citydrivingschool

Why take driving classes?

citydrivingschool5077@gmail.com (Edward Melgar) — Thu, 29 Sep 2022 21:21:13 GMT

Taking Driving Classes makes you a Better Driver.

Why taking Driving Classes makes you a better driver?

1.) Builds Awareness of what is the proper ay to react in a situation on the road.
2.) Gain the defensive skills to be able to avoid accidents.
3.) Driving instructors pas down may tips on how to have and maintain better control of vehicles.
4.) DMV certifies driving instructors which means they are updating you on laws.

REGISTRATION FOR A VEHICLE PURCHASED FROM A PRIVATE PARTY

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 20:28:47 GMT

If you purchase a vehicle from another person instead of a dealer, it is known as a private party purchase. Buyers have 10 days after purchasing the vehicle to transfer ownership from the seller to themselves, and sellers have 5 days after the sale to report the transfer of ownership to the DMV.

To take over ownership of a vehicle, you will need:

The vehicle’s title (sometimes referred to as a pink slip), signed by the person selling the car. (Their signature is required on Line 1 of the title.)
If the vehicle’s title has been lost, stolen, or damaged, complete an Application for Duplicate or Transfer of Title (REG 227) form.
If the seller is not the owner whose name is on the title, you will need a Bill of Sale signed by both the seller and the person whose name appears on the title.
A record of the odometer mileage (if the vehicle is less than 10 years old).
If the title does not have a line where you can write the mileage information, complete a Vehicle/ Vessel Transfer and Reassignment (REG 262) form. Make sure both the buyer and seller sign the form.
A smog certification.

Applicable Fees and a use tax.

You can transfer ownership of the vehicle by mailing your completed form to DMV or visiting a DMV filed office in person.

Please visit DMV for more information: dmv.ca.gov

Link Below:
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/new-registration/registering-a-vehicle-purchased-from-a-private-party/

Toyota beats Volkswagon to become world's No. 1 car seller in 2020

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 20:33:12 GMT

Toyota beast Volkswagon to become worlds No.1 top seller is 2020.

Toyota beats Volkswagen to become world's No.1 car seller in 2020

By Reuters Staff

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan’s Toyota Motor Corp overtook Germany’s Volkswagen in vehicle sales last year, regaining pole position as the world’s top selling automaker for the first time in five years as the pandemic demand slump hit its German rival harder.

Toyota said on Thursday its group-wide global sales fell 11.3% to 9.528 million vehicles in 2020. That compared with a 15.2 percent drop at Volkswagen to 9.305 million vehicles.

Automakers have suffered as coronavirus lockdowns have stopped people from visiting car showrooms and forced manufacturing plants to reduce or halt production.

Toyota, however, has weathered the pandemic better in part because its home market Japan, and the Asian region in general, have been less affected by the outbreak than Europe and the United States.

“Our focus is not on what our ranking may be, but on serving our customers” a Toyota spokeswoman said.

As demand for cars rebounds, particularly in China, Toyota, Volkswagen and other manufacturers are scrambling to tap growing demand for electric cars. Toyota said that the ratio of electric vehicle it sold last year grew to 23% of total sales from 20% in 2019.

Toyota, Fiat Chrysler drop support for Trump effort to bar California emissions rules

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 20:02:33 GMT

Toyota, Fiat Chrysler drop support for Trump effort to bar California emissions rules

By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Toyota Motor Corp, Fiat Chrysler and other major automakers said on Tuesday they were joining General Motors in abandoning support for former President Donald Trump’s effort to bar California from setting its own zero emission vehicle rules.

The automakers, which also included Hyundai Motor, Kia Motors, Mitsubishi Motors, Mazda Motor and Subaru Corp, said in a joint statement they were withdrawing from an ongoing legal challenge to California’s emission-setting powers, “in a gesture of good faith and to find a constructive path forward” with President Joe Biden.

The automakers, along with the National Automobile Dealers Association, said they were aligned “with the Biden administration’s goals to achieve year-over-year improvements in fuel economy standards.”

Nissan Motor Co in December withdrew from the challenge after GM’s decision in November shocked the industry and won praise from Biden.

On Monday, the Justice Department asked the U.S. Appeals Court for the District of Columbia to put the California emissions litigation on hold to “ensure due respect for the prerogative of the executive branch to reconsider the policy decisions of a prior administration.”

Biden has directed agencies to quickly reconsider Trump’s 2019 decision to revoke California’s authority to set its own auto tailpipe emissions standards and require rising numbers of zero-emission vehicles as well as Trump’s national fuel economy rollback.

Separately, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, another auto industry trade group, on Tuesday proposed to start talks with Biden on revised fuel economy standards that would be higher than Trump-era standards but lower than ones set during the prior Democratic administration.

The group represents all of automakers that were involved in the legal challenge.

The Trump administration in March finalized a rollback of U.S. Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards to require 1.5% annual increases in efficiency through 2026, well below the 5% yearly boosts under the Obama administration rules it discarded.

The auto group, representing GM, Toyota, Volkswagen, Honda Motor Co and others, said a new nationwide emissions framework deal “should achieve improvements in GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions roughly midway between current standards and those of the former Obama administration.”

Ford Motor Co, Honda, VW and BMW in July 2019 struck a voluntary agreement with California on reducing vehicle emissions that was less stringent than rules previously adopted under Obama but higher than Trump’s rollback.

TIPS: When to use your Headlights, Low Beams, Highbeams

citydrivingschool5077@gmail.com (Edward Melgar) — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 23:47:30 GMT

Useful Tips: When to use headlights, low beams, and high beans on the road.

Check out this video on when to use and how to use your vehicle lights.

DMV Resumes Driving Test February 1st

citydrivingschool5077@gmail.com (Edward Melgar) — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 23:38:43 GMT

Previously postponed tests will be automatically rescheduled.

Sacramento – The California Department of Motor Vehicles will resume behind-the-wheel driving tests statewide on February 1. The DMV previously postponed all behind-the-wheel tests through the end of January for the health and safety of customers and employees during the statewide surge in COVID-19 cases.

The DMV will automatically reschedule customers for behind-the-wheel drive test appointments that were canceled between December 14 and February 1. Rescheduling is expected to begin in the next two weeks, and customers will be notified by text of their rescheduled appointment. DMV anticipates new appointments for behind-the-wheel tests will be available in mid-February once all previously postponed tests have been rescheduled.

In-vehicle testing is a requirement for first-time driver’s license holders and commercial license applicants. The temporary suspension included commercial and noncommercial tests, but did not apply to motorcycle drive tests, which can be conducted at a safe distance.

The DMV previously extended eligible permits with expiration dates through May 31, 2021, for six months from the date of expiration, or to a date 24 months from the date of application, whichever is earlier. This automatic extension requires no paperwork and gives student drivers more time during the COVID-19 pandemic to complete the prerequisites needed for a provisional license. The DMV also has extended expiring commercial driver’s licenses, commercial learner’s permits, certificates and endorsements through February 28, 2021.

