California permit
practice test.
Free, with answers.
Original practice questions for the California permit test, each with the answer and a short explanation. Read the California driver handbook alongside them.
Test format from our records · confirm current rules with the California DMV
What is the minimum liability coverage your insurance must provide for the death or injury of a single person?
Since January 1, 2025, California's required minimum liability coverage is $30,000 for one person who is injured or dies, $60,000 if at least two people are injured or die, and $15,000 for damage to property.
Practice for California
Questions on California laws, licensing and road rules. Everyone in California sees these sets. 472 practice questions: the California sets, national lessons and road signs.
California: Laws & Licensing
Licensing, alcohol, penalty and crash rules.
California: Road Rules
Right-of-way, signs, speed and safe driving.
California exam simulator
46 random questions from the California practice pool, 83% to pass, with a full review at the end.
Driver handbook
The California manual, with practice for each topic.
Motorcycle
232 motorcycle practice questions for California.
California CDL
National CDL practice by topic, based on the federal CDL manual.
National lessons and practice exam.
Traffic rules and road signs that apply in every state. Same sets for all learners.
- Sign Shapes, Colors and Rules20 questions
- Curve, Hill and Hazard Warnings18 questions
- Intersection, Merge and Lane Warnings21 questions
- Route, Guide and Service Signs13 questions
- Traffic Lights and Pavement Markings17 questions
- Who Goes First: Right-of-Way22 questions
- Turns, Turn Signals and Hand Signals17 questions
- Passing and Changing Lanes18 questions
- Choosing a Safe Speed15 questions
- Parking and Backing Up15 questions
- Scanning, Space and Communication20 questions
- Driving on Freeways13 questions
- Pedestrians, Children and School Buses21 questions
- Bicycles, Motorcycles and Trucks17 questions
- Railroad Crossings and Work Zones17 questions
- Night Driving and Bad Weather17 questions
- Staying Alert, Calm and Focused13 questions
- How Alcohol Affects Your Driving15 questions
- Drugs, DUI Laws and Chemical Tests14 questions
- Emergencies and Collisions17 questions
- Your License, Record and Penalties17 questions
- Road Sign Review23 questions
- Final Knowledge Exam35 questions
Steps to your permit.
- 01
Study the California driver handbook
Read the manual next to our explanations, and reread the chapters behind the questions you miss.
California driver handbook → - 02
Pass the exam simulator
Aim for 38 of 46 or better, several times in a row.
Open the simulator → - 03
Take the knowledge test
Bring the documents the California DMV lists for a temporary permit. Fees and lists change, so check before you go.
- 04
Start supervised driving
Keep a record of your supervised practice hours.
Open the driving log →
California permit test
FAQ.
How many questions are on the California permit test?
The California knowledge test has 46 multiple-choice questions, and you need 38 correct (83%) to pass. Requirements can change, so confirm with the California DMV before test day.
How old do I have to be to get a learner's permit in California?
In California you can apply for a learner's permit from age 15½. Check the California DMV for current age, document and parental-consent rules.
Are these the real California DMV questions?
No. These are original practice questions written by our team. State rules are checked against the California driver handbook and California law, and every answer comes with an explanation.
Is DMV Written Test a government service?
No. DMV Written Test is an independent practice resource and is not affiliated with the California DMV or any other government agency.
Start practicing.
Practice here in your browser, or use the app with the same questions and explanations. It's free on the App Store.
About these facts
Exam format and minimum age come from the data we have on file for California and have not been re-checked against an official page. Confirm them with the California DMV.
Fees and document lists change, so confirm them with the California DMV.