Free California DMV Practice Test (2026)

California · Checked October 2026

Practice for the California permit test with a learning path built around the California Department of Motor Vehicles rules: a California-only module on the state's own laws and teen-license limits, core rules-of-the-road lessons, instant explanations and a timed exam simulation.

Start learning About the California test

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California permit test at a glance

QuestionsNot published

To pass80%

Min. permit age15 yrs 6 mos

AgencyDMV

The knowledge test is multiple choice, based on the California Driver's Handbook, and you need a score of 80% to pass. You take it in person at a DMV office during your permit appointment and must start before 4:30 p.m.; you get three attempts per application, and minors must wait 7 days (not counting the day of the failed test) before retrying.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles does not publish the exact number of questions, so our timed simulation uses a standard 25-question format with the official passing score of 80%.

Tip: Start with module 1, “California laws & permit rules”. These 12 questions cover rules that are specific to California, the part of the test that general study guides usually miss.

California traffic laws you will be tested on

Topic	California rule	Source
Alcohol limits (BAC)	It is illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.01% or higher if you are under 21, and 0.08% or higher if you are 21 or older. An under-21 driver whose screening shows 0.05% or more can be arrested for DUI.	dmv.ca.gov
Cell phones	Driving while holding a cell phone is illegal. Adults may use a phone only hands-free, mounted on the windshield, dashboard or center console and operated with a single swipe or tap; drivers under 18 may not use a phone at all except to call for emergency help.	dmv.ca.gov
Seat belts	You and all your passengers must wear seat belts. You can get a ticket if you aren't buckled, and also if a passenger under 16 isn't buckled.	dmv.ca.gov
Child passenger seats	Children under 2 (under 40 pounds and under 3 feet 4 inches) must ride in a rear-facing child seat. Children under 8 or shorter than 4 feet 9 inches must ride in a child restraint in the back seat, with only a few exceptions.	dmv.ca.gov
Move Over and Slow Down	You must move over and slow down for stationary emergency vehicles, tow trucks and road work vehicles showing flashing emergency or amber warning lights.	dmv.ca.gov
Highway speed limits	Unless posted otherwise, the maximum speed on most California highways is 65 mph, and 55 mph on two-lane undivided highways and for vehicles towing trailers.	dmv.ca.gov
School zones and low-speed areas	The limit is 25 mph within 500 feet of a school while children are outside or crossing, and 25 mph in business or residential districts unless posted. It is 15 mph at blind intersections, in alleys, and within 100 feet of a railroad crossing when you can't see 400 feet down the tracks.	dmv.ca.gov
Headlights and wipers	Use headlights from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise, when you can't see 1,000 feet ahead, and any time you need your windshield wipers for fog, rain or snow (low beams). Driving with only parking lights is illegal.	dmv.ca.gov

California learner permit and teen license rules

Hold your instruction permit for at least 6 months (or until you turn 18) before the driving test; you must be at least 16 to get a license.
Log at least 50 hours of supervised practice, including 10 hours at night, with a California-licensed driver who is 25 or older.
Finish driver education before the permit and driver training (6 hours with a licensed driving school) before the driving test; don't use the permit until your instructor validates it when training starts.
First 12 months with a provisional license: no driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
First 12 months: no passengers under 20 unless a parent, guardian or other California-licensed driver 25 or older rides with you (exceptions need a signed note for medical, school, work or family needs).
Drivers under 18 may not use a cell phone or wireless device while driving, except to call for emergency help.

How to get your California learner's permit

Complete a driver education course (classroom or online) and get your certificate of completion or enrollment; this is required if you are 15½ to 17½.
Start the California Driver's License or ID Card Application online with your own MyDMV account; your parent or guardian approves it from their own MyDMV account.
Schedule a DMV appointment and upload your documents: proof of identity, proof of California residency (two documents for a REAL ID) and your Social Security number (exceptions may apply).
Go to the DMV office with your parent or guardian, pay the $46 application fee, pass the vision exam and have your photo taken.
Pass the knowledge test (80% to pass, started before 4:30 p.m.). If you fail, minors wait 7 days and get up to three attempts per application.
Once you have your permit, start behind-the-wheel training with a licensed instructor who validates it, then practice 50 hours (10 at night) with a licensed driver 25 or older.

Sample California-specific questions

Here are four of the 12 questions in our California module. Each one is based on the official California Driver's Handbook or California law; open the answer to see the rule behind it.

1. What is the minimum age to apply for a California instruction permit?

15 years
15 years 6 months
16 years
16 years 6 months

Show answer

Correct answer: 15 years 6 months. You must be at least 15½ to apply, and if you are under 17½ you also need proof of driver education. Source: dmv.ca.gov

2. If you are under 18, how much supervised driving practice must you complete before your driving test?

30 hours, 5 of them at night
40 hours, 10 of them at night
60 hours, 15 of them at night
50 hours, 10 of them at night

Show answer

Correct answer: 50 hours, 10 of them at night. Minors must practice at least 50 hours with a California-licensed driver 25 or older, and 10 of those hours must be at night. Source: dmv.ca.gov

3. How old must the licensed driver be who supervises a minor's practice driving?

25 or older
18 or older
21 or older
30 or older

Show answer

Correct answer: 25 or older. Adults practice with a licensed driver 18 or older, but minors must practice with a California-licensed driver who is at least 25. Source: dmv.ca.gov

4. During the first 12 months with a provisional license, you may not drive between:

10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Midnight and 6 a.m.
11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
9 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Show answer

Correct answer: 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.. Provisional drivers can't drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. during their first 12 months, unless an exception with a signed note applies. Source: dmv.ca.gov

How this practice test works

Learn the California rules first: module 1 covers the state's permit test, teen-license limits and traffic laws.
Work through the core modules: signs, signals, right-of-way, speed, lanes, special situations, impairment and sharing the road.
Practice 5 questions at a time: every answer shows an explanation, and missed questions come back until you get them right.
Take the timed California exam simulation and review every mistake before your appointment.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get my permit without driver education if I'm almost 18?

Yes. If you are older than 17½ but under 18, you can get an instruction permit without the driver education and training certificates, but you can't take the driving test until you turn 18.

Can I start practicing with my parents the day I get my permit?

Not yet if you're under 18. The handbook says to wait to use your permit until you start behind-the-wheel training with an instructor, who validates it. After that you can practice with a California-licensed driver 25 or older sitting close enough to take control.

What if my permit expires before I've held it for six months?

Your application and fee are valid for 12 months. If it expires before you finish the six-month wait, reapply at a DMV office; you keep credit for the time you already held a permit, so bring both the expired and the new permit to your driving test.

How soon can I take my driving test after I fail it?

Minors must wait 14 days to retake a failed behind-the-wheel test, not counting the day of the failure. You get three attempts, and each retest costs $9.

Are these the real DMV test questions?

No. The California Department of Motor Vehicles does not publish its exam. Our California module is written from the official handbook and state law, and the core modules cover the rules of the road taught in every state handbook.

Is this practice test free?

Yes. Every lesson, practice round and exam simulation is free, with no sign-up.

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Official California sources

Every California fact and question on this page was checked in October 2026 against the official handbook, the California Department of Motor Vehicles website or California law. When an official source did not publish a detail (for example, the number of test questions), we say so instead of guessing. Rules change, so confirm with the California Department of Motor Vehicles before your test. PracticePermit.us is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with any government agency. How we write and check our questions.

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