Free California Permit Practice Test
Prepare for the California DMV knowledge test with unlimited free practice questions modeled on the real California learner's permit exam.
Start Free California Permit Practice TestWhat Is the California Permit Test?
The California permit test is the written knowledge exam required to earn a California learner's permit. Administered by the California DMV, it is based on the official California driver handbook.
The California instruction permit knowledge test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe-driving rules from the California Driver Handbook. You must score at least 80% to pass, and you are allowed up to three attempts before you must reapply.
All applicants must also pass a vision test. Teens under 18 must hold the instruction permit for at least 6 months before taking the behind-the-wheel driving test.
In California, new drivers typically begin with a learner's permit at 15½ years old, required: classroom + 6 hrs behind-the-wheel, and log 50 hours (10 at night) of supervised driving over a 6 months permit hold before earning a provisional license. The California DMV administers the knowledge test, permits, and driver's licenses statewide.
California Permit Test Quick Facts
80% to pass
Test requirement
15½ years old
Minimum permit age
Required: classroom + 6 hrs behind-the-wheel
Driver education
50 hours (10 at night)
Supervised driving
6 months
Permit hold period
California DMV
Licensing agency
Official California driver handbook
Source material
Multiple choice
Format
What the California Knowledge Exam Covers
Every question on the California knowledge test is drawn from the official California driver handbook. The major subject areas include:
- Road signs, signals, and pavement markings
- Traffic laws and right-of-way rules
- Safe driving practices and defensive driving
- Speed limits, following distance, and stopping
- Alcohol, drugs, and substance abuse awareness
- Sharing the road with pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcycles
How to Prepare for the California Permit Test
- 1Read the official California driver handbook cover to cover — it is the source for every question on the California DMV knowledge test.
- 2Take a free California permit practice test to find which topics you already know and which need more study.
- 3Re-read the handbook sections covering your weakest topics, then re-test until you consistently meet the passing requirement.
- 4Review road signs separately — sign-recognition questions are a large part of the California knowledge exam.
Ready to Test Your Knowledge?
Take our free California permit practice test as many times as you need. Questions are modeled on the real California DMV knowledge test so you walk in confident on exam day.
Start Free California Permit Practice TestTaking your California permit test soon?
California Teen Driver Education — 30 hours. Enroll online and complete at your own pace.
California Permit Test FAQs
How many questions are on the California permit test?
The California DMV knowledge test requires 80% to pass.
What is the passing score for the California permit test?
You must score at least 80% on the California knowledge test to receive a learner's permit. The exact requirement is set by the California DMV.
Is the free California permit practice test like the real exam?
Our free California permit practice test is modeled on the California DMV knowledge exam and covers the same topics from the official California driver handbook — road signs, traffic laws, right-of-way, and safe driving. You can retake it as many times as you like.
What should I study for the California permit test?
Study the official California driver handbook, with extra attention to road signs, traffic laws, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices — the core topics on the California DMV knowledge test. Then take a free California permit practice test to check your readiness before exam day.
Related California Resources
Disclaimer
Courses identified as “State Approved” are licensed, approved, or accepted by the applicable state agency, as specifically stated on the individual course listing. Not all courses offered through this website are state approved or state required.
DOT Driving School is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the DMV, DOT, FLHSMV, any state driver licensing agency, or any federal, state, county, or local governmental agency, except where a specific course approval or authorization is expressly stated.