California DMV permit practice test 2026
You need 80% correct to pass the California DMV knowledge test. Our 351 practice questions are written from the California Driver's Handbook (DL 600) (2025), and every answer tells you where to find the rule in the handbook. Free, with no sign-up.
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All 14 California practice tests
Each test mixes questions from every part of the handbook. Work through them in order, then use the simulator.
- Practice test 125 questions
- Practice test 225 questions
- Practice test 325 questions
- Practice test 425 questions
- Practice test 525 questions
- Practice test 625 questions
- Practice test 725 questions
- Practice test 825 questions
- Practice test 925 questions
- Practice test 1025 questions
- Practice test 1125 questions
- Practice test 1225 questions
- Practice test 1325 questions
- Practice test 1426 questions
The California DMV knowledge test
Multiple-choice knowledge test taken during your DMV office visit. Each question has one correct answer and two other choices, and all questions come from the handbook. Testing aids such as the handbook or a cell phone are not allowed. In-office tests must be started before 4:30 p.m. and are not given within 30 minutes of closing. Renewal applicants may be offered a no-fail eLearning course instead.
Source: California Department of Motor Vehicles, checked 2026-10-27.
What the test covers
Our questions follow the handbook's chapters. The number of practice questions on each topic:
| Topic | Practice questions |
|---|---|
| Licensing laws and penalties | 44 |
| Safe and defensive driving | 36 |
| Turns and intersections | 26 |
| Signals and pavement markings | 25 |
| Road signs | 25 |
| Sharing the road | 25 |
| Hazards, weather and night driving | 25 |
| Alcohol and drugs | 25 |
| Right of way | 24 |
| Parking | 21 |
| Emergencies | 21 |
| Speed limits | 20 |
| Following and passing | 17 |
| Lanes, highways and freeways | 17 |
California learner's permit rules
- Minimum age: 15½
- Hold the permit for at least 6 months (or until age 18) before the drive test for applicants under 18 before the road test
- 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 at night
- Under 18: you must complete driver education (or be enrolled in an integrated program) to apply. Applicants 17½ to 18 may get a permit without driver education or training but cannot take the drive test until 18.
- Under 18: your parent(s) or guardian(s) must sign the application and accept financial responsibility. If parents share joint custody, both must sign.
- Under 18: the permit is not valid until you begin behind-the-wheel driver training and the instructor signs it.
- Practice only with a California-licensed driver at least 18, seated close enough to take control of the vehicle. If you are under 18, the driver must be a licensed parent or guardian, a California driver 25 or older, or a certified driving instructor.
- A permit never allows you to drive alone, not even to the DMV for the drive test.
- The application and permit are valid 12 months from the application date.
Fees: Class C original application (permit + license) $46; Driving (behind-the-wheel) retest $9 (licensing fees page; some DMV pages still say $7).
The official handbook
Everything on the test comes from the California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), also available in Spanish, hy, zh, hi, pa, ru, vi. Read it alongside the practice tests. Our chapter-by-chapter guide.
Renewing your license
Drivers 70 or older when their license expires must renew in person and pass a vision test; other exams may be required. If a knowledge test is required, most 70+ drivers may choose the open-book, no-fail online eLearning course. DMV mails a renewal notice about 90 days before expiration. There are no age-based restrictions; restrictions are based on conditions, and reexamination is based on physical/mental condition or driving record, not age. Mature Driver Improvement Program: 8-hour course for drivers 55+ (certificate valid 3 years; 4-hour renewal course). Senior ID card is free at 62+.
Questions
How many questions are on the California permit test?
The California DMV doesn't publish the number of questions. You need 80% correct to pass.
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in California?
15½. You then hold the permit for at least 6 months (or until age 18) before the drive test for applicants under 18 before the road test and 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 at night.
What happens if I fail the California permit test?
You can retake it: Under 18: wait 7 days after a failed test, not counting the day you failed. The DMV lists no waiting period for applicants 18 and older. You get 3 attempts to pass per application fee (the application is valid 12 months). After that you must reapply.
Can I take the California permit test in Spanish or another language?
The handbook is published in several languages, including English, Spanish, Armenian, Chinese, Hindi, Punjabi, Russian and Vietnamese. DMV sample Class C tests are offered in English, Spanish, Armenian, Chinese, Farsi, Punjabi, Russian, Tagalog, Vietnamese and ASL. The renewal eLearning course is in English, Spanish and Traditional Chinese (with Mandarin audio). Ask the DMV which languages the knowledge test is offered in.
What do I need to bring for the California permit test?
Completed Driver's License & ID Card Application (can be started online); Proof of identity; Two proofs of California residency (exceptions may apply; needed for REAL ID); A legal full name document if your name does not match your identity document; Social Security number (exceptions may apply); and more (see the full list).
What is the vision requirement in California?
You need 20/40 with both eyes together, and 20/40 in one eye and at least 20/70 in the other, with or without glasses or contacts (Snellen chart). If you fail, you are referred to an eye specialist to complete a Report of Vision Examination (DL 62). Applicants with acuity of 20/200 or worse may not be scheduled for a drive test. Passing with glasses or contacts adds a corrective lens restriction.
Independent practice tests, not affiliated with the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Questions written by us from the official handbook and checked against it.