How many questions are on the California permit test?

For applicants under 18, the test has 46 multiple-choice questions. For applicants 18 and older, the test has 36 questions.

What's the passing score for the California written test?

You must answer at least 38 out of 46 questions correctly (83%) if you're under 18. If you're 18 or older, you must answer at least 30 out of 36 questions correctly (83%).

How old do I have to be to take the California permit test?

You must be at least 15.5 years old to apply for a California learner's permit.

Can I take the California DMV test in Spanish or other languages?

Yes, California's written test is available in 35 languages including English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, Russian, Armenian, Hindi, Punjabi, and many others. Translations and interpreter services are also available.

How many times can I retake the California written test?

Your $38 application fee covers up to three attempts to pass the test within 12 months. If you fail as a minor (under 18), you must wait seven days before retaking. If you're 18 or older, you can retake after the next business day. If you fail all three times, you must reapply and pay the $38 fee again.

Is the California permit test online or in person?

California's written permit test is administered in person at California DMV offices. However, some DMV services can be completed online through the MyDMV portal.

What documents do I need to bring to the California DMV?

You'll typically need a valid form of identification, proof of California residency, and your Social Security number. Specific document requirements may vary, so check the California DMV website (dmv.ca.gov) for detailed information based on your individual situation.

California DMV Permit Practice Test (2026)

Prepare for the 2026 California learner’s permit and driver’s license knowledge test administered by the California Department of Motor Vehicles. PassMyDMV’s California car question bank includes 924 multiple-choice questions written directly from the official California Driver Manual — with every explanation citing the exact handbook page and rule.

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.

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.

Sample California Car Permit Practice Test Questions & Official Manual Citations (2026)

Below are 4 real sample questions from our California car permit practice test 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.”

Sample Question 3 · Traffic Stop Rights Official California Manual · Page 9

If a California law enforcement officer asks you about your immigration status during a traffic stop, what are your rights?

A. You must answer truthfully or face arrest
B. You can decline to answer Correct
C. You must provide proof of citizenship
D. You must contact an attorney before responding

Why B. You can decline to answer is correct: In California, only federal law enforcement officers can ask about immigration status. California law prohibits state and local officers from asking drivers or passengers about their immigration status, and if asked, you can decline to answer. [Manual: New 2020 Laws — Your Rights During an Enforcement Stop, p. 9]

Manual excerpt (Official California Manual · Page 9): “If a California law enforcement officer asks you about your immigration status, you can decline to answer.”

Sample Question 4 · Traffic Stop Rights Official California Manual · Page 9

During a traffic stop in California, if an officer asks a passenger for identification, can the passenger decline?

A. Yes, and the officer cannot require ID under any circumstance
B. Only if the passenger is a licensed driver
C. No, passengers must always provide ID when asked
D. Yes, but under some circumstances passengers may still be required to identify themselves Correct

Why D. Yes, but under some circumstances passengers may still be required to identify themselves is correct: An officer may request the names or identification of passengers. Passengers can decline that request, but under some circumstances the passengers may be required to identify themselves anyway. They should clearly state they decline but should not interfere with the officer. [Manual: New 2020 Laws — Your Rights During an Enforcement Stop, p. 9]

Manual excerpt (Official California Manual · Page 9): “An officer may also request the names or identification of passengers. Passengers can decline that request, but under some circumstances the passengers may be required to identify themselves anyway.”

Most-Tested California Car Permit Practice Test Topics in Our 924-Question Bank

Our California car permit practice test bank contains 924 active multiple-choice questions written directly from the official California handbook. Here is how those questions break down across the core exam topics:

Official Manual Topic Area	PassMyDMV Question Coverage
Warning Signs	21 manual-cited questions
Traffic Signals	17 manual-cited questions
Railroad Crossings	16 manual-cited questions
Regulatory Signs	15 manual-cited questions
Left Turns	15 manual-cited questions
Passing	13 manual-cited questions
Pedestrian Signals	12 manual-cited questions
Right Of Way	11 manual-cited questions

Frequently Asked Questions: California Car Permit Practice Test

How many questions are on the California permit test?: For applicants under 18, the test has 46 multiple-choice questions. For applicants 18 and older, the test has 36 questions.
What's the passing score for the California written test?: You must answer at least 38 out of 46 questions correctly (83%) if you're under 18. If you're 18 or older, you must answer at least 30 out of 36 questions correctly (83%).
How much does the California written knowledge test cost?: 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.
How old do I have to be to take the California permit test?: You must be at least 15.5 years old to apply for a California learner's permit.
Can I take the California DMV test in Spanish or other languages?: Yes, California's written test is available in 35 languages including English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, Russian, Armenian, Hindi, Punjabi, and many others. Translations and interpreter services are also available.
How many times can I retake the California written test?: Your $38 application fee covers up to three attempts to pass the test within 12 months. If you fail as a minor (under 18), you must wait seven days before retaking. If you're 18 or older, you can retake after the next business day. If you fail all three times, you must reapply and pay the $38 fee again.
Is the California permit test online or in person?: California's written permit test is administered in person at California DMV offices. However, some DMV services can be completed online through the MyDMV portal.
What documents do I need to bring to the California DMV?: You'll typically need a valid form of identification, proof of California residency, and your Social Security number. Specific document requirements may vary, so check the California DMV website (dmv.ca.gov) for detailed information based on your individual situation.