California Permit Test: 80% to Pass

California Class C knowledge-test format

California DMV's current learner-permit page states that the knowledge test is multiple choice and requires 80% to pass. DMV periodically changes and rotates test content, so Road to Permit does not present an old fixed question count as a current guarantee; study the current Driver's Handbook and official sample tests.

More than 40 test languages

California DMV says the knowledge test can be taken in more than 40 languages. State law also expects a first-time applicant to understand the plain English on road signs (Vehicle Code 12804.9).

Pass at 80%

The current learner-permit page publishes an 80% passing score for the required knowledge test(s).

The steps to a California driver license

For a California permit under 18 you must be at least 15½ and finish 30 hours of approved driver education first. Then submit the application with a parent's or guardian's approval, bring your documents and the fee, pass the vision test and the knowledge test (80%), and start behind-the-wheel training.

1. Step 1. If under 18, complete approved driver education, submit the DL/ID application with parent/guardian approval, bring identity/residency documents, pay the Class C application fee, pass vision and the applicable knowledge test, and receive the provisional instruction permit.
2. Step 2. Start professional driver training; after at least one hour the instructor validates the provisional permit. Before the road test, complete six total hours of professional driver training plus 50 supervised practice hours with a California-licensed adult age 25+ including at least 10 hours at night, and hold the permit at least six months.
3. Step 3. At age 16–17, schedule and pass the behind-the-wheel test. During the first 12 months of the provisional license, follow the 11 p.m.–5 a.m. and under-20 passenger restrictions unless a published exception applies.

Before you go: requirements and documents

Use DMV's current identity checklist

Bring original/acceptable identity evidence for the credential route you selected.

Prepare California-residency evidence when required

The exact quantity and acceptable documents differ by credential/application history.

Fees

California charges a $46 application fee for an original Class C license, which covers the permit; there is no separate teen permit price. A driving retest costs $9.

See the full California fee guide →

California teen provisional permit and license path

California separates classroom driver education from professional behind-the-wheel driver training. You need both, plus a six-month permit and 50/10 supervised practice, before the minor driving test.

Step 1: complete driver education

Finish at least the required 30-hour/equivalent approved course before applying for the provisional permit.

Step 2: obtain the provisional instruction permit

Complete application, documents, vision and knowledge testing; parent/guardian approval is required.

Step 3: start professional driver training

The permit is not valid for ordinary supervised practice until the instructor signs it after at least the first behind-the-wheel lesson.

First California driver's license for adults

A first-time California driver age 18+ can obtain an instruction permit and practice until ready for the behind-the-wheel test. The minor six-month hold, driver-education and 50/10 certification package does not apply after age 18.

Step 1: complete the DL/ID application

Choose REAL ID, federal noncompliant or AB 60 as appropriate and prepare the corresponding documents.

Step 2: complete DMV identity, vision, photo and knowledge steps

Pay the $46 Class C application fee and pass the applicable multiple-choice knowledge test at 80%.

Step 3: practice on the adult instruction permit

Practice legally with a California-licensed supervising driver who meets DMV requirements; the teen six-month and driver-ed package does not apply at 18+.

Appointments and office visits

Start the application online, then visit a California DMV field office for the permit; office knowledge tests stop at 4:30 p.m. The driving test always needs an appointment with DMV.

Open the appointment guide →

California permit, test and driver-training locations

Two systems matter: DMV issues/tests the credential, while licensed schools provide the education and six professional behind-the-wheel hours required for the under-18 path.

After the permit: prepare for the road test

For a minor, road-test readiness is a checklist, not just driving skill: six-month permit, completed DE/DT, 50/10 certification and a legal insured vehicle all come first.

Meet every minor eligibility requirement

Be at least 16, hold the permit six months, complete driver education, six professional behind-the-wheel hours and 50/10 supervised practice.

Schedule the driving test

DMV does not provide behind-the-wheel tests without an appointment.

Bring a legal insured test vehicle

Provide proof of financial responsibility and ensure the vehicle meets DMV safety/registration requirements.

Open the full road-test guide →

Practice for the California knowledge test

California missions are live in Road to Permit: practice California questions in the game, the first five missions free. Use these pages for the 80% knowledge-test pass mark, the six-month permit hold, the 6 hours of professional training, 50/10 supervised practice and the first-year provisional restrictions.

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. 1Study traffic laws and defensive driving
2. 2Learn signs, signals and pavement markings
3. 3Under 18: learn provisional rules
4. 4Use DMV's official sample tests
5. 5Choose the handbook format that helps you study
6. 6Connect every missed question back to the handbook
7. 7Use California's extra official testing materials
8. 8Recognize common sign shapes quickly
9. 9Use color to identify the sign category

California permit test: questions and answers

News for new drivers

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Complete California driver guide

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