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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
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. ®
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 -
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
© 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 Advertising sponsorship, instead of your fees, helps defray the printing costs of this publication. The products and services provided by the advertising sponsors are not promoted or endorsed by the DMV, but the significant contribution by the advertising sponsors is most appreciated. If you would like to advertise in this publication, please call the Office of State Publishing Advertising Department at 1-866-824-0603. -v-
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
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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 -
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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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