To protect customers and employees, the DMV requires everyone who enters DMV offices to wear a face covering, physically distance, respond to health screening questions and have their temperature checked. To best serve customers and maintain appropriate distance, the number of people allowed in the office is limited, chairs are appropriately spaced and plexiglass has been installed.

Safety measures in place for behind-the-wheel tests include required face coverings, respond to health screening questions, temperature checks, cracked windows for increased air circulation and seat covers.

While DMV offices remain open to serve the public, the DMV continues to encourage all customers to use its online services, expanded virtual services and other service channels to complete transactions, including eligible driver’s license and vehicle registration renewals.

Nearly all Californians can now renew their driver's license online – even if the renewal notice states an office visit is required. Customers can also use the service advisor on the DMV website to learn their options to complete DMV tasks.

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Never miss the latest news from the California DMV. Sign up now to receive customized information on DMV related topics. To subscribe or unsubscribe, visit DMV News Alerts: dmv.ca.gov

DMV: Real ID

citydrivingschool5077@gmail.com (Edward Melgar) — Thu, 28 Jan 2021 19:53:34 GMT

Real ID: Application Guide (step-by-step)

Real- ID Application in easy steps.

Sample Exams: DMV Approved

citydrivingschool5077@gmail.com (Edward Melgar) — Thu, 28 Jan 2021 19:45:03 GMT

DMV Approved Exam- visit dmv.ca.gov

Sample Class C Written Test 1

1. You may drive off of the paved roadway to pass another vehicle: *

If the shoulder is wide enough to accommodate your vehicle.
If the vehicle ahead of you is turning left.
Under no circumstances.

2. You are approaching a railroad crossing with no warning devices and are unable to see 400 feet down the tracks in one direction. The speed limit is: *

15 mph.
20 mph.
25 mph.

3. When parking your vehicle parallel to the curb on a level street: *

Your front wheels must be turned toward the street.
Your wheels must be within 18 inches of the curb.
One of your rear wheels must touch the curb.

4. When you are merging onto the freeway, you should be driving: *

At or near the same speed as the traffic on the freeway.
5 to 10 MPH slower than the traffic on the freeway.
The posted speed limit for traffic on the freeway.

5. When driving in fog, you should use your: *

Fog lights only.
High beams.
Low beams.

6. A white painted curb means: *

Loading zone for freight or passengers.
Loading zone for passengers or mail only.
Loading zone for freight only.

7. A school bus ahead of you in your lane is stopped with red lights flashing. You should: *

Stop, then proceed when you think all of the children have exited the bus.
Slow to 25 MPH and pass cautiously.
Stop as long as the red lights are flashing.

8. California's "Basic Speed Law" says: *

You should never drive faster than posted speed limits.
You should never drive faster than is safe for current conditions.
The maximum speed limit in California is 70 mph on certain freeways.

9. You just sold your vehicle. You must notify the DMV within ___ days. *

10. To avoid last minute moves, you should be looking down the road to where your vehicle will be in about ______________. *

5 to 10 seconds
10 to 15 seconds
15 to 20 seconds

ALL DMV Sample Exams you can find online at : dmv.ca.gov

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/educational-materials/sample-driver-license-dl-knowledge-tests/sample-class-c-drivers-written-test-1/

DRIVER’S LICENSE / ID CARD APPLICATION

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 19:31:30 GMT

Driver License and ID Application

This online driver’s license and ID card application saves you time by letting you complete the application before visiting a DMV field office. When you arrive, DMV employees can quickly access your completed form and begin to process it.

This form may be used to apply for a new driver’s license (standard, commercial, motorcycle, or REAL ID), a new identification card (standard or REAL ID), or to apply for license endorsements .

Before you begin…

Be prepared to create a DMV online account, if you have never done so previously. If you have, be prepared to log in to your DMV online account. (DMV uses two-factor authentication to prove your digital identity; it requires an email address and a way to receive a phone call or text message.)

2.Have your social security number handy, in addition to basic information such as name, address, and date of birth.

3.If you cannot complete the application in one sitting, don’t worry; you may log in to your DMV account and finish it later. (Applications are stored up to one year, and are only processed when you visit a DMV field office.)

4. After completing the application, you will need to visit a field office to finish the rest of the driver’s license/ID card application process.

Visit DMV website for more info:

Link: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/dl-id-online-app-edl-44/

Need Help - Fill out form and we will contact you.

DMV SUSPENDS BEHIND-THE-WHEEL DRIVING TESTS THROUGH JANUARY

citydrivingschool5077@gmail.com (Edward Melgar) — Wed, 27 Jan 2021 17:29:22 GMT

DMV SUSPENDS DRIVING TESTS UNTIL FEBRUARY 1ST, 2021

Sacramento – The California Department of Motor Vehicles will continue its temporary suspension of behind-the-wheel driving tests until at least February 1. The DMV previously suspended the tests until January 11. The DMV is taking this step for the health and safety of customers and employees during the ongoing statewide surge in COVID-19 cases.

Customers with scheduled appointments through January 29 will be notified their tests are postponed. The DMV will automatically reschedule the tests at a later date.

In-vehicle testing is a requirement for first-time driver’s license holders and commercial license applicants. The temporary suspension includes commercial and noncommercial tests, but does not apply to motorcycle drive tests, which can be conducted at a safe distance.

In accordance with updated guidance from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the DMV is issuing an extension through February 28, 2021, to all commercial driver’s licenses, commercial learner’s permits and endorsements expiring between March 2020 and February 28, 2021. Commercial drivers with current, valid medical certifications that expire on or after September 1, 2020 through February 28, 2021, have an extension until February 28, 2021, to obtain a new certification.

To protect customers and employees, the DMV requires everyone who enters DMV offices to wear a face covering, physically distance and have their temperature checked. To best serve customers and maintain appropriate distance, the number of people allowed in the office is limited, chairs are appropriately spaced and plexiglass has been installed.

Safety measures in place for when behind-the-wheel tests resume include required face coverings, temperature checks, cracked windows for increased air circulation and seat covers.

While DMV offices remain open to serve the public, the DMV continues to encourage all customers to use its ONLINE SERVICES, expanded virtual services and other service channels to complete transactions, including eligible driver’s license and vehicle registration renewals. Nearly all Californians can now RENEW THEIR DRIVER LICENSES ONLINE– even if the renewal notice states an office visit is required. Customers can also use the SERVICE ADVISOR on the DMV website to learn their options to complete DMV tasks.

Contact: Office of Public Affairs
2415 First Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 657–6437 |

DMVPUBLICAFFAIRS@DMV.CA.GOV

Top Causes of Accidents for Teen Drivers

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 17:19:12 GMT

Top Causes of Accidents fro Teen Drivers

Getting a learner's permit and your first driver license is a special rite of passage. It marks the beginning of a new type of independence and sets the stage for a lifetime of driving a car.

Of course, any time someone learns something new, mistakes happen. Unfortunately, in the case of driving, those mistakes can be serious--and even deadly. This doesn't mean that new drivers should be afraid to drive; it simply means they need to take extra precautions as they develop their driving skills.

