Survey of the Handbook
TERRITORY
Driver’s Handbook >
Department of Revenue and Taxation
Motor Vehicle Division
Handbook main page Handbook Part II
Instructions for this page: This is a study aid. You already have a Driver Handbook, either the PDF download or a hard copy from the driving school. I recommend you open this page in a new tab or a new browser so you can go back and forth to refer to this page as you complete the other assignments.
Black text is the actual book text.
Blue text is a link to discussion in the NOTES section below.
Green text is for phrases you should be familiar with.
Purple text is instructors' commentary inserted into the original text.
PAGE 1
Section I
- THE DRIVING PRIVILEGE
Driving a motor vehicle on public streets and highways is a privilege granted by the Territory according to the ruling of the courts. It is not a right.
Before the territory can issue a permit to drive, you must show that you have the necessary skill. The law states that your ability to drive must be tested and proved by an examination given by the Territory.
A driver’s license is evidence that the Territory has granted you the privilege of driving on the public roadways within its boundaries. It shows that the Territory has judged it safe to grant the driving privilege to you. Every driver must be licensed and must carry their valid license with them at all times while driving on Guam.
If you abuse the privilege, it may be taken away from you by legal means for various periods of time, or revoked permanently under some circumstances.
- EXCEPTIONS TO WHO NEEDS A LICENSE
a. Active duty military personnel stationed on Guam are not required to get a Guam license as long as their license from their home state is valid, but it is advisable.
b. A valid driver’s license from one of the 50 U.S. States, Territories or possessions may be used for up to 30 days after arrival on Guam.
c. Active duty military personnel operating a military or Federal Government vehicle are not required to have a Guam license while operating the military or Federal Government vehicle.
- ELIGIBILITY – AGE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
For purposes of obtaining a Guam driver’s license, minors are persons under 18 years of age. Applicants under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian appear in person during the initial application process to sign the application form prior to taking the written examination.
*b. Learner’s Permits
Before anyone can drive well, he needs to have a good deal of actual driving practice . The law, therefore, provides for the issuance of a learner’s permit which allows a person qualified for a license by age and other conditions to drive on public streets and highways when accompanied by a ¹fully licensed driver. A person must be at least 15 years 6 months of age to apply for a learner’s permit. Holders of learner’s permits do not have the right to drive alone, not even to an office of the Department of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of taking an examination. They must always be accompanied by a licensed driver when they are driving.
TYPES OF LICENSES
a. Chauffeur’s Licenses are issued to those people who are employed by a company for the purpose of driving and who receive compensation therefrom.
b. Taxi Licenses are issued to persons who are operating a taxi for the purpose of compensation. All persons applying for a taxi license are required to be familiar with Section 11101 of Title 16 Guam Code Annotated.
c. Operator’s Licenses are issued for normal use of a four-wheel vehicle.
d. Motorcycle Licenses are required for all military and civilians who intend to operate a motorcycle on the roads of Guam. To receive a motorcycle license, you must take a written exam and a road test to ascertain whether you have the knowledge and practical experience to operate a motorcycle. Guam law requires use of an approved, securely fastened safety helmet for both driver and passenger. In addition it is recommended that the headlight be used during all driving, both day and night.
- REGULAR LICENSES
When you receive your regular license, inspect it carefully to be sure the information on it is correct. It should contain your true full name, date of birth, a brief personal description, your signature, in the upper left hand corner, the date when it expires and most current mailing address. If address changes immediately notification is requirement.
___________
* See Pgs. 35-36 Public Law 25-96
APPLYING FOR YOUR LICENSE
Written Test *
When you apply for a license, you will need to appear in person before a driver’s license examiner.
- Information and Identification.
In filling out your application, the law declares that you must give true statements about yourself. You will be asked to certify whether you have ever:
1. Applied for a license under any other name.
2. Had your driving privilege or license cancelled, refused, suspended or revoked (taken away for any reason).
3. Had been afflicted with nervous breakdown, mental illness, or insanity.
4. Had fainting spells, dizzy spells, apoplexy (stroke), epilepsy, paralysis, or any other diseases or disability which might affect your ability to operate a motor vehicle safely.
