Driving in California for The First Time

Are you traveling to California and planning to drive around for the first time? Or you’re a resident preparing for the California driving test? Either way, it would likely be helpful to know what to expect.

In this article, we will delve into what it is like to drive in California for the first time.

Acquiring a License

If you’re an international visitor, you can drive in California as long as you have a valid foreign license. However, the license must be written in English; if it’s in another language, you’re required to bring an International Driver’s Permit (IDP).

On the other hand, if you are a California resident who wants to drive for the first time, you need to apply for a driver’s license. Likewise, if you’re from a different American state and you will reside in California for more than ten days.

Before you take the driving test in California, you’re required to take a written driving test. The test consists of 46 multiple-choice questions for individuals under 18 years; to pass, you must answer 38 correctly. For adults, the test consists of 36 questions; to pass, you must answer 30 correctly.

After passing the written test, if you are over 18 years and have a driver’s license from another American state, you’re good to go! You’ll get an interim paper driver’s license that you can use for 90 days before receiving your driver’s license card.

If it’s your first time driving, you’ll be required to take the driving test. To pass the driving test, you should avoid getting a critical error or 15 points off on the test. If you fail, don’t worry, you still have another chance to retake the test.

Not to forget, if you are a minor under the age of 18 years, you’ll be required to apply for a provisional permit with a parent’s signature. Your parents will also need to sign the driver’s license application form. However, if both parents have custody, they both need to sign.

Additionally, for minors behind the wheel, the training must consist of 50 hours of instruction; ten of these hours should be conducted at night. Nonetheless, after getting the instructional permit, you’ll be required to drive in the company of a licensed adult above the age of 25 for six months; then, you’ll take the test to acquire a driver’s license.

Speed Limit

The speed limit in California varies from road to road. However, the fundamental speed limit law prohibits driving at a speed that is not safe.

The speed limit in California is 70 miles per hour on freeways and highways. At the same time, other freeways and highways posted a limit of 65 miles per hour. Double-lane highways on the other end post the speed limit of 55 miles per hour.

If you’re driving next to schools, construction sites, and residential areas, the speed limit is 25 miles per hour. The speed limit on railway crossings, alleys, and highway intersections without clear visibility is usually 15 miles per hour.

You must be wondering, what happens if you violate the speed limit? If you speed but do not exceed 100 miles per hour, you will face a fine. If you drive at a speed of more than 100 miles per hour for the first time, you will be fined and your license suspended.

Driving Under the Influence

California’s DUI law prohibits driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or more. However, for people under the age of 21 years, it is illegal to get behind the wheel with a BAC of .01% or more. For commercial drivers such as bus drivers and taxi drivers, it is prohibited to be driving with a BAC of .04%

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol in California could result in a hefty fine or a jail term of 12 months or more, and a point will be added to your DMV record. If you end up in jail, this conviction will be on your record.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is the practice of driving a motor vehicle while engaging in other activities. In California, distracted driving is illegal, and research shows it causes 25% of accidents. Some of the major causes of distracted driving is using your cell phone, switching radio channels, talking to another passenger, and sometimes health conditions.

Drivers under 18 years are not legally permitted to use cell phones. Additionally, using wireless devices such as headsets and Bluetooth devices while driving constitutes distracted driving.

However, there are exceptions to when you can use a phone. If a person is on their private property, they can use their phone. The same is also possible in the event of an emergency, such as a fire, when you need the police or an ambulance. One crucial exception is if you are an emergency car driver.

The penalties for distracted driving are usually minor. However, if you’re in the habit of distracted driving, this may result in additional points being added to your driver’s license. Then again, if you cause injury or death due to distracted driving, you could be arrested pending a criminal charge.

California Point System, Aka Negligent Operator Treatment System

The California DMV point System assigns a value to a traffic ticket or accident. Accidents may carry 1 point while traffic tickets 1 or 2 points. You may receive 1 point for speeding, running a red light, or making an unsafe lane change. Then again, you may get 2 points for reckless driving, DUI, driving with a suspended license, and a hit and run.

If your points accumulate to 4 or more within 12 months, 6 points or more within 24 months, and eight or more within 36 months, you’ll be considered a negligent driver. The consequence of being a careless driver is that your license will be suspended or revoked. Another thing: even just one violation on your DMV record can give your insurance carrier the ability to raise your premiums.

The good news is that, for first-time violators, the court may permit them to go to traffic school. Attending traffic school will conceal the violations from the public and insurance companies.