California Driver Handbook 2026

How to use the California Driver Handbook

The DMV draws its 46-question knowledge test from the California Driver Handbook, and you need 83% to pass, which is 38 correct answers. Read the 92 pages once for coverage, then answer practice questions to find the rules that did not stick. Practice tells you what you do not know yet; the Driver Handbook is where the rule is actually stated, in the words the state chose.

It is also the only source that settles an argument. When a practice answer and your instinct disagree, the California Driver Handbook decides it, and every explanation we write points back into it.

What is inside the California Driver Handbook

The California Driver Handbook runs to 92 pages. These are the areas it covers that the knowledge test can ask about.

• Traffic signs by shape and color, and what each one requires
• Traffic signals, including arrows, flashing signals and pedestrian signals
• Right-of-way at intersections, roundabouts and uncontrolled crossings
• Speed limits, the basic speed law and adjusting for conditions
• Lane use, passing, merging and following distance
• Turns, signaling and lane positioning
• Parking rules, restrictions and parking on a hill
• Sharing the road with pedestrians, cyclists, motorcycles and trucks
• School buses, emergency vehicles and work zones
• Alcohol, drugs and the state's impaired-driving law
• Seat belts, child restraints and occupant safety
• Licensing steps, required documents and testing
• Crashes, insurance requirements and what to do at the scene

The California knowledge test at a glance

Everything below comes from the DMV directly. It is what the California Driver Handbook is preparing you for.

Questions

46

Passing score

83%

Correct answers needed

38 of 46

Time limit

Time limit not published

Test fee

$38

Minimum age

15.5

Can you take it online?

Yes, with conditions

Verified against the DMV in 2026-07.