Guide to the California Driver Handbook (2024)

FAQs

Is the California driver's 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.

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.

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. There will be one correct answer and the other two answer choices will be either obviously wrong or not appropriate for the question asked.

California residents 15 ½ or older may apply for their driver's permit to begin learning how to drive. In order to get your learner's permit, you'll need to take the California DMV written test, which will have 46 questions and you'll be required to answer 38 correctly to pass.

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.

If you fail the test all 3 times, you must start over by filling out a new application and paying the appropriate fees. Remember, questions for this test are taken from the California Driver Handbook.

Knowledge Test

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. Testing options will be available once you complete your application at dmv.ca.gov/dl.

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.

Only about 44% pass the written test for the permit. How many attempts does it generally take to pass the California driving test? I failed twice and I feel so embarrassed. No need to feel embarrassed.

How many questions can you miss on your California driver's test? ›

In summary, there are 46 questions on the permit test in California and you must answer 38 questions correctly to pass the test. Here are some key points to remember: The questions relate to a variety of road rules and road signs. All information can be found in the Driver Handbook.

You can take it using a computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete.

Review the California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), Safe Driver Check List, videos, and sample tests. These tools provide detailed instructions on how to correctly perform the driving actions required on a drive test following laws, rules of the road, and safe driving practices.

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.

The best approach is to read through the entire thing, cover to cover, in about a week or so. Next, try going through the guide one section at a time