California Drivers Ed Course Online

When all drivers have good practical skills, sound theory knowledge and a responsible attitude, the roadway becomes a safer place for everyone. With driver’s education, we can prevent the psychological trauma, property damage, injury, and death that all too often result from traffic accidents and collisions. The time and effort you apply to your studies here will save you a great deal of trouble – and could even save your life – when you get behind the wheel.

Are you fit to drive? Part one of this block covers the importance of answering this question. If any factor – such as poor health, physical injury, tiredness, emotional upset or intoxication – impairs your ability to drive safely, you must not get behind the wheel.

Within this module, you will also learn about the importance of good vision, hearing and how illness or impairment affects your ability to be a safe driver.

Everything in the known universe is subject to natural forces like inertia, gravity, friction and energy. Your car is no exception, in fact, it relies on the laws of physics to operate. Without natural forces, your car would be unable to start, move, stop or change direction. The way in which your vehicle interacts with these forces is somewhat determined by its design. As the laws of physics are constant and unchangeable, car manufacturers can use them to create stable, safer and more efficient vehicles.

Road signs, traffic signals and pavement markings are crucial topics in your driver’s ed program. Your knowledge of these traffic control devices will be assessed during the learner’s permit test and will ensure you can drive on our nation’s roadways safely, while abiding by the rules of the road. This section contains essential information about signs, signals and markings and should be used to support your learning, alongside the official California driving manual.

All drivers must be well-versed in basic traffic laws, as failure to abide by them will create dangerous driving situations and may result in a fine, penalty or suspension of your driver’s license. Traffic laws are not open to interpretation; the law is the law and must be followed to the letter.

When it comes to driving maneuvers like steering, backing-up and signaling, the bulk of your learning will be carried out behind-the-wheel; there can be no substitute for actually getting out there and putting these skills into practice.

However, getting to grips with essential driving maneuvers does require an academic approach, before you hop into the driver’s seat. Studying the information in this module will arm you with the theoretical knowledge needed to start learning to drive a car. As you progress, we recommend returning to this section of the course regularly to check that you’re on the right track.

To develop a responsible and safe attitude towards driving, you must first understand the power of your actions. While driving, a single action can set off a chain of events that leads to a crash or collision. Each driver acting or reacting within that sequence of events has the power to worsen the situation or move it toward a more positive outcome.

New drivers often do not realize what a challenge city driving can pose. You may not be traveling at high speeds when driving around a busy, metropolitan area, but you will nonetheless be afforded very little time to spot and react to hazardous situations. It is very easy to become distracted and make dangerous mistakes while driving alongside so many other motorists, pedestrians, buses, delivery vans and cyclists, in such close quarters. In this section of the course, we discuss the unique challenges that city driving presents and the tactics you must employ to manage these risks.

Unfavorable weather and road conditions can create hazards that make driving difficult, and more dangerous. You must learn how to identify and compensate for these hazards, to protect yourself and other road users from harm. Of course, the number-one rule of defensive driving is to avoid unnecessary danger. Choosing not to drive in rain, snow or fog, at night or during any other hazardous conditions is always the smartest decision.

You will share the road with many different types of road users – we are not just talking about other motorists. Vehicles and pedestrians are the two primary categories of road users that make up the Highway Transportation System (HTS). Bicycles, passenger cars, motorcycles, trucks, buses, slow-moving vehicles, and light rail vehicles are among the many types of vehicles included in the HTS.

Drinking and driving is a serious crime. It is also one of the most stupid and dangerous things a person could choose to do. Driving safely requires sharp motor skills, plus the ability to think clearly, act calmly and exercise good judgment. Even when a driver does everything “right” they are still at risk of being involved in a crash or collision, as our nation’s roadways are inherently dangerous. If you get behind the wheel while intoxicated, the risk of injury or death you face under normal circumstances becomes a likelihood.

Climbing into the driver’s seat for the very first time can be an exciting yet somewhat overwhelming experience. In this unfamiliar environment, you will be surrounded by controls, dials, switches, levers, lights and symbols. How are you supposed to negotiate all these gadgets, drive the car and pay attention to the road at the same time?

Every California resident needs a valid driver’s license to drive a vehicle on any public roadway, or to leave a vehicle in a public parking facility. If you are a new resident of the state who wishes to drive on California roads, you are legally required to obtain a CA driver’s license within 10 days of becoming a resident.