Ask the DMV

Do you have questions about general drivingrelated requirements, such as registration or insurance? Are you unclear about the laws and restrictions related to driving? The California Department of Motor Vehicles provides answers in this column and at www.dmv.ca.gov.

Q: Are there alternative methods for completing the driver's license written examination?

A: Yes. The DMV offers multiple ways to complete the California driver's license written examination. The examination may be conducted in a foreign language, in American Sign Language, by listening to a cassette tape rather than being given reading material or by having an examiner ask the questions in a persontoperson examination.

The DMV advises that those with special needs contact their local driver's license supervisor in order to have their needs better addressed.

For other motorcyclerelated information, consult the 2007 California Motorcycle Handbook available online at the DMV website.

Q: I just bought a vehicle from my neighbor. Do I have to report it immediately to the DMV or can it wait?

A: Motorists who just bought a car from a private party have 10 days from the date of sale to report the transfer of ownership to the DMV. Even if the motorist does not have the required documents, all fees must be paid to the DMV within 30 days of the date of purchase. Failure to pay the fees within the 30 days will result in transfer and use tax penalties.

Q: How old do I have to be in order to apply for a learner's permit to begin driving?

A: Applicants must be 15½ but under the age of 18 to apply for a learner's permit. However, note that to be eligible to take a driving test, applicants must be 16 years old, have held a permit for six months, have completed driver education, have completed at least six hours of professional driver training and have completed at least 50 hours of training with an adult who is 25 years or older.

Q: I live in San Francisco and sometimes I get a little worried about my parking brake when I'm parked on a hill. Is there anything I can do to make sure I'm being as safe as possible?

A: Certainly. Making sure the wheels are turned the right way is crucial. Headed uphill, turn the front wheels away from the curb and let the vehicle roll back a few inches. The back of the wheel should gently touch the curb and then the parking brake can be set. Headed downhill, turn the front wheels into the curb or toward the side of the road and then set the parking brake. Always make sure the car will roll off the roadway if the parking brake should fail.

Q: When making a right turn on a green light, do I have to wait for pedestrians to cross even if there is no crosswalk?

A: Unless there is a sign prohibiting pedestrian crossing, pedestrians have the right of way at an intersection, whether or not there is a marked crosswalk. This is a serious issue. One in six traffic fatalities is a pedestrian, so make sure to drive carefully at intersections, corners and other crosswalks.

Readers are invited to submit questions to askdmv@dmv.ca.gov.