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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.

Read before you practiseStart with the California Driver's Handbook Study Guide: plain-language notes, diagrams and the numbers to remember.

  1. Question 1 of 25

    What is the minimum age for a California instruction permit for a teen?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 15½

    Teens must be at least 15½ to get a California instruction permit.

  2. Question 2 of 25

    What must a California applicant under 17½ show to get an instruction permit?
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    Answer: 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.

  3. Question 3 of 25

    Who must sign a California permit application for a minor when the parents share joint custody?
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    Answer: D. Both parents

    A parent or guardian signs to approve the application and accept financial responsibility. With joint custody, both parents must sign.

  4. Question 4 of 25

    When can a California teen start driving with a new instruction permit?
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    Answer: 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.

  5. Question 5 of 25

    How old must the licensed driver be who supervises a California teen with a permit?
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    Answer: 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.

  6. Question 6 of 25

    How many hours of supervised practice must a California teen complete before the drive test?
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    Answer: D. 50 hours, including 10 at night

    Teens must practice at least 50 hours, with 10 of those hours at night.

  7. Question 7 of 25

    How long must a California teen hold an instruction permit before taking the drive test?
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    Answer: C. At least 6 months

    Minors must hold the permit for at least 6 months (or until they turn 18) before the drive test.

  8. Question 8 of 25

    What is the minimum age for a California provisional driver's license?
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    Answer: A. 16

    You must be at least 16 and prove you finished both driver education and driver training.

  9. Question 9 of 25

    During the first 12 months with a California provisional license, when may you NOT drive (without an approved exception)?
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    Answer: 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.

  10. Question 10 of 25

    During the first 12 months, a California provisional driver may not carry passengers under what age unless a qualified adult rides along?
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    Answer: B. 20

    No passengers under 20 unless a parent, guardian, or California-licensed driver 25 or older is in the car.

  11. Question 11 of 25

    A California provisional driver in their first year must drive to work at 4:30 a.m. What must they carry to use the work exception?
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    Answer: 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.

  12. Question 12 of 25

    Which of these is NOT allowed for a California provisional license holder?
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    Answer: A. Driving for pay

    Provisional drivers may not drive for pay or operate commercial vehicles.

  13. Question 13 of 25

    What score do you need to pass the California DMV knowledge test?
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    Answer: C. 80%

    The California DMV requires a passing score of 80% on the knowledge test.

  14. Question 14 of 25

    How many attempts do you get to pass the California knowledge test before you must reapply?
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    Answer: D. Three

    Applicants for an original license have three attempts to pass before they must reapply.

  15. Question 15 of 25

    If a California minor fails the knowledge test, how long must they wait before trying again?
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    Answer: 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.

  16. Question 16 of 25

    If a California minor fails the behind-the-wheel drive test, how long must they wait to retake it?
    Show answer

    Answer: 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.

  17. Question 17 of 25

    Which items are NOT allowed while you take the California knowledge test?
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    Answer: B. Handbooks and cell phones

    Handbooks and cell phones are not allowed during knowledge tests.

  18. Question 18 of 25

    After what time are knowledge tests not available at California DMV offices?
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    Answer: D. 4:30 p.m.

    The DMV says knowledge tests are not available at its offices after 4:30 p.m., so arrive early.

  19. Question 19 of 25

    An adult (18 or older) with a California permit may practice with a licensed driver of what minimum age?
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    Answer: D. 18

    Adults practice with a California-licensed driver who is at least 18. Teens need a supervisor who is at least 25.

  20. Question 20 of 25

    For a minor's California drive test, how old must the licensed companion who comes with them be?
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    Answer: B. At least 25

    The companion must hold a California license and be at least 25 for minors (18 for adults).

  21. Question 21 of 25

    Which car feature may you NOT use during a California drive test?
    Show answer

    Answer: 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.

  22. Question 22 of 25

    What phone use is allowed for a California driver under 18?
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    Answer: C. None while driving, not even hands-free

    California bans all cell phone use by drivers under 18, including hands-free.

  23. Question 23 of 25

    What does California law say about adult drivers holding a phone while driving?
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    Answer: 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.

  24. Question 24 of 25

    When may you turn right on a red light in California?
    NOTURNON RED
    Show answer

    Answer: 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.

  25. Question 25 of 25

    On a steep, narrow California mountain road where two vehicles cannot pass, which vehicle has the right-of-way?
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    Answer: A. The vehicle facing uphill

    The California handbook says the vehicle facing uphill has the right-of-way, because backing uphill is harder.

What to know before the test

  • 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.

Frequently asked questions

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.

Sources

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