You must give your full name, address, date of birth, marital status, height, weight and the color of your eyes and hair. You will be asked to state whether you have ever operated a motor vehicle and for how long, and what type of motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles you desire to operate. If you have had a Guam Driver’s License previously, you will be asked to note the number and year it was issued. If you have been licensed in any State, indicate this fact and give the year when you were licensed. You must sign the application with your regular signature and present this license application to an examiner.
Driver’s Education Requirements
Applicant is required to complete a certified Driver’s Educational Class consisting of:
- Forty (40) hours of training, consisting of thirty-two (32) classroom hours and eight (8) hours in-car.
b. Such training be applicable to all minors (15 years 6 months) and to those adults who are applying for a “first time” driver’s license.
c. Driver’s Educational School (U.S.)
d. Original certification must be presented upon scheduling for a written or road examination.
- YOUR EXAMINATION FOR A LICENSE
Your examination for a driver’s license may include the following:
- Any eye test, given to determine whether or not you can see well enough to drive safely. If you need glasses to pass this test, your license may require you to always wear glasses while driving.
- A road sign test given to determine whether you know what the law requires when you are driving a vehicle.
- A test of your ability to read simple English, such as is used in highway traffic and directional signs.
- A driving test to determine whether you can drive properly and safely.
- THE DRIVING TEST
In the driving test, the examiner will ask you to show your ability to control a motor vehicle. In addition, he will observe how well you check your vehicle for proper mechanical operation – wipers, lights, and mirror adjustments – prior to operation on a public highway. Any motor vehicle used for a driving examination must meet all Guam Motor Vehicle Registration and safety law requirements. Your car should have all the equipment working and in proper adjustment.
The Driver’s License Examiner will ask you to drive some distance in traffic where you will meet the usual conditions offered by such driving. Special driving problems may be presented for your solution. They will not be very complicated problems, but will serve as examples of traffic situations you may meet at any time. The test is simply proof of your ability to drive by practical demonstration. While being asked to demonstrate your knowledge of the arm signals, you may use your electric turn indicators during the test.
The driving test will cover several blocks. Follow the directions of the examiner who rides with you. He will play no tricks on your and will not ask you do to anything against the law. The examiner will answer any questions on proper driving techniques before or after the driving test. Do not converse unnecessarily with the examiner during the test, as this may interfere with your understanding of instructions or his scoring of your driving skills. At the end of the test, the examiner will show you a standard score sheet which he will be glad to discuss with you.
b. DISCONTINUING THE DRIVING TEST – AN EMERGENCY SAFETY MEASURE.
Every person taking a driving test should be informed of a necessary safety rule:
The test will be immediately discontinued and counted as a failure if the applicant suffers a collision while driving: the vehicle striking another car, striking a pedestrian, or striking a fixed object. An improper driving action that causes a collision or near-collision for vehicles in the immediate vicinity, even though the driving test vehicle is not involved in the damage or contact, will also cause the ending of the test.
The same immediate action to end the driving test will be taken by the examiner if the applicant does any of the following:
- Make it necessary for another driver to exercise unusual expertness to prevent a collision or for a pedestrian to dodge in order to avoid being struck. (If pedestrians are dodging you and leaping into the bushes to avoid getting run over, you will not be awarded a driver's license.)
- Make it necessary for the examiner to come to his aid in order to control the vehicle. (If examiner must take controls from you to stop you from crashing or losing control, you are not ready to drive unsupervised.)
- Stalls the car within a busy intersection because of inexperience or lack of skill.
- Drive two wheels over the curb or onto the sidewalk. (Yeah, driving on the sidewalk is a bad thing.)
- Commits any driving fault, either of skill or excessive caution, which causes immediate danger to any person or property. (Excessive caution may be going too slow, stopping at a green light, endangering or enraging other drivers by refusing to merge or refusing to turn right at a red light even if it is safe and legal. Sometimes people are so worried about showing how cautious they are that they act like they don't know how to drive. If you have the basic skills and you know the rules of the road, be confident and careful.)
