text:
(a) Any student over 15 years of age taking a course in automobile driver training, maintained pursuant to Article 12 (commencing with Section 41900) of Chapter 5 of Part 24 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Education Code, in a secondary school or enrolled in a driver training course offered by a private or parochial school of secondary level may apply to the principal of the school for a student license.

(b) The application shall be signed by the applicant before the principal of the school, or a staff member assigned to such duty. The application shall be accompanied by a statement signed by the parents or guardian or person having custody of the minor, consenting to the issuance of a student license to the student and accepting liability for civil damages arising out of the student driving a motor vehicle upon a highway as provided for in Division 9 (commencing with Section 17000) of this code.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, if the person or persons required to sign a statement consenting to the issuance of a student license and accepting liability as provided in subdivision (b) are not residents of this state and the student resides at the school, or the student is a foster child with no parents or guardian available to sign this statement, the application may be accepted if the principal of the school or staff member assigned such duties certifies that the school has filed with the department a certificate of insurance carrier or surety company that there is in effect a policy or bond meeting the requirements of Section 16056, and that such policy or bond will cover the liability for civil damages arising out of the student driving a motor vehicle upon a highway.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1977, Ch. 579.)

article: 2. Student Licenses

path: 6. DRIVERS' LICENSES > 1. Issuance of Licenses, Expiration, and Renewal > 2. Student Licenses


kind: section

code: VEH

text: The principal or staff member assigned such duty may issue or reissue a student license without cost whenever in his opinion the applicant is qualified to take the course of instruction and has filed a proper application therefor.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1978, Ch. 162.)

division: 6. DRIVERS' LICENSES

chapter: 1. Issuance of Licenses, Expiration, and Renewal

article: 2. Student Licenses


text: A student license shall limit the operation of a motor vehicle to such times as the licensee is taking driver training in connection with the driver education program and then only at the direction and under the supervision of the instructor and shall be valid only for the period covered by the course and for not more than one year from the date of issuance.

history: (History: Enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3.)

article: 2. Student Licenses


text: A student license may be canceled by the principal of the school or by the department whenever, in the opinion of either, the safety of the licensee or other persons requires the action and shall be canceled upon the written request of the parent or other person who signed the consent to issue the license.

article: 2. Student Licenses


text:
(a) The department may establish a program authorizing a driving school licensed under Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 11100) of Division 5 to issue a student license to operate a class 3 vehicle to any applicant 15 years of age or older, subject to the conditions specified in subdivision (d).

(b) The department may charge any driving school participating in the program a fee not to exceed two dollars ($2) per applicant to recover the department’s cost in establishing and monitoring the program. The fee that a participating school may charge an applicant for a student license may not exceed the fee that the department charges the school for the license.

(c) The department may remove a driving school from the program if the department determines that the school has issued a student license fraudulently, or has otherwise not followed the requirements of the program. This fraudulent conduct may result in cause for suspension or revocation of the driving school license.

(d) (1) Applicants shall meet the qualification standards specified in regulations adopted by the department pursuant to Section 12661. The student license application shall be accompanied by a statement signed by the parents or guardian, or person having custody of the minor, consenting to the issuance of a student license to the applicant.

(2) No licensed driving school may issue a student license to any applicant under the age of 17 years and 6 months unless that applicant shows proof of satisfactory completion of an approved course in driver education, pursuant to standards specified in paragraph (4) of subdivision (a) of Section 12814.6.

(e) A driving school owner or an independent instructor licensed under Section 11105.5 shall maintain liability insurance for bodily injury or property damage caused by the use of a motor vehicle in driving instruction, and for the liability of the driving school, the instructor, and the student, in accordance with Section 11103.

(f) The department shall submit a report to the Legislature on the progress of the program established under subdivision (a) within two years after the program is implemented. The report shall include, but not be limited to, an analysis of the costs and benefits of the program and shall include recommendations by the department.

(g) The director may terminate the program at any time the department determines that continued operation of the program would have an adverse effect on traffic safety. The finding upon which the termination is based shall be reported to the Legislature within 30 days following termination of the program.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2003, Ch. 768, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2004.)

article: 2. Student Licenses


text:
The department, in consultation with the State Department of Education, shall adopt regulations for the issuance of student licenses pursuant to Section 12660. The department and the State Department of Education shall seek advice and input on those regulations from the public, law enforcement, and the driving school industry. The regulations shall include all of the following:

(a) Standards and procedures for the issuance of student licenses pursuant to Section 12660, including the determination of an applicant’s qualifications under Section 12805.

(b) Standards and procedures to ensure that all records of a driving school relating to the physical or mental condition of any student are confidential, except to the department.

(c) Standards and procedures for monitoring the issuance of student licenses.

(d) A requirement that each student license issued pursuant to Section 12660 be accompanied by a verbal and written description of the limitations of that license in terms of duration and use.

(e) Any other requirements necessary to carry out Section 12660.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1987, Ch. 1029, Sec. 2.)

article: 2. Student Licenses


text:
Each application for an original or a renewal of a driver’s license shall contain all of the following information:

(a) (1) The applicant’s true full name, age, gender category, mailing address, residence address, and, except as provided in Section 12801, social security account number.

(2) The applicant shall choose their gender category of female, male, or nonbinary.

(3) The department shall not require documentation for an original driver’s license applicant’s initial choice of a gender category or a licensed applicant’s request for an amendment to a gender category other than the following:

(A) The applicant’s self-certification of their chosen gender category.

(B) Documentation required by this code and the California Code of Regulations as necessary to establish that an applicant is lawfully entitled to a license.

(b) A brief description of the applicant for the purpose of identification.

(c) A legible print of the thumb or finger of the applicant.

(d) The type of motor vehicle or combination of vehicles the applicant desires to operate.

(e) Whether the applicant has ever previously been licensed as a driver and, if so, when and in what state or country and whether or not the license has been suspended or revoked and, if so, the date of and reason for the suspension or revocation.

(f) Whether the applicant has ever previously been refused a driver’s license in this state and, if so, the date of and the reason for the refusal.

(g) Whether the applicant, within the last three years, has experienced, on one or more occasions, either a lapse of consciousness or an episode of marked confusion caused by a condition that may bring about recurrent lapses, or whether the applicant has a disease, disorder, or disability that affects the applicant’s ability to exercise reasonable and ordinary control in operating a motor vehicle upon a highway.

(h) Whether the applicant understands traffic signs and signals.

(i) Whether the applicant has ever previously been issued an identification card by the department.

(j) Any other information that is necessary to enable the department to determine whether the applicant is entitled to a license under this code.

(k) (1) Commencing January 1, 2027, a statement informing the person that they may also need to change their address for purposes of their vehicle registration.

(2) The information described in paragraph (1) shall be given to the person orally if the driver’s license application or renewal is done in person.

(l) The department shall adopt regulations to provide a process for an amendment to a gender category.

(m) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2019.

(n) This section shall become inoperative on the effective date of a final judicial determination made by any court of appellate jurisdiction that any provision of the act that added this section, or its application, either in whole or in part, is enjoined, found unconstitutional, or held invalid for any reason. The department shall post this information on its internet website.

history: (History: Amended (as added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 853, Sec. 16) by Stats. 2022, Ch. 969, Sec. 1. (AB 2594) Effective January 1, 2023. Section operative January 1, 2019, by its own provisions, if a judicial determination as described in subd. (n) has not taken effect. Conditionally inoperative as provided in subd. (n). If a judicial determination as described in subd. (n) takes effect on or after January 1, 2019, see the later operative section amended by Sec. 2 of Stats. 2022, of Ch. 969.)

article: 3. Issuance and Renewal of Licenses

path: 6. DRIVERS' LICENSES > 1. Issuance of Licenses, Expiration, and Renewal > 3. Issuance and Renewal of Licenses


text:
Each application for an original or a renewal of a driver’s license shall contain all of the following information:

(a) (1) The applicant’s true full name, age, gender category, mailing address, residence address, and social security account number.

(2) The applicant shall choose their gender category of female, male, or nonbinary.

(3) The department shall not require documentation for an original driver’s license applicant’s initial choice of a gender category or a licensed applicant’s request for an amendment to a gender category other than the following:

(A) The applicant’s self-certification of their chosen gender category.

(B) Documentation required by this code and the California Code of Regulations as necessary to establish that an applicant is lawfully entitled to a license.

(b) A brief description of the applicant for the purpose of identification.

(c) A legible print of the thumb or finger of the applicant, which has been confirmed by the department to be on file prior to issuance of a driver’s license.

(d) The type of motor vehicle or combination of vehicles the applicant desires to operate.

(e) Whether the applicant has ever previously been licensed as a driver and, if so, when and in what state or country and whether or not the license has been suspended or revoked and, if so, the date of and reason for the suspension or revocation.

(f) Whether the applicant has ever previously been refused a driver’s license in this state and, if so, the date of and the reason for the refusal.

