cross streets before
           the legal right-of-way,
                                                  □ Check
                                                      entering intersections.

□ See and react to hazards.
   when safe.                                                  the traffic signal lights

                                                  □ Keep
                                                      and signs.
Backing                                                      eyes “moving” (watching
□ Before   moving, survey
                                                      the sides and middle of the

                                                  □ Allow
                                                      road).
   surroundings for possible                                   plenty of room around
□ Look
   obstacles.                                         the vehicle.
         over the right shoulder
   when backing.                                  □ Follow at a safe distance.
                                         - 33 -
• Slow down. Drive cautiously.
                • Expect bike riders.
                • Pass with care.

                                                                        l,Ll l' O ll lfl l, Ol'l' IC •
                                                                       01' TIIA l' l'IC . ,.l' . T'I'

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office ofTraffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
IS YOUR TEEN READY                           • Confirm that your instructor
FOR A LICENSE?                                 has signed your permit.
Your teen is now ready to take               • Make sure your parent/
a driving test with a DMV                      guardian has signed your
examiner if they have held their               permit verifying the 50 hours
permit for at least 6 months                   of supervised training (10
from the day it was issued. (The               hours must be of night driving).
waiting period is mandatory                  • Bring a licensed driver, who
even though your teen may                      is 25 years old or older and
have already practiced all the                 has a valid California DL.
driving skills listed on page                • Bring your glasses or wear
10.) When you feel your                        your contact lenses.
teen drives well enough to                   • Be sure you are thoroughly
pass the DMV driving test for                  familiar with the vehicle
a provisional DL, confirm that                 you use for the driving test.
the required hours are logged                  You must know where all
on the “Supervised Driving                     the controls are located
Log” on pages 37-40. Ensure                    and how to use them. Do
you sign the certifying line of                not borrow a vehicle for
their instruction permit. Your                 the driving test, unless
teen must not drive to the DMV                 necessary.
office alone on the day of the                 NOTE: If you use a rental
driving test appointment.                      vehicle, the driving test
TIPS FOR YOUR TEEN                             applicant must be listed
                                               on the rental contract. The
ABOUT DMV’S DRIVING
                                               contract must not exclude
TESTS                                          driving tests. Technology,
Driving Test                                   such as back up cameras
• Make an appointment.                         and self-parking, cannot
• Be sure your vehicle is                      solely be used on a driving
  properly registered and                      test. For your safety, no
  insured (bring the registration              pets or passengers, other
  card and proof of financial                  than the DMV examiner or
  responsibility [insurance]).

                                    - 35 -
other authorized personnel,
  are permitted in the vehicle
  during your driving test.
• If you fail the driving test,
  you must wait 2 weeks, not
  including the day the test
  was failed, and pay a retest
  fee before taking the driving
  test again.
NOW THAT YOUR TEEN HAS
A LICENSE
Congratulations, your teen
is a licensed driver. Ensure
you and your teen review the
restrictions of their DL located
on page 6 of this guide.
Continue communication
with your teen regarding their
driving experience and any
questions they may have.

                                   - 36 -
SUPERVISED DRIVING LOG
A parent, guardian, spouse, an adult 25 years old or older, who has a valid California
DL may use this log to track the required 50 hours of supervised driving practice (10
hours must be night driving) for teens. The supervised driving practice is in addition to
the driver training requirements. The use of this log is optional and provided for your
convenience. If needed, photocopy this driving log before use.
                                               Driving Time         Skills need-
                                              Hours/Minutes          ing more      Adult’s
 Date       Driving Skills Practiced          30 min, 1hr, etc.      practice      Initials
                                              DAY       NIGHT (use abbrev.)
 1/16      Sample - SSC, LC, BUC, RT, LT       1 hr.    30 min.      BUC, LC        Mom

           TOTAL PRACTICE TIME

All skills in each level should be mastered before attempting the next level. See page
7 for more information. The abbreviations listed below can be used to identify the
driving skills practiced and those that need more practice.
Level I                                     Level III
Backing Up the Car (BUC)                    Parking on Hills (PH)
Driving a “Stick” (DS)                      Parallel Parking (PP)
Lane Choice and Control (LCC)               U-Turn (UT)
Left Turn/Right Turn (LT/RT)
Looking Ahead in Traffic (LAT)
Starting and Stopping the Car (SSC)
Level II                                    Level IV
Intersections (I)                           Freeway Driving (FD)
Keeping Space Around the Car (KSAC)         Night Driving (ND)
Lane Changes (LC)                           Special Problems and Emergencies (SPE)
Practicing in Traffic (PT)

                                         - 37 -
THIS PAGE LEFT
INTENTIONALLY BLANK
SUPERVISED DRIVING LOG
Continue to use this log to keep track of your teen’s behind-the-wheel practice and
their progress toward safe driving.

                                            Driving Time       Skills need-
                                           Hours/Minutes        ing more      Adult’s
 Date      Driving Skills Practiced        30 min, 1hr, etc.    practice      Initials
                                           DAY      NIGHT (use abbrev.)

         TOTAL PRACTICE TIME

                                      - 39 -
SUPERVISED DRIVING LOG
Continue to use this log to keep track of your teen’s behind-the-wheel practice and
their progress toward safe driving.

                                            Driving Time       Skills need-
                                           Hours/Minutes        ing more      Adult’s
 Date      Driving Skills Practiced        30 min, 1hr, etc.    practice      Initials
                                           DAY      NIGHT (use abbrev.)

         TOTAL PRACTICE TIME

                                      - 40 -
T.I.R.E. Tips
         T. Tread
             Place an upside down penny in
             the tire tread. If you can see all of
             Lincoln’s head, the tread is too low
             and you need a new tire.

         I. Inflate
             Check air pressure once a month.
             Low tire pressure can cause tire wear
             and poor gas mileage.

         R. Rotate
             Rotate your tires every 3,000–5,000
             miles to increase tire tread life.

         E. Evaluate
             Evaluate your tires everyday for any
             abnormal wear, cracks, and nails.

                                                O   F CALIFO
                                             TE             R
                                         A

                                                            NI
                                       ST

A few minutes a month is all
                                                              A

it takes to be tire safe.
                                                                ®
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