How many questions are on the California DMV permit test?

Where those numbers come from

Oddly, none of DMV’s current web pages say how many questions there are. The 46 and 36 figures come from DMV research reports on the Class C knowledge tests, written in 2006 and 2007.

The “no more than 8 wrong” rule for under-18s is on DMV’s provisional licensing fact sheet. The permit page, checked in October 2026, gives the pass mark as 80%. So if you aim for at least 38 out of 46, you’re covered under every version of the rule.

The score you need

The adult figures come from DMV’s older research reports, not a current page. If the exact number matters to you, ask at the office before you start.

What the questions look like

Each question has one right answer and two wrong ones. DMV says there are no trick questions, so read carefully and don’t overthink it.

Most people take the test on a touchscreen, and it’s offered in a range of languages. In some cases DMV gives it on paper or as an audio test. The touchscreen marks your answers straight away.

• Traffic signs, signals and lane markings
• Right-of-way, turns, lanes and freeways
• Speed limits, railroad crossings and parking
• Safe driving, emergencies and sharing the road
• Alcohol, insurance and permit and license rules

Is there a time limit?

DMV doesn’t publish one. What it does say is that offices don’t give knowledge tests after 4:30 p.m., so get there early enough to start before then. You can’t use the handbook or your phone during the test.

If you don’t pass

You get three tries before you have to start a new application. If you’re under 18, you must wait 7 days before trying again, and the day you failed doesn’t count. If you miss a question, a DMV employee can show you the handbook page with the answer, which is worth doing before your next try.