Q: My son just turned 18 years old but never got his driver license. He’s now ready to learn the rules of the road and get his license. What is the process?

A: The process for an adult to obtain a driver license is relatively simple. First, your son has to visit the California Department of Motor Vehicles — he may schedule an appointment online at www.dmv.ca.gov to ensure faster service — where he will fill out the proper application, pay an application fee, pass a vision test and pass a written traffic laws and signs test.
He also needs to be prepared to provide his social security number and verify other personal information.
If he passes the exams, he’ll be issued a permit and will be able to drive as long as he’s accompanied by another licensed adult.
After practicing, he can schedule a behind-the-wheel driver’s test and once he passes that, he’ll be issued his driver license. He must have an appointment to take this test.
It’s very important that he understands the rules of the road and becomes a safe driver. Luckily, the California Driver Handbook has everything he needs to learn. It can be downloaded as a PDF from dmv.ca.gov.

Q: My mother always gets mad at me when I pass people on the freeway. She says it is reckless and rude, but I know it’s legal to pass other vehicles. Can you tell me the legal rules about lane-changing to pass?

A: Of course. While you are right — it is legal to pass other vehicles — you must do so safely at all times.
According to the California Driver Handbook, when passing another vehicle you should always pass traffic on the left, and only change lanes after having looked ahead and over your shoulder to ensure no other vehicles are moving into your lane.
If the vehicle in front of you has its signal on to indicate a left-hand turn, do not pass that vehicle. You may pass on the right if you are on a highway with two or more lanes marked for travel in your direction.
If you follow these rules and maintain the speed limit when passing, assure your mother that you are obeying traffic laws and that it is acceptable driving behavior.

Q: I am very concerned because my best friend was cited for driving under the influence for the first time. What are the ramifications for driving under the influence?

A: Financial costs for a first-time conviction vary, but could cost up to $13,000 in fines, penalty assessments and insurance costs, plus a jail sentence of up to six months, depending upon the court and circumstance.
In addition, DUI convictions remain on the driving record for 10 years.
For a first-time conviction, the DMV will suspend a person’s driving privilege for six months. The person convicted — in this case, your friend — must complete a DUI program, provide evidence of insurance, and pay a $125 reissue fee before they can get their license back.
Your friend may be eligible for a restricted license issued by DMV before the end of the six-month suspension.
For more information on DUI citations, visit dmv.ca.gov/dl/driversafety/dsalcohol.htm.

George Valverde is the director of the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Do you have questions about general driving related requirements like registration or insurance? Are you unclear about laws and restrictions related to driving? The California DMV has answers at www.dmv.ca.gov. And now, you can submit any DMV-related questions at askdmv@dmv.ca.gov.