California DMV Practice Test 2026
The California DMV knowledge test is the multiple-choice test you pass to get an instruction permit. It is based on the California Driver's Handbook, and you need 80% to pass. These questions cover California's own rules first, then general US rules and road signs.
Kurz und knapp
Bestanden: 80%. Zuständig: California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Mindestalter: 15½. Hier üben Sie kostenlos mit 205 Fragen, jeweils mit Antwort und Erklärung. Am 10. Oktober 2026 mit offiziellen Quellen abgeglichen.
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Frage 1 von 25
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Antwort: D. 15½
Teens must be at least 15½ to get a California instruction permit.
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Frage 2 von 25
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Antwort: A. A certificate of completion or enrollment in driver education
Minors need a Certificate of Completion or Enrollment in Driver Education. Those over 17½ but under 18 may skip the certificates.
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Frage 3 von 25
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Antwort: D. Both parents
A parent or guardian signs to approve the application and accept financial responsibility. With joint custody, both parents must sign.
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Frage 4 von 25
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Antwort: B. After a driving instructor validates it when behind-the-wheel training begins
A minor's permit cannot be used until behind-the-wheel training starts with an instructor who validates it.
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Frage 5 von 25
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Antwort: C. At least 25
A teen with a permit must practice with a California-licensed driver who is at least 25 and close enough to take control.
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Frage 6 von 25
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Antwort: D. 50 hours, including 10 at night
Teens must practice at least 50 hours, with 10 of those hours at night.
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Frage 7 von 25
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Antwort: C. At least 6 months
Minors must hold the permit for at least 6 months (or until they turn 18) before the drive test.
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Frage 8 von 25
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Antwort: A. 16
You must be at least 16 and prove you finished both driver education and driver training.
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Frage 9 von 25
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Antwort: C. 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Provisional drivers may not drive from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. during the first 12 months.
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Frage 10 von 25
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Antwort: B. 20
No passengers under 20 unless a parent, guardian, or California-licensed driver 25 or older is in the car.
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Frage 11 von 25
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Antwort: D. A signed note from their employer confirming the job
Exceptions to the provisional limits require a signed note, such as one from your employer confirming your employment.
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Frage 12 von 25
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Antwort: A. Driving for pay
Provisional drivers may not drive for pay or operate commercial vehicles.
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Frage 13 von 25
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Antwort: C. 80%
The California DMV requires a passing score of 80% on the knowledge test.
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Frage 14 von 25
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Antwort: D. Three
Applicants for an original license have three attempts to pass before they must reapply.
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Frage 15 von 25
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Antwort: D. 7 days, not counting the day of the failure
Minors must wait seven days to retake a failed knowledge test, not counting the day they failed.
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Frage 16 von 25
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Antwort: D. 14 days, not counting the day of the failure
Minors wait 14 days after a failed drive test, not counting the day of the failure.
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Frage 17 von 25
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Antwort: B. Handbooks and cell phones
Handbooks and cell phones are not allowed during knowledge tests.
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Frage 18 von 25
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Antwort: D. 4:30 p.m.
The DMV says knowledge tests are not available at its offices after 4:30 p.m., so arrive early.
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Frage 19 von 25
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Antwort: D. 18
Adults practice with a California-licensed driver who is at least 18. Teens need a supervisor who is at least 25.
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Frage 20 von 25
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Antwort: B. At least 25
The companion must hold a California license and be at least 25 for minors (18 for adults).
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Frage 21 von 25
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Antwort: C. Adaptive cruise control or automated parallel parking
Advanced driver assistance features such as automated parking, lane departure and adaptive cruise control are not allowed during the drive test.
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Frage 22 von 25
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Antwort: C. None while driving, not even hands-free
California bans all cell phone use by drivers under 18, including hands-free.
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Frage 23 von 25
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Antwort: A. Handheld phone use is banned; hands-free use is allowed
California bans handheld phone use and texting for all drivers. Adults may use hands-free systems.
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Frage 24 von 25
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Antwort: A. After stopping at the limit line and yielding, unless a NO TURN ON RED sign is posted
Right on red is allowed unless a sign forbids it. Stop at the limit line, yield to pedestrians and traffic, and turn when safe.
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Frage 25 von 25
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Antwort: A. The vehicle facing uphill
The California handbook says the vehicle facing uphill has the right-of-way, because backing uphill is harder.
Tastatur: 1–4 zum Antworten, Eingabetaste für die nächste Frage.
Die echte Prüfung: 80%
Was Sie vor der Prüfung wissen sollten
- You need a score of 80% to pass the California knowledge test. Tests are not given at DMV offices after 4:30 p.m.
- You get three attempts to pass the knowledge test before you must reapply. Minors wait 7 days after a failed attempt.
- Teens can get a permit at 15½ with a driver education certificate and a parent's signature.
- Teens must hold the permit 6 months and practice 50 hours (10 at night) with a licensed driver 25 or older.
- In the first 12 months, provisional drivers may not drive from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. or carry passengers under 20 without a licensed adult 25 or older.
- Handbooks and cell phones are not allowed during the knowledge test.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
What score do you need to pass the California DMV permit test?
80%. The test is multiple choice and based on the California Driver's Handbook.
How many times can you take the California permit test?
You have three attempts before you must reapply. If you are under 18, you must wait 7 days after a failed attempt.
How old do you have to be to get a permit in California?
15½ for teens, with proof of driver education enrollment or completion and a parent's signature. Adults can apply at 18.
How many practice hours do California teens need?
At least 50 hours, including 10 at night, with a California-licensed driver who is at least 25.
What are the California provisional license rules?
For the first 12 months: no driving from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. and no passengers under 20 unless a parent, guardian or licensed driver 25 or older is with you. Signed notes allow exceptions for school, work, medical needs or family needs.