- Violates flagrantly any traffic law for which a driver might be arrested. (Failure to come to a complete stop at a stop sign is a flagrant violation. Also turning right at a red light without coming to a COMPLETE stop. Many drivers have this bad habit, but it is unacceptable on a driving test. My five year old daughter knows that red light means stop. You have to prove that you know at least as much about driving as a little kid.)
- Refuses to try any maneuver required by the examiner.
- Fails repeatedly to follow instructions. (If examiner says turn left and you turn right, it's over. If you change lanes or turn without being instructed to, the same result--termination of the test. All these rules are for the safety of the examiner. Who, by the way, gives 12 tests a day to unlicensed, nervous beginner drivers. It's good to keep in mind the examiner's point of view.)
- VALID PERIOD OF THE DRIVER’S LICENSE
Your driver’s license is good for a period of three years . The expiration date will fall on your birthday of the third year. You are then required to renew your application for a Driver’s License.
Fee Schedule:
- Operator (A) $25.00
- Chauffeur (B) (G) (H) $25.00
- Chauffeur (C) $25.00
- Chauffeur (D) $25.00
- Motorcycle (F) $25.00
- Taxi (E) $7.00
- Taxi Identification $25.00
- Duplicate License $25.00
- All Permits $10.00
- Intermediate License $10.00
Loss of Driver’s License:
In the event that a Driver’s License or Learner’s Permit is lost, destroyed, or mutilated, the licensee or permittee may obtain a duplicate from the Department of Revenue and Taxation by presenting an Official Identification to the examiner. Any person who loses a license or permit and thereunder finds the original, must immediately surrender such original license to the Department of Revenue and Taxation at the Driver’s Examination branch.
Learner’s Permits for 15 years 6 months of age : (alternative provision) successfully completed the written driver’s license examination. A Learner’s permit shall be valid for 2 years, so long as he/she is accompanied by a licensed parent or guardian while operating a motor vehicle. If you are under 16, you cannot drive on your permit unless you are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. You cannot drive with a friend or brother as your supervising driver.
SAFE DRIVING TIPS
A defensive driver is one who is always on the alert for the mistakes of others. “Expect the Unexpected .” Remember you are sharing the road with all kinds of drivers. By anticipating another’s error, you may avoid an accident. It is better to give up the right-of-way than to suffer an accident with property damage, injury, or death resulting. On the highways, we must all be “Our Brother’s Keeper .” Notes on paragraph above
Watch for Danger (Look for Clues)
- A car suddenly slows down for no apparent reason. (Is there something in the road? Is he going to turn left?) The driver is slowing for a reason. You just don't know-- yet. So you look around and try to figure out what the other driver is responding to. A pedestrian was killed because one car stopped and the others ignored the stopped car. Don't be oblivious.
- A ball rolls into the street. (Will it be followed by a running child?) Look for clues like toys and bikes in the yard. Look under cars as you pass through a residential road. Go slow enough that if a kid runs out from behind two parked cars, you can stop. Ask yourself if you are going slow enough to stop. If you are not, then SLOW DOWN.
- The front wheels of a parked car movie, or smoke comes out of its exhaust. (Will it pull out in front of you?)
- A car has just stopped at the curb. (Will the driver suddenly open his door in the path of your vehicle?)
- An oncoming car appears to be weaving from side to side. (Is the driver drunk or asleep?)
- A car behind you is impatiently “riding your bumper.” (Will he be able to stop if you stop? Will he suddenly dart out to pass you?”) It is important to be able to anticipate the other drivers' likely actions. Make a game of it; what is he going to do next? When you play a game of paying attention and actively anticipating, you will be a good, observant driver. Often the car riding your bumper will dart out to pass you as soon as a gap opens. Pay attention to the gap so you have an idea when he will lurch out in front of you.
Some drivers just like to follow too close. They are not aware of how dangerous it is because they are not thinking at all about driving. If they were thinking, they would not be doing something so dangerous and rude.
