California DMV Test Questions & Answers – 100% FREE
Practice Permit Test & Driver License Test
The best way to study for your permit or full driver license test is to use both the Driver Handbook and these permit practice tests!
Make sure you get the latest version of the handbook and read it. Pay special attention to rules and laws that are specific for California.
Use the practice tests to verify if you are ready or not. Take enough sample tests at Driver’s Prep to make sure you can reach a perfect score of 100%.
Each CA DMV practice test has 36 random questions based on the handbook and real questions from California DMV (dmv.ca.gov). After every question on the test, you get instant feedback with a detailed explanation.
The passing score on the real DMV examination is 83 percent. On a test with 36 questions, this means you can only miss 6 questions.
The number of questions on the real California knowledge test depends on your age and what test you take (see details below). If you are under 18 years, the test has 46 questions.
Read more about studying for your exam: How to Ace the DMV test.
Who Must Take the California Written Knowledge Test
You must always take a knowledge test, vision test, and road test when you apply for an original California driver license or upgrade to a different class of driver license.
If you have a license from another state, DMV will usually waive both the knowledge test and the road test.
After a license revocation, you must apply for a new license and re-take all necessary tests.
How Many Questions Are on the California DMV Test?
If you are less than 18 years, but at least 15 years and six months, and applying for a provisional permit, you need to take the written test on traffic laws and traffic signs. There are 46 questions on this test. To pass, you must correctly answer 38 questions. If you fail, you must wait one week before taking it again. You have three chances to pass the test.
If you are over 18 years and apply for an original driver license, the test covering traffic laws and road signs consists of 36 questions. If you pass, you will be issued a permit if you have never been licensed before.
A CA DMV renewal test for adults has 18 questions.
Computerized Tests with Touch Screens
Previously, you got the DMV knowledge test on paper. Today, you take the test on a computer with a touch screen. Instead of marking the correct answer with an “X”, the applicant now just taps the correct answer on a screen.
The new computer version has randomized questions just like on our practice tests, which means that no two tests are the same. The computer tests are available in English and Spanish.
Computer tests speed up the exam process, but it is also a lot easier to misread and make a hasty decision. So, take your time and read everything carefully.
Do Not Cheat!
Remember, the use of any testing aids is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, the use of cell phones, cheat sheets, and the California Driver Handbook. If you use any aid during the written test, you will fail. An action may also be taken by the DMV against your driving privilege or the driving privilege of anyone else who assists you in the examination process.
Make an Appointment?
When you are ready for your test, make an appointment online at www.dmv.ca.gov or call during normal business hours.
The COVID-19 pandemic has limited the face-to-face services at DMV service locations, but knowledge tests and driving tests can be scheduled in advance.
To make sure you have all necessary documents for your permit application, you should follow the REAL-ID checklist online at dmv.ca.gov
You should have the following documents:
ONE identity document that show full name and date of birth
You will typically bring the original or a certified copy of your U.S birth certificate, a valid and unexpired U.S. passport or passport card, or your unexpired permanent resident card.
ONE original document that shows your name and full Social Security Number
It is best to bring your scocial security card, but a W-2 form or a pay stub with full SSN is also accepted by DMV.
TWO Proofs of California Residency
You must provide two documents that show your first and last name together with your current mailing address. Examples of accepted documents are your rental agreement or mortgage bill, bank or credit card statements, your tax return, employment documents, or insurance documents.
A child may use a residency document in their parents’ name by presenting a tracing document (such as a birth certificate) showing the relationship.
After The California DMV Knowledge Test
If you pass the written knowledge test, California DMV issues a provisional permit (learner’s permit).
Once you have your permit, you may practice driving supervised by a parent, spouse, legal guardian, or certified driving instructor. You may also practice driving with any licensed California driver 25 years of age or older.
To learn more about California’s graduated driver license process, read this article: What is California Graduated Driver’s License?