(g) Whether the applicant, within the last three years, has experienced, on one or more occasions, either a lapse of consciousness or an episode of marked confusion caused by a condition that may bring about recurrent lapses, or whether the applicant has a disease, disorder, or disability that affects their ability to exercise reasonable and ordinary control in operating a motor vehicle upon a highway.

(h) Whether the applicant understands traffic signs and signals.

(i) Whether the applicant has ever previously been issued an identification card by the department.

(j) Any other information that is necessary to enable the department to determine whether the applicant is entitled to a license under this code.

(k) (1) Commencing January 1, 2027, a statement informing the person that they may also need to change their address for purposes of their vehicle registration.

(2) The information described in paragraph (1) shall be given to the person orally if the driver’s license application or renewal is done in person.

(l) The department shall adopt regulations to provide a process for an amendment to a gender category.

(m) This section shall become operative on the effective date of a final judicial determination made by any court of appellate jurisdiction that any provision of the act that added this section, or its application, either in whole or in part, is enjoined, found unconstitutional, or held invalid for any reason. The department shall post this information on its internet website.

history: (History: Amended (as amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 254, Sec. 4) by Stats. 2022, Ch. 969, Sec. 2. (AB 2594) Effective January 1, 2023. This section, pursuant to its own provisions, becomes operative if a judicial determination as described in subd. (m) has taken effect.)

article: 3. Issuance and Renewal of Licenses


text:
(a) (1) A license shall bear a fullface engraved picture or photograph of the licensee.

(2) Notwithstanding any other law, the department shall not, unless requested by the licensee, distribute or sell the licensee’s picture or photograph or any information pertaining to the licensee’s physical characteristics to any private individual, other than the licensee, or to any firm, copartnership, association, or corporation. This paragraph does not apply to a private business entity that contracts with the department for the production of driver’s licenses and identification cards, if the contract prohibits the unauthorized use and disclosure of the information.

(b) (1) A license, including a temporary license issued pursuant to Section 12506, shall bear the following notice: “This license is issued as a license to drive a motor vehicle; it does not establish eligibility for employment, voter registration, or public benefits.”

(2) In the next scheduled revision of the driver’s license on or after January 1, 2023, the notice specified in paragraph (1) shall be replaced by the following notice requirement:

(A) A Real ID driver’s license, as described in Section 681, shall bear a notice including, but not limited to, that the license is issued as a license to drive a motor vehicle, and that it does not establish eligibility for employment, voter registration, or public benefits.

(B) A driver’s license that is not a Real ID driver’s license, as described in Section 681, shall bear a notice including, but not limited to, that the license is issued as a license to drive a motor vehicle, it does not establish eligibility for employment, firearms purchases, voter registration, or public benefits, and that it is not acceptable for official federal purposes.

(c) The department may demand proof of age prior to the issuance of a license.

(d) This section shall become inoperative on the date the department notifies the Legislature that the driver’s license has been revised to include the notices specified in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (2) of subdivision (b), and is repealed on January 1 of the following year.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 482, Sec. 7. (AB 1766) Effective January 1, 2023. Conditionally inoperative as prescribed by its own provisions. Repealed conditionally by its own provisions. See later operative version added by Sec. 8 of Stats. 2022, Ch. 482.)

article: 3. Issuance and Renewal of Licenses


text:
(a) (1) A license shall bear a fullface engraved picture or photograph of the licensee.

(2) Notwithstanding any other law, the department shall not, unless requested by the licensee, distribute or sell the licensee’s picture or photograph or any information pertaining to the licensee’s physical characteristics to any private individual, other than the licensee, or to any firm, copartnership, association, or corporation. This paragraph does not apply to a private business entity that contracts with the department for the production of driver’s licenses and identification cards, if the contract prohibits the unauthorized use and disclosure of the information.

(b) (1) A Real ID driver’s license, as described in Section 681, shall bear a notice including, but not limited to, that the license is issued as a license to drive a motor vehicle, and that it does not establish eligibility for employment, voter registration, or public benefits.

(2) A driver’s license that is not a Real ID driver’s license, as described in Section 681, shall bear a notice including, but not limited to, that the license is issued as a license to drive a motor vehicle, it does not establish eligibility for employment, firearms purchases, voter registration, or public benefits, and that it is not acceptable for official federal purposes.

(c) The department may demand proof of age prior to the issuance of a license.

(d) This section shall become operative on the date the department notifies the Legislature that the driver’s license has been revised to include the notices specified in subdivision (b).

history: (History: Repealed (in Sec. 7) and added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 482, Sec. 8. (AB 1766) Effective January 1, 2023. Section conditionally operative by its own provisions.)

article: 3. Issuance and Renewal of Licenses


text:
(a) An application for an original, renewal, or duplicate of a driver’s license shall inform the applicant of the Department of Justice’s video on proper conduct during a traffic stop created pursuant to Section 1656.1.

(b) The information in subdivision (a) shall be included upon the next scheduled revision of the driver’s license application subsequent to the release of the Department of Justice’s video on proper conduct during a traffic stop created pursuant to Section 1656.1.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 332, Sec. 4. (AB 2537) Effective January 1, 2023.)

article: 3. Issuance and Renewal of Licenses


text:
(a) Upon application for an original, renewal, or duplicate of a driver’s license the department may require the applicant to produce any identification that it determines is necessary in order to ensure that the name of the applicant stated in the application is their true, full name and that their residence address as set forth in the application is their true residence address.

(b) Notwithstanding any other law, any document provided by the applicant to the department for purposes of proving the applicant’s identity, true, full name, California residency, or that the applicant’s presence in the United States is authorized under federal law, is not a public record and shall not be disclosed by the department except in response to a subpoena for individual records in a criminal proceeding or a court order, or in response to a law enforcement request to address an urgent health or safety need if the law enforcement agency certifies in writing the specific circumstances that do not permit authorities time to obtain a court order. Immigration enforcement, as defined in Section 7284.4 of the Government Code, does not constitute an urgent health and safety need for purposes of this subdivision.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 482, Sec. 9. (AB 1766) Effective January 1, 2023.)

article: 3. Issuance and Renewal of Licenses


text:
(a) Except as provided in subdivisions (b) and (c) and Section 12801.9, the department shall require an application for a driver’s license to contain the applicant’s social security account number and any other number or identifier determined to be appropriate by the department.

(b) An applicant who provides satisfactory proof that his or her presence in the United States is authorized under federal law, but who is not eligible for a social security account number, is eligible to receive an original driver’s license if he or she meets all other qualifications for licensure.

(c) (1) An applicant applying for a driver’s license under Section 12801.9, who has never been issued a social security account number and is not presently eligible for a social security account number, shall satisfy the requirements of this section if he or she indicates in the application described in Section 12800, in the manner prescribed by the department, that he or she has never been issued a social security account number and is not presently eligible for a social security account number.

(2) This subdivision does not apply to applications for a commercial driver’s license. The department shall require all applications for a commercial driver’s license to include the applicant’s social security account number.

(3) This section shall not be used to consider an individual’s citizenship or immigration status as a basis for a criminal investigation, arrest, or detention.

(d) The department shall not complete an application for a driver’s license unless the applicant is in compliance with the requirements of subdivision (a), (b), or (c).

(e) Notwithstanding any other law, the social security account number collected on a driver’s license application shall not be displayed on the driver’s license, including, but not limited to, inclusion on a magnetic tape or strip used to store data on the license.

(f) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2015, or on the date that the director executes a declaration pursuant to Section 12801.11, whichever is sooner.

(g) This section shall become inoperative on the effective date of a final judicial determination made by any court of appellate jurisdiction that any provision of the act that added this section, or its application, either in whole or in part, is enjoined, found unconstitutional, or held invalid for any reason. The department shall post this information on its Internet Web site.

history: (History: Amended (as amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 27, Sec. 6) by Stats. 2015, Ch. 303, Sec. 537. (AB 731) Effective January 1, 2016. Conditionally inoperative as provided in subd. (g). See later operative version, as amended by Sec. 171 of Stats. 2014, Ch. 71.)

article: 3. Issuance and Renewal of Licenses


text:
(a) Notwithstanding any other law, the department shall require an application for a driver’s license to contain the applicant’s social security account number and any other number or identifier determined to be appropriate by the department.

(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), an applicant who provides satisfactory proof that his or her presence in the United States is authorized under federal law, but who is not eligible for a social security account number, is eligible to receive an original driver’s license if he or she meets all other qualifications for licensure.

(c) Notwithstanding any other law, the social security account number collected on a driver’s license application shall not be displayed on the driver’s license, including, but not limited to, inclusion on a magnetic tape or strip used to store data on the license.

(d) This section shall become operative on the effective date of a final judicial determination made by any court of appellate jurisdiction that any provision of the act that added this section, or its application, either in whole or in part, is enjoined, found unconstitutional, or held invalid for any reason. The department shall post this information on its Internet Web site.

history: (History: Amended (as added by Stats. 2013, Ch. 524, Sec. 11) by Stats. 2014, Ch. 71, Sec. 171. (SB 1304) Effective January 1, 2015. Section conditionally operative as prescribed by its own provisions.)

article: 3. Issuance and Renewal of Licenses


text:
(a) A person shall not receive financial compensation for the sole purpose of filling out an original driver’s license application for another person.

