100+ Free California DMV Permit Test Practice Questions
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What does a blue painted curb mean in California?
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Key Facts: California DMV Permit Test Exam
46
Multiple-Choice Questions
California DMV
83% (38/46)
Passing Score
California DMV
$45
Application Fee (up to 3 attempts)
California DMV 2026
15.5 years
Minimum Age for Instruction Permit
California DMV
The California DMV knowledge test has 46 multiple-choice questions, and adults must answer at least 38 correctly (83%) to pass. The $45 application fee covers up to three test attempts. All questions are based on the official California Driver Handbook. The test is required for both an instruction permit and a driver license. California-specific rules tested include the 65 mph freeway limit, a 0.08% BAC limit (0.01% for drivers under 21), and the under-18 provisional-license restrictions.
Sample California DMV Permit Test Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your California DMV Permit Test exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1What does a red octagonal sign mean?
2What is the shape of a yield sign?
3A diamond-shaped sign with a yellow background and black symbols means:
4What does an orange-colored construction or maintenance sign indicate?
5A five-sided (pentagon) sign with a yellow or fluorescent yellow-green background means:
6A round yellow sign with a large black X and the letters RR warns you of:
7A white rectangular sign with black or red lettering, such as a speed limit sign, is a:
8What does a sign showing a red circle with a red diagonal line through a symbol mean?
9A pennant-shaped sign (a horizontal triangle pointing right) on the left side of the road warns you that:
10Guide signs that are green with white lettering generally provide:
About the California DMV Permit Test Exam
The California DMV written knowledge test is the exam you must pass to earn an instruction permit or driver license in California. It contains 46 multiple-choice questions drawn from the official California Driver Handbook, covering road signs, traffic laws, right-of-way, speed limits, sharing the road, impaired driving, and provisional-license rules. Adult applicants must answer at least 38 of 46 questions correctly to pass, a score of 83%. The $45 application fee covers up to three attempts at the test.
Questions
46 scored questions
Time Limit
No strict time limit at most California field offices
Passing Score
83% (38 of 46 questions correct)
Exam Fee
$45 (application fee covers up to 3 attempts) (California Department of Motor Vehicles)
California DMV Permit Test Exam Content Outline
Road Signs and Signals
Sign shapes and colors, regulatory and warning signs, traffic signals, and pavement markings used on California roads
Right-of-Way and Intersections
Right-of-way rules, four-way stops, roundabouts, freeway merging, mountain roads, and railroad crossings
Speed Limits and Lane Use
California's Basic Speed Law, posted speed limits, lane changes, passing rules, U-turns, and carpool lanes
Sharing the Road
Pedestrians, bicyclists and the Three Feet for Safety Act, motorcyclists, large trucks, school buses, and the Move Over law
Alcohol, Drugs and Licensing
California BAC limits, implied consent, impaired driving, provisional-license restrictions, and collision procedures
How to Pass the California DMV Permit Test Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 83% (38 of 46 questions correct)
- Exam length: 46 questions
- Time limit: No strict time limit at most California field offices
- Exam fee: $45 (application fee covers up to 3 attempts)
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
California DMV Permit Test Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the California DMV written test?
The California DMV knowledge test for a Class C driver license or instruction permit has 46 multiple-choice questions. All questions are drawn from the official California Driver Handbook published by the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
What score do I need to pass the California DMV permit test?
Adult applicants must answer at least 38 of 46 questions correctly, a passing score of 83%. Applicants under 18 face the same 38 of 46 standard. If you do not pass, your $45 application fee allows you up to three attempts.
How much does the California DMV knowledge test cost?
The California driver license application fee is $45, and that fee covers up to three attempts at the written knowledge test. If you fail three times, you must reapply and pay the fee again before testing more.
Is there a time limit on the California DMV written test?
Most California DMV field offices do not enforce a strict time limit on the written knowledge test, so you can work at a careful pace. The test is taken on a computer terminal at the DMV office, and some applicants use approved third-party testing partners.
What is the minimum age for a California instruction permit?
A teen may apply for a California instruction permit at 15 and a half years old after completing driver education. The permit must be held for at least six months, with 50 hours of supervised practice, before taking the behind-the-wheel driving test for a provisional license.
What California-specific rules are tested on the permit exam?
The exam tests California rules such as the 65 mph default freeway speed limit, the 0.08% BAC limit (0.01% for drivers under 21), the implied consent law, the Three Feet for Safety Act for passing cyclists, the Move Over law, and provisional-license restrictions for drivers under 18.