More Practice Tests for Your CA DMV exam
Once you start practicing, you will see links to more practice tests! Just tap/click on the link that says “Next Test”.
California DMV – COVID-19 Alerts
70 and older – free one year extension; eligible to renew online beginning December 6, 2020.
69 and younger – extended online renewals available.
New behind the wheel drive tests are available at DMV by appointment. Other new appointments not yet available.
Schedule your behind-the-wheel drive test: Make an appointment at CA DMV
CA DMV Customers must wear a face covering and remain 6 feet apart in line.
CA DMV Customers are offered a text message that allows them to wait outside the building until notified it is their turn to be served.
All entry into the service center building is metered.
Latest information here: DMV-related COVID-19 updates
I am 72 years my DL Exp on 06-24-20 how many Question have the Test for older people like me
Normally, a renewal test in California has 18 questions (15 corrected answers needed to pass). Often very basic questions.
Due to the pandemic there is a free one-year extension available for Californians 70 years and older (noncommercial driver’s license). Beginning December 6, you should be able to renew online or by mail (even if your notification says that a visit is necessary).
Read more: Seniors Now Eligible to Renew Driver’s Licenses Online
Thank you for all you answers, to our many questions. I am also a senior, and will take my renewal license written test in 2022. I am studying all the D.M.V practice test already, and very thankful to have them.
I need a handbook to study but the DMV office is closed. Where can I get one? Thanks.
Best option: download the pdf version online https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/pubs/hdbk/driver_handbook_toc
If you can find a library that is open, they may have hard copies. Otherwise, you just have to wait.
my current extension expires 4/14/2020. with the current pandemic and all dmv field offices closed and not able to call Sacramento DMV until after 4/17/2020, where does that leave me? A
This is the latest information from California DMV (released on April 1): https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/pubs/newsrel/2020/2020_15
You should be able to renew online or by mail. If you are older than 70, your license is automatically extended.
Due to the corona crisis, The DMV has now (April 2020) extended all driver licenses that expire between March and May 2020 and has expanded eligibility to renew online.
UPDATE OCTOBER 2020: Temporary waiver allows licenses for drivers 70 and older to be renewed without an office visit
My birthday is June 4, 1938. Will my license be extended?
All California license holders, including AB 60, under age 70 with a noncommercial driver license expiring between March and May 2020 have an extension through May 31, 2020.Currently, this doesn’t include a noncommercial driver license expiring in June.https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/about/dlextinfoUPDATE OCTOBER 2020: Temporary waiver allows licenses for drivers 70 and older to be renewed without an office visit
Californians age 70 and older with a noncommercial driver’s license are now eligible to renew online or by mail, eliminating the need to visit a California Department of Motor Vehicles office. Licenses with an expiration date between March 1, 2020, throughout the COVID-19 emergency are eligible.
I have been declared medically blind on one eye,can I be allowed to take the vision test and drive?
If you will be allowed to drive or not depends on how well you can see with the other eye. This should tell you what you need to know: Vision Standards (FFDL 14)
I have studied and studied but of course nervous. I have a question that I can’t find an answer for. I have my test on June 4 and my birthday is June 6. If I fail and need to do again, do I need to do the driver’s test again? I have a clean record and need to know what to expect. I am a senior. I live in So. CA. Thank you.
The important question first: DMV will not ask for the behind-the-wheel test when you renew your license just because you fail the knowledge test.
Secondly, the knowledge test for a renewal is usually very easy and has questions that you are probably very familiar with. Most drivers with some experience easily pass this renewal test. So, try not to be nervous about it. Read carefully, but don’t read too much into the questions. There aren’t any trick questions.
With that being said, it is always up to the examiner’s discretion to ask for a practical driving test if there are reasons to believe that you have mental and/or physical condition or an inability to follow California traffic laws. This is rare and almost never comes as a surprise to a test taker.