(b) A person in violation of this section is subject to a civil penalty of not more than two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) for each offense. Actions for relief pursuant to this section may be commenced in a court of competent jurisdiction by the Attorney General, or by the district attorney, county counsel, or city attorney of the location in which the violation occurred.

(c) Section 40000.1 does not apply to a violation of this section.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2014, Ch. 447, Sec. 1. (AB 852) Effective January 1, 2015.)

article: 3. Issuance and Renewal of Licenses


text:
(a) Except as provided in Section 12801.9, the department shall require an applicant for an original driver’s license or identification card to submit satisfactory proof of California residency and that the applicant’s presence in the United States is authorized under federal law.

(b) Except as provided in Section 12801.9, the department shall not issue an original driver’s license or identification card to a person who does not submit satisfactory proof that the applicant’s presence in the United States is authorized under federal law.

(c) The department shall not issue an original driver’s license or identification card to a person who does not submit satisfactory proof of California residency.

(d) The department shall adopt regulations to carry out the purposes of this section, including, but not limited to, procedures for (1) verifying that the applicant is a California resident and that his or her presence in the United States is authorized under federal law, (2) issuance of a temporary license pending verification of the applicant’s status, and (3) hearings to appeal a denial of a license, temporary license, or identification card.

(e) On January 10 of each year, the department shall submit a supplemental budget report to the Governor and the Legislature detailing the costs of verifying the citizenship or legal residency of applicants for driver’s licenses and identification cards, in order for the state to request reimbursement from the federal government.

(f) Notwithstanding Section 40300 or any other law, a peace officer shall not detain or arrest a person solely on the belief that the person is an unlicensed driver, unless the officer has reasonable cause to believe the person driving is under 16 years of age.

(g) The inability of an individual to obtain a driver’s license pursuant to this section does not abrogate or diminish in any respect the legal requirement of every driver in this state to obey the motor vehicle laws of this state, including laws with respect to licensing, motor vehicle registration, and financial responsibility.

(h) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2016.

(i) This section shall become inoperative on the effective date of a final judicial determination made by any court of appellate jurisdiction that any provision of the act that added this section, or its application, either in whole or in part, is enjoined, found unconstitutional, or held invalid for any reason. The department shall post this information on its Internet Web site.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2015, Ch. 708, Sec. 2. (AB 1465) Effective January 1, 2016. Pursuant to subd. (h), this version becomes operative on July 1, 2016, only if a judicial determination as described in subd. (i) has not taken effect. Pursuant to subd. (i), this version becomes inoperative on the effective date of a judicial determination as described. On that date, see the later operative version added by Sec. 4 of Ch. 708.)

article: 3. Issuance and Renewal of Licenses


text:
(a) Notwithstanding any other law, the department shall require an applicant for an original driver’s license or identification card to submit satisfactory proof of California residency and that the applicant’s presence in the United States is authorized under federal law.

(b) The department shall not issue an original driver’s license or identification card to a person who does not submit satisfactory proof that the applicant’s presence in the United States is authorized under federal law.

(c) The department shall not issue an original driver’s license or identification card to a person who does not submit satisfactory proof of California residency.

(d) The department shall adopt regulations to carry out the purposes of this section, including, but not limited to, procedures for (1) verifying that the applicant is a California resident and that his or her presence in the United States is authorized under federal law, (2) issuance of a temporary license pending verification of the applicant’s status, and (3) hearings to appeal a denial of a license, temporary license, or identification card.

(e) On January 10 of each year, the department shall submit a supplemental budget report to the Governor and the Legislature detailing the costs of verifying the citizenship or legal residency of applicants for driver’s licenses and identification cards, in order for the state to request reimbursement from the federal government.

(f) Notwithstanding Section 40300 or any other law, a peace officer shall not detain or arrest a person solely on the belief that the person is an unlicensed driver, unless the officer has reasonable cause to believe the person driving is under 16 years of age.

(g) The inability of an individual to obtain a driver’s license pursuant to this section does not abrogate or diminish in any respect the legal requirement of every driver in this state to obey the motor vehicle laws of this state, including laws with respect to licensing, motor vehicle registration, and financial responsibility.

(h) This section shall become operative on the effective date of a final judicial determination made by any court of appellate jurisdiction that any provision of the act that added this section, or its application, either in whole or in part, is enjoined, found unconstitutional, or held invalid for any reason. The department shall post this information on its Internet Web site.

history: (History: Repealed (in Sec. 3) and added by Stats. 2015, Ch. 708, Sec. 4. (AB 1465) Effective January 1, 2016. Pursuant to subd. (h), this version becomes operative on the effective date of a judicial determination as described, but not sooner than July 1, 2016, pursuant to subds. (g) and (h) in the amendment by Sec. 3 of Ch. 708.)

article: 3. Issuance and Renewal of Licenses


text:
(a) Any federal document demonstrating favorable action by the federal government for acceptance of a person into the deferred action for childhood arrivals program shall satisfy the requirements of Section 12801.5.

(b) The department may issue an original driver’s license to the person who submits proof of presence in the United States as authorized under federal law pursuant to subdivision (a) and either a social security account number or ineligibility for a social security account number.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 862, Sec. 3. (AB 2189) Effective January 1, 2013.)

article: 3. Issuance and Renewal of Licenses


text:
(a) The department shall not issue an original driver’s license or identification card, or a renewal, duplicate, or replacement driver’s license or identification card to any person for whom the department has received notice from the United States Department of Homeland Security that the person has been determined and found by the United States Department of Homeland Security to be a deported person under Section 1252 of Title 8 of the United States Code.

(b) (1) The department shall cancel any driver’s license or identification card issued to any person identified as specified in subdivision (a).

(2) The cancellation shall become effective on the 30th day after the date the cancellation notice is mailed to the person, except as authorized under paragraph (3).

(3) The person may request a review of the intended cancellation during the 30-day period specified in paragraph (2) and, if proof is provided to show the person is legally present in the United States as authorized under federal law, the department shall rescind the cancellation.

(4) The cancellation notice shall be mailed to the person’s last known address.

(c) The department shall require an applicant for a driver’s license whose license was canceled under this section to submit satisfactory proof that the applicant’s presence in the United States is authorized under federal law.

(d) This section shall become operative on, and apply only to persons determined and found to be a deported person who is not a citizen or national of the United States after, July 1, 1997.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 296, Sec. 61. (AB 1096) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 3. Issuance and Renewal of Licenses


text:
(a) In the case of a legal, nonimmigrant driver’s license applicant, the department shall issue a temporary driver’s license, valid for 90 days, if the applicant has successfully completed the application and the related requirements for the issuance of a driver’s license under this code, including paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 12805. If the United States Department of Homeland Security is unable to verify the applicant’s presence before the temporary driver’s license expires, the department shall, at least 15 days before the temporary driver’s license expires, extend the temporary driver’s license for an additional 120 days and notify the applicant by mail that the temporary driver’s license is being extended.

(b) If the department adjusts the expiration date of any driver’s license issued pursuant to this code so that the date does not exceed the expiration date of a federal document submitted pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 12801.5, the applicant may, upon receipt of a notice of renewal of the driver’s license by the department sent prior to the expiration of the license, request an extension of the term of the driver’s license by submitting to the department satisfactory proof that the applicant’s presence in the United States has been reauthorized or extended under federal law. After verifying that the applicant’s presence in the United States has been reauthorized or extended by federal law, the department shall adjust the expiration date of the driver’s license so that it does not exceed the expiration date of the revised federal document submitted pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 12801.5 and complies with the related requirements of this code.

(c) The department shall establish a procedure for receiving mailed requests for the extension of driver’s licenses as described in this section.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 339, Sec. 8. (SB 838) Effective September 13, 2016.)

article: 3. Issuance and Renewal of Licenses


text:
(a) (1) Notwithstanding Section 12801.5, the department shall issue an original driver’s license to a person who is unable to submit satisfactory proof that the applicant’s presence in the United States is authorized under federal law if the person meets all other qualifications for licensure and provides satisfactory proof to the department of the person’s identity and California residency.

(2) Notwithstanding Section 12801.5 and commencing no later than July 1, 2027, the department shall issue an identification card to a person who is unable to submit satisfactory proof that the applicant’s presence in the United States is authorized under federal law if the person provides satisfactory proof to the department of the person’s identity and California residency.

(b) The department shall adopt regulations to carry out the purposes of this section, including, but not limited to, procedures for (1) identifying documents acceptable for the purposes of proving identity and California residency, (2) procedures for verifying the authenticity of the documents, (3) issuance of a temporary license pending verification of any document’s authenticity, and (4) hearings to appeal a denial of a license or temporary license, or identification card.