Unfortunately, not all teens take those extra precautions. According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, "The risk of motor vehicle crashes is higher among 16-19-year-olds than among any other age group. In fact, per mile driven, teen drivers ages 16 to 19 are nearly three times more likely than drivers aged 20 and older to be in a fatal crash." This risk is especially high during the first couple of months of having a license.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration mentions several of the major causes of accidents for teen drivers:

DISTRACTED DRIVING

This includes texting and driving as well as other behaviors that take your attention away from driving, like eating, talking to passengers, and adjusting the stereo or navigation system.

SPEEDING

"In 2015, it was a factor in 29 percent of the fatal crashes that involved teen drivers." The problem can get worse in inclement weather, as teenagers are inexperienced with how a car might handle differently in the rain or snow.

DRUNK DRIVING

Not only do you face charges for underage drinking, you put yourself, your passengers, and other people on the road at serious risk if you get behind the wheel. The CDC says, "In 2014, 17% of drivers aged 16 to 20 involved in fatal motor vehicle crashes had a BAC of .08% or higher." Not only that, but 20 percent of teens admitted they had gotten in the car with a driver who had been drinking within the last month.

DROWSY DRIVING

Falling asleep behind the wheel is one thing, and it does happen, but driving while sleep deprived even if you manage to stay awake can affect your alertness and judgment. A delay in your ability to react to a hazard could result in a crash. In 2015, there were at least 824 fatalities as a result of drowsy driving, and teenager drivers were involved in about 10 percent of those crashes.

Driving is an incredible privilege, but it's also a serious responsibility. Take it upon yourself to become a safe driver, not only for your own benefit, but for that of your family, the passengers you carry, and everyone else on the road. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe:

Take charge of your vehicle.

If you give rides to friends, make sure they understand the rules you set about riding in your car: no alcohol, no unnecessary distraction, and mandatory seat belts.

Take advantage of supervised driving.

It might seem lame to have to log driving hours with your parents, but they've been driving for years and can offer tips and insight on how you can become a better driver.

Take a driver's education course.

With our online driver's ed, you can go over the material as much as you need to until you feel comfortable. Check us out on www.citydrivingschool.org

Always obey the traffic laws, including all speed limits, signs, and signals.

Don't drink and drive.

Make a promise with your friends that if someone has been drinking, the others will take the keys away. Never get in the car with someone who has been drinking. Remember that drinking alcohol under the age of 21 is illegal in all 50 states.

Take extra care in inclement weather .

Reduce your speed well below the posted allowance.

Put your phone on silent and keep it in your bag.

This way, you won't hear the notifications and won't be tempted to check it. Whatever it is, it can wait until you've arrived at your destination. If you need to contact someone, park the car and make your call or text.

Pull over if you feel sleepy.

If you're driving late at night or early in the morning, or if you know you've been short on sleep lately, don't be afraid to stop the car and call for help if you feel drowsy behind the wheel.

Buckle up!

In 2016, there were 40,200 motor vehicle deaths in the United States. Do your part to keep yourself and others safe on the road.

STAY SAFE & PRACTICE SAFE DRIVING SKILLS.

6 Reasons for Teens to take Driver's Ed

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 17:04:02 GMT

6 REASONS FOR TEENS TO TAKE DRIVER'S EDUCATION.

6 Reasons for Teens to Take Driver's Ed

For some teens, taking driver's ed is a rite of passage that they assume they'll undergo before they're able to get their license. Other families, however, find themselves debating the value of driver's ed for teens. If you've been on the fence about whether or not driver's ed is the right decision for your family, consider the benefits of professional driver's education for new and teenage drivers. We've outlined six primary reasons why most parents opt to enroll their teens in driver's ed.

1. Driver's Ed Can Lower Insurance Costs

Many insurance companies offer a discount for teens who have taken driver's ed. The cost savings can really add up, especially if you were dreading the increase in your insurance premiums when you added your teen to the policy. Contact your insurance company to find out how much of a discount is offered.

2. Driver's Ed Helps Teens Learn the Details

It's been a long time since you learned how to drive. Chances are, you've forgotten many of the details that make up the driving process. Many driving tasks and habits are second-nature to experienced drivers, and remembering to explain these processes to a new driver can be rather challenging. Driver's ed teachers, however, have worked with teens for a long time. They know all the important details that go along with learning to drive, and how to express them in a way that's sure to sink in for your teen. State-approved online driver's ed courses are generally developed by driving instructors, and follow educational practices that help ensure that students can easily remember the material.

3. Some States Require It

Not every state requires driver's ed in order for your teen to get their license. But for those states that do, it's not just a suggestion: your teen has to get that important driver's ed class somewhere. Those states that do require it have seen an increase in the safety and competence of drivers who took the class, which means that taking driver's ed is a proven method to help teens drive more safely.

4. Teens Get More Experience

Let's face it: you don't have time to go driving with your teen every day. When they take a driver's ed class, they will gain more experience with everything they need to know about driving. From a refresher in driving safety from someone who isn't their parent, to detailed lessons about how to handle harsh driving conditions, driver's ed will offer your teen more information about how to drive safely.

5. Road Test Preparation

When your teen takes driver's ed from a professional in your area, they'll get the scoop on the driver's license test: what they're expected to know, how it will impact their test score, and what they'll actually need to do in order to pass the driving test. Some cities, for example, require parallel parking in order to get a driver's license. Other cities, where it's less common, may require little more than a drive around the block. Make sure your teen knows what they really need to know before they get their license, instead of failing the test due to lack of experience with one crucial point — even if it's a point they won't necessarily use during the course of everyday driving.

6. Increase Your Teen's Confidence

There's nothing like going into a test with the sure knowledge that you'll be able to pass it — and driver's ed can provide that for your teen. It gives them the confidence to know that they can handle what happens on the road and the experience necessary to back it up. Good instructors will help build that confidence, preparing your teen for what they'll face when they start driving.

If you want your teen to have professional instruction that will make sure they know everything they need to know, not only to take their road test, but to increase their safety behind the wheel, driver's ed is well worth the investment. Sign your teen up to give them all the benefits of that experience.

We are social check us out on Instagram and Facebook, just search City Driving School.

Our visit us online www.citydrivingschool.org

Remember Driver Ed is an investment to your daughters safety and future.

20 Best Stocks to Buy for the Joe Biden Presidency

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 19:39:18 GMT

Joe Biden has been sworn in as America's 46th president. These are 20 of the best stocks to own under the new administration.

Former Vice President Joe Biden became the 46th President of the United States on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, and he's looking to hit the ground running.

The president, like virtually all that have come before him, has an ambitious policy agenda to put into effect, including a $2 trillion COVID-relief bill that includes $1,400 stimulus check to top up the $600 stimulus checks that are already in play. And with the Democrats in control of both branches of Congress and the White House for the first time since the first two years of Barack Obama's first term (2009-11), he should be off to a quick start. 21 B

est Stocks to Buy for 2021

So, what does this "blue wave" mean for the stock market?

