California DMV Permit Test Simulator (2026)
The California permit test - the CA DMV written test - is a 46-question knowledge exam administered by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, and you must answer at least 38 correctly (about 83%) to pass. The test pulls from the California Driver Handbook and covers traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way, signals, and California-specific rules like the provisional license restrictions for under-18 applicants.
What’s on the California permit test?
California’s written permit test is 46 questions, multiple choice, with a 83% passing bar - that’s about 38 right out of 46. Questions are pulled from the California driver handbook and cover traffic laws, road signs, right of way, signals, and a handful of California-specific rules. California’s handbook is one of the longest in the country (around 110 pages), and the test draws heavily on the right-of-way and alcohol sections. For context on where that bar sits nationally, see how California’s pass rate compares with other states.
Expect mostly recall questions: sign meanings, who goes first at a 4-way stop, what limits apply where. A handful of scenario questions test how you’d actually respond on the road.
Here’s the thing: California-specific rules show up on the test, and a generic practice app won’t have them. If you’re testing in California, practice California questions. The format and content track the real exam.
Sample questions (free, no signup)
Here are 6 practice questions in the California format. Tap each to reveal the answer and the explanation. Want unlimited? Get the app.
Question 1: Out-of-state minors who obtain a California license are subject to provisional restrictions for how long?
- For the first year of the DL or until they turn 18 years old
- Until they complete California driver education
- For six months regardless of age
Correct answer: For the first year of the DL or until they turn 18 years old
Why: Out-of-state minor applicants are subject to all provisional restrictions per California law for the first year of the DL or until they turn 18 years old.
💡 Memory tip: First year or 18. provisional rules apply to out-of-state minors.
Question 2: What penalties can a person face if convicted of reckless driving that causes bodily injury to another person?
- Only a fine
- Imprisonment, a fine, or both
- Only imprisonment
Correct answer: Imprisonment, a fine, or both
Why: According to California law, a person convicted of driving recklessly or engaging in a speed contest which causes bodily injury to another person is subject to imprisonment, a fine, or both a fine and imprisonment (CVC §23104(a)).
💡 Memory tip: Hurt someone? Reckless driving means jail, a fine, or both.
Question 3: What defines a ‘blind intersection’ for speed limit purposes?
- No stop signs at any corner and you cannot see 100 feet in either direction during the last 100 feet before crossing
- Any intersection without traffic lights
- An intersection where visibility is blocked by buildings on one side
Correct answer: No stop signs at any corner and you cannot see 100 feet in either direction during the last 100 feet before crossing
Why: According to California law, an intersection is considered ‘blind’ if there are no stop signs at any corner and you cannot see for 100 feet in either direction during the last 100 feet before crossing. The speed limit for blind intersections is 15 mph.
💡 Memory tip: Two hundreds: last 100 feet, 100 feet each way; no stop signs.
Question 4: Which of the following is required for all California drivers regarding financial responsibility?
- Paying all tickets within 10 days
- Maintaining proper insurance coverage
- Having a clean driving record
Correct answer: Maintaining proper insurance coverage
Why: Financial Responsibility and Insurance Requirements for all drivers. California law requires drivers to maintain proper insurance coverage to demonstrate financial responsibility.
💡 Memory tip: Insurance is a must; no coverage = no driving in California.
Question 5: What should you do when you see a school bus at a railroad crossing?
- Honk to alert them of your presence
- Pass quickly before they reach the crossing
- Allow extra space because these vehicles must stop at railroad crossings
Correct answer: Allow extra space because these vehicles must stop at railroad crossings
Why: According to California law, you should allow more space when you see a bus, school bus, or placarded vehicle at railroad crossings because these vehicles must stop at railroad crossings.
💡 Memory tip: School bus at tracks? They must stop. Leave extra space behind.
Question 6: At what age must children be secured in a rear-facing child passenger restraint system?
- Under 1 year old
- Under 3 years old
- Under 2 years old (unless 40+ pounds or 3’4″ or taller)
Correct answer: Under 2 years old (unless 40+ pounds or 3’4″ or taller)
Why: According to California law, children under 2 years old must be secured in a rear-facing child passenger restraint system unless the child is 40 pounds or more, or 3 feet 4 inches or taller.
💡 Memory tip: Under 2 years = rear-facing, unless 40+ pounds or 3’4″ tall.
California-specific rules to know
Eight items pulled from the California handbook that we keep seeing on the test. Quick read; high payoff.
- Insurance - the minimum insurance coverage required is $30,000 for death or injury to more than one person.
- Out-of-state drivers - visitors over 18 years old with a valid driver license from their home state or country may drive in California without getting a California license as long as their home state or country license…
- Bicycles - bicycles must have a white or yellow reflector on each pedal or the bicyclist’s shoes or ankles, visible from a distance of 200 feet.
- Seat belts - you (the driver) may be cited if they are not wearing their seat belt.
- Commercial drivers (CDL) - it is illegal to operate any vehicle requiring a CDL with a BAC of 0.04% or higher, with or without a CDL issued to the driver.
- Medical exemptions - you must carry a signed note from a physician that includes the diagnosis and probable date of recovery.
- School buses - you do not need to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights when the bus is traveling in the opposite direction on a divided highway or a multilane highway with two or more lanes in each…
- Misc penalties - dumping or abandoning an animal on a highway is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, 6 months in jail, or both.
How to schedule your California permit test
You schedule the written test online through the official CA DMV website - start the driver’s license application, book a field office appointment, and take the test on a DMV computer terminal. Bring proof of identity, residency, and (if under 18) the required parent/guardian documentation and proof of driver education. California requires applicants under 18 to complete an approved driver education course before taking the knowledge test. Working through free California DMV practice test questions first is the fastest way to find your weak spots - and after you pass and log your supervised hours, the behind-the-wheel driving test is the final step to a full driver’s license.
This page references rules from the California Driver’s Handbook. We are not affiliated with the California DMV.
Studying in a neighboring state?
Each state’s exam is different. If you’re studying for a different state, here are nearby ones: Oregon permit test practice, Nevada permit test practice, Arizona permit test practice.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the California permit test?
The California DMV permit test has 46 questions. You need to answer at least 83% correctly to pass.
What is the passing score for the California permit test?
You need 83% to pass - that’s roughly 38 out of 46 questions correct.
How old do I have to be to take the California permit test?
The minimum age in California is 15.5. Check your local DMV office for any additional requirements like a parent’s signature or driver’s education enrollment.
Can I retake the California permit test if I fail?
Yes. Most California DMV offices let you retake the test, often after a short waiting period. Some locations charge a small re-test fee. Check your local DMV office for the exact rules.
Is the DMV Ready app good for California?
Yes - California is fully supported. The app’s practice exams use the California format (46 questions, 83% pass), and questions are filtered to California-relevant material from the state handbook.
Practice unlimited California questions in DMV Ready
California format, locked: 46 questions per exam, 83% pass mark. Free version covers daily practice; Premium unlocks unlimited.
Practice in another state
Each state writes its own permit test - same general rules, different specific questions. Pick yours:
