Free 2026 CA DMV Practice Tests

Based on the official California Driver's Handbook. Get ready for your CA DMV written exam with our comprehensive practice tests.

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CA Warm-up Test

A quick 20-question quiz to gauge your readiness. Perfect for starting your study journey.

20 Questions
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CA Practice Test 1

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Questions 36
Mistakes 6 Max
Passing 83%

CA Practice Test 2

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Questions 36
Mistakes 6 Max
Passing 83%

CA Practice Test 3

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Questions 36
Mistakes 6 Max
Passing 83%

Practice by Topic

What to Expect on the California driver Test

Format

Touchscreen at DMV office; online at-home option (with webcam) available for many applicants.

Test fee

$45

$45 original Class C driver license application fee covers the knowledge test; no separate knowledge-test fee.
Booking

Appointment recommended for in-office visits; walk-ins accepted but wait times vary.

Retake policy

3 attempts per application (online test limited to 2 attempts before requiring in-office).

7-day wait between attempts.

Languages offered

English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, Japanese, Armenian, Russian, Arabic, Punjabi, Hindi, Farsi, Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Thai, Khmer, Hmong, Samoan, Turkish, Polish, Romanian, Croatian, Greek, Hebrew, Indonesian, Laotian, Tongan, Amharic, Bengali, Burmese, Nepali, Ukrainian

Documents to Bring to Your California Test

Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport), Social Security Number, two proofs of California residency for REAL ID, and completed DL 44 application.

California Rules You'll See on the Test

Rules unique to California that appear on the CA DMV knowledge test more than others.

  • gavel Motorcycle lane splitting is legal — California is the only U.S. state to explicitly allow it
  • gavel Handheld phones banned for all drivers; drivers under 18 cannot use any phone even hands-free
  • gavel Slow-moving-vehicle turnout: must pull over if five or more vehicles are following on a two-lane road
  • gavel Move Over Law covers Caltrans and tow trucks in addition to emergency vehicles
  • gavel Provisional license: under-18 drivers cannot drive 11pm-5am or carry passengers under 20 for the first 12 months

California DMV Test FAQ

How many questions are on the California driver permit test?

The CA DMV driver knowledge test has 36 multiple-choice questions drawn from the official state handbook — covering road signs, traffic laws, right-of-way, and safe-driving procedures.

What's a passing score on the California DMV knowledge test?

You need 30 out of 36 correct — 83% — to pass. The result is displayed immediately after you submit.

How many questions can I get wrong and still pass the California test?

You can miss at most 6 questions. Any more than that and CA DMV will mark it a fail — you'll need to retake.

Is the California knowledge test on paper or computer?

Touchscreen at DMV office; online at-home option (with webcam) available for many applicants.

How much does the California DMV knowledge test cost?

The CA DMV knowledge test costs $45. $45 original Class C driver license application fee covers the knowledge test; no separate knowledge-test fee.

Do I need an appointment for the California knowledge test?

Appointment recommended for in-office visits; walk-ins accepted but wait times vary.

What documents does CA DMV require to take the test?

Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport), Social Security Number, two proofs of California residency for REAL ID, and completed DL 44 application.

Can I take the California DMV test in a language other than English?

Yes. CA DMV offers the knowledge test in 35 languages including English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and 31 more. Ask when scheduling if your language is available at your chosen office.