President Biden has pledged to govern as a centrist. But he also has made it very clear that he wants to "Build Back Better" with an emphasis on renewable energy and modern infrastructure. These priorities likely will be warmly embraced by a Democrat-controlled Congress without provoking a filibuster from Republican senators.

"A Biden administration will mean more regulatory scrutiny for financial and energy stocks and probably higher taxes across the board," says Rodney Johnson, president of economic research firm HS Dent Publishing. "But there will be opportunities. Infrastructure spending, green energy and healthcare are all Democratic priorities and should do well under a Biden presidency."

Without partisan gridlock to slow government spending, we could also see even larger budget deficits and the real potential for inflation down the road. That remains to be seen. But in the meantime, let's look at the 20 best stocks to buy for the Joe Biden presidency. Some of these are fairly obvious winners, but some are contrarian bets you might not expect.

Martin Marietta Materials

Market value: $18.9 billion
Dividend yield: 0.8%

As mentioned a minute ago, a key plank of President Biden's platform is his "Build Back Better" plan, which includes pledges to "mobilize American manufacturing" and "build a modern infrastructure."

While Biden will certainly benefit from a more accommodative Senate, he was unlikely to get a lot of pushback on these particular issues. Both parties at least pay lip service to the need for a manufacturing renaissance and for investments in infrastructure.

"Infrastructure improvement and supply-chain reshoring of health care goods and other items deemed critical to national security likely will be pushed either by a split government or one led by the Democrats," WFII analysts say.

This brings us to Martin Marietta Materials ( MLM , $303.58).

Martin Marietta is a building materials company that specializes in the materials used in large construction projects. Among other things, it makes crushed sand and gravel products, ready-mixed concrete and asphalt, and paving products and services.

Biden's win should help to speed along a major boost in infrastructure spending, making MLM one of the best stocks to buy for the new administration.

Caterpillar

Market value: $105.7 billion
Dividend yield: 2.1%

If a boom in infrastructure spending is on the horizon, then it's hard to avoid Caterpillar ( CAT , $194.62), the world's leading maker of construction and mining equipment. The company also diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives.

You probably wouldn't want Caterpillar's equipment in your backyard. What would the neighbors say, after all? But if you're looking to start a major construction project, you're going to order from Caterpillar.

Caterpillar has traded in a range for the past few years, unable to get much traction. Weakness in emerging markets really took the wind out of the stock's sails.

Something interesting happened in 2020, however. Yes, Caterpillar tanked along with the rest of the market in February and March. But it not only recouped its losses in the rally that followed, it actually broke out of a three-year trading range.

Caterpillar is not purely a play on American infrastructure, of course. The company has a global presence and should benefit from a recovery in emerging markets as well.

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3 of 20

Eaton

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Market value: $49.3 billion
Dividend yield: 2.4%

For another broad play on the expected boom in infrastructure spending, consider Eaton ( ETN , $123.17).

Eaton doesn't generate power, and it's not a pure play on green energy like some of the other best "Biden stocks" on this list. But, as a major supplier of electrical components and systems, it is absolutely an indirect play on this fast-growing industry, and one that is likely to thrive irrespective of the inevitable booms and busts we'll see in the coming years. The wind and solar farms popping up around the country need to be incorporated into the national grid, and that's precisely what Eaton does.

Eaton is a power management company with a 109-year history. It has been listed on the NYSE for 97 years and has paid a dividend every year since 1923. That's remarkable consistency in an industry that has gone through incredible changes over the past century, and that's a major selling point of this stock.

Many of the high-flying stocks in alternative energy might or might not be around a decade from now. This is still very much the wild west. But Eaton almost certainly will be, supplying the survivors with power systems and software and integrating them into the grid.

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4 of 20

Becton Dickinson

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Market value: $76.1 billion
Dividend yield: 1.3%

President Biden is serious about getting the COVID-19 pandemic under control. In his view, there can be no durable economic recovery until the virus has been tamed.

A major piece of that strategy is the deployment of vaccines now that they're ready. And while it might not be fair to call this a Biden investment given that the push for a vaccine started under the Trump administration, it is inevitably going to be the Biden administration that implements the majority of it.

This brings us to Becton Dickinson ( BDX , $261.74). Becton, a Dividend Aristocrat , is a manufacturer of medical instruments and supplies, including syringes. If you're going to administer potentially hundreds of millions of vaccines in the United States alone – and billions globally – you're going to need Becton and its peers to ramp up production of the equipment needed to make that happen.

What's more, it's not at all certain that a vaccine is a "one and done" event. It seems that immunity to COVID-19 following infection and recovery can last as little as only three or four months. So far, it's believed that all currently approved vaccines will require regular vaccines.

Well, that's a lot of syringes. And Becton will be there to deliver them.

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5 of 20

Brookfield Renewable Partners LP

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Market value: $12.4 billion
Distribution yield: 2.6%*

While Biden is less focused on environmental issues than many of his Democratic peers, environmentalism and sustainability are a big part of his platform. From his campaign website :

"From coastal towns to rural farms to urban centers, climate change poses an existential threat – not just to our environment, but to our health, our communities, our national security, and our economic well-being. … Biden believes the Green New Deal is a crucial framework for meeting the climate challenges we face."

Biden doesn't have the easiest path in the world given that he still only has a split Senate, so it's unlikely he'll have a strong enough mandate to force through the Green New Deal in its entirety. In fact, before the runoffs, the Wells Fargo Investment Institute wrote that "even if Biden wins the White House and Democrats lead Congress, the combined opposition from the party's moderate wing and from Republicans should make it difficult to push through transformational fiscal programs, such as the Green New Deal and Medicare for All."

But it's still safe to assume that green energy and infrastructure will be a priority. That makes Brookfield Renewable Partners LP ( BEP , $45.04), the 60%-owned renewable-energy affiliate of Brookfield Asset Management ( BAM ), one of the best stocks to buy for a Joe Biden presidency. BEP owns a portfolio of wind, solar, hydroelectric and other green-energy properties.

The U.S. government isn't exactly going to write Brookfield a check. But a rising tide lifts all boats, and increased spending in this space is likely to boost Brookfield's bottom line.

* Distributions are similar to dividends but are treated as tax-deferred returns of capital and require different paperwork come tax time.

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6 of 20

NextEra Energy

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Market value: $160.7 billion
Dividend yield: 1.7%

NextEra Energy ( NEE , $82.04) isn't the most exciting company on this list. Or any list. For crying out loud, it's an electric utility . But unlike many of its peers, NextEra has a focus on renewable energy, which makes it interesting in the event of a Biden win.

NextEra serves approximately 5.5 million customers in Florida. But it is best known as the world's largest producer of wind and solar energy, as well as one of the largest battery storage company in the world. The company owns and operates wind assets generating close to 15,000 megawatts and has 140 megawatts of storage capacity.

This emphasis on green energy has made the company popular, ranking No. 1 among utilities in Fortune's 2020 list of Most Admired Companies.

For an electric utility, NextEra doesn't sport a particularly high dividend yield at just 1.7%. But that's just it: NextEra isn't a garden-variety electric utility, and you don't buy it for the yield. You buy it because it is a leader in green energy and a stock that is likely to catch the eye of social-responsible investors.

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7 of 20

Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure

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Market value: $4.9 billion
Dividend yield: 3.8%

For another play on green energy, consider Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure ( AY , $44.00).

It's hard to call AY a true "Biden stock." That's because it's not a pure play on the American Green New Deal – it's a British company with operations scattered across the globe, though some of those assets are in the U.S. But if you believe that a rising tide lifts all boats and that a massive wave of new investment in green infrastructure will likely boost all stocks in the sector, Atlantica is an interesting play.

AY has a diversified portfolio of renewable energy, natural gas and water assets and – importantly – virtually all of them are operated under long-term contracts. Atlantica's assets have a weighted average remaining contract life of 18 years.

In total, Atlantica's properties have the capacity for 1,496 megawatts of renewable energy, 343 megawatts of natural gas generation capacity, 1,166 miles of electric transmission lines and 10.5 million cubic feet per day of water desalinization assets.

Atlantica should enjoy a nice run under a greener U.S. administration. But apart from the potential capital gains, the stock also sports an attractive dividend yield at 3.8% ... lower than when we first recommended this stock in fall 2020, but attractive nonetheless. It's the sort of yield you'd generally expect to find in a traditional energy company, not a sustainable one.

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8 of 20

First Solar

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Market value: $10.2 billion
Dividend yield: N/A

First Solar ( FSLR , $96.58) is a leading manufacturer of solar power systems. And, importantly in an age of pandemics and vulnerable supply chains, it's American.

China is the world's leading player in solar panel production. But the COVID pandemic has made many companies question the wisdom of a global supply chain that can fall apart when under stress. Add to that an escalation in anti-China sentiment – which is unlikely to abate much under a Biden regime – and you have the potential for FSLR to gain some serious market share. But policy will be key here, as solar panels have become something of a commoditized product. Any policy that reduces demand for cheaper Chinese parts will be a major boon for a homegrown producer like First Solar.

FSLR is a wildly volatile stock, and it's not cheap. The shares trade hands at 46 times trailing earnings and 2.9 times sales. Looking at estimates for 2021, the shares look a little more reasonable, trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 26. But that's still more expensive than its own historical average, so you should be careful here and keep your position size reasonable.

Nonetheless, if you believe that Biden is serious about pushing for a greener future, then green-energy plays like First Solar are among the best stocks to buy if he becomes president.

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9 of 20

Invesco Solar ETF

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Assets under management: $4.4 billion
Dividend yield: 0.1%
Expenses: 0.69%

Let's take a look at one last green energy catch-all in the Invesco Solar ETF ( TAN , $106.89).

If you believe in the general macro story behind solar stocks but don't want the company-specific risk that comes with picking a single company in the space, the Invesco Solar ETF might be a good option. TAN is based on the MAC Global Solar Energy Index and includes most of the major players in the space.

The largest stock in the ETF's portfolio is Enphase Energy ( ENPH ), which accounts for nearly 11% of the total. Enphase creates all-in-one solar and storage systems for American homes and is one of the more established players in this field. The company went public in 2012, and the shares are up by a factor of six over the past year.

Israel-based Solar Edge Technologies ( SEDG ) is the second-largest position in the ETF's portfolio with a weighting of 9.5%, and First Solar comes in third at 6.9% of the portfolio.

The Invesco Solar ETF is a relatively large, liquid ETF with $3 billion in assets under management and daily trading volume of about two million shares. By giving you access to a portfolio of solar companies, TAN is a slightly more conservative way to play the rise of alternative energy. But keep in mind, solar stocks are wildly volatile, and even a more diversified option like TAN is capable of wild price swings. So, be sure that you keep your position sizes reasonable here.

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10 of 20

Tesla

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Market value: $783.1 billion
Dividend yield: N/A

Returning to the green-energy theme, Tesla ( TSLA , $826.16) is a natural beneficiary of a Biden presidency.

One of Biden's stated objectives is to make the United States the leader in electric vehicle production and acceptance. And while Tesla isn't the only game in town for electric vehicles, it's clearly the largest and best-known pure play.

Of course, it's not like Tesla needs Joe Biden to generate interest in its cars. Tesla is doing more than fine under a distinctly non-green Trump administration. CEO Elon Musk generates more press than most presidents, and TSLA shares have been on fire. Shares are up roughly 890% since the start of 2020. Tesla is now the most valuable auto company in the world. It has recently surpassed Facebook ( FB ) by market capitalization.

Is this an unsustainable bubble? It might be. But we have to say "might" because the shares have appeared to be expensive for years by traditional metrics and yet continued to run higher. So, regardless of who becomes the next president, you might want to tread carefully in Tesla stock. But a Biden administration would certainly push electric vehicles, and that can only help Tesla's bottom line.

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11 of 20

Workhorse Group

Courtesy Workhorse Group

Market value: $2.8 billion
Dividend yield: N/A

Biden might be good for several electric vehicle stocks , in fact. That's why you might want to also consider the shares of Workhorse Group ( WKHS , $23.34), which not only makes EVs, but electric delivery drones too.

Workhorse has a little bit of history, with roots going back to 1998. Also, its focus isn't consumer vehicles, but delivery vans. WKHS originally started by converting vans made by other manufacturers but transitioned to making its own original models in 2015 following a merger.

The potential here is obvious. The delivery business is booming during the pandemic, and that's not likely to change once life gets back to normal. Already, Workhorse counts United Parcel Service ( UPS ) and Ryder System ( R ) among its customers.

And a Biden victory could further smooth the road ahead for WKHS. Prodding and subsidies from a Biden administration would likely encourage companies to upgrade their trucking fleets to electric models. This sector would have strong tailwinds at its back with a green-oriented Democrat in the White House and a mostly accommodative Congress.

Workhorse has been in the midst of an extremely volatile upswing since June 2020; shares are up about 840% since then. The conventional wisdom would be to wait for a dip before buying in, but excitement over the Democrats' Senate wins could keep the stock rising for some time.

Just understand that this is a volatile sector and should be considered highly speculative.

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Canopy Growth

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Market value: $12.5 billion
Dividend yield: N/A

A Democratic administration likely would benefit green projects. But it would likely be good for, ahem, the other kind of "green" project.

Democratic politicians take a more relaxed view toward marijuana and are more likely to support soft drug legalization. Joe Biden does not publicly support marijuana legalization at the federal level – or at least, not yet. But given his support for criminal justice reform that would include decriminalization for marijuana use, it's not hard to see him coming around to full legalization over the course of a four-year term. At the very least, a Biden administration would likely be a lot more lenient in criminal prosecution for marijuana-related crimes.

This brings us to Canopy Growth ( CGC , $33.39). Canopy is a leader in recreational and medical marijuana products in the United States, Canada, Germany and the United Kingdom.

Like most marijuana stocks , Canopy became something of a bubble stock in 2018 and 2019. The pot bubble burst a little over a year ago, and the shares today trade for a little more than half their old highs.

