California DMV written test
California DMV Cheat Sheet
The California knowledge test facts in one place, checked against California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) sources and last verified November 2026.
The numbers
California DMV test numbers to memorize
The California knowledge test has 46 questions and you need 38 correct, which is 83 percent. You can miss 8. The test is given by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
46
Questions on the test
38
83% to pass
Correct answers needed
8
Questions you can miss
15.5
Minimum age
- Time limit
- The agency does not publish a time limit for the knowledge test, so we do not state one.
- Test fee on record
- $38. The agency's fee page decides exactly what this covers, so confirm it before you go.
- Format
- Computer touchscreen kiosk at DMV office
- Online test
- Available. California offers at-home online knowledge testing for applicants under 18, people moving to California from out of state, and renewals requiring a knowledge test. Requires a computer or laptop with a webcam. DMV states the online test is offered in 35 languages.
- Appointment
- Required. Appointment required. Schedule online or call 1-800-777-0133.
Before you go
Documents to bring in California
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) asks for these documents for the permit test. Check the agency's current list before you go, because requirements change.
0 of 6 done
- Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
- Social Security number
- Proof of California residency
- Completed DL 44 application
- Parental consent (if under 18)
- Proof of driver education enrollment (if under 18)
If you fail
If you fail: California retake rules
You get 3 attempts at each knowledge test per application; a third failure of the same test voids the application and you must reapply. Under 18, you must wait 7 days to retake a failed knowledge test, not counting the day you failed; DMV publishes no wait for applicants 18 and over. CDL knowledge retakes have no waiting period and also allow 3 attempts per application. Knowledge retakes are free: the $9 non-commercial and $46 commercial retest fees apply only to the behind-the-wheel test. The at-home online test allows only 2 attempts, then you must test at a DMV office.
- all_applicants (CDL): you may retest the same day.
- Attempt limit: 3.
- Retest fee: the agency does not publish a per-attempt retest fee that we could confirm.
- Application becomes invalid; applicant must reapply (and pay a new application fee).
- Loss of the at-home online testing channel: after two failed online attempts the third attempt must be taken in person at a DMV office.
Some retake details for California are not published by the agency (Agency does not publish: retake fee), so confirm them with DMV before you rely on them.
Who can test
Age and permit rules in California
- Under 18
- Must complete driver education course. Must have parental consent. Takes 46-question test (vs 36 for 18+). Must wait 7 days between retakes. Provisional permit with nighttime and passenger restrictions.
- Permit versus license
- Passing the written test earns a provisional instruction permit (under 18) or instruction permit (18+). Must hold for minimum 6 months before taking the driving test. Under 18 get a provisional license with restrictions.
- Where the test is given
- In-person at any California DMV office. Tests are administered on touchscreen computer kiosks.
- How you get results
- Immediate. Pass/fail shown on screen after completing the test.
Study material
Languages and handbook
Our record of exam languages for California: English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Armenian, Hindi, Punjabi, Tagalog, Japanese, Russian, Arabic, and French. This list is flagged for verification because the agency does not clearly say which languages the exam itself is given in (a handbook can be published in more languages than the exam), so confirm with DMV before you rely on it.
The study source is the California Driver Handbook (2025-2026 edition). The agency also publishes a Spanish version of the driver manual.
From learner data
Most missed California practice questions
These free California questions have the lowest correct rates among learners on DMV IQ. Percentages are rounded to the nearest 5 and only questions with enough answers are listed. Each one shows the right answer, so read the reasoning in the handbook, not just the answer.
- 1
If you double your speed, your braking distance increases by about:
Four times
About 30% get it right
- 2
The recommended order of child restraint stages is:
Rear-facing, forward-facing, booster, seat belt
About 45% get it right
- 3
A hand signal with the left arm extended downward means:
Slowing down or stopping
About 50% get it right
- 4
If the road is wet, you should reduce your speed by:
5-10 mph or more
About 50% get it right
- 5
A center lane marked on both sides by a solid yellow line and a broken yellow line is used for:
Left turns from either direction
About 50% get it right
- 6
If you move to a new address, you must notify the DMV within:
A time set by your state
About 60% get it right
Your plan
Free California study checklist
Work through the free practice runs and topic cards, and tick each one off. Your ticks stay on this device.
Test yourself on the California questions
Free practice tests and topic cards, each question with a hint and an explanation from the driver manual.
Start free practice test 1