Any driver that drives with a suspended license is committing a crime according to the laws in the state of California. Some drivers are aware of the fact that their license has been suspended and some are not aware. In any case, the laws are written for immediate enforcement and a license suspension notice from the DMV is a serious matter that should be immediately addressed.
There are four common types of license suspensions in California. They are negligent operation, failure to appear, DUI and reexamination suspension. Each of these types of suspensions will eliminate your ability to drive for a predetermined amount of time.

Under negligent operation suspension, any driver that accumulates excessive points in the time period permitted under law will receive a license suspension. Points that are added to a license by the DMV will remain until cleared or dismissed. The addition of four points within 12 months, six points in 24 months, or eight points in a 36 month period will cause your license to be suspended.

A failure to appear suspension, known as an FTA, can be due to a missed court date, unpaid tickets or child support arrears. This information is immediately reported to the DMV by the court and a hold is placed on your license. This hold is a form of a suspension and will take away your privilege to drive.

An arrest for suspicion of a DUI requires an immediate suspension of your drivers license. After the arrest is made, the arresting officer will confiscate your license and submit it to the DMV for a notice of suspension.

A suspension by reexamination can be enforced by your lack of knowledge of driving laws, prior convictions for DUI or traffic violations or your inability to operate a vehicle safety in the opinion of a police officer.
You have the legal right to request a DMV hearing for review and determination of your ability to legally drive. Knowing the law is not enough to make a defense on your own behalf. The information, facts and opinions that will be presented at a DMV hearing require the experience of a legal professional to understand.