2 things: Don't be the rude person who makes driving unsafe and uncomfortable for others by following too close, and: If they are following too close, be ready for them to pass you crazily. If they don't pass, you can slow down so you have increased distance between you and the car in front of you. This allows you to respond smoothly so the car behind you does not hit you. More about this in the Managing Space and Time unit.
If You Wear Glasses or Sunglasses
If you are required to wear eye glasses while driving as per instruction of your driver’s license, it is a good practice to have a spare pair with you whenever you’re driving. Any accidental breaking or damage to them, rendering your glasses unusable, would create a hazardous situation.
A very important safety principle is don’t use tinted prescription glasses or dark sunvisor types as daylight fades or after dark. In dusk or darkness, they can reduce your distance vision drastically and be very hazardous. Beware of tinted glasses that disguise the actual color of signs and traffic lights, such lenses have caused serious accidents by misleading the driver.
NEVER DRIVE WHEN:
- You are feeling Sick, Tired, Sleep, Angry, or Emotionally Upset.
- You are under Sedatives or Hazardous DRUGS and if you had even ONE DRINK!
END OF SECTION I OF HANDBOOK.
NOTES BELOW.
NOTES:
Driving is a privilege, not a right. You do not have the right to drive on a public road. This is something you should know for the test as well as to ensure you have a proper understanding and attitude about the nature of driving. You are sharing the road with other drivers who are trusting your decision-making ability for the safety of their passengers.
The phrase, "Privilege granted by the Territory according to the ruling of the courts" is very likely on the test.
Who grants the privilege of driving? The Territory.
The concept of "rights" is important. You do not have rights when it comes to driving. Even the term "right-of-way" just means it is your turn. More on that later. If you have the right of way, it does not mean you have the "right" to go. If a question refers to your "right" to do something, it is a wrong asnwer because you have no rights when it comes to driving.
A few things about the privilege of driving:
1. It is a privilege, not a right.
2. It is granted by the Territory according to the ruling of the courts.
3. it must be earned. (rights are not earned.)
4. It can be taken from you by legal means if you show you are not mature enough to be trusted with it.
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Your drivers license does not mean you are a professional driver; in fact, you are a beginner for 5 years. It takes five years of driving to reach the level of experience that the average driver on the road has.
The idea of the license is just this: The government trusts you to drive unsupervised. That's all.
So don't blow it. Don't make us (collectively--the examiners and the driving teachers) regret helping you get on the road.
Pass the driving test, get your license, and then get your five years of driving under your belt. You will be doing yourself a favor if you consider yourself a beginner for 5 years instead of thinking you are an expert after driving for a few months. Remember, walk before you run.
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Age 15 1/2
The text says you are eligibe for consideration at age 15 1/2. That does not mean you can get a license at 15 1/2; it means you can start the process by taking driving school class and applying for a Guam license.
You have to have the permit for 6 months and then have a perfect driving record for a full year after you get the intermediate license. Fifteen and six months is just the minimum age to apply for a first -time Guam driver's license.
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The age of 18 is when you are legally an adult. Before age 18, you are a child and need parent permission to get a driver license, to get married or to join the military. Once you are 18, you are responsible for your own actions.
I worry about 16 year old drivers. As a 16 year old student, we hope you act in a mature manner, but we really don't expect you to. (By we, I mean adults). For example, it is illegal to leave a classroom full of high school juniors unattended. Why? Because they need constant adult supervision so they don't go nuts and destroy the classroom or start a fist fight. And yet, when the school bell rings, these same kids get behind the wheel of a pickup truck and we expect them to behave like adults on the road?
Wow. That's weird.
In a community, the adults are responsible for ensuring the safety of the children. If you are under 18, you have spent your entire life on the child side of this equation. You have come to expect adults to protect you from harmful influences and even to protect you from the consequenses of your own bad decisions.
