This guide covers the written knowledge test you take at the California DMV to get your instruction permit. You’ll see how it’s scored, what it asks about and what to bring to the office. When you’re ready, there’s a free practice test further down.
80%Passing score, per DMV’s permit page (as of October 2026)
3Answer choices per question: one correct, two wrong
3Tries to pass the knowledge test before you must reapply
4:30 p.m.DMV offices give no knowledge tests after this time
Updated October 2026 · Written from the California Driver’s Handbook (DL 600)
Key facts
At a glance
Questions
46 if under 18, 36 if 18 or older
To pass
80%, and under 18 no more than 8 wrong
Minimum age
15½, with driver education
Fee
$46, covers 3 tries
Where
DMV office, starting before 4:30 p.m.
How it works
Three-choice questions from the handbook, and 80% to pass
You take the knowledge test in person at a DMV office. Plan on that: DMV’s current permit pages describe only the office test.
At the office you show your documents, pay the fee and have your thumbprint scanned. You also pass a vision test and have your photo taken.
Every question comes from the California Driver’s Handbook. Each one has a single correct answer and two other choices.
The test is usually on a touchscreen and comes in a variety of languages. In some cases DMV gives it on paper or as an audio test.
As of October 2026, DMV’s permit page gives the passing score as 80%. DMV’s provisional licensing fact sheet (FFDL 19) says applicants under 18 may miss no more than 8 questions.
DMV’s current pages do not state how many questions there are. DMV research reports from 2006 and 2007 gave 46 questions for applicants under 18 and 36 for adults. Our mock tests use 46.
Touchscreen tests are marked by the computer right away. If you miss a question, a DMV employee can show you the handbook page with the answer.
Topics
What’s on the test
01
Getting Your Permit and License
What you need for a California instruction permit, how the tests work, and the rules for provisional drivers under 18.
Key points (4)
Most drivers in California need a noncommercial Class C driver’s license.
If you are under 18, your permit is not valid until behind-the-wheel training starts and your instructor validates it.
Backup cameras and blind spot monitors may be used, but they do not replace looking. You must still check your mirrors and look over your shoulder.
A minor with a permit practices only with a parent, guardian, certified instructor, or California-licensed driver age 25 or older.
02
Controlling Your Vehicle and Communicating
Fitness to drive, steering methods, signals, the horn, headlights and emergency flashers.
Key points (4)
In California, it is illegal to drive while wearing a headset or earplugs in both ears.
When you stop behind another vehicle, leave enough space to see its rear tires touching the road.
Always signal when you turn, change lanes, slow down or stop.
Use your horn on narrow mountain roads when you cannot see at least 200 feet ahead.
03
Traffic Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings
What each light, arrow, sign shape and road marking tells you to do.
Key points (4)
A flashing yellow light means slow down and proceed with caution. You do not need to stop.
Treat a traffic light that is not working as an all-way stop.
Drivers must still yield to people in the street, even when the DON’T WALK signal is flashing.
Obey every warning sign, whatever its shape or color.
04
Lanes, Turns, Merging and Passing
How to choose and change lanes, make every kind of turn, use freeways and pass safely.
Key points (4)
The far-left lane, often called the fast lane, is the Number 1 Lane. The lane to its right is the Number 2 Lane, then the Number 3 Lane, and so on.
If you miss your turn, keep driving. Turn around later when it is safe and legal.
While you wait to turn left, keep your wheels pointed straight ahead.
When you merge onto a highway, highway traffic has the right-of-way. Enter at or near its speed.
05
Right-of-Way and Sharing the Road
Who goes first, how to protect pedestrians and bicyclists, and how to drive around trucks, buses, motorcycles and emergency vehicles.
Key points (4)
The road user who reaches the intersection first goes first. Still, never assume others will give you the right-of-way.
At a T intersection with no STOP or YIELD signs, traffic on the through road has the right-of-way. This includes vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians on that road.
In California, it is illegal to enter an intersection if you cannot get all the way across before the light turns red.
On a steep, narrow road, the vehicle facing uphill has the right-of-way. The vehicle facing downhill backs up until the other can pass.
06
Speed Limits, Railroad Crossings and Parking
The Basic Speed Law, California’s set speed limits, school buses, railroad crossings and every parking rule in the handbook.
Key points (4)
California’s Basic Speed Law says you may never drive faster than is safe for current conditions. This is true even when you are under the posted limit.
