Q: I really enjoy spending the weekends at the beach walking my dog. While driving there, what is the proper protocol for having an animal in my car?

A: This is a great question. Many people treat their pets like members of their family, so it is natural to wonder about their safety while in the car.
In general, your pet should be inside your car or in the cab of your truck. If you do have a truck and wish to put your pet in the back, you must make sure they are properly secured.
It is never safe to put a pet in the trunk of your car or have them loose in the bed of your truck. Also, pets can be distracting for drivers so it is best to have either a passenger hold the pet or put the animal in a pet specific seatbelt or carrying case.
For more information on Driving don’ts please visit dmv.ca.gov. On the home page click on the Publications tab, next click Driver Handbook, and lastly go to page 57 of the California Driver Handbook.

Q: My wife and I are Canadian citizens. We are retired and enjoy spending our winters in Palm Springs.
We stay in California for approximately four months each year. Do we need to register our vehicle in California?

A: If you do not establish California residency, you and your wife are visitors and may operate your vehicle in California with your Canadian plates.
Information on determining California residency is available on the department’s Web site, dmv.ca.gov. Have a great time while visiting our state.

Q: I have renewed my license by mail for the last 12 years. This year my notice says I have to take a written test. My health is excellent and I have never had a ticket. Why to I have to go to DMV?

A: Congratulations on being in good health and never having received a ticket for a moving violation.
Automatic driver license renewal is available to good drivers for two consecutive five-year periods. This year DMV wants to check your vision and will give you an 18 question renewal test to be certain you are familiar with any new changes in the law. We will also update your photograph.
The fastest way to get through the process is by scheduling an appointment on our Web site at dmv.ca.gov. And while you are on our Web site, make sure you familiarize yourself with the written test, by reading the California Drivers Handbook and taking a sample test — both are available online.

Q: I know the DMV has a driver handbook, but is there a handbook for senior drivers I can give to my aging parents?

A: Yes. The DMV now has a link to Senior Guide for Safe Driving, which you can view online or print to give to your parents.
The guide is not just for seniors — it was developed for anyone that may have driving concerns for themselves, a relative or just someone they may know.
This useful guide contains information regarding physical and mental changes that may affect safe driving and practical strategies for recognizing, understanding, adapting to and planning for these changes.
To view the guide, visit the following Web address: dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl625/dl625senior.pdf or visit dmv.ca.gov and clink on senior driving information.

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