2013 DMV Driver Handbook

Sep 18, 2026

2013 California Driver Handbook presents updated guidance for safe driving on California roads and highways. It covers rules of the road, how to prepare for the drive test, emergency actions, and methods to support long-term safe driving. The material also summarizes 2013 law changes, including financial responsibility documentation methods, electronic wireless communications while driving, and updates affecting DUI sanctions, medical reporting for firefighter endorsements, and license plate obstruction restrictions. It further points readers to DMV’s online resources and educational channels.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages108

Reading Time4 h 32 min

AccessFree to download

Table of Contents

General Information

Disclaimer

Accurate Identification

Basic Information

The California Driver License

Who Must Have a Driver License?

California Residents

Adults’ Permit Requirements

Adults’ Driver License Requirements

The Examination Process

Where to Take the Tests

Cheating

DMV Examinations

Special Section - Minors

Minors’ Permit Requirements

Minors’ Permit Restrictions

Minors’ Driver License Requirements

ENGLISH 2013 DRIVER HANDBOOK Edmund G. Brown Jr., Governor State of California Brian P. Kelly, Acting Secretary Business, Transportation and Housing Agency Page left intentionally blank Dear Fellow Californian: We all have family members or friends who will take to our roads this year. We want them to be safe. Californians today have more tools and educational materials than ever before to help prepare for becoming a safe driver on our roadways and highways. The 2013 edition of the California Driver Handbook contains updated information on rules of the road, preparation for the drive test, actions to take in an emergency, and information on driver safety and extending safe driving years. In addition, DMV’s YouTube Channel has been retooled for further ease of use covering a wide range of topics, including driver safety, study tips on passing the drive test, videos on commercial vehicles, and other educational videos of interest. I also invite you to visit our website, [www.dmv.ca.gov](www.dmv.ca.gov), for answers to questions you may have. The site allows you to conduct anyone of a number of transactions ranging from registering your vehicles to renewing a driver license, making an advance appointment or purchasing specialty license plates – all from the comfort of your home or business. Whether you are a new or experienced motorist, I hope you find this handbook a valuable resource and enjoy many miles of safe driving in California. Sincerely, Brian P. Kelly Acting Secretary Business, Transportation and Housing Agency new 2013 lAws EffEctivE January 1, 2013 Financial Responsibility Allows a person to provide, when requested by law enforcement, a paper version of proof of financial responsibility or an electronic version using a mobile electronic device. Electronic Wireless Communications Allows a driver 18 years of age or older to use an electronic wireless communications device that is designed and configured to allow voiceoperated, hands-free operation to dictate, send, or listen to text-based communications when operating a vehicle. Medical Reporting Changes for Firefighter Endorsement Changes the requirement for firefighters to submit a Medical Examination Report (DL 51) from 4 years to 2 years. In addition, it allows noncommercially licensed firefighters to submit a self-certifying Health Questionnaire (DL 546). New Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Sanctions Eliminates the urine test as one of the three chemical tests to determine adriver’s drug content when arrested for a DUI of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both, unless the individual: • Is unable to provide a blood and/or breath sample. • Has a heart condition, or is taking anti-coagulate narcotics as directed by a licensed physician. • Is a hemophiliac. High Occupancy Toll Lanes Exempts low emission and hybrid vehicles eligible to use High Occupancy Vehicles (HOV) lanes from toll charges required on High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes, unless prohibited by federal law. Obstruction or Alteration of License Plates Prohibits the selling of a visual or electronic product or device that obscures the reading or recognition of a license plate. Also prohibits the operation of a vehicle with such a product or device. Page left intentionally blank TABLE OF CONTENTS new 2013 lAws ....................... iii Effective January 1, 2013 ............. iii Where to Write ............................ viii Dmv inFORmAtiOn.................... ix GeneRAl inFORmAtiOn .............. 1 Disclaimer......................................1 Accurate Identification...................1 Basic Information...........................1 tHe cAliFORniA DRiveR license .. 2 Who Must Have a Driver License? 2 California Residents ..................2 California Resident Military Personnel (U.S. Armed Forces) 2 Nonresident Military Personnel Stationed in California ...............2 New California Residents ..........2

FAQs

What does the 2013 California Driver Handbook help readers do?

It provides updated information to prepare for becoming a safe driver, including rules of the road, drive test preparation, and actions to take in an emergency.

What key 2013 law change relates to proof of financial responsibility?

It allows a person to provide, when requested by law enforcement, either a paper version or an electronic version using a mobile electronic device.

What update was made to DUI chemical testing in 2013?

The urine test was eliminated as one of the three chemical tests for determining a driver’s drug content in certain DUI arrests, with specific exceptions described in the handbook.

Sep 18, 2026

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