But in driving, you are entering an adult world. People who have children or babies in their cars expect you to behave like an adult. My life and the lives of my children depend on you behaving like an adult when you are driving. Do you understand that when you get behind the wheel of an automobile, you are no longer on the child side of the equation, but are now for all practical purposes an adult. You, along with the other adults in the community, are responisble to protect the children in the community. If you are not up to it, don't drive. I hope this lecture makes you realize driving is more than getting in the car and making it go.
So...I propose that you assess your own maturity before you start driving. You do not have to start driving just because you are 15 1/2. You can delay your driving until you are ready. In my family, we don't drive until we are 18. It's safer that way.
If you expect your mother to make your bed and wash your dishes after she feeds you, maybe you ought to re-think your maturity level. If you disrupt your class in school and your only goal in class is to impress your friends with the most inappropriate behavior you can get away with, I really don't want to share the road with you until you grow up a bit.
This is not meant to be mean or unkind. People mature at different rates. So if you really are not mature enough to drive, just give yourself a break and give yourself some time.
Mom and Dad, are you listening? Is it appropriate to inflict an immature child on the other users of the road because the law says it is legal to drive at age 15 1/2?
It's your call. I just encourage people to think about it.
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Before anyone can drive
well, he needs to have a good deal of actual driving practice
This phrase is the answer to a question. A
person drives well if he or she:
a. has purchased car insurance
b. passed a written test
c.
has a good deal of driving experience
d. got a learner's permit
If you think about it, it's obvious that you can't be a good driver if
you have never driven a car. So the answers that don't even include actual
driving are bad answers. Passing a written test has nothing to do with
actually driving. Neither does buying insurance. Just choose the best
answer. The one in the book. (C)
Guam's graduated license law means you get your
driving privileges
in stages. When you get your permit, you have a minimum of six months (your
permit is valid for 2 years). During this time, you must do 50 hours
of supervised driving with a responsible licensed adult. This is a good idea;
as the book says, you need actual practice and lots
of it, to be a good driver. As a driver, you multi-task. You have to pay attention and respond to
everything. And you have to do it right all the time. This
does not happen automatically. You need to practice driving and be sure
to practice correct driving, not random driving.
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You cannot make an appointment with DMV by phone.
There are several reasons why you must do everything in person.
They must check your ID. Your Guam Driver's License will be your primary form of ID. They will not issue it unless they are certain you are who you say you are and that you are eligible for a driver license.
(PDF download - Application for a drivers license),
When you go to sign up for written test, you will apply for a license. You have to appear in person so they can give you an eye test, so parents can sign for permission, and so they can verify your ID.
After you take driving lessons, you will have to appear in person to sign up person so they can see your Certificate of Completion.
Don't waste your time trying to call DMV. They are usually too busy with customers to answer the phone. It's best to just go there and be deliberate about making sure your paper work is all in order so you don't waste the trip. Even if you did get through, they would just tell you to come in person. If you are looking for information, ask me. betterdrivers@gmail.com
483-3748
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The specific kinds of ID they will accept are listed. If you do not have one, you need to get one. The fastest way to go is usually a Guam ID at the Police office in Tamuning.
They will not accept anything that is not listed in the book.
I also suspect these are items to know for a test.
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Driving lessons are not optional. If you do the 50 hours with your designated driver, you should know how to drive before you call the driving school for a driving lesson. The videos and lectures on this web site should help ensure you do not learn bad habits.
If I have to teach a beginner driver, it costs $40/hr for private lessons. Usually we can cover a lot in 2 hours. Often, a student driver who has never been behind the wheel can actually be on the highway and changing lanes by the end of the first 2 hours. This, of course, depends on the student and several other factors. However I will not be able to certify a new driver in only two hours. They will need more driving hours to be certified.
We are happy to teach beginners, but you can save a lot of money by learning with your designated driver and then let the driving school do the "fine tuning" and get you ready for the road test.
You must get certified by a driving school and present your certificate of completion when you make the appointment for the driving test. You cannot get a certificate without an actual driving lesson.
We recommend you keep your permit for six months and practice driving during this time. Then, when your six months is up and you are eligible for the driving test, call the driving school and we will make an appointment to check out your driving and prepare you for the test. This will cost $60.
