Before changing lanes, you should:

Signal, check mirrors and look over your shoulder for blind spots

California DMV Permit Practice Test

The California DMV knowledge test has 46 questions; to pass you need at least 38 correct answers (no more than 8 wrong, about 83%). Practice free with questions based on the official California driver handbook, with every answer explained.

Updated on 2026-11-06 · Ver en español

DMVPermitUSA is an independent study tool. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or operated by the California Department of Motor Vehicles or any other government agency. Requirements were checked against official California sources (listed below) and can change: always confirm with the DMV before your test.

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California permit test at a glance

Agency	California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Test questions	46
Passing score	At least 38 correct answers (no more than 8 wrong, about 83%)
Minimum permit age	15½ years old
Permit holding period	6 months
Supervised driving	50 hours with a licensed driver 25 or older, including 10 at night.
Provisional license from	age 16
Full license	at 18
Test languages	Offered in many languages, including Spanish.
Official handbook	California Driver's Handbook

Try 5 California permit test questions

How many questions are on the California DMV knowledge test? 46 / 36 / 56 / 66. Answer: 46. The 46-question test is for applicants under 18. To pass: at least 38 correct answers (no more than 8 wrong, about 83%).
In California, what is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers 21 and over? 0.02% / 0.05% / 0.08% / 0.10%. Answer: 0.08%. As in almost every state, the limit in California is 0.08% for drivers 21 and over; 0.04% for commercial drivers, and zero tolerance under 21.
Before changing lanes, you should: Only check your mirrors / Signal, check mirrors and look over your shoulder for blind spots / Speed up first / Honk to warn other drivers. Answer: Signal, check mirrors and look over your shoulder for blind spots. Signal, check your mirrors, then turn your head to check your blind spot before moving over.
A downward-pointing triangle with a red border means: Stop / Yield the right-of-way / Railroad crossing / No passing zone. Answer: Yield the right-of-way. The red-and-white inverted triangle is the YIELD sign: slow down, be ready to stop, and let traffic and pedestrians with the right-of-way go first.
A flashing red traffic light means: Slow down / Stop, then go when safe / Stop and wait for green / The light is broken, ignore it. Answer: Stop, then go when safe. Treat a flashing red light like a STOP sign: stop completely, then proceed when the way is clear.

How the California DMV permit test works

The California knowledge test (the learner's permit test) has 46 multiple-choice questions, and to pass you need at least 38 correct answers (no more than 8 wrong, about 83%). Every question comes from the official DMV handbook, the California Driver's Handbook.

The 46-question test is for applicants under 18.

Multiple-choice questions from the California Driver's Handbook, taken at a DMV office or online from home on a computer with a webcam.

Under 18, you must wait 7 days after a failed test; you get three attempts per application.

Offered in many languages, including Spanish.

California learner's permit requirements

In California you can apply for a learner's permit at 15½. Applicants under 18 usually need a parent or guardian's consent.

Under 17½: driver education (30 hours of classroom instruction or an approved online course) before the permit, plus professional behind-the-wheel driver training.

Before the road test, teen drivers must hold the permit for at least 6 months. Supervised driving required: 50 hours with a licensed driver 25 or older, including 10 at night.

Proof of identity and date of birth (such as a birth certificate or passport).
Your Social Security number, if you have one.
Proof of California residency.
A vision screening and the knowledge test.

The DMV publishes the exact document list: check it before your appointment, especially if you want a REAL ID-compliant card.

California graduated driver licensing (GDL)

After the learner stage and the road test, teens can get a provisional (intermediate) license from age 16.

For the first 12 months: no driving from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. and no passengers under 20, unless accompanied by a licensed parent or guardian, a licensed driver 25 or older, or a driving instructor.

Restrictions end and you hold a full, unrestricted license at 18, provided your record stays clean.

California rules worth knowing for the test

Signs and most rules are the same nationwide, but each state has its own laws — and the DMV test asks about them.

Drivers under 18 may not use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except to call for emergency help.
Applicants 17½ or older can get an instruction permit without completing driver education or driver training.
A minor's permit is not valid until a licensed instructor signs it after the first behind-the-wheel lesson.

What the California knowledge test covers

Topics follow the chapters of the DMV handbook. These are the ones asked most often:

Road signs by shape and color (federal MUTCD standard): see the road signs guide.
Right-of-way at 4-way stops, left turns, crosswalks and for emergency vehicles: right-of-way rules.
Speed limits in mph and the 3-second following rule: speed guide.
Alcohol and drugs: the 0.08% BAC limit, zero tolerance under 21 and implied consent.
Traffic signals and pavement markings, parking, passing, and sharing the road with cyclists, motorcycles and trucks.

How to study for the California permit test

Read the official DMV handbook once cover to cover, then take practice tests by topic to find your weak spots. Once you consistently score above 90%, take a full timed mock exam.

Drill the numbers — ages, distances, speed and BAC limits — they are the most-missed questions. More tips in how to pass the permit test.

How to get your learner's permit in California

Check the minimum age In California, you can apply for a learner's permit at 15½.
Complete the required course Under 17½: driver education (30 hours of classroom instruction or an approved online course) before the permit, plus professional behind-the-wheel driver training.
Study the handbook and practice Read the official DMV handbook and take practice tests until you pass comfortably.
Gather your documents Proof of identity, Social Security number and California residency; parental consent if under 18.
Pass the vision and knowledge tests To pass you need at least 38 correct answers (no more than 8 wrong, about 83%).
Drive supervised Hold the permit for at least 6 months. Supervised driving: 50 hours with a licensed driver 25 or older, including 10 at night.
Take the road test From age 16 you can get a provisional license.

California permit test FAQ

How many questions are on the California permit test?

The California knowledge test has 46 multiple-choice questions. The 46-question test is for applicants under 18.

What score do you need to pass the California permit test?

You need at least 38 correct answers (no more than 8 wrong, about 83%).

How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in California?

You can apply at 15½. Applicants under 18 usually need a parent or guardian's consent.

How long do you have to hold your permit in California?

At least 6 months for teen drivers. Supervised driving required: 50 hours with a licensed driver 25 or older, including 10 at night.

Can I take the California permit test in Spanish?