What DMV practice tests are available for California on PassMyDMV?

PassMyDMV provides 1,971 official-manual-cited questions for California: 924 Car learner's permit questions, 370 Motorcycle endorsement questions, 677 Commercial Driver License (CDL) questions, and 258 Road Signs & Traffic Signals questions.

Which agency administers the driver's license written test in California?

Driver licensing and written knowledge exams in California are administered by the California Department of Motor Vehicles. All PassMyDMV questions cite the exact page of the official California handbook published by the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

What is the passing score and test length in California?

For the standard California car knowledge test: 46 questions (under 18) or 36 questions (18+) with a required passing score of 83% (38 of 46 for under 18; 30 of 36 for 18+). Minimum learner's permit age is 15.5 (learner's permit), and standard permit/test fees are $38 (permit + 3 test attempts + road test).

How does PassMyDMV's California Exam Pass and Pass Guarantee work?

You can start with a 3-question diagnostic without an account and up to 10 free questions total with a free account. Paid web passes start at $2.99 for a 48-hour California Exam Pass or $5.99 for a 7-Day Cram Pass (one-time payment, no auto-renewal), backed by our 60-day Pass Guarantee.

California DMV Practice Tests (2026) — Car, Motorcycle & CDL (1,971 Questions)

California's DMV written test is designed to ensure that all new drivers have a solid understanding of traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices before obtaining their learner's permit. California offers permits for standard cars and motorcycles, as well as commercial driver licenses for professional drivers. The test is comprehensive and practical, covering the essential knowledge every driver needs to stay safe and follow California's traffic laws. All practice questions on PassMyDMV are drawn from the official California Driver Handbook and California Motorcycle Handbook, so you're studying the exact material the California DMV uses to create its written tests.

Choose Your California Practice Test Track

California Car Permit Test

924 questions covering traffic laws, right-of-way, speed limits, and safe driving.

California Motorcycle Test

370 questions from the official California Motorcycle Operator Manual.

California CDL Practice Test

677 questions for Class A/B/C General Knowledge, Air Brakes, and Endorsements.

California Road Signs Test

258 questions drilling regulatory, warning, work-zone, and guide signs.

Sample California DMV Written Exam Questions & Official Manual Citations (2026)

Below are 2 real sample questions from our California dmv written exam bank. Every question in PassMyDMV cites the exact page and rule in the official California manual so you understand the law behind every answer:

Sample Question 1 · Traffic Stop Rights Official California Manual · Page 9

Under California law, which documents must the driver of a stopped vehicle produce when pulled over by law enforcement?

A. Driver license and Social Security card
B. Only a driver license
C. Driver license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration Correct
D. Vehicle registration and passport

Why C. Driver license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration is correct: The driver of a stopped vehicle must produce a driver license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration when stopped by law enforcement. If a driver does not produce these documents, officers may conduct a limited search for them. [Manual: New 2020 Laws — Your Rights During an Enforcement Stop, p. 9]

Manual excerpt (Official California Manual · Page 9): “The driver of a stopped vehicle must produce a driver license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration when stopped by law enforcement.”

Sample Question 2 · Traffic Stop Rights Official California Manual · Page 9

During a California traffic stop, what happens if a driver refuses to produce required documents?

A. The traffic stop must be ended immediately
B. Officers may conduct a limited search for them Correct
C. The driver is free to leave without consequence
D. The officer must obtain a warrant before proceeding

Why B. Officers may conduct a limited search for them is correct: If a driver does not produce the required driver license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration, officers may conduct a limited search for them. This is a narrow exception specifically to locate required documents. [Manual: New 2020 Laws — Your Rights During an Enforcement Stop, p. 9]

Manual excerpt (Official California Manual · Page 9): “If a driver does not produce these documents, officers may conduct a limited search for them.”