(c) Regulations adopted for purposes of establishing the documents acceptable to prove identity and residency pursuant to subdivision (b) shall be promulgated by the department in consultation with appropriate interested parties, in accordance with the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code), including law enforcement representatives, immigrant rights representatives, labor representatives, and other stakeholders, which may include, but are not limited to, the Department of the California Highway Patrol, the California State Sheriffs’ Association, and the California Police Chiefs Association. The department shall accept various types of documentation for this purpose, including, but not limited to, the following documents:

(1) A valid, unexpired consular identification document issued by a consulate from the applicant’s country of citizenship, or a valid, unexpired passport from the applicant’s country of citizenship.

(2) An original birth certificate, or other proof of age, as designated by the department.

(3) A home utility bill, lease or rental agreement, or other proof of California residence, as designated by the department.

(4) The following documents, which, if in a language other than English, shall be accompanied by a certified translation or an affidavit of translation into English:

(A) A marriage license or divorce certificate.

(B) A foreign federal electoral photo card issued on or after January 1, 1991.

(C) A foreign driver’s license.

(5) A United States Department of Homeland Security Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal.

(6) An official school or college transcript that includes the applicant’s date of birth or a foreign school record that is sealed and includes a photograph of the applicant at the age the record was issued.

(7) A United States Department of Homeland Security Form I-20 or Form DS-2019.

(8) A deed or title to real property.

(9) A property tax bill or statement issued within the previous 12 months.

(10) An income tax return.

(d) (1) (A) A license issued pursuant to this section shall bear the following notice: “This card is not acceptable for official federal purposes. This license is issued only as a license to drive a motor vehicle. It does not establish eligibility for employment, voter registration, or public benefits.”

(B) An identification card issued pursuant to this section shall bear the following notice: “This card is not acceptable for official federal purposes. This identification card is issued only as a means of identification. It does not establish eligibility for employment, voter registration, or public benefits.”

(2) The notice described in paragraph (1) shall be in lieu of the notice provided in Section 12800.5.

(3) Paragraphs (1) and (2) shall become inoperative upon the department’s next scheduled revision of the driver’s license or identification card on or after January 1, 2023, at which time, a driver’s license and identification card issued pursuant to this section shall bear the notice described in Section 12800.5 or 13005.5, respectively, as added by the act that added this paragraph.

(e) Notwithstanding Section 40300 or any other law, a peace officer shall not detain or arrest a person solely on the belief that the person is an unlicensed driver, unless the officer has reasonable cause to believe the person driving is under 16 years of age.

(f) The inability to obtain a driver’s license pursuant to this section does not abrogate or diminish in any respect the legal requirement of every driver in this state to obey the motor vehicle laws of this state, including laws with respect to licensing, motor vehicle registration, and financial responsibility.

(g) It is a violation of law to discriminate against a person because the person holds or presents a license or identification card issued under this section, including, but not limited to, the following:

(1) It is a violation of the Unruh Civil Rights Act (Section 51 of the Civil Code), for a business establishment to discriminate against a person because the person holds or presents a license or identification card issued under this section.

(2) (A) It is a violation of the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (Part 2.8 (commencing with Section 12900) of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code) for an employer or other covered person or entity, pursuant to Section 12940 of the Government Code and subdivision (v) of Section 12926 of the Government Code, to discriminate against a person because the person holds or presents a driver’s license or identification card issued pursuant to this section, or for an employer or other covered entity to require a person to present a driver’s license, unless possessing a driver’s license is required by law or is required by the employer and the employer’s requirement is otherwise permitted by law. This section shall not be construed to limit or expand an employer’s authority to require a person to possess a driver’s license.

(B) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), this section shall not be construed to alter an employer’s rights or obligations under Section 1324a of Title 8 of the United States Code regarding obtaining documentation evidencing identity and authorization for employment. An action taken by an employer that is required by the federal Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. Sec. 1324a) is not a violation of law.

(3) It is a violation of Section 11135 of the Government Code for a state or local governmental authority, agent, or person acting on behalf of a state or local governmental authority, or a program or activity that is funded directly or receives financial assistance from the state, to discriminate against an individual because the individual holds or presents a license or identification card issued pursuant to this section, including by notifying a law enforcement agency of the individual’s identity or that the individual carries a license or identification card issued under this section if a notification is not required by law or would not have been provided if the individual held a license issued pursuant to Section 12801 or an identification card issued pursuant to Section 13000.

(h) Driver’s license or identification card information obtained by an employer shall be treated as private and confidential, is exempt from disclosure under the California Public Records Act (Division 10 (commencing with Section 7920.000) of Title 1 of the Government Code), and shall not be disclosed to any unauthorized person or used for any purpose other than to establish identity and authorization to drive, as applicable.

(i) Information collected pursuant to this section is not a public record and shall not be disclosed by the department, except as required by law.

(j) Documents provided by applicants to prove identity or residency pursuant to this section are not public records and shall not be disclosed except in response to a subpoena for individual records in a criminal proceeding or a court order, or in response to a law enforcement request to address an urgent health or safety need if the law enforcement agency certifies in writing the specific circumstances that do not permit authorities time to obtain a court order. Immigration enforcement, as defined in Section 7284.4 of the Government Code, does not constitute an urgent health and safety need for purposes of this subdivision.

(k) A license or identification card issued pursuant to this section shall not be used as evidence of an individual’s citizenship or immigration status for any purpose.

(l) In addition to the fees required by Section 14902, a person applying for an identification card pursuant to this section may be required to pay an additional fee determined by the department that is sufficient to offset the reasonable administrative costs of implementing the provisions of the act that authorized the issuance of identification cards pursuant to this section. If this additional fee is assessed, it shall only apply until June 30, 2030.

(m) This section shall become inoperative on the effective date of a final judicial determination made by any court of appellate jurisdiction that any provision of the act that added this section, or its application, either in whole or in part, is enjoined, found unconstitutional, or held invalid for any reason. The department shall post this information on its internet website.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 311, Sec. 25. (SB 883) Effective January 1, 2024. Conditionally inoperative as provided in subd. (m).)

article: 3. Issuance and Renewal of Licenses


text:
(a) Nothing in Section 1653.5, 12800, 12801, 12801.5, or 12801.9 authorizes an individual to apply for, or be issued, a commercial driver’s license without the submission of his or her social security account number upon application.

(b) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2015, or on the date that the director executes a declaration pursuant to Section 12801.11, whichever is sooner.

(c) This section shall become inoperative on the effective date of a final judicial determination made by any court of appellate jurisdiction that any provision of the act that added this section, or its application, either in whole or in part, is enjoined, found unconstitutional, or held invalid for any reason. The department shall post this information on its Internet Web site.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2013, Ch. 524, Sec. 16. (AB 60) Effective January 1, 2014. Section operative January 1, 2015, or sooner, as provided in subd. (m). Conditionally inoperative as provided in subd. (n).)

article: 3. Issuance and Renewal of Licenses


text:
(a) If the director determines that the department is prepared to begin issuing driver’s licenses pursuant to Section 12801.9 on a date sooner than January 1, 2015, the director shall execute a declaration stating that determination and date and, within five business days, provide a copy of that declaration to the appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the Legislature and to the Governor, and shall post this information on its Internet Web site.

(b) This section shall become inoperative on the effective date of a final judicial determination made by any court of appellate jurisdiction that any provision of the act that added this section, or its application, either in whole or in part, is enjoined, found unconstitutional, or held invalid for any reason. The department shall post this information on its Internet Web site.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2013, Ch. 524, Sec. 17. (AB 60) Effective January 1, 2014. Conditionally inoperative as prescribed by its own provisions.)

article: 3. Issuance and Renewal of Licenses


text: Every original application shall be signed and verified by the applicant under penalty of perjury and the applicant shall submit such evidence of age as the department may require, and, if the applicant is a minor, the application shall also be signed and verified as provided in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 17700) of Division 9.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 254, Sec. 5. (AB 174) Effective September 23, 2021.)

article: 3. Issuance and Renewal of Licenses


text:
Before issuing a driver’s license or permit to any person under 21 years of age, both of the following shall occur:

(a) The department shall inform the applicant of the following:

(1) It is unlawful to drive with a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.01 percent or greater, as measured by a preliminary alcohol screening test or other chemical test.

(2) The penalty for so driving is a one-year suspension of the driving privilege.

(3) A refusal to take, or a failure to complete, a preliminary alcohol screening test or other chemical test for the purpose of determining the level of alcohol pursuant to Section 13388 shall result in a one-year suspension of the driving privilege.

(4) The fee for reissuance of a driver’s license after suspension for a violation of Section 23136 is one hundred dollars ($100). This fee is in addition to any other fees that may be imposed by the department in connection with reissuance of a driver’s license.

