California instruction permit test

California permit test format and passing score

You must answer at least 80% correctly. The DMV draws questions from the California Driver's Handbook and offers official sample tests. The number of questions depends on the test version, so check the DMV's current instructions rather than relying on a fixed count. After three failed attempts, you must reapply.

California uses an 80% passing standard

DMV states that the knowledge test is multiple choice, is based on the California Driver's Handbook and requires 80% correct to pass. The number of questions can depend on the test version and applicant situation, so the percentage is a safer current target than memorizing an old fixed question count.

Do not treat three attempts as three free practice rounds

California's licensing process gives an applicant up to three attempts on the required tests within the application process before a new application can become necessary. Use the official sample tests before using a real attempt as a readiness check.

The steps to a California driver license

California requires a Class C instruction permit before a first-time driver takes the behind-the-wheel test. The core application steps are similar for adults and teens, with additional driver-education and parent/guardian requirements for younger applicants.

1. Step 1. Study the California Driver's Handbook and take the DMV's sample knowledge tests.
2. Step 2. Complete the driver's license application and bring the DMV's required identity and residency documents. Pay the application fee.
3. Step 3. Visit the DMV for a photo, vision screening and knowledge test. After passing, follow the permit's supervised-driving rules.

Before you go: requirements and documents

What California DMV says you need

The California Driver's Handbook says applicants for an instruction permit or driver license must provide proof of identity, two proofs of California residency, a legal-full-name document if the application name does not match the identity document, and a Social Security number subject to the state's exceptions.

The exact acceptable documents depend on the credential path. California DMV separates REAL ID, Federal Non-Compliant and AB 60 requirements, so use the official checklist for the type you are applying for.

Prepare the document packet

• Confirm the credential type before you collect documents.
• Use two accepted California residency documents; do not assume any piece of mail qualifies.
• If your legal name changed, bring the official document that connects the names.
• Check the DMV's current identity and Social Security instructions for your applicant category.
• Bring documents in the form DMV requires rather than relying on phone photos or unofficial copies.

Fees

California DMV's current fee table lists a Class C original or renewal application at $46, a replacement or information-change transaction at $37, and a behind-the-wheel retest at $9.

See the full California fee guide →

California instruction permit for teens

California's provisional instruction-permit route starts at age 15½. A minor applicant needs the required driver-education proof, a parent or guardian signature and the normal DMV application, document, vision and knowledge-test steps.

Before the provisional permit is issued

DMV requires a minor to be at least 15½ but under 18, complete the DL/ID application, have the parent or guardian approve it and provide the required driver-education completion or enrollment evidence.

At the DMV stage, the applicant also provides the required identity and residency documents, pays the application fee, completes the vision and photo steps and passes the knowledge test.

The permit is the start of supervised training

California's teen route connects the permit to behind-the-wheel training and supervised practice. DMV's current learner-permit page tells teens moving toward a drive test to complete the six-month waiting period, 50 hours of practice and the required driver training.

Prepare for the drive test after the milestones

Do not schedule the behind-the-wheel exam until the provisional-permit waiting period and training requirements are complete. Use the DMV's own roadmap and your signed practice records to keep the timeline straight.

• California road-test guide
• California documents checklist

First California driver license for adults

If you are 18 or older and have never been licensed, California still uses an instruction permit before the behind-the-wheel test. The adult route removes the teen driver-education certificate and parent-signature steps but keeps the DMV application, documents, vision and knowledge requirements.

Adult instruction-permit application

California DMV tells an applicant age 18 or older to complete the DL/ID application and visit an office with the required identity and residency proof. The applicant pays the fee, completes the vision and photo steps and takes the knowledge test.

The knowledge test uses multiple-choice questions based on the Driver's Handbook and requires 80% correct.

Use the instruction permit to practice legally

An adult instruction permit is not a full license. Follow the permit supervision rules while building enough experience to drive safely and consistently before scheduling the behind-the-wheel test.

Schedule the behind-the-wheel test when ready

California requires an appointment for the drive test. Check the vehicle, documents and permit status before test day so the appointment is not lost to a paperwork or safety issue.

• California road-test guide
• California appointment guide

Appointments and office visits

California DMV separates many online transactions from office visits and gives behind-the-wheel drive tests their own appointment flow. Start the application online when DMV offers it, then reserve the in-person service you actually need.

Open the appointment guide →

California DMV office locations

California DMV's official locator searches by ZIP code or city and can filter locations by type and service, including field offices, kiosks, licensing, knowledge testing and driving tests.

After the permit: prepare for the road test

California's behind-the-wheel exam checks both whether the vehicle is safe enough for the test and whether the applicant can drive safely in real traffic. DMV divides the standard test into a pre-drive safety check and a Driving Performance Evaluation.

The standard drive test has two main parts

DMV describes a pre-drive safety check that confirms the vehicle meets minimum safety standards and that the applicant can operate its controls. The Driving Performance Evaluation then measures actual driving skills and safe habits on the road.

What the examiner is evaluating

The purpose is broader than completing a list of maneuvers. DMV says the examiner evaluates safe vehicle operation, driving habits, the practical use of traffic-law knowledge and the applicant's ability to compensate for conditions that can affect driving.

Scheduling and retests

California requires an appointment for the behind-the-wheel test. The standard application fee includes up to three driving-test attempts; after an unsuccessful attempt, a new test is scheduled for another day and the DMV may charge the applicable retest fee.

• California appointment guide
• California Driver's Handbook

Open the full road-test guide →

Practice for the California knowledge test

Try the first two California missions free as extra practice. Continue with Plus if you want the full course, and use the California Driver's Handbook and DMV sample tests to check the answers.

Try Road to Permit free →

What to study

Use the official handbook as the source of truth, then practice the same subjects in short sessions. These are the major study areas covered across the official guide and Road to Permit resources.

1. 1Choose the handbook format that helps you study
2. 2Connect every missed question back to the handbook
3. 3Use California's extra official testing materials
4. 4Study signs by the action they require
5. 5Shape and color are useful shortcuts
6. 6Mix signs with traffic-signal questions
7. 7California uses an 80% passing standard
8. 8Do not treat three attempts as three free practice rounds
9. 9Study from the handbook, then use sample tests

California permit test: questions and answers

Complete California driver guide

Open the exact part of the licensing process you need. Every page below is backed by official state sources.