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On the driving test, your car must pass the test before you do. The examiner will not get in the car if it does not meet all legal and safety requirements. Please be sure you check the car the day before so you have time to fix anything that is non-compliant. The examiner will check the following:
* horn (loud enough to hear 200 feet)
* wipers
* signals, back and front
* brake lights
* license plates
* windows roll up and down (both sides must work or no test!)
* headlights
* tires must be properly inflated and legal tread.
* no cracks in windshield
* car must be reasonably clean
The examiner will not only check to be sure the systems work; he also wants to be sure you know how to use them. So if you are using a car you are not familiar with, be sure you know where the wiper switch is. Practice using the vehicle's safety systems so you don't fumble around on the test.
You can rent our car for the test, but we need a week advance notice. We charge $40 for the test if you use our car.
We meet you at DMV 15 minutes before the test. Then it's our responsibility to ensure the car is going to pass inspection and the paperwork for the car is in order.
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The book says you may be asked to demonstrate hand signals even if your electric turn signals work.
Make a habit of using your signals. It is a courtesy to other drivers and it helps traffic flow more smoothly.
Be sure to review the hand signals so you know them.
(This is seen from behind.)
Notice there is a signal for "Stop or Slow ". Usually the brake lights are alerting other drivers that you are slowing or stopping. If you use hand signals only, you must remember to use the left-arm-pointed-down position to communicate your intention to slow or stop.
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A defensive driver is one who is always on the alert for the mistakes of others.
Every time there is a crash, it is because someone did something wrong. The text is pretty charitable in the wording. Most times drivers do something wrong, it is not a mistake. Many drivers just don't care. They assume there will never be consequences for their illegal and abrupt actions.
This is bad thinking. If you do not obey traffic laws, you are more likely to crash. This seems oblivious.
But the point remains: You need to pay attention to the other drivers and what they are doing and try to figure out what they will do next. Be prepared for the other driver to do something illegal or unwise. If you do a good job of driving correctly yourself and also watching out for the other drivers, you will be much safer than drivers who just go fast and ignore all other drivers. Don't be oblivious.
Remember you are sharing the road with all kinds of drivers. By anticipating another’s error, you may avoid an accident.
You are sharing the road with all kinds of drivers. Some are old and some are young. Some are beginners and some are overconfident. Some come from other countries or other places where the driving is different. Some have respect for the law and therefore show respect for the community; others just don't care and have no respect for anyone. Some are drunk and some are under the influence of illegal drugs. Some people are excited and others are angry or upset. Some are distracted by children shrieking in the back seat.
Because of this, you must truly expect the unexpected. Again, make a game of trying to anticipate what the other driver will do. Do not assume a vehicle will stay where it is. Do not assume the car will not pull out in front of you. Do not assume that, just because you cannot see around the blind corner or crest of the hill, that no cars are coming. You MUST learn to be ready for unexpected actions from other drivers and even pedestrians and animals.
The best way to do that is to learn to cover the brake. That means take your foot off the gas as soon as you see ANYTHING that is suspicious. You cannot stop if your foot is on the gas. Learn this and make it a habit and you will be one of the best drivers around.
It is better to give up the right-of-way than to suffer an accident with property damage, injury, or death resulting. On the highways, we must all be “Our Brother’s Keeper .”
The AARP Driving Safety Course for seniors tells us that, "Right of Way is something you give, not something you take."
That is a good way to explain it. It does not mean you have the right to go; it just means it is your turn. I always say it is better to yield than to die. (Yield means wait.)
The book is right--it is better to give up your turn than suffer a crash. The term "Brother's Keeper" means we are all responsible for each other. I wish more drivers thought about the social nature of driving and would behave as they would in a grocery store or other public place. And I hope that when you get on the road, you will think about that.
Nobody wants to die because you are in a hurry. There are already enough bad drivers on the road. If you and I drive responsibly and with maturity and respect for others, things will get better. If you hit the road and just go-go-go, and don't care about anything (like so many drivers already out there), things will just get worse. Let's make it better.
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