We probably won't see a return to the bubble highs any time soon. But under a Biden presidency, don't be surprised if Canopy and other marijuana companies emerge as some of the best stocks across his term.

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13 of 20

Innovative Industrial Properties

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Market value: $4.2 billion
Dividend yield: 2.6%

The marijuana economy is likely to do well under a blue wave. But picking individual winners here can be a challenge. The safer bet is to invest in the infrastructure supporting the marijuana economy. It wasn't the gold miners that got rich during the 19th century California gold rush, after all, but the people that supplied them with everything from pickaxes to Levi's jeans.

This brings us to Innovative Industrial Properties ( IIPR , $189.30), a real estate investment trust (REIT) that buys and manages specialized properties used in the medical marijuana space. IIPR's portfolio includes cultivation, processing and retail properties. The REIT owns 63 properties spread across 26 states. The portfolio is 99% leased with a weighted average lease length of over 16 years. If you believe that medical marijuana is here to stay, Innovative Industrial is a good way to play that long-term trend.

Unlike many REITs, Innovative Industrial is not primarily an income play as its current yield is just 2.6%. It's a total-return play based on growth expectations in the legal cannabis space. But frankly, in this interest-rate environment, 2.6% is actually pretty competitive.

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14 of 20

Darden Restaurants

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Market value: $16.3 billion
Dividend yield: 1.2%

One of Biden's early policy pushes will be a $2 trillion COVID-relief stimulus bill, which includes direct payments to most Americans of $1,400. With many Americans still out of work and struggling financially, the bulk of the checks may be spent on rent, groceries and basic necessities.

But some of it will also be splurged on frivolous little luxuries like a restaurant meal. This, in tandem with a vaccine rollout, could give a boost to chain restaurant stocks like Darden Restaurants ( DRI , $121.08). Darden is the parent company of the Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Bahama Breeze and other popular restaurants.

The past year has been a brutal one for the restaurant business. Due to COVID-related capacity restrictions, America's restaurants have been largely empty since last March. Demand for carryout has been strong, but diners tend to spend less on carryout orders, particularly on high-margin alcoholic beverages and desserts.

Brighter days are ahead, as restaurants will be one of the greatest beneficiaries of a successful vaccine rollout. Darden has already recouped its 2020 losses, and further gains could be ahead as the world starts to look a little more normal.

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15 of 20

Berkshire Hathaway

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Market value: $550.6 billion
Dividend yield: N/A

2020 was a blowout year for tech stocks and for growth stocks in general, but many traditional value stocks really struggled. In some ways it was reminiscent of the late 1990s, the era of "irrational exuberance," to quote Alan Greenspan. Then, as now, investor attention has been squarely focused on large-cap tech at the expense of all else.

But an interesting thing happened 20 years ago. After years of leaving value stocks in the dust, tech-heavy growth stocks entered a long stretch of underperformance in 2000. It was stodgy value stocks that took the lead between 2000 and 2008.

The "old economy" struck back.

We could be on the cusp of a similar move today. The rally in growth names could continue in 2021; only time will tell. But if you believe that old-economy value stocks are due for their time in the sun , then Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway ( BRK.B , $233.49) is a good option.

Of course, Berkshire Hathaway is not a pure old-school value stock today. Its largest holding by a country mile is Apple ( AAPL ), which makes up nearly half of its public stock portfolio. But looking deeper, you see a collection of quality old-economy stocks, such as Bank of America ( BAC ) and Coca-Cola ( KO ). And digging into its portfolio of wholly owned private companies, you find gritty industrials like BNSF Railway and Acme Brick company.

If you believe Main Street America might get a much-needed reprieve in 2021 from a Biden infrastructure boom and a successful vaccine rollout, then Berkshire Hathaway is a nice catch-all investment to play that theme.

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16 of 20

UnitedHealth Group

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Market value: $333.3 billion
Dividend yield: 1.4%

Joe Biden broke rank with many of his fellow Democrats by stopping short of promising "Medicare for all" or any sort of single-payer healthcare system. Instead, Biden has promised to provide a "Medicare-like" government option for health plans and to make private-sector plans more affordable and less complex.

We'll see how successful he is in that endeavor if he wins. The last several presidents certainly tried and failed to "fix" healthcare and it's still an expensive and complicated mess.

Regardless, a Biden win would be bullish for health insurers like UnitedHealth Group ( UNH , $351.30). United Healthcare is particularly well placed because it specializes in Medicare supplemental plans. If Biden is successfully in providing a Medicare-type solution, there will be enormous demand for supplemental plans.

"With respect to ... Joe Biden's Medicare expansion proposal, (Avalere Health founder Dan Mendelson) estimates that nearly 23 million individuals would be newly eligible for Medicare," write Credit Suisse analysts.

Healthcare still is a political minefield, so be careful investing in the sector. But a Biden win could create a long runway for UNH.

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17 of 20

Realty Income

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Market value: $21.9 billion
Dividend yield: 4.8%

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) were an unintended casualty of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

Trump's signature tax reform lowered the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, which was great for traditional corporations. But it made special tax shelters like REITs less attractive by comparison. REITs are not required to pay federal taxes so long as they distribute at least 90% of their profits as dividends.

Joe Biden's tax plan would raise corporate taxes back to 28% and would more aggressively tax foreign income. It also is specifically designed to force large, profitable tech companies to pay more.

All of this bodes poorly for the stock market. But it wouldn't be such a bad thing for REITs. Their special tax status might actually be appreciated again.

One REIT to consider is Realty Income ( O , $58.65). Although Realty Income specializes in retail properties, most of its portfolio – pharmacies, dollar stores, convenience stores, big-box retailers – is relatively COVID-proof. It's a conservative REIT with a long track record of rewarding its shareholders. The company has paid 605 consecutive monthly dividends and has actually raised its dividend for 93 consecutive quarters.

A combination of receding COVID fears and a stricter tax regime might be just the right mix to send shares higher.

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Energy Transfer LP

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Market value: $18.9 billion
Distribution yield: 8.7%

You might have done a double take when you saw Energy Transfer LP ( ET , $7.01) on this list of Biden stocks. Energy Transfer is a pipeline operator, after all, and a particularly controversial one. The company is currently embroiled in an ongoing dispute over its Dakota Access Pipeline, which passes close to the Standing Rock Reservation. Opposing the pipeline is a cause célèbre for environmental activists.

So, how can Energy Transfer be on a list with the likes of environmental darlings like Tesla?

It comes down to cash flow.

Under a Biden administration, it is safe to assume that new pipeline construction will slow to a crawl. The permitting process will become lengthier and more cumbersome.

"Given the election year, we believe that the regulatory environment would become more challenging under a Biden administration as he could require lengthy reviews to determine whether a project's economic value outweighs its impact to climate change," Stifel analysts write. Paradoxically, this is good for many pipelines, particularly the large, established ones. Many operators have taken a growth-at-any-cost approach, looking to build empires irrespective of profitability. A world in which no new pipelines get built is a world in which serial empire builders like Energy Transfer have a lot more free cash on hand.