(b) The applicant shall sign a statement that acknowledges that he or she has been notified of the information specified in subdivision (a).

history: (History: Amended (as amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 118) by Stats. 1999, Ch. 22, Sec. 7. Effective May 26, 1999. Operative July 1, 1999, by Sec. 46 of Ch. 22.)

article: 3. Issuance and Renewal of Licenses


text: Upon application for an original license, except student licenses, the department shall require an examination of the applicant and shall make provision therefor before an officer or employee or authorized representative of the department in the county wherein the applicant resides.

history: (History: Enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3.)

article: 3. Issuance and Renewal of Licenses


text:
(a) Notwithstanding Section 15275, a person issued a driver’s license by the department is exempt from the endorsement requirements of Section 15275 if all of the following conditions are met:

(1) The person is employed in an agricultural operation and is driving a vehicle, other than a vehicle used in common or contract motor carriage, controlled by a farmer and transporting agricultural products or farm machinery or supplies to or from a farm.

(2) (A) The person has fulfilled the applicable training requirements of Subpart H of Part 172 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

(B) Upon successful completion of the training required by subparagraph (A), a record of current training, meeting the requirements prescribed by Section 172.704(d) of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, and a completed application shall be forwarded to the Department of the California Highway Patrol. Upon receipt and validation, the Department of the California Highway Patrol shall issue a verification of training, valid for three years, which shall be carried by the person when operating an implement of husbandry or a motor vehicle required to display placards pursuant to Section 27903. Within 15 days of issuance by the Department of the California Highway Patrol, a copy of the verification shall be forwarded by the person completing the training to the department for inclusion on the permanent driving record of the person, together with a fee of twelve dollars ($12).

(C) The department, in consultation with the Department of the California Highway Patrol, shall develop a suitable form for verification of training.

(3) The person has, within the vehicle, informational material approved by the Department of the California Highway Patrol, in both English and Spanish, outlining basic safety procedures to be followed in the event of an accident. The Department of the California Highway Patrol shall provide the information required by this subdivision and make it available at no cost to the person.

(4) The person is operating a vehicle which is an implement of husbandry or a motor vehicle requiring only a class C driver’s license and the distance which the vehicle is being operated between the final point of distribution and the ultimate point of application or from part of a farm to another part thereof, or from one farm to another, is not more than 50 miles.

(5) In lieu of a report of a medical examination required by Section 12804.9, an applicant for a certificate pursuant to paragraph (3) shall, upon application and every two years thereafter, submit medical information on a form approved by the department. A person who obtains a verification of training pursuant to this section, but does not meet the medical requirements for a hazardous materials endorsement established by the department under Section 12804.9, is not qualified to transport hazardous materials.

(6) For purposes of the penalties and sanctions prescribed by Article 7 (commencing with Section 15300) of Chapter 7, the operation of a vehicle pursuant to this subdivision is deemed to be the operation of a commercial motor vehicle.

(b) Implementation dates for this section may be established by the Department of Motor Vehicles by regulation in order to accomplish an orderly certification program.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 397, Sec. 3. (SB 810) Effective January 1, 2018.)

article: 3. Issuance and Renewal of Licenses


text: The class of vehicles permitted to be operated as shown on a driver’s license held by a minor shall not be changed, unless the parents, guardians, or person having custody of such minor gives written consent to the department for such a change.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1972, Ch. 97.)

article: 3. Issuance and Renewal of Licenses


text:
(a) A person shall not operate a transit bus transporting passengers unless that person has received from the department a certificate to operate a transit bus or is certified to drive a schoolbus or school pupil activity bus pursuant to Section 12517.

(b) All transit busdrivers shall comply with standards established in Section 40083 of the Education Code. The Department of Motor Vehicles shall establish an implementation program for transit busdrivers to meet these requirements. A transit busdriver who was employed as a busdriver on or before July 1, 1990, shall comply with Section 40085.5 of the Education Code instead of Section 40083 of that code in order to receive his or her original certificate.

(c) Implementation procedures for the issuance of transit busdrivers’ certificates may be established by the Department of Motor Vehicles as necessary to implement an orderly transit busdriver training program.

(d) The department shall issue a transit busdriver certificate to a person who provides either of the following:

(1) Proof that he or she has complied with Section 40083 of the Education Code.

(2) Proof that he or she has complied with Section 40085.5 of the Education Code.

(e) The department may charge a fee of ten dollars ($10) to an applicant for an original or a duplicate or renewal certificate under this section.

(f) The department shall issue a certificate to the applicant. The status of the certificate shall also become part of the pull notice and periodic reports issued pursuant to Section 1808.1. The certificate or the pull notice or periodic reports shall become part of, the person’s employee records for the purpose of inspection pursuant to Sections 1808.1 and 34501. It shall be unlawful for the employer to permit a person to drive a transit bus who does not have a valid certificate.

(g) The term of a certificate shall be a period not to exceed five years, and shall expire with the driver’s license.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 574, Sec. 9. Effective January 1, 2007.)

article: 3. Issuance and Renewal of Licenses


text: Notwithstanding subdivision (b) of Section 12804.9, class C also includes any two-axle motortruck or implement of husbandry weighing 4,000 pounds or more unladen when towing an implement of husbandry as specified in subdivision (n) of Section 36005, except that those vehicles shall not be operated in excess of 25 miles per hour on the highways and for not more than 25 miles on the highway from their point of origin.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1993, Ch. 272, Sec. 25. Effective August 2, 1993.)

article: 3. Issuance and Renewal of Licenses


text:
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the department may conduct studies to develop and identify examinations and tests, to more accurately identify persons who, due to physical or mental factors, or both, are not competent or qualified to safely operate a motor vehicle.

(b) In addition to any other tests or examinations required under this code, the department may require any person applying for an original driver’s license or renewal of a driver’s license, or any person subject to reexamination under Section 13801, to submit to one or more tests or examinations which are part of a study.

(c) The results and information obtained during the study, through the tests and examinations specified in subdivision (a), shall be used only to assess and evaluate the effectiveness of the tests and examinations and to select tests and examinations for use by the department, and for no other purpose. The results of the tests are confidential and shall not be disclosed to any person.

(d) No public entity or employee shall be liable for any loss, detriment, or injury resulting directly or indirectly from the department’s acts or failure to act on information received through the studies.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1993, Ch. 546, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 1994.)

article: 3. Issuance and Renewal of Licenses


text:
(a) (1) The examination shall include all of the following:

(A) A test of the applicant’s knowledge and understanding of the provisions of this code governing the operation of vehicles upon the highways.

(B) A test of the applicant’s ability to read and understand simple English used in highway traffic and directional signs.

(C) A test of the applicant’s understanding of traffic signs and signals, including the bikeway signs, markers, and traffic control devices established by the Department of Transportation.

(D) An actual demonstration of the applicant’s ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in operating a motor vehicle by driving it under the supervision of an examining officer. The applicant shall submit to an examination appropriate to the type of motor vehicle or combination of vehicles the applicant desires a license to drive, except that the department may waive the driving test part of the examination for any applicant who submits a license issued by another state, territory, or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico if the department verifies through any acknowledged national driver record data source that there are no stops, holds, or other impediments to its issuance. The examining officer may request to see evidence of financial responsibility for the vehicle before supervising the demonstration of the applicant’s ability to operate the vehicle. The examining officer may refuse to examine an applicant who is unable to provide proof of financial responsibility for the vehicle, unless proof of financial responsibility is not required by this code.

(E) A test of the hearing and eyesight of the applicant, and of other matters that may be necessary to determine the mental and physical fitness of the applicant to operate a motor vehicle upon the highways, and whether any grounds exist for refusal of a license under this code.

(2) (A) Before a class A or class B driver’s license, or class C driver’s license with a commercial endorsement, may be issued or renewed, the applicant shall have in the applicant’s driver record a valid report of a medical examination of the applicant given not more than two years before the date of the application by a health care professional. As used in this paragraph, “health care professional” means a person who is licensed, certified, or registered in accordance with applicable state laws and regulations to practice medicine and perform physical examinations in the United States. Health care professionals are doctors of medicine, doctors of osteopathy, physician assistants, and registered advanced practice nurses, or doctors of chiropractic who are clinically competent to perform the medical examination presently required of motor carrier drivers by the United States Department of Transportation. The report shall be on a form approved by the department. In establishing the requirements, consideration may be given to the standards presently required of motor carrier drivers by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

(B) The department may accept a federal waiver of one or more physical qualification standards if the waiver is accompanied by a report of a nonqualifying medical examination for a class A or class B driver’s license, or class C driver’s license with a commercial endorsement, pursuant to Section 391.41(a)(3)(ii) of Subpart E of Part 391 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

(3) A physical defect of the applicant that, in the opinion of the department, is compensated for to ensure safe driving ability, shall not prevent the issuance of a license to the applicant.

(b) In accordance with the following classifications, an applicant for a driver’s license shall be required to submit to an examination appropriate to the type of motor vehicle or combination of vehicles the applicant desires a license to drive:

(1) Class A includes the following:

(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (H) of paragraph (3), a combination of vehicles, if a vehicle being towed has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 10,000 pounds.

(B) A vehicle towing more than one vehicle.

(C) A trailer bus.

(D) The operation of all vehicles under class B and class C.

(2) Class B includes the following:

(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (H) of paragraph (3), a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 26,000 pounds.

(B) A single vehicle with three or more axles, except any three-axle vehicle weighing less than 6,000 pounds.