Unless posted otherwise, the limit is 65 mph on most California highways. It is 55 mph on a two-lane undivided highway and when towing.
Near a school, slow to 25 mph within 500 feet when children are outside or crossing. Some school zones post limits as low as 15 mph.
The speed limit at a blind intersection is 15 mph. If your view is blocked, move forward slowly until you can see.
07
Safe Driving: Awareness, Conditions and Emergencies
Seeing hazards early, keeping space, driving at night and in bad weather, handling skids and emergencies, avoiding distractions and protecting passengers.
Key points (4)
Look far down the road, at least 10 seconds ahead, and keep your eyes moving.
Use the three-second rule. When the car ahead passes a fixed point, such as a sign, count three seconds. If you reach that point before you finish counting, you are too close.
To check a blind spot, look over your shoulder out the side window. Turn only your head, not your body or the steering wheel.
Deal with one hazard at a time. If one danger is greater, give it more space.
08
Alcohol, Insurance, Collisions and Your Driving Record
DUI laws and BAC limits, insurance minimums, what to do after a collision, points, penalties and other California laws.
Key points (4)
In California, it is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol or any drug that affects your driving. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines.
The BAC limit is 0.08% for drivers 21 and over and 0.01% for drivers under 21.
If you carry alcohol or cannabis, it must be sealed and unopened. The only exception: an opened container may go in the trunk, or where passengers do not sit. The glove box does not count.
If you refuse a chemical test, DMV will suspend or revoke your driving privilege for one year.
Road signs
Know a sign by its shape before you read it
Left turn: arm straight out
Right turn: arm bent up
Slow or stop: arm bent down
Solid red: stop
Red arrow: stop, no turn
Flashing red: stop, then go when safe
No turn of any kind while the light is red
Solid yellow: red is coming
Yellow arrow: protected turn ending
Flashing yellow: slow down, use caution
Flashing yellow arrow: turn after yielding
Green: go if the way is clear
Free practice test
Try 20 questions in the real format
Here are 20 questions with three answer choices each, like the real test, and the same 80% bar, so you need 16 right. After each answer you can ask the tutor to explain it another way, or why a different answer is wrong. Anything you miss comes back at the end.
Question 1 of 20
You are in a turn lane and this signal faces you. What does it mean?
Sample of the knowledge test: same format, 20 questions.
Test day
What to bring to the DMV
Your online application confirmation code, if you started the application on dmv.ca.gov.
Proof of identity, such as a valid passport or birth certificate. It must be an original or a certified copy; DMV does not accept photocopies.
Proof that you live in California, such as a utility bill or bank statement. A REAL ID needs two residency documents. DMV’s fact sheet FFDL 5 says a standard card needs one, but the handbook asks for two, so bring two.
A legal name document, such as a marriage certificate, if the name on your identity document differs from your application.
Your Social Security number, if you have one. The law requires it on the application, and a REAL ID needs proof of it.
The fee. As of October 2026, DMV’s Licensing Fees page lists $46 for an original Class C license application. It is non-refundable.
Before you go
Start the Driver’s License & ID Card Application online at dmv.ca.gov. As of October 2026, it is available in 10 languages.
Schedule an office appointment on dmv.ca.gov. DMV recommends one.
Arrive early enough to start the knowledge test before 4:30 p.m.
Check the Licensing Fees page on dmv.ca.gov the week you go. Fees can change.
Want a REAL ID? Use DMV’s REAL ID checklist. Since May 7, 2025, you need a REAL ID or another federally accepted ID, such as a passport, to board a domestic flight.
Under 18: you must be at least 15½ and in driver education. Your permit becomes valid only when behind-the-wheel training starts and your instructor signs it.
Between 17½ and 18: you may get a permit without driver education, but you cannot take the drive test until you turn 18.
After you pass, if you are under 18: hold the permit for at least 6 months, practice for 50 hours (10 at night) with a licensed driver 25 or older, and finish 6 hours of driver training.
Drive test retakes: as of October 2026, DMV’s Licensing Fees page lists a $9 retest fee, but its Driver’s Licenses page still shows $7. Check before you pay.
Every question on the test comes from the California Driver’s Handbook, and both the handbook and DMV’s sample tests are free. Want more practice than that? We’ve compared the apps, websites and in-person options people actually use.
