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California · Permit test

How much is the California DMV permit test?

As of October 2026 it’s $46. That’s DMV’s application fee for an original Class C license, which is what you’re applying for when you get your permit. You pay it once, it isn’t refundable, and it covers up to three tries at the knowledge test.

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Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

California DMV fees for new drivers

WhatFee
Original Class C license application (includes the permit test)$46
Behind-the-wheel drive test retest$9
Replacement license if yours is lost or stolen$37

These are from DMV’s Licensing Fees page, checked in October 2026. One snag: DMV’s Driver’s Licenses page still says a drive retest costs $7. The fees page is the official schedule, so expect $9.

What the $46 gets you

The fee keeps your application open for 12 months. In that time you get three attempts at the knowledge test. The same visit covers your vision test, thumbprint and photo.

Fail three times, or let the 12 months run out, and you have to start a new application.

Costs that aren’t DMV fees

If you’re under 18, you need a driver education certificate before you can get a permit, and 6 hours of professional driver training before the drive test. Schools set their own prices, so compare a few. Studying for the written test itself can cost nothing: the handbook and DMV’s sample tests are free.

Check before you go

DMV doesn’t print an effective date on its fees, and they do change. Look at the Licensing Fees page the week of your visit so the counter holds no surprises.

Explore

Everything else, in one place

OverviewCalifornia DMV permit testHow many questionsHow many questions are on the California DMV permit test?DMV appointmentBooking a California DMV appointment for your permit testOnline permit testCan you take the California DMV permit test online?Road signsCalifornia DMV road signs: what you need to know for the testDriver’s handbookThe California Driver’s Handbook: your free study guidePractice testCalifornia DMV practice testWhere to learnWhere to study for the California permit test
Sources: California DMV, California Driver’s Handbook and 2 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.