(C) A bus with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 26,000 pounds, except a trailer bus.

(D) A farm labor vehicle.

(E) A single vehicle with three or more axles or a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 26,000 pounds towing another vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or less.

(F) A house car over 40 feet in length, excluding safety devices and safety bumpers.

(G) The operation of all vehicles covered under class C.

(3) Class C includes the following:

(A) A two-axle vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of 26,000 pounds or less, including when the vehicle is towing a trailer or semitrailer with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or less.

(B) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), a two-axle vehicle weighing 4,000 pounds or more unladen when towing a trailer coach not exceeding 9,000 pounds gross.

(C) A house car of 40 feet in length or less.

(D) A three-axle vehicle weighing 6,000 pounds gross or less.

(E) A house car of 40 feet in length or less or a vehicle towing another vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less, including when a tow dolly is used. A person driving a vehicle may not tow another vehicle in violation of Section 21715.

(F) (i) A two-axle vehicle weighing 4,000 pounds or more unladen when towing either a trailer coach or a fifth-wheel travel trailer not exceeding 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating, when the towing of the trailer is not for compensation.

(ii) A two-axle vehicle weighing 4,000 pounds or more unladen when towing a fifth-wheel travel trailer exceeding 10,000 pounds, but not exceeding 15,000 pounds, gross vehicle weight rating, when the towing of the trailer is not for compensation, and if the person has passed a specialized written examination provided by the department relating to the knowledge of this code and other safety aspects governing the towing of recreational vehicles upon the highway.

(iii) The authority to operate combinations of vehicles under this subparagraph may be granted by endorsement on a class C license upon completion of that written examination.

(G) A vehicle or combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating or a gross vehicle weight rating, as those terms are defined in subdivisions (j) and (k), respectively, of Section 15210, of 26,000 pounds or less, if all of the following conditions are met:

(i) Is operated by a farmer, an employee of a farmer, or an instructor credentialed in agriculture as part of an instructional program in agriculture at the high school, community college, or university level.

(ii) Is used exclusively in the conduct of agricultural operations.

(iii) Is not used in the capacity of a for-hire carrier or for compensation.

(H) Firefighting equipment, provided that the equipment is operated by a person who holds a firefighter endorsement pursuant to Section 12804.11.

(I) A motorized scooter.

(J) A bus with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of 26,000 pounds or less, except a trailer bus.

(K) Class C does not include a two-wheel motorcycle or a two-wheel motor-driven cycle.

(4) Class M1. A two-wheel motorcycle or a motor-driven cycle. Authority to operate a vehicle included in a class M1 license may be granted by endorsement on a class A, B, or C license upon completion of an appropriate examination.

(5) (A) Class M2 includes a motorized bicycle or moped, or a bicycle with an attached motor, except an electric bicycle as described in subdivision (a) of Section 312.5.

(B) Authority to operate vehicles included in class M2 may be granted by endorsement on a class A, B, or C license upon completion of an appropriate examination. Persons holding a class M1 license or endorsement may operate vehicles included in class M2 without further examination.

(c) A driver’s license or driver certificate is not valid for operating a commercial motor vehicle, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 15210, any other motor vehicle listed in paragraph (1) or (2) of subdivision (b), or any other vehicle requiring a driver to hold any driver certificate or any driver’s license endorsement under Section 15275, unless a medical certificate approved by the department that has been issued within two years of the date of the operation of that vehicle and a copy of the medical examination report from which the certificate was issued is on file with the department. Otherwise, the license is valid only for operating class C vehicles that are not commercial vehicles, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 15210, and for operating class M1 or M2 vehicles, if so endorsed, that are not commercial vehicles, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 15210.

(d) A license or driver certificate issued before the enactment of Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 15200) is valid to operate the class or type of vehicles specified under the law in existence before that enactment until the license or certificate expires or is otherwise suspended, revoked, or canceled. Upon application for renewal or replacement of a driver’s license, endorsement, or certificate required to operate a commercial motor vehicle, a valid medical certificate on a form approved by the department shall be submitted to the department.

(e) The department may accept a certificate of driving skill that is issued by an employer, authorized by the department to issue a certificate under Section 15250, of the applicant, in lieu of a driving test, on class A or B applications, if the applicant has first qualified for a class C license and has met the other examination requirements for the license for which the applicant is applying. The certificate may be submitted as evidence of the applicant’s skill in the operation of the types of equipment covered by the license for which the applicant is applying.

(f) The department may accept a certificate of competence in lieu of a driving test on class M1 or M2 applications, when the certificate is issued by a law enforcement agency for its officers who operate class M1 or M2 vehicles in their duties, if the applicant has met the other examination requirements for the license for which the applicant is applying.

(g) The department may accept a certificate of satisfactory completion of a motorcyclist training program approved by the commissioner pursuant to Section 2932 in lieu of a driving test on class M1 or M2 applications, if the applicant has met the other examination requirements for the license for which the applicant is applying. The department shall review and approve the written and driving test used by a program to determine whether the program may issue a certificate of completion.

(h) Notwithstanding subdivision (b), a person holding a valid California driver’s license of any class may operate a short-term rental motorized bicycle without taking any special examination for the operation of a motorized bicycle, and without having a class M2 endorsement on that license. As used in this subdivision, “short-term” means 48 hours or less.

(i) A person under 21 years of age shall not be issued a class M1 or M2 license or endorsement unless the person provides evidence satisfactory to the department of completion of a novice motorcycle safety training program that is operated pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 2930) of Chapter 5 of Division 2.

(j) A driver of a vanpool vehicle may operate with a class C license but shall possess evidence of a medical examination required for a class B license when operating vanpool vehicles. In order to be eligible to drive the vanpool vehicle, the driver shall keep in the vanpool vehicle a statement, signed under penalty of perjury, that the driver has not been convicted of reckless driving, drunk driving, or a hit-and-run offense in the last five years.

(k) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2029, and as of that date is repealed.

history: (History: Amended (as amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 610, Sec. 1) by Stats. 2025, Ch. 16, Sec. 3. (SB 128) Effective June 27, 2025. Repealed as of January 1, 2029, by its own provisions. See later operative version amended by Sec. 4 of Stats. 2025, Ch. 16.)

article: 3. Issuance and Renewal of Licenses


text:
(a) (1) The examination shall include all of the following:

(A) A test of the applicant’s knowledge and understanding of the provisions of this code governing the operation of vehicles upon the highways.

(B) A test of the applicant’s ability to read and understand simple English used in highway traffic and directional signs.

(C) A test of the applicant’s understanding of traffic signs and signals, including the bikeway signs, markers, and traffic control devices established by the Department of Transportation.

(D) An actual demonstration of the applicant’s ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in operating a motor vehicle by driving it under the supervision of an examining officer. The applicant shall submit to an examination appropriate to the type of motor vehicle or combination of vehicles the applicant desires a license to drive, except that the department may waive the driving test part of the examination for any applicant who submits a license issued by another state, territory, or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico if the department verifies through any acknowledged national driver record data source that there are no stops, holds, or other impediments to its issuance. The examining officer may request to see evidence of financial responsibility for the vehicle before supervising the demonstration of the applicant’s ability to operate the vehicle. The examining officer may refuse to examine an applicant who is unable to provide proof of financial responsibility for the vehicle, unless proof of financial responsibility is not required by this code.

(E) A test of the hearing and eyesight of the applicant, and of other matters that may be necessary to determine the mental and physical fitness of the applicant to operate a motor vehicle upon the highways, and whether any grounds exist for refusal of a license under this code.

(2) (A) Before a class A or class B driver’s license, or class C driver’s license with a commercial endorsement, may be issued or renewed, the applicant shall have in the applicant’s driver record a valid report of a medical examination of the applicant given not more than two years before the date of the application by a health care professional. As used in this paragraph, “health care professional” means a person who is licensed, certified, or registered in accordance with applicable state laws and regulations to practice medicine and perform physical examinations in the United States. Health care professionals are doctors of medicine, doctors of osteopathy, physician assistants, and registered advanced practice nurses, or doctors of chiropractic who are clinically competent to perform the medical examination presently required of motor carrier drivers by the United States Department of Transportation. The report shall be on a form approved by the department. In establishing the requirements, consideration may be given to the standards presently required of motor carrier drivers by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

(B) The department may accept a federal waiver of one or more physical qualification standards if the waiver is accompanied by a report of a nonqualifying medical examination for a class A or class B driver’s license, or class C driver’s license with a commercial endorsement, pursuant to Section 391.41(a)(3)(ii) of Subpart E of Part 391 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

(3) A physical defect of the applicant that, in the opinion of the department, is compensated for to ensure safe driving ability, shall not prevent the issuance of a license to the applicant.

(b) In accordance with the following classifications, an applicant for a driver’s license shall be required to submit to an examination appropriate to the type of motor vehicle or combination of vehicles the applicant desires a license to drive:

(1) Class A includes the following:

(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (H) of paragraph (3), a combination of vehicles, if a vehicle being towed has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 10,000 pounds.