Option
Price
Free to use
Links
Official and free
California Driver’s Handbook (DL 600)Official · web and PDFEvery test question comes from here. The current edition was revised in June 2025. There’s also a shorter Quick Reference version, a Spanish PDF, PDFs in six other languages and an ASL video series.
California DMV sample knowledge testsOfficial · webWritten by DMV in the real three-choice style. They come in English, Spanish, Armenian, Chinese, Farsi, Punjabi, Russian, Tagalog and Vietnamese, plus ASL. Short, so treat them as a check rather than your only practice.
ZutobiApp and web · all statesGame-style practice with a shorter version of the handbook. Its website says it has 600+ California questions. Very well rated: 4.7 stars from about 239,000 ratings on the App Store. The listing also shows Zutobi PLUS options from $4.99 to $7.99 without saying how long each lasts.
Paid upgrade (California DMV Prep $4.99 on iPhone)
Driving-Tests.org and DMV GenieWeb and app · all statesThese two are the same company. The website’s free California tests need no account, and it has an MP3 of the handbook (about 2 hours 17 minutes) if you’d rather listen. The DMV Genie app has 4.8 stars from about 184,000 ratings. In-app plans run up to $99.99 for lifetime access.
Free tests, app Premium from $9.99 a week
California practice tests, Spanish and Russian tests, and handbook audio
DMV-Permit-Test.comWeb · all statesPlenty of free California tests, with a Spanish version of the site. A paid Premium tier exists, but we couldn’t confirm its California price.
Free with ads, paid extras (cheat sheet $15.99 one-time)
CCalifornia DMV - Permit test (Driver-Start)App · iPhoneThe most-rated California-only app we found: 4.8 stars from about 510 ratings. Works offline, with flashcards and a DMV-style mock test. The catch: it hasn’t been updated since 2020, so it predates the 2025 handbook.
CCA DMV Practice Test 2026 Prep (Momentarium)App · iPhone450+ practice questions and a road-signs library. You can study in English, Spanish, Russian or Ukrainian. 4.7 stars from 64 ratings.
CCalifornia DMV Test 2026 (Golden Mind)App · iPhonePractice questions with answer review and progress tracking. 4.8 stars from 59 ratings. A one-time unlock rather than a subscription.
California DMV driver education videosOfficial · YouTubeDMV’s own short videos on signs, lanes, speed limits, intersections, turns, right-of-way and parking. A good way in if the handbook feels heavy. There are ASL versions of three sample tests too.
Permit test walk-throughs on YouTubeVideo · freePlenty of channels read California practice questions out loud. Handy if you learn by listening. They’re unofficial, so check anything surprising against the handbook, and skip videos made before the 2025 edition.
DMV-licensed driving schoolsLocalIf you’re under 18, you need a driver education certificate to get your permit and 6 hours of driver training before the drive test. Use DMV’s list to find a licensed school near you, then contact the school directly to sign up.
How many questions are on the California permit test?
DMV’s current pages don’t give a number. Its own research reports put it at 46 questions if you’re under 18 and 36 if you’re 18 or older. Each question has three answer choices, and only one is right.
How many can you get wrong and still pass?
DMV says you need 80%. If you’re under 18, DMV’s provisional licensing fact sheet says you can miss no more than 8, so you need 38 of 46. For adults, DMV’s research reports give 30 right out of 36, which means 6 wrong at most.
How much does the California permit test cost?
As of October 2026, the application fee for an original Class C license is $46. You pay it once at the office, it isn’t refundable, and it covers three tries at the knowledge test within 12 months. Check DMV’s fees page the week you go, because fees can change.
What do I need to bring to the DMV?
Bring proof of identity (an original or certified copy, never a photocopy), two proofs that you live in California, and your Social Security number if you have one. If you started the application online, have your confirmation code. Under 18? You also need your driver education certificate and a parent or guardian’s signature. Wear your glasses if you need them, because there’s an eye test.
Can I take the California permit test online?
Plan on taking it at a DMV office. As of October 2026, DMV’s permit pages only describe the in-office test. You can start the application, book your visit and practise online, though.
Do I need an appointment?
DMV’s permit page asks you to visit with an appointment, and you book it on dmv.ca.gov. Start the online application first, then pick a time early enough to begin the test before 4:30 p.m.
All 20 practice questions with answersA printable list of the practice test above
You are in a turn lane and this signal faces you. What does it mean?
Stay stopped until a green light or green arrow shows. A red arrow means stop, and you may not turn while it shows. You wait until the signal changes to a green light or a green arrow. A red arrow is stricter than a steady red light.
