FAQs
There are 46 questions on the permit test, all of which are either multiple-choice or true/false. You will be presented with a question, example, or scenario, and then asked to respond with the correct answer. You need at least 38 correct answers to pass, equating to a passing mark of 83%.
Is the California drivers handbook enough to study for the test? ›
One of the best resources for studying is the California Driver Handbook. Every question that will be on the written test is in this handbook. Reading and studying this handbook for a week or two will get you ready for taking the written test. One way of making sure that you are ready is to take a practice test.
How to easily pass California permit test? ›
Prepare for Your Knowledge Tests
- Review the California Driver's Handbook. It contains a lot of important information, so give yourself a few days to get through it.
- Read the test questions carefully. ...
- Remember, all the test questions are taken from the handbook. ...
- Don't be nervous.
Is the California learners permit test hard? ›
Is the California permit test hard? It's said that over half of all teens fail their first test, and that certainly makes it seem hard. But it's only as difficult as you make it. Spend some time preparing and completing practice tests to ensure you're ready.
What are the most missed questions on the California permit test? ›
Below are some common questions missed by new drivers and their correct answers on the written driving test.
- At What Level of Blood Alcohol Concentration Are You Impaired?
- Who Has the Right-of-Way When…?
- When Should You Use Your Headlights?
- Which Way Should Your Steering Wheel Face When Parking Uphill?
How many people fail the California permit test? ›
Results • The overall fail rates for first-attempt applicants are 50.1% for English originals, 33.6% for English renewals, 74.8% for Spanish originals, 79.8% for Spanish renewals, and 42.7% for English provisionals.
How many mistakes are allowed in a CA DMV written test? ›
The test consists of 46 questions — 38 of which you must answer correctly to pass. While you can always retake the test if you fail the first time, you have only three chances to pass within 12 months of paying the $39 fee before having to start the application process all over again.
Is the CA DMV practice test the same as the real test? ›
Prepare for the DMV driving permit test and driver's license exam using real questions that are very similar (often identical!) to the DMV test. Each practice test question has a hint and explanation to help you remember the concepts.
Is the California permit test on paper or computer? ›
The DMV written test will be based on the information provided in the 2024 California Driver Handbook and will be multiple-choice and offered on a touchscreen computer.
What happens if you fail your permit test 3 times in California? ›
You are allowed three attempts to pass before you must reapply. Minors must wait seven days to retake a failed knowledge test, not including the day of the failure.
Take the online test. The at-home online knowledge test is available online weekdays Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., except on State holidays. The test is supervised remotely, so it requires you to use a webcam and cannot be done on a smartphone or tablet.
How many questions are on the California DMV written test for seniors? ›
In-person Knowledge Test (Written Test)
If you are renewing, the test will be 25 questions offered in English and many other languages. If you take the written test in a foreign language, you must also take a traffic signs test.
How many questions can you skip on the CA permit test? ›
Can I skip questions during the CA learner's permit test? Yes, though only temporarily. Applicants may skip up to three questions during the exam but will still need to answer them at the end of the test.
How long does the California permit test take? ›
Customers who fail the test twice must go to a DMV office and pass it in person. The online course can be taken on a computer, laptop, tablet or mobile device and is offered around the clock, though it is currently available only in English. It includes quizzes and takes approximately 45 minutes.
How many questions are on the California Class A permit test? ›
To pass the DMV written test in order to get your instruction permit, you need to achieve an 83% passing score by answering 38 questions correctly out of the 46 questions on the test if you are under 18.
How many questions are on the DMV permit test in California in 2024? ›
To pass the DMV written test in order to get your instruction permit, you need to achieve an 83% passing score by answering 38 questions correctly out of the 46 questions on the test if you are under 18.
Does California allow online permit test? ›
The at-home online knowledge test is available online weekdays Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., except on State holidays. The test is supervised remotely, so it requires you to use a webcam and cannot be done on a smartphone or tablet.
How many mistakes are allowed on permit test California? ›
The written test for provisional license applicants has 46 questions. You're allowed a maximum of 8 errors. The written test for adult original license applicants has 36 questions; 5 errors are allowed. The written test for license renewal applicants has 18 questions, 3 errors are allowed.
How many questions can you miss on a CA DMV written test? ›
Unlike most other states, the number of questions on your California DMV written test will depend on your age. Those under 18 will receive a test with 46 questions and must answer 38 of them correctly to pass. If you are over 18, your test will only have 36 questions, and you must answer 30 of them correctly.