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California · Permit test

Can you take the California DMV permit test online?

Plan on taking the test at a DMV office. As of October 2026, DMV’s permit pages describe only the in-office knowledge test, and none of them offer an online version for new drivers. Lots of the process does happen online, though: the application, the appointment and your practice.

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

What you can do online

  • Fill in the Driver’s License & ID Card Application on dmv.ca.gov
  • Book your office appointment
  • Read the California Driver’s Handbook, on the web or as a PDF
  • Take DMV’s free sample tests, in English and eight other languages, plus ASL

What you’ll still do at the office

Showing your documents, paying the fee, the thumbprint, the eye test and the photo all happen in person. So does the knowledge test. Get there early enough to start before 4:30 p.m.

Why you might have read otherwise

In December 2023, DMV put out a news release saying first-time applicants, teens included, could take the knowledge test online. Older articles still repeat that.

DMV’s current permit and test pages don’t mention that option anymore, though, and we couldn’t find an official notice about what changed. Go by what dmv.ca.gov says now, and don’t count on testing from home.

The online course you’ve heard about is for renewals

DMV’s eLearning course is a no-fail online module, but it’s only for people renewing a license who need to retest. New drivers can’t use it in place of the permit test.

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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 testCostHow much is the California DMV permit test?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 DMV news release, December 28, 2023 and 3 more. Checked October 2026.

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