What to Expect on the California Written Exam

California's DMV written test covers standard traffic laws and road safety topics including road signs and signals, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking regulations, and safe driving practices. The test includes questions about alcohol and drug impairment, sharing the road with other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, and vehicle control in various weather conditions. California-specific topics may include school zone safety laws, carpool lane rules, environmental regulations, and local traffic laws that vary by region. The test emphasizes practical knowledge that applies to California's diverse driving environments, from busy urban freeways to rural highways.

Car / Standard Driver License

California's written learner permit test has 46 questions for applicants under 18, and you must answer at least 38 correctly (83%) to pass. For applicants 18 and older, the test has 36 questions and you must answer at least 30 correctly (83%) to pass. The application fee is $38, which is valid for 12 months and covers your permit, up to three knowledge test attempts, and your driving test. If you fail the test three times, you must wait seven days and pay the $38 fee again. For minors who fail, there is a 7-day waiting period before retaking. The test is available in 35 languages including English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and others.

Motorcycle Endorsement

California's motorcycle endorsement written test consists of either 20 questions (with 16 correct needed) or 25-30 questions depending on the format (with 20-24 correct needed to pass). The test covers rules of the road, safe driving practices, and laws specific to motorcycle operation. The test is based on information in the California Motorcycle Handbook and the California Driver Handbook. The application fee covers motorcycle endorsement testing.

Commercial Driver License (CDL)

California's commercial driver license program requires applicants to pass the general knowledge test plus additional tests for specific endorsements as needed. All CDL applicants must take the general knowledge test and pass tests for any endorsements they're seeking. Available endorsements include Hazmat (H), Passenger (P), School Bus (S), Tank Vehicles (N), Doubles/Triples (T), Air Brakes, and Combination Vehicles. Each endorsement test focuses on specialized knowledge needed to safely operate that type of vehicle. All knowledge tests required by the California DMV must be taken using the Automated Knowledge Testing equipment (AKTE).

Top Study Tips for Passing in California

Study the official California Driver Handbook thoroughly, paying special attention to road signs and right-of-way rules, which are heavily tested.
Use PassMyDMV's full-length practice exams and missed-question retake mode until you consistently score above the state passing threshold.
Focus on California-specific laws such as carpool lane regulations, school zone safety, and seat belt laws, as these are frequently tested.
Memorize all road signs and signals, paying special attention to California-specific warning signs and informational signs.
Study right-of-way rules and intersection driving thoroughly, as these topics frequently appear in multiple forms on California's test.
Learn about California's alcohol and impairment laws, environmental regulations for vehicles, and seat belt requirements, which are important for the test.
If you're under 18, note that you need to answer 38 out of 46 questions correctly (83%), which is a higher passing percentage than some states — prepare accordingly.

All California DMV Practice Tests & Study Guides

Frequently Asked Questions About California DMV Tests

What DMV practice tests are available for California on PassMyDMV?: PassMyDMV provides 1,971 official-manual-cited questions for California: 924 Car learner's permit questions, 370 Motorcycle endorsement questions, 677 Commercial Driver License (CDL) questions, and 258 Road Signs & Traffic Signals questions.
Which agency administers the driver's license written test in California?: Driver licensing and written knowledge exams in California are administered by the California Department of Motor Vehicles. All PassMyDMV questions cite the exact page of the official California handbook published by the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
What is the passing score and test length in California?: For the standard California car knowledge test: 46 questions (under 18) or 36 questions (18+) with a required passing score of 83% (38 of 46 for under 18; 30 of 36 for 18+). Minimum learner's permit age is 15.5 (learner's permit), and standard permit/test fees are $38 (permit + 3 test attempts + road test).
How does PassMyDMV's California Exam Pass and Pass Guarantee work?: You can start with a 3-question diagnostic without an account and up to 10 free questions total with a free account. Paid web passes start at $2.99 for a 48-hour California Exam Pass or $5.99 for a 7-Day Cram Pass (one-time payment, no auto-renewal), backed by our 60-day Pass Guarantee.