California DMV Practice Test – Free Permit & Written Test Practice

The California knowledge test has 46 questions if you're under 18, or 36 if you're 18 or older. You need 80% to pass, and every question comes from the California Driver's Handbook.

If you're under 18, you must be at least 15½, have completed or be enrolled in driver education, and have a parent or guardian sign your application. Complete a Driver's License & ID Card Application, provide your documents, pay the non-refundable application fee, and pass the knowledge test and a vision test. At a DMV office, knowledge tests are not started after 4:30 p.m., so make an appointment and leave yourself enough time.

Yes. The DMV's online knowledge test is open to people under 18 too. You need an internet-enabled computer or laptop with a webcam, and it's available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except state holidays. It's offered in 35 languages.

The application fee is $46. It pays for both your instruction permit and your driver's license, and it covers three tries at your tests within 12 months.

At least 15½ and under 18 for a provisional instruction permit. You need a certificate showing you completed or are enrolled in driver education, and a parent or guardian must sign your application. At 18 or older, you apply without driver education. If you are over 17½, you can get your instruction permit without the driver education and driver training certificates, but you can't take the driving test until you turn 18.

If you have never had a license, you must hold your provisional instruction permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test.

Each question has one correct answer, and the other two choices are either clearly wrong or don't fit the question. The DMV says there are no trick questions, and if you miss one, the office employee can tell you which handbook page has the answer.

Yes. The DMV has sample knowledge tests for a Class C license in several languages. The practice tests on this page add more questions, with an explanation for every answer.

You can read it online or download it from the California DMV website.

It depends on how well you know the California Driver's Handbook, because every question is multiple choice and based on it. The knowledge test has 46 questions if you are under 18, or 36 if you are 18 or older, and you need 80% to pass. Your $46 application fee covers 3 tries at your tests within 12 months. If you fail and you are under 18, you must wait 7 days (not counting the day you failed) to retest.