CA Manuals & Handbooks

California DMV manuals and handbooks are extremely useful for drivers in the state, those transferring to the state of California, or those just beginning or learning to drive. These are the publications that provide the most educational information about the state’s traffic, driver, and safety laws and rules. You can get these manuals and handbooks from the California DMV by calling 1-800-777-0133 and speaking to a representative about the publications you would like to receive. There is also the option of viewing these publications online in HTML format, with the full collection of California driver manuals and handbooks found at Department of Motor Vehicles Publications.

California Driver’s Handbooks

There are different California driver’s handbooks designated for specific types of drivers. The basic driving handbook is the California Driver Handbook, specified for Class C standard drivers of personal-use vehicles. The California Driver Handbook is offered in two separate formats: HTML or PDF, which requires Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print.

This handbook details driving on California roadways, highways, and the freeway, giving you a good idea of what to expect on the road, in regards to other drivers, and safety expectation for California drivers. This is a pertinent publication for those that are just learning to drive and will be taking their license exams in the near future. The basic driver handbook is offered in many different languages to ensure that all drivers in the state, no matter where they are from, are able to fully understand and learn about driving in California.

  • English
  • Spanish
  • Armenian
  • Korean
  • Chinese
  • Russian
  • Vietnamese
  • Tagalog
Commercial and CDL Driver Handbooks are offered for those drivers that operate business vehicles, CDL licenses, or are seeking their CDL or other commercial licensing. The California Commercial Driver Handbook is much like the handbook for standard license drivers, providing all the fine details of driving such a vehicle on California roadways. This manual is offered online in the same formats as the basic driver handbook.

To pass your commercial driving exams, you will want to study this handbook well and understand the terminology, concepts, elements, and rules of the road detailed within the handbook.

There are also motorcycle driver and recreational vehicle and trailer handbooks offered online for those who operate such vehicles within the state of California. Offered in the same format as the other two handbooks, you are given great access to download and view these handbooks for free from home.

You don’t have to get these handbooks online, as you can request a copy to be mailed to you by calling the California DMV toll-free number, 1-800-777-0133. You can also pick up a copy at the local DMV if you wish to stop in.

Other Handbooks and Manuals You May Consider

While you might not use all California driver handbooks and manuals offered, you should still be aware that they exist and how to access them online or offline. The driver handbooks aren’t the only important manuals and handbooks offered, with others that can provide new and long-time drivers of many ages the resource needed to be aware of what they are getting into when they get behind the wheel in California.

There are many others that can be found at www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/pubs.htm if you know what type of form you are looking for. There are several drop down menu categories to choose from as well, ensuring that you are able to find what you need quickly and effectively.

There are many California DMV brochures that are also offered to add an extra element of education and awareness to California drivers.

While these forms are offered to you online for convenient retrieval, you can also visit the local DMV to get these publications, or call the DMV toll-free at 1-800-777-0133 to speak to a live agent who will inform you of all manuals and handbooks you may need and have mailed directly to your home.