Unfortunately, for now, Energy Transfer has been forced to make a painful move in the interests of deleveraging and putting itself back on firm financial footing. That is, it cut its distribution by half – from 30.5 cents per unit to 15.25 cents – which you could argue many investors had already priced in, given its sky-high yield of nearly 20% prior to the cut.

The upside for new money? That still leaves ET shares with a nearly 9% yield, and it allows the company to more aggressively pay off its debt.

And without the temptation to spend cash on new projects under a Biden administration, Energy Transfer could eventually be in a better position to buy back units or even begin building its distribution back up again.

We'll see.

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19 of 20

iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF

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Assets under management: $75.0 billion
Dividend yield: 1.9%
Expenses: 0.11%

Emerging markets (EMs) as a group weren't exactly killing it before the COVID-19 pandemic turned the world upside down. The iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF ( EEM ) has never recovered to its pre-2008 highs, and the ETF has been stuck in a trading range for the past 10 years despite being historically cheap compared to U.S. equities.

The underperformance of emerging markets stocks isn't a total mystery. Stale commodity prices and a massive corruption scandal have effectively knocked Latin America out of the game for the better part of the last decade. Slowing growth in China and war in the Middle East certainly haven't helped either.

These issues were specific to emerging markets and didn't have a lot to do with the United States. But U.S. trade policy under the Trump administration was a contributing factor, too. The Trump administration really shook up the status quo on trade, which rattled EM investors. This likely kept a lid on prices.

When historians look back at this period, they may conclude that the COVID pandemic marked the end of post-WWII globalization. Finely tuned global supply chains fall apart when confronted with the possibility of a country-wide quarantine. Furthermore, there is a growing consensus in both parties that the U.S. and China are rivals and no longer friends.

All of that said, a Biden administration would likely preside over a less confrontational trade agenda that should generally be better for emerging markets. The ETF to use for that, however, is not EEM, but its more cost-friendly sister fund, the iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF ( IEMG , $65.13).

IEMG, which provides access to nearly 2,500 emerging-market stocks, charges 59 basis points less annually than EEM (a basis point is one one-hundredth of a percentage point). That's two basis points lower than when we first featured the fund here; iShares announced lower fees on IEMG and a few other ETFs in December.

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SPDR Gold MiniShares

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Assets under management: $4.0 billion
Dividend yield: N/A
Expenses: 0.18%

It was always messy and a little embarrassing. But the constant bickering between the Obama administration and the congressional Republicans throughout the 2010s wasn't all bad. The repeated government shutdowns kept spending in check to some extent and kept the budget deficit lower than it might have been.

We're set to get something of a mix of that. A split Senate means Biden will have fewer headaches than he would have under complete Republican control there. But with Harris' tie-breaking vote, he effectively has control of the Senate, and thus some measures should be easier to pass than they otherwise would have been.

For better or worse, Joe Biden's policy platform is potentially expensive. And with the economy still in rough shape, the combination of increased government spending with sagging receipts could mean massive budget deficits for the foreseeable future.

Under that scenario, gold would make sense as a possible inflation and dollar devaluation hedge, and one of the cheapest and most cost-effective ways to buy it would be via the SPDR Gold MiniShares ( GLDM , $18.17). GLDM sports an expense ratio of just 0.18%, making it one of the cheapest gold ETFs on the market.

Gold's fortunes seemed promising enough regardless of November's winner. Investors are genuinely worried about the health of the dollar these days, and with legitimate reason. But under a largely unrestrained blue-wave scenario, gold's ascent could speed up.

Charles Sizemore was long ET, GLDM and O as of this writing.

Our Story: How City Driving School was created.

citydrivingschool5077@gmail.com (Edward Melgar) — Fri, 15 Jan 2021 01:24:57 GMT

City Driving School est. 2015

Our story is a story of grit, courage, and hunger to be better. Our mission was always to be a business to help others and empower everyone who walks into our doors. We started with an idea to open a business in the driving school industry, this industry is not your common job or career. It's a business that involves a daily agenda that changes on
a constant basis.

Gov. Newsom's New Budget Proposal Plans to Help Small Businesses

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 00:39:13 GMT

Gov. Newsom's New Budget Proposal Plans to Help Small Businesses

By Sarina Sandoval and Hannah Poukish Sacramento

UPDATED 9:00 AM ET Jan. 09, 2021 PUBLISHED 9:58 PM ET Jan. 08, 2021

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday announced his new $227 billion budget proposal for 2020-2021, and it includes plans to spend more than $4 billion to create jobs and help struggling small businesses in California.

What You Need To Know

Newsom announced his new $227 billion budget proposal for 2020-2021
He plans to spend $4.5 billion to create jobs and help small businesses
Hair salon owner Stephanie Hunter-Ray hopes that she’ll be granted state funds to help her business survive during this pandemic
Newsom says $575 million will be set aside for small business grants

Hair stylist Stephanie Hunter-Ray hopes that she will be granted some of that money to help her salon survive during this pandemic. For the past 15 years, she has been running her own business and growing her passion for beauty, but now her hair salon sits empty during the current stay-at-home order.

“It’s been rough, but it’s kind of helping open up other opportunities and avenues,” Hunter-Ray said.

She said she immediately had to come up with a game plan to figure out how to make ends meet. Hunter-Ray decided to turn her hair salon into a clothing boutique.

“You’re forced to just pretty much do whatever you can to keep your business and your livelihood afloat,” Hunter-Ray added.

When the pandemic first hit last March, she had to let go of four of her hair stylists. Hunter-ray said she was not approved for any government loans, so pivoting was her only option.

“When they closed everything down, shopping became big. Everybody wanted to shop,” Hunter-Ray explained.

However, she now has more hope her business can survive with help from the state after Newsom announced his 2021-2022 budget proposal. He plans to give $4.5 billion to generate more jobs and help small businesses recover from COVID-19.

Salena Pryor, the president of the Black Small Business Association of California, commends the governor for the $575 million that will be set aside for small business grants.

“I think it’s going to go a long way in helping small businesses. However, more is needed,” Pryor said.

State Revises Guidance for Administering COVID Vaccines

Pryor’s focus is to help small Black businesses, like Hunter-Ray’s, be aware of the funding available in California.

“We need to figure out how to get those businesses back and also provide resources for businesses that have just started and are opening up,” Pryor added.

Hunter-Ray said any additional money would help keep her in business during these tough times.

“Like I did last time, I’m going to apply for everything and just pray and see what happens,” Hunter-Ray said.

Hunter-Ray hopes that by running her clothing boutique and receiving extra money from the state, she can eventually get back to her hair salon and her passion.

California’s budget would usually take effect in July. However, this year Newsom said he would ask the legislature to approve the funding for small businesses early.

How do you position your hands when you drive?

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 07:01:31 GMT

Some tips of hand positioning, controlling the vehicle, and techniques on turning.

Steering

Recommendations for steering control and hand positions differ from vehicle to vehicle based on the size, age, speed, and responsiveness of the vehicle. While there is no one correct hand position or way to steer, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has provided some basic guidelines.

For more information visit https://www.nhtsa.gov

Hand Position

If you think of the steering wheel as the face of a clock, place your hands at 9 and 3 o'clock, or slightly lower at 8 and 4 o'clock. To reduce face, arm, and hand injuries in the case of a deployed air bag, you should grip the outside of the steering wheel, with your knuckles on the outside of the wheel, and your thumbs stretched along the rim.

Controlling the vehicle

There is no one correct way to steer a vehicle safely, but here are a few steering methods recommended by NHTSA:

Hand-to- Hand Steering : This steering method may also be called "push/pull" steering. Using this steering method, your hands do not cross over the face of the steering wheel; and therefore, there is less chance of injury to your face, arms, or hands in the event of an air bag deploying. When using this method, start with your hands at 9 and 3 o'clock, or slightly lower at 8 and 4 o'clock. Depending on the direction you are turning, one hand will push the wheel up, and the opposite hand pulls down.

One Hand Steering: NHTSA recommends using one-hand steering only when turning while backing, or operating vehicle controls that require removing a hand from the steering wheel. The only time that a 12 o'clock hand position is recommended is when backing a vehicle while turning, as the driver must turn in their seat to see the path of the vehicle. The placement of hands on the wheel at 9 and 3 o'clock, or slightly lower at 8 and 4 o'clock, is critical to vehicle balance.

Tips before Driving Test.

Sat, 09 Jan 2021 07:01:43 GMT

This information will help you prepare for your upcoming driving test. Please use these tips and pass them on to friends and family. Much needed information that puts you one step ahead of everyone else. Remember the items on the pre-drive checklist may be located in different parts depending on the vehicle you are using. This is a vital part of the driving test, be prepared and know how to use your functions prior to arriving for test.

This is the Pre-Drive Checklist of the items the DMV examiner will ask you when you goin for your behind-the-wheel driving test.

1.) Driver Window- The window on the driver side must open. You will be asked to open the window if the window is closed.

2.) Windshield- The windshield must provide a full unobstructed field of view for you and the examiner.

3.) Rear-view mirrors- The vehicle must have at least 2 mirrors.

1 must be located outside on the left side of the vehicle.
The other mirror may be located inside in the center or outside on the right side of the vehicle.
Mirrors must be secure, unbroken and provide clear visibility.

4.) Turn Signals- Both right and left turn signals on the front and back of the vehicle must be operational.

5.)Brake Lights- Both brake lights (1 on the right side and 1 on the left side of the vehicle) must be operational. Note: This does not include the center light (usually on the rear window).

6.) Tires- Each tire must have 1/32 inch tread depth in any 2 adjacent grooves. Note: The vehicle cannot have bald tires.

7.) Foot brake- There must be at least 1 inch of clearance between the pedal and the floor board when the pedal is depressed.

8.) Horn- The horn must be:

Designed for the vehicle and in proper working condition.
Loud enough to hear from a distance of at least 200 feet.

Note: The horn cannot be a bicycle horn.

9.) Emergency (Parking brake)- You must be able to locate and demonstrate how to use the parking brake (set and release).

Note: Your driving test will be rescheduled as mechanical failure if your parking brake does not work or if the brake does not set during the check.

10.) Arm Signals- You must correctly demonstrate arm signals for:

Left turn.
Right turn.
Slowing down or stopping.

*11.) Windshield wipers- You must correctly locate the windshield wiper switch and/or control wipers.

*12.) Defroster- You must correctly locate the front windshield defroster button.

*13.) Emergency Flasher (hazard lights)- You must correctly locate the emergency flasher switch/button if the warning vehicle is equipped with emergency flashers.

*14.) Headlights- You must correctly locate the headlight switch.

15.) Passenger door- The front passenger side door must open and close properly.

16.) Glove box- The glove box door must be securely closed.

17.) Seat (safety) belts- All vehicles designed with seat (safety) belts must have seat (safety) belts for both you and the examiner. All seat (safety) belts must work properly and be used by the individual(s) in the car.

* During inclement weather, the driver must demonstrate the items 11-14 work properly or the driving test will be rescheduled.

For more info please visit www.dmv.ca.gov

The California DMV Is Making $50M a Year Selling Drivers’ Personal Information

hello@addison.esq (Cerebrum Ltd) — Sun, 12 Jul 2020 06:01:57 GMT

The California DMV is making $50 Million a Year Selling Driver's Personal Information.

A document obtained by Motherboard shows how DMVs sell people’s names, addresses, and other personal information to generate revenue.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles is generating revenue of $50,000,000 a year through selling drivers’ personal information, according to a DMV document obtained by Motherboard.

DMVs across the country are selling data that drivers are required to provide to the organization in order to obtain a license. This information includes names, physical addresses, and car registration information. California’s sales come from a state which generally scrutinizes privacy to a higher degree than the rest of the country.

In a public record acts request, Motherboard asked the California DMV for the total dollar amounts paid by commercial requesters of data for the past six years. The responsive document shows the total revenue in financial year 2013/14 as $41,562,735, before steadily climbing to $52,048,236 in the financial year 2017/18.

The document doesn't name the commercial requesters, but some specific companies appeared frequently in Motherboard's earlier investigation that looked at DMVs across the country. They included data broker LexisNexis and consumer credit reporting agency Experian. Motherboard also found DMVs sold information to private investigators, including those who are hired to find out if a spouse is cheating. It is unclear if the California DMV has recently sold data to these sorts of entities.

In an email to Motherboard, the California DMV said that requesters may also include insurance companies, vehicle manufacturers, and prospective employers.

Asked if the sale of this data was essential to the DMV, Marty Greenstein, public information officer at the California DMV, wrote that its sale furthers objectives related to highway and public safety, "including availability of insurance, risk assessment, vehicle safety recalls, traffic studies, emissions research, background checks, and for pre- and existing employment purposes."

"The DMV takes its obligation to protect personal information very seriously. Information is only released pursuant to legislative direction, and the DMV continues to review its release practices to ensure information is only released to authorized persons/entities and only for authorized purposes. The DMV also audits requesters to ensure proper audit logs are maintained and that employees are trained in the protection of DMV information and anyone having access to this information sign a security document," Greenstein wrote.

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Multiple other DMVs around the U.S. previously confirmed to Motherboard that they have cut-off data access for some commercial requesters after they abused the data.

One of the main pieces of legislation that governs the sale of DMV data stemmed from a case in California. Lawmakers introduced the Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) in 1994 after a private investigator hired by a stalker obtained the address of actress Rebecca Schaeffer from the DMV. The stalker went on to kill Schaeffer. The DPPA was designed to restrict access to DMV data, but included a wide array of exemptions, including for private investigators.

After Motherboard's earlier investigation, senators and digital privacy experts criticized the sale of DMV data, and some said the law should be changed. Senator and Democratic Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders said DMVs should not profit from such information.

Multiple other DMVs around the U.S. previously confirmed to Motherboard that they have cut-off data access for some commercial requesters after they abused the data.