Free California DMV Permit Practice Test 2026
Free California DMV practice questions for the written test, built from the California Driver Handbook. Work through traffic signs, right-of-way, speed limits and state-specific rules, with an explanation on every answer and a readiness score before you test with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
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How we help you prepare
600 practice questions to help you master the California DMV Test, 4 practice tests, 1 exam simulation
California requirement to pass
46 questions on the real test, 83% passing score (38 of 46), time limit not published
Verified November 2026 by our editorial team from California Driver Handbook. Rules change, so always confirm with the current official materials from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) before your test.
California's test, in short
California asks about several rules that other states handle differently. Drivers under 21 have a 0.01% BAC limit, and provisional drivers under 18 can't carry passengers under 20 in their first year. In a residential district a U-turn needs no car coming within 200 feet in either direction, and every intersection counts as a crosswalk even without paint. Expect questions on which way to turn your wheels when parking on a hill, too.
Study by Category
Master each topic before your California written test. 4 categories are free to start.
Shape and color carry the meaning before you can read the words: an octagon is always stop, a yellow diamond always warns. Covers regulatory, warning, guide and work-zone signs, including the ones with no text at all.
Speed limits, parking and the everyday rules that carry points when broken. Covers the basic speed law, why a posted limit is a maximum rather than a target, and where you may never stop or park.
Signals, flashing lights, and the arrows that override them. Covers what a yellow light actually requires of you, when a red arrow forbids a turn a red ball would allow, and who has control when the lights go dark.
The paperwork side of driving legally. Covers licensing and insurance requirements, what to carry in the vehicle, and the steps to take after a collision.
California's test, in short
California asks about several rules that other states handle differently. Drivers under 21 have a 0.01% BAC limit, and provisional drivers under 18 can't carry passengers under 20 in their first year. In a residential district a U-turn needs no car coming within 200 feet in either direction, and every intersection counts as a crosswalk even without paint. Expect questions on which way to turn your wheels when parking on a hill, too.
Practice Runs
Complete practice runs to test your knowledge. Runs 1-2 are free.
California Test 1: All Topics, Set A
Includes regulatory signs, packed snow speed, and intersections, plus every other topic on the test. No repeats across Sets A to D.
California Test 2: All Topics, Set B
Includes regulatory signs, light truck towing, and adverse conditions, plus every other topic on the test. No repeats across Sets A to D.
California Test 3: All Topics, Set C
ProIncludes turning, vehicle emergencies, and high winds pull over, plus every other topic on the test. No repeats across Sets A to D.
California Test 4: All Topics, Set D
ProIncludes railroad stall no train, zipper merge, and lane selection, plus every other topic on the test. No repeats across Sets A to D.
Pro Study Tools
The free runs cover the basics. These tools answer one question: would you pass California's test today?
California Exam Simulator 2026
ProIQ Readiness Score™ Analysis
ProCalifornia Quick Quiz
ProBuild a custom test
ProAbout the California DMV Test
California's written knowledge test is administered by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and is required for anyone applying for a learner's permit or first driver's license. The test has 46 multiple-choice questions drawn from the California Driver Handbook, and you need at least 38 correct answers (83%) to pass.
Where and How to Take It
In-person at any California DMV office. Tests are administered on touchscreen computer kiosks. You must book an appointment before you go. Schedule online or call 1-800-777-0133. The DMV lists the knowledge test in several languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese. Confirm the current options with the DMV, since the languages a test is offered in can differ from the languages the handbook is published in. 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.
What to Bring
Plan to bring the documents the DMV requires: 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). The knowledge test is part of a permit fee of about $38.
On Test Day
Your results are shown immediately on screen.
If You Don't Pass
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.
Minimum Age and Eligibility
You must be at least 15½ years old to take the California knowledge test. Applicants under 18 must complete a driver education course and have parental consent.
After You Pass
Passing the written test earns a provisional instruction permit (under 18) or instruction permit (18+). You must hold for minimum 6 months before taking the driving test. Under 18 get a provisional license with restrictions.
Try It Yourself
Get a taste of the study experience. Answer a real question or preview the timed exam simulator.
Sample Flash Card
During the first 12 months, California provisional license holders under 18 may not carry passengers who are:
Try all 4 free practice runs
Start PracticingWhen approaching a school zone during school hours, the maximum speed limit in California is:
Exam Simulator
46-question test that mirrors the real California DMV exam. 83% to pass.
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