You come to an intersection where this signal keeps flashing. What should you do?
Stop, then go when it is safe. A flashing red light means stop. After you stop, you may go when it is safe. It works like a STOP sign.
You see this yellow sign at a bend. What does it tell you?
The road turns sharply the way the arrow points. This yellow sign with a large arrow warns of a sharp change in the road’s direction. Slow down and follow the road the way the arrow shows.
What does this yellow sign with a plus-shaped symbol warn you about?
Another road crosses yours ahead. This sign shows a plus-shaped symbol. It warns that another road crosses yours ahead. Watch for vehicles entering from either side.
In the pre-drive check, your horn must be loud enough to be heard from at least:
200 feet away The handbook says the horn must work and be loud enough to be heard from at least 200 feet. The examiner checks this before the drive starts.
You stop behind another vehicle at a red light. How close should you be?
Far enough to see its rear tires The handbook says that when you stop behind a vehicle, leave enough space to see its rear wheels. This gap gives you room if something goes wrong.
When you enter or leave a highway, what should you do about solid lines on the ramp?
Do not cross them. Do not cross over any solid lines when merging or exiting. Wait for the lines to become broken before you change lanes.
You are in the middle of an intersection when you hear a siren and see red lights coming. What should you do?
Drive through, then pull right and stop. If you are already in an intersection, keep going through it. Once you are across, pull to the right edge when it is safe and stop. Stopping inside the intersection could block the emergency vehicle.
You are about to back up in a straight line along the curb. How should you check for cars and people behind you?
Look in your mirror and over your shoulder. Before you back up, check your blind spots. Look in your rearview mirror and over your shoulder for vehicles and pedestrians. Then back slowly and stay aware of what is behind you.
Your car starts to skid on an icy road. What should you do first?
Slowly take your foot off the gas pedal. For a skid on a slippery surface, the handbook says to slowly take your foot off the gas and not to brake. Turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid. Try to get a wheel onto dry pavement.
Someone was injured in a collision you were involved in. Within what time must you report it to law enforcement?
Within 24 hours. The handbook says you must report a collision to law enforcement within 24 hours if anyone is injured or killed. A separate SR 1 report must go to DMV within 10 days. Someone acting for you, such as your insurance agent or lawyer, may file it instead.
Rosa, 60, completed the Mature Driver Improvement Program. How long is her certificate valid?
3 years Drivers 55 and older can take the eight-hour Mature Driver Improvement Program. Its certificate lasts three years, and a shorter four-hour course renews it.
You must stop because of car trouble. Your older car has no emergency flashers. How should you warn other drivers?
Use your turn signals. The handbook says to turn on your emergency flashers if you must stop because of vehicle trouble. If your vehicle has no emergency flashers, use your turn signals.
On an open highway, what should you do before moving into the passing lane?
Signal and look over your shoulder. To pass on an open highway, signal and look over your shoulder to check your blind spots. Then move into the passing lane, speed up to pass, signal and return to your lane.
In which direction does traffic travel in a roundabout?
Counterclockwise around the island. In a roundabout, all traffic moves in one direction around a central island. In California, that direction is counterclockwise.
Unless posted otherwise, what is the speed limit on a two-lane undivided highway?
55 mph. The maximum is 55 mph on a two-lane undivided highway, unless posted otherwise. Most other California highways allow 65 mph.
There are hazards on both sides of your lane, but one is more dangerous. How should you position your car?
Give more space to the more dangerous hazard. The handbook says that when hazards are on both sides, you should deal with one at a time. If one is more dangerous, give it more space.
According to the handbook, for how long does DMV suspend or revoke your driving privilege after a DUI conviction?
One year. The handbook says DMV will suspend or revoke your driving privilege for one year after a DUI conviction. As of October 2026, DMV’s fact sheet for a first DUI with no injury lists a 6- or 10-month suspension instead. The handbook’s one-year answer is what this question asks for.
For a driver under 18, when does a new instruction permit become valid?
When an instructor validates it at the first lesson The handbook says a minor must wait to use the permit until behind-the-wheel driver training starts. The instructor validates the permit at that point.
You are parked at the curb and ready to drive away. What should you do?
Signal before you pull away from the curb. The handbook says to signal before pulling next to the curb or away from the curb. Your signal warns traffic that you are entering the road.
California · Permit test