How many questions can I miss on the California permit test?

Original applicants answer 36 questions and need 30 correct, so you can miss up to 6. Renewal applicants answer 18 questions and need 15 correct.

How many times can I take the test?

You get three attempts before you must reapply and pay again. If you are under 18 and fail, you must wait seven days (not counting the day you failed) before trying again.

Are these the real DMV test questions?

No. Every question here is an original practice question written from the rules in the California Driver's Handbook. The DMV's actual test questions are not public, so use this site to learn the rules, and read the official handbook as well.

Can I take the knowledge test in another language?

Yes. The California DMV offers the knowledge test in many languages. Check the DMV website for the current list before your appointment.

California DMV Permit Test Practice Test

Full mock exam36 questions · 45 min · 3 choices →

Exam info

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Type: State license
Field: Driving
Provider: California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Sections: Class C Knowledge Test (36)
Questions · Time: 36 questions · 45 min
Format: Multiple choice, 3 answer choices per question, taken at a DMV office or online. Original applicants answer 36 questions (renewal applicants answer the first 18). The DMV does not publish a fixed time limit; this practice timer is set to 45 minutes.
Passing score: Original applicants must answer at least 30 of 36 questions correctly (about 83%). You get three attempts before you must reapply. Requirements for applicants under 18 can differ, so check the current California Driver's Handbook.
Eligibility: You can apply for an instruction permit at age 15½. Applicants under 18 need a parent or guardian's signature and proof of driver education. You must pass a vision test and the knowledge test, and pay the application fee.

Exam outline

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Class C Knowledge Test36 questions

Unit 1: Signs, Signals, and Pavement Markings★★★★★Weight 20%
Unit 2: Right of Way and Turns★★★★★Weight 20%
Unit 3: Speed, Lanes, and Parking★★★★★Weight 20%
Unit 4: Safe Driving and Sharing the Road★★★★☆Weight 20%
Unit 5: Alcohol, Phones, and Licensing Laws★★★★☆Weight 20%

▼ More about California DMV Permit Test (trends · overview · FAQ)▲ Hide

California DMV Permit Test exam trends

Questions are spread across the whole handbook, but right-of-way situations, speed limits in special zones (school zones, blind intersections, alleys), curb colors and parking, and alcohol limits (0.08% for adults, 0.01% under 21) come up again and again. Sharing the road with pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcycles, school buses and emergency vehicles is another frequent theme. The chapters on this site are study groupings, not official exam sections.

Start with Beginner sets to learn the core numbers (25 mph, 15 mph, 100 feet, 3 seconds, 18 inches, 0.08%). Put every missed question into your review notes and redo them the next day. Before test day, take a full 36-question Mock Exam and aim for at least 32 correct so you have a safety margin.

California DMV Permit Test Sample Questions and Explanations →

About California DMV Permit Test

The California DMV permit test (officially the Class C driver license knowledge test) is the written test you take before you get a learner's permit or a first California driver's license. Every question comes from the California Driver's Handbook: traffic signs and signals, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, safe driving habits, and alcohol and cell phone laws. The test is multiple choice with three answer choices per question, and original applicants need 30 correct answers out of 36. Many people fail on small details such as curb colors, special speed limits, and how far before a turn to signal, so practicing short sets every day is the easiest way to pass on the first try.

FAQ

Q. How many questions can I miss on the California permit test?: Original applicants answer 36 questions and need 30 correct, so you can miss up to 6. Renewal applicants answer 18 questions and need 15 correct.
Q. How many times can I take the test?: You get three attempts before you must reapply and pay again. If you are under 18 and fail, you must wait seven days (not counting the day you failed) before trying again.
Q. Are these the real DMV test questions?: No. Every question here is an original practice question written from the rules in the California Driver's Handbook. The DMV's actual test questions are not public, so use this site to learn the rules, and read the official handbook as well.
Q. Can I take the knowledge test in another language?: Yes. The California DMV offers the knowledge test in many languages. Check the DMV website for the current list before your appointment.