Full practice exam
- 46 questions, 38 to pass, like the real written test
- No answers until you finish
- Your score, every answer explained, and what to study next
Free learning aid · Based on the California Driver's Handbook (Jun 2025)
California Permit Practice Test
A free study aid for the California (CA) DMV knowledge test: practice in the real test format, with every answer explained and the guide page to study. Not the official test. Always verify with the official guide.
- 46questions
- 38to pass (83%)
- $0full exam here
Shown: under 18. Adults 18 or older: 36 questions, 30 to pass.
Practice by topic
- The answer and why, right after each question
- 10 questions a round, a new mix every time
- Every answer shows the guide page to read
Road sign test
Know every sign on sight
Learn the signs from pictures one at a time, then test yourself on 20 signs.
Study mode
California permit test topics
The answer and explanation after every question. Each round is a new random mix, so practice as often as you like.
- Signs, signals & markingsWhat every sign, signal and lane marking means.
- Rules of the roadTurns, merging, passing and right of way.
- Sharing the road & parkingPedestrians, bikes, trucks, motorcycles and parking.
- Road conditions & awarenessScanning, blind spots, night, skids, fog and floods.
- Safe driving, alcohol & phonesSteering, signals, seat belts, emergencies, alcohol and phones.
- Your license, points & insurancePermits, tests, points, insurance and registration.
- Practice my weak spotsA round from the topics you miss most.Fills in automatically as you practice on this device
About the California permit test
The basics, in plain English, from the California Driver's Handbook.
What's on the test
A multiple-choice knowledge test on what's in the California Driver's Handbook. You get three tries before you need to apply again, and you can't use the handbook or a phone during the test. (California Driver's Handbook, p. 5)
Three tests to a license
A vision test, the knowledge test and, later, a behind-the-wheel drive test with a DMV examiner. (California Driver's Handbook, p. 5)
When you can start
If you're under 18, you can apply for an instruction permit at 15½, after completing a driver education program, with a parent or guardian's signature. (California Driver's Handbook, p. 3)
Practice before the drive test
Under 18, you hold your permit for at least 6 months and practice at least 50 hours with a licensed driver aged 25 or older, including 10 hours at night. (California Driver's Handbook, p. 3)
What to bring
Proof of identity, two proofs that you live in California, your social security number (exceptions may apply) and, if your name has changed, a document showing your current name. (California Driver's Handbook, p. 2)
How to prepare
The tests are based on what's in the California Driver's Handbook, so read it, practice one topic at a time, learn the road signs, then take the full practice exam until you pass it comfortably. (California Driver's Handbook, p. 1)
California permit test FAQ
What's on the California knowledge test?
Multiple-choice questions on the information in the California Driver's Handbook. You can't use the handbook, a phone or any other testing aid during the test. (California Driver's Handbook, p. 5)
How many tries do I get?
Three attempts before you have to apply again. If you're under 18 and fail, you wait seven days before trying again, not counting the day you failed. (California Driver's Handbook, p. 5)
How old do I need to be for an instruction permit?
If you're under 18, at least 15½. You also need to have completed a driver education program, and a parent or guardian has to sign your application. (California Driver's Handbook, p. 3)
What do I need to bring?
Proof of identity, two proofs of California residency, your social security number (exceptions may apply), and a document showing your current legal name if it differs from your identity document. (California Driver's Handbook, p. 2)
Read the official California Driver's Handbook
Our questions are written from the guide (revised June 2025). Always study the official handbook from the state. Page numbers are the ones printed on the handbook pages; tap one to open the official PDF at that page. A PDF viewer counts the cover too, so its page numbers run 6 higher.
New driver? How to get your instruction permitWhat to bring, the tests and the rules while you practice →