If I’m out of the country and I can’t renew on time of my license can you still accept even I’m late, how many months or days do you allow. Thanks
California allows you to renew at any time. Process is the same. No late fees.
An in-person DMV visit is required for the new Real ID driver’s license. To board a domestic flight in 2020, you will need a federally-compliant ID, such as a Real ID driver’s license.
If eligible for online renewal , you may be able to apply for the old driver’s license online and replace it at a later point.
Remember, there is no grace period when your license has expired. It is illegal for you to drive until your license is renewed.
on the california test there is a question ?12 about which way to turn wheels when downhill with not curb
The correct answer should be toward the curb or “to the Right” not left which you say is the correct answer
You are correct about the proper way to turn the front wheels when parking downhill.
But there is no question on the California tests suggesting that you should turn them the other way. There are five versions of this question (downhill with or without curb). Correct answers on these questions are “toward the curb”, “toward the side of the road”, “to the right”, or “away from the road”.
Hi Mark, For a renewal license, how many mistakes to pass the test and how many questions for the test.
Thank you.
Normally 18 questions (if already licensed). 15 correct answers to pass.
I would like to know how I can take the oral test
Contact your local DMV office ahead of the test.
I just took my drivers renewal test last August 14,2018 @ ave L6 10 st west in Palmdale/Lancaster I had Roxanne to process my papers to take the written test and Allyssa to take the written test I was so nervous but both employee made feel that it will be ok both of them were so professional they made you at ease ..I thought I will have coronary attack both of them explained to me the computer and written test very well… the line was long coz there are too many who take the test and I understand it….took the written test coz Im not too good in computer Im old …but got 100% in the test and Alyssa made sure that Ihave an extension of my drivers license …both roxane and alyssa are perfect asset in your dept..thank you im waiting for my drivers renewal license..keep up the good work Roxanne and alyssa ..I suggest to the people who is taking the renewal test to study the 2018 booklet and you pass it…thank you..
quwationa 25,26,29 and 30 have nothing to do with the questions
?
I have an appointment for my license renewal, do I have to stand in those 2 hour lines. If so, whats the deal of making an appointment. I live in CA
No you dont wait in line you go ahead right in and say you have an appointment
I am 81 yrs. old and I have too take a drivers test and on Aug. 27 I will 82yrs old, I would like to know what I can do so I don’t have to stand inline for 1 or too two hours. Please help me.
in spanish
The spanish version of the tests is postponed. We don’t have the resources to complete the project just yet.
Is it possible to retake the driving test if my license need to be renew?
If you want to take a test that isn’t required for your renewal, this is usually up to the discretion of the DMV clerk.
This works both ways. A clerk may ask you to take a test that is usually not required, if he or she believes that your ability can be questioned.
Most renewals can be made without any tests. But if you need to visit a DMV office for your renewal, the note will tell you what tests you must take.
Read more: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/about/senior/driverlicense/renewal
Which test I take to renew my license
A renewal test is basically the same test, but with no questions about permit rules & restrictions and with only 18 questions.
I already had a Ohio state license but moved to California a month back, so need to apply for California license. Thanks drivers prep . I cleared my written test for California dmv today with just two mistakes. Practice sample tests were really helpful.
Thank you & drive safely!
I failed DMV written test because half of the questions were not on your practice tests. I think you should update your practice test questions.
You failed your test because you didn’t know and/or understand the facts described in the California Driver Handbook. As simple as that.
Our CA practice tests have more than 1,200 questions. With 8 completed practice tests, you covered less than 15 percent of them.
Can someone please recommend a local driving instructor prior to dmv driving test in Palo Alto, ca.?
Thank You
I wish you would post what the correct answers are. You don’t learn this way
The correct answers are there.
I recommend everyone to start practicing here: https://driversprep.com/dmv-test/california-dmv-practice-test-1/
When done with test 1, continue with Practice Test 2. If you need a break, bookmark the test you want to take next.