California DMV Permit Test: 2026 Guide

The California DMV Permit Knowledge Test has 46 questions, and you need 38 correct answers (83%) to pass. The test fee is $45. The questions are based on the California Driver's Handbook. Try 10 free sample questions below, or take the full 46-question California practice test.

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California DMV Permit Test at a glance

Official name	California DMV Permit Knowledge Test
Questions	46
Pass mark	38 of 46 correct (83%)
Test fee	$45
Time	Approx. 45 minutes
Official handbook	California Driver's Handbook
Official page	California licensing office
Free practice test	46 questions with answers

Getting Your California Provisional Permit: Your 5-Step Checklist

Step 1: Are You Eligible for a Permit?
- You must be between 15 ½ and 17 ½ years old.
- You must have completed or be enrolled in a certified driver education program.
- You must pass a vision screening.
Step 2: What ID Do I Need?

You need to provide proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or passport, and proof of residency.
Step 3: How Much Does the Test Cost?

The application fee is $45, which is valid for 12 months and includes three attempts to pass the knowledge test.
Step 4: Understanding the Test Format

The knowledge test has 46 multiple-choice questions. To pass, you cannot miss more than 8 questions (an 83% score).
Step 5: Provisional Permit Rules & Restrictions

With your permit, you must be accompanied by a licensed parent, guardian, or other qualified adult 25+. Once you get your provisional license, for the first 12 months, you cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. and cannot transport passengers under 20 years old, unless supervised.

Free California practice questions

The first 10 questions of California Practice Test 1. The full practice test has 46 questions.

1. What is the time limit for registering your vehicle after becoming a resident or getting a job in California?
Show answer

Answer: d) 20 days.

You have 20 days to register your vehicle after you become a resident or get a job in California.
2. What does the Vehicle Code allow DMV to do?
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Answer: d) Investigate driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely.

Vehicle code allows DMV to investigate and re-examine every driver's ability to operate a motor vehicle safely.
3. A warning sign of an unsafe driver:
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Answer: c) Frequent close calls or collisions.
Here are some warning signs of an unsafe driver:
- Getting lost in familiar places.
- Dents and scrapes on the car, fences, mailbox, garage doors, etc.
- Frequent close calls or collisions
4. Vision is an important factor in safe driving. You should be able to:
Show answer

Answer: b) Notice hazards and read road signs.

Vision is an important factor in safe driving. You should be able to notice hazards in different types of lighting, judge distances, adjust to traffic speed, and read road signs.
5. When should you use one hand steering method?
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Answer: d) While backing up.

One Hand Steering is required to be used while backing up.
6. You should signal in all situations EXCEPT
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Answer: c) When you are parked in a lot.

You are not required to signal when you are parked in a parking lot.
7. Where is the center left turn lane located?
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Answer: d) In the middle of a two-way street.

Center left turn lane is located in the middle of a two-way street and marked on both sides by two painted lines.
8. When should you start signaling for a right turn?
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Answer: a) About 100 feet before the turn.

You can drive in a bike lane within 200 feet from the turn. And you should start signaling about 100 feet before the turn.
9. What should you do if you want to turn right against a red arrow?
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Answer: d) Wait until the light changes to green before making your turn.

You may not turn right if you are stopped at a red arrow light. Wait until the light changes to green before making your turn.
10. Under what circumstances are you allowed to make a U turn at an intersection?
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Answer: b) Only on a green traffic light or green arrow, unless a No U turn sign is posted.

You can make a U-turn at an intersection on a green traffic light or green arrow, unless a No U-turn sign is posted.

Take the full 46-question California practice test

California DMV Permit Test: common questions

How many questions are on the California DMV Permit Test?

The California DMV Permit Knowledge Test has 46 questions.

How many questions can you miss on the California DMV Permit Test?

You need 38 of 46 correct (83%), so you can miss up to 8 questions.

How much does the California DMV Permit Test cost?

The California test fee is $45. Fees change, so confirm the amount with the licensing office before you go.

How long does the California DMV Permit Test take?

Approx. 45 minutes.

What should I study for the California DMV Permit Test?

Study the California Driver's Handbook; the test questions are based on it. Then check yourself with a practice test: FlashPath's free California Practice Test 1 has 46 questions with answers and explanations.

Is the FlashPath California practice test free?

Yes. Practice Test 1 (46 questions) is free on this site and in the app, with no sign-up. The app has 407 more California practice questions across Practice Tests 2 to 10; full access is a subscription.

What is the FlashPath Pass Guarantee?

If you have a paid FlashPath subscription and don't pass the California DMV Permit Test, your next month is free. Email us within 30 days of the test with your store order ID and your result.

Guarantee terms: FlashPath Pass Guarantee.

California guides

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Road test and rules

The FlashPath app

FlashPath (on the App Store as "DMV Permit Written Test 2026") is an iPhone and Android app for the California DMV Permit Knowledge Test, rated 4.9 from 65 App Store ratings, with 449 California questions across 10 practice tests, an explanation for every answer, missed-question review, an exam simulator and a Pass Guarantee (another month free if you don't pass).