California DMV Practice Test
Practice California road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving rules with questions written from the official DMV driver manual.
Choose your test and click to begin:
Start with the free 10-question California practice test. Then move on to the full 46-question mock test when you’re ready.
Choose from a set of practice quizzes tailored to different topics, difficulty levels, and test formats. All tests are completely free and can be taken as many times as you need.
California permit test quick facts
Number of questions
36 (for adults)
46 (under 18s)
Passing score:
30 (adults)
38 (under 18s)
Time limit:
Not stated
Test fee:
$46 for Class C
Minimum age:
15 years 6 months
GDL minimum requirement:
50 hours, including 10 at night; plus 6 hours training for teens
California Permit Test FAQs
How many questions are on the real California permit test?
The California Class C knowledge test format differs by age. Under-18 instruction-permit applicants are commonly tested with 46 questions, while adult applicants age 18 or older are commonly tested with 36 questions.
What score do I need to pass?
California DMV describes the passing score as 80%. In the common Class C test formats, that means 38 correct out of 46 for under-18 applicants, or 30 correct out of 36 for adults.
How much does the California knowledge test cost?
The Class-C original application fee is $46.
Can I take the California permit test online?
California DMV offers an online knowledge test option for eligible customers. Eligible customers are prompted to choose the remote exam option after completing the online driver’s license application and paying the application fee. The online test requires an internet-enabled computer or laptop with a webcam and cannot be taken on a tablet or mobile device.
What should I bring to the California DMV testing site?
Bring proof of identity, two proofs of California residency, any required legal-name document, and Social Security number information where applicable. Under-18 applicants also need driver-education completion/enrollment documentation and parent or guardian approval. DMV will also take your photo, test your vision, and process the application fee.
What happens if I fail?
For teen applicants, California DMV says you have 3 attempts to pass before you must reapply. If you fail, you must wait 7 days, not including the day you failed, before retaking the knowledge test.
Are these practice tests based on the California Driver's Handbook?
Yes. These practice questions are designed to help you study topics from the California Driver Handbook: including traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving rules.
What is in the practice permit test?
Our short tests consist of 10 questions and are perfect for quick refreshes when you only have a few minutes. Our full practice tests have 46 questions for which you'll need to correctly answer 38 to pass. All tests use the same question database, where the questions are selected at random from these categories:
- Occupant Protection
- Traffic Controls
- Laws and Rules of the Road
- Visual Search
- Lane Control
- Turns
- Parking
- Safe Driving Practices
- Vehicle Positioning
- Sharing the Road
- Special Driving Situations
- Handling Emergencies
- Driver Readiness
- Alcohol and Drugs
- Additional Driving Laws/Rules
How to best use these practice tests
Follow these steps for the most effective study experience:
Read the California Driver Handbook
This is the official source of all rules you'll be tested on.
Begin with shorter quizzes
Start with road signs, lane rules, and right-of-way. These build strong foundational knowledge.
Move to full-length 46-question tests
These mimic the real exam format and help you get used to timing and pressure.
After tests are scored, review the correct answers carefully
Understanding why an answer is correct improves retention.
Retake tests until you consistently score above the passing threshold
Most successful test-takers aim for 85–90% on practice quizzes before taking the real test.
Additional Recommended Resources
Use our links to review other resources that are available elsewhere.
Useful resources
Always refer to official California DMV resources for the latest permit requirements, fees, testing options, document rules, and driver handbook information.
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