(B) A vehicle towing more than one vehicle.

(C) A trailer bus.

(D) The operation of all vehicles under class B and class C.

(2) Class B includes the following:

(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (H) of paragraph (3), a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 26,000 pounds.

(B) A single vehicle with three or more axles, except any three-axle vehicle weighing less than 6,000 pounds.

(C) A bus with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 26,000 pounds, except a trailer bus.

(D) A farm labor vehicle.

(E) A single vehicle with three or more axles or a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 26,000 pounds towing another vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or less.

(F) A house car over 40 feet in length, excluding safety devices and safety bumpers.

(G) The operation of all vehicles covered under class C.

(3) Class C includes the following:

(A) A two-axle vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of 26,000 pounds or less, including when the vehicle is towing a trailer or semitrailer with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or less.

(B) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), a two-axle vehicle weighing 4,000 pounds or more unladen when towing a trailer coach not exceeding 9,000 pounds gross.

(C) A house car of 40 feet in length or less.

(D) A three-axle vehicle weighing 6,000 pounds gross or less.

(E) A house car of 40 feet in length or less or a vehicle towing another vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less, including when a tow dolly is used. A person driving a vehicle may not tow another vehicle in violation of Section 21715.

(F) (i) A two-axle vehicle when towing a trailer exceeding 10,000 pounds, but not exceeding 15,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight, if all of the following conditions are met:

(I) The towing of the trailer is not for compensation or commercial purposes.

(II) The trailer is coupled to the towing vehicle by a bed-mounted gooseneck hitch or a fifth-wheel and kingpin connection.

(III) The trailer is used exclusively for recreational purposes.

(IV) The trailer is used for the transportation of property or human habitation, or both.

(V) The person has passed a specialized written examination provided by the department relating to the knowledge of this code and other safety aspects governing the towing of recreational vehicles upon the highway.

(ii) A vehicle towing a fifth-wheel travel trailer exceeding 10,000 pounds, but not exceeding 15,000 pounds, gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight, when the towing of the trailer is not for compensation, and if the person has passed a specialized written examination provided by the department relating to the knowledge of this code and other safety aspects governing the towing of recreational vehicles upon the highway.

(iii) The authority to operate combinations of vehicles under this subparagraph may be granted by endorsement on a class C license upon completion of that written examination.

(G) A vehicle or combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating or a gross vehicle weight rating, as those terms are defined in subdivisions (j) and (k), respectively, of Section 15210, of 26,000 pounds or less, if all of the following conditions are met:

(i) Is operated by a farmer, an employee of a farmer, or an instructor credentialed in agriculture as part of an instructional program in agriculture at the high school, community college, or university level.

(ii) Is used exclusively in the conduct of agricultural operations.

(iii) Is not used in the capacity of a for-hire carrier or for compensation.

(H) Firefighting equipment, provided that the equipment is operated by a person who holds a firefighter endorsement pursuant to Section 12804.11.

(I) A motorized scooter.

(J) A bus with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of 26,000 pounds or less, except a trailer bus.

(K) Class C does not include a two-wheel motorcycle or a two-wheel motor-driven cycle.

(4) Class M1. A two-wheel motorcycle or a motor-driven cycle. Authority to operate a vehicle included in a class M1 license may be granted by endorsement on a class A, B, or C license upon completion of an appropriate examination.

(5) (A) Class M2 includes a motorized bicycle or moped, or a bicycle with an attached motor, except an electric bicycle as described in subdivision (a) of Section 312.5.

(B) Authority to operate vehicles included in class M2 may be granted by endorsement on a class A, B, or C license upon completion of an appropriate examination. Persons holding a class M1 license or endorsement may operate vehicles included in class M2 without further examination.

(c) A driver’s license or driver certificate is not valid for operating a commercial motor vehicle, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 15210, any other motor vehicle listed in paragraph (1) or (2) of subdivision (b), or any other vehicle requiring a driver to hold any driver certificate or any driver’s license endorsement under Section 15275, unless a medical certificate approved by the department that has been issued within two years of the date of the operation of that vehicle and a copy of the medical examination report from which the certificate was issued is on file with the department. Otherwise, the license is valid only for operating class C vehicles that are not commercial vehicles, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 15210, and for operating class M1 or M2 vehicles, if so endorsed, that are not commercial vehicles, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 15210.

(d) A license or driver certificate issued before the enactment of Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 15200) is valid to operate the class or type of vehicles specified under the law in existence before that enactment until the license or certificate expires or is otherwise suspended, revoked, or canceled. Upon application for renewal or replacement of a driver’s license, endorsement, or certificate required to operate a commercial motor vehicle, a valid medical certificate on a form approved by the department shall be submitted to the department.

(e) The department may accept a certificate of driving skill that is issued by an employer, authorized by the department to issue a certificate under Section 15250, of the applicant, in lieu of a driving test, on class A or B applications, if the applicant has first qualified for a class C license and has met the other examination requirements for the license for which the applicant is applying. The certificate may be submitted as evidence of the applicant’s skill in the operation of the types of equipment covered by the license for which the applicant is applying.

(f) The department may accept a certificate of competence in lieu of a driving test on class M1 or M2 applications, when the certificate is issued by a law enforcement agency for its officers who operate class M1 or M2 vehicles in their duties, if the applicant has met the other examination requirements for the license for which the applicant is applying.

(g) The department may accept a certificate of satisfactory completion of a motorcyclist training program approved by the commissioner pursuant to Section 2932 in lieu of a driving test on class M1 or M2 applications, if the applicant has met the other examination requirements for the license for which the applicant is applying. The department shall review and approve the written and driving test used by a program to determine whether the program may issue a certificate of completion.

(h) Notwithstanding subdivision (b), a person holding a valid California driver’s license of any class may operate a short-term rental motorized bicycle without taking any special examination for the operation of a motorized bicycle, and without having a class M2 endorsement on that license. As used in this subdivision, “short-term” means 48 hours or less.

(i) A person under 21 years of age shall not be issued a class M1 or M2 license or endorsement unless the person provides evidence satisfactory to the department of completion of a novice motorcycle safety training program that is operated pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 2930) of Chapter 5 of Division 2.

(j) A driver of a vanpool vehicle may operate with a class C license but shall possess evidence of a medical examination required for a class B license when operating vanpool vehicles. In order to be eligible to drive the vanpool vehicle, the driver shall keep in the vanpool vehicle a statement, signed under penalty of perjury, that the driver has not been convicted of reckless driving, drunk driving, or a hit-and-run offense in the last five years.

(k) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2029.

history: (History: Amended (as added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 610, Sec. 2) by Stats. 2025, Ch. 16, Sec. 4. (SB 128) Effective June 27, 2025. Operative January 1, 2029, by its own provisions.)

article: 3. Issuance and Renewal of Licenses


text:
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person issued a class C license under paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) of Section 12804.9 may drive any house car of 40 feet in length or less without obtaining a noncommercial class B driver’s license with house car endorsement as described in subdivision (b).

(b) Any person seeking to drive any house car over 40 feet in length, excluding safety devices and safety bumpers, shall obtain a noncommercial class B driver’s license with house car endorsement as described in this subdivision. The applicant for that endorsement shall pass a specialized written examination and demonstrate the ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in operating that vehicle by driving it under the supervision of an examining officer. Upon satisfactory completion of the examination and demonstration, the applicant shall be issued a noncommercial class B driver’s license with house car endorsement by the department. Upon application for an endorsement to operate this vehicle, and every two years thereafter, the applicant shall submit medical information on a form approved by the department.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2001, Ch. 658, Sec. 3. Effective October 10, 2001.)

article: 3. Issuance and Renewal of Licenses


text:
(a) To operate firefighting equipment, a driver, including a tiller operator, is required to do either of the following:

(1) Obtain and maintain a firefighter endorsement issued by the department and obtain and maintain a class C license as described in Section 12804.9, a restricted class A license as described in Section 12804.12, or a noncommercial class B license as described in Section 12804.10.

(2) Obtain and maintain a class A or B license as described in Section 12804.9 and, as appropriate, for the size and configuration of the firefighting equipment operated.

(b) To qualify for a firefighter endorsement the driver shall do all of the following:

(1) (A) Provide to the department proof of current employment as a firefighter or registration as a volunteer firefighter with a fire department and evidence of fire equipment operation training by providing a letter or other indication from the chief of the fire department or his or her designee.

(B) For purposes of this section, evidence of fire equipment operation training means the applicant has successfully completed Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator 1A taught by an instructor registered with the Office of the State Fire Marshal or fire department driver training that meets all of the following requirements:

(i) Meets or exceeds the standards outlined in NFPA 1002, Chapter 4 (2008 version) or the Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator 1A course adopted by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

(ii) Prepares the applicant to safely operate the department’s fire equipment that the applicant will be authorized to operate.

(iii) Includes a classroom (cognitive) portion of at least 16 hours.

(iv) Includes a manipulative portion of at least 14 hours, which includes directly supervised behind-the-wheel driver training.

(C) Driver training shall be conducted by a person who is registered with the Office of the State Fire Marshal to instruct a Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator 1A course or a person who meets all of the following criteria:

(i) Possesses a minimum of five years of fire service experience as an emergency vehicle operator, three of which must be at the rank of engineer or higher.

(ii) Possesses a valid California class A or B license or a class A or B license restricted to the operation of firefighting equipment or a class C license with a firefighter endorsement.

(iii) Is certified as a qualified training instructor or training officer by the State of California, the federal government, or a county training officers’ association.

(2) Pass the written firefighter examination developed by the department with the cooperation of the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

(3) Upon application and every two years thereafter, submit medical information on a form approved by the department.

(c) There shall be no additional charge for adding a firefighter endorsement to an original license or when renewing a license. To add a firefighter endorsement to an existing license when not renewing the license, the applicant shall pay the fee for a duplicate license pursuant to Section 14901.

(d) (1) A driver of firefighting equipment is subject to the requirements of subdivision (a) if both of the following conditions exist:

(A) The equipment is operated by a person employed as a firefighter by a federal or state agency, by a regularly organized fire department of a city, county, city and county, or district, or by a tribal fire department or registered as a volunteer member of a regularly organized fire department having official recognition of the city, county, city and county, or district in which the department is located, or of a tribal fire department.

(B) The motor vehicle is used to travel to and from the scene of an emergency situation, or to transport equipment used in the control of an emergency situation, and which is owned, leased, or rented by, or under the exclusive control of, a federal or state agency, a regularly organized fire department of a city, county, city and county, or district, a volunteer fire department having official recognition of the city, county, city and county, or district in which the department is located, or a tribal fire department.

(2) A driver of firefighting equipment is not required to obtain and maintain a firefighter endorsement pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) if the driver is operating the firefighting equipment for training purposes, during a nonemergency, while under the direct supervision of a fire department employee who is properly licensed to operate the equipment and is authorized by the fire department to provide training.

(e) For purposes of this section, a tiller operator is the driver of the rear free-axle portion of a ladder truck.

(f) For purposes of this section, “firefighting equipment” means a motor vehicle, that meets the definition of a class A or class B vehicle described in subdivision (b) of Section 12804.9, that is used to travel to and from the scene of an emergency situation, or to transport equipment used in the control of an emergency situation, and that is owned, leased, or rented by, or under the exclusive control of, a federal or state agency, a regularly organized fire department of a city, county, city and county, or district, or a volunteer fire department having official recognition of the city, county, city and county, or district in which the department is located.

(g) Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of subdivision (a), a regularly organized fire department, having official recognition of the city, county, city and county, or district in which the department is located, may require an employee or a volunteer of the fire department who is a driver or operator of firefighting equipment to hold a class A or B license.

(h) This section applies to a person hired by a fire department, or to a person renewing a driver’s license, on or after January 1, 2011.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 97, Sec. 1. (AB 2438) Effective January 1, 2015.)

article: 3. Issuance and Renewal of Licenses


text:
(a) The department may issue a restricted class A driver’s license for the operation of any two-axle vehicle weighing 4,000 pounds or more unladen when towing a trailer coach exceeding 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating, or a fifth-wheel travel trailer exceeding 15,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating, when the towing of the trailer is not for compensation.

(b) In lieu of a report of a medical examination required by Section 12804.9, an applicant for a restricted license issued pursuant to subdivision (a) shall, upon application and every two years thereafter, submit medical information on a form approved by the department.

(c) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2027, and as of that date is repealed.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 610, Sec. 3. (SB 287) Effective January 1, 2022. Repealed as of January 1, 2027, by its own provisions. See later operative version as added by Sec. 4 of Stats. 2021, Ch. 610.)

article: 3. Issuance and Renewal of Licenses


text:
(a) The department may issue a restricted class A driver’s license for the operation of a vehicle towing a trailer if all of the following conditions are met:

(1) The towing of the trailer is not for compensation or commercial purposes.

(2) The trailer has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 10,000 pounds.

(3) The trailer is used exclusively for recreational purposes.

(4) The trailer is used for the transportation of property or human habitation, or both.

(b) In lieu of a report of a medical examination required by Section 12804.9, an applicant for a restricted license issued pursuant to subdivision (a) shall, upon application and every two years thereafter, submit medical information on a form approved by the department.

(c) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2027.

history: (History: Repealed (in Sec. 3) and added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 610, Sec. 4. (SB 287) Effective January 1, 2022. Operative January 1, 2027, by its own provisions.)

article: 3. Issuance and Renewal of Licenses


text:
(a) The department may issue a restricted class A driver’s license for the operation of any two-axle vehicle weighing 4,000 pounds or more unladen when towing a livestock trailer exceeding 10,000 pounds, but not exceeding 15,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight, if all of the following conditions are met:

(1) The vehicle is controlled and operated by a farmer.

(2) The vehicle is used to transport livestock to or from a farm.

(3) The vehicle is not used in the operations of a common or contract carrier.

(4) The vehicle is used within 150 miles of the person’s farm.

(b) The requirements of subdivision (a) incorporate the guidelines published by the Federal Highway Administration in the Federal Register on September 26, 1988 (53 FR 37313). The department shall follow those guidelines in acting pursuant to this section as those guidelines now exist and as they are hereafter amended.

(c) In lieu of a report of a medical examination required by Sections 12804 and 12804.9, a licensed California driver applying for a restricted license issued pursuant to subdivision (a) shall, upon application and every two years thereafter, submit medical information on a form approved by the department.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 10, Sec. 14. Effective February 9, 1996.)

article: 3. Issuance and Renewal of Licenses


text:
(a) Notwithstanding Section 362, for purposes of this section “house car” means a vehicle described in subdivision (b) of Section 12804.10.

(b) (1) Except as provided under paragraph (2), no person may operate a house car unless that person has in his or her possession a valid driver’s license of the appropriate class and an endorsement thereto issued by the department to permit operation of the house car.

(2) A nonresident may not operate a house car in this state unless that person is in possession of an out-of-state driver’s license authorizing the operation of that vehicle.

(c) An endorsement to drive a house car may be issued only if the applicant meets all of the following conditions:

(1) The applicant successfully completes an examination prescribed by the department to determine qualification for the endorsement.

(2) Upon initial application and every two years thereafter, the applicant submits medical information on a form approved by the department to verify that the person meets the minimum medical requirements established by the department for operation of a house car.

(3) Upon application for issuance of an original driver’s license or renewal driver’s license pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 12804.10, there shall be paid to the department a fee of thirty-four dollars ($34) for a license that will expire on the applicant’s fifth birthday following the date of the application.

(d) The department may deny, suspend, or revoke an endorsement to drive a house car when the applicant does not meet any requirement for the issuance or retention of the endorsement.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2001, Ch. 658, Sec. 4. Effective October 10, 2001.)

article: 3. Issuance and Renewal of Licenses


text:
(a) The department shall not issue a driver’s license to, or renew a driver’s license of, any person:

(1) Who is not of legal age to receive a driver’s license.

(2) Whose best corrected visual acuity is 20/200 or worse in that person’s better eye, as verified by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. A person shall not use a bioptic telescopic or similar lens to meet the 20/200 visual acuity standards.

(3) Who is unable, as shown by examination, to understand traffic signs or signals or who does not have a reasonable knowledge of the requirements of this code governing the operation of vehicles upon the highways.

(4) When it is determined, by examination or other evidence, that the person is unable to safely operate a motor vehicle upon a highway.

(5) Who is unable to read and understand English used in highway traffic and directional signs.

(6) Who holds a valid driver’s license issued by a foreign jurisdiction unless the license has been surrendered to the department, or is lost or destroyed.

(7) Who has ever held, or is the holder of, a license to drive issued by another state, territory, or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and that license has been suspended by reason, in whole or in part, of a conviction of a traffic violation until the suspension period has terminated, except that the department may issue a license to the applicant if, in the opinion of the department, it will be safe to issue a license to a person whose license to drive was suspended by a state that is not a party to the Driver License Compact provided for in Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 15000) of Division 6.

(8) Who has ever held, or is the holder of, a license to drive issued by another state, territory, or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and that license has been revoked by reason, in whole or in part, of a conviction of a traffic violation, until the revocation has been terminated or after the expiration of one year from the date the license was revoked, whichever occurs first, except that the department may issue a license to the applicant if, in the opinion of the department, it will be safe to issue a license to a person whose license to drive was revoked by a state that is not a party to the Driver License Compact provided for in Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 15000) of Division 6.

(b) The department shall not issue a Real ID driver’s license to a person who holds a valid Real ID identification card.

(c) The department may cancel a driver’s license in order to enable compliance with subdivision (b).

(d) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2018.

history: (History: Repealed (in Sec. 9) and added by Stats. 2016, Ch. 339, Sec. 10. (SB 838) Effective September 13, 2016. Section operative January 1, 2018, by its own provisions.)

article: 3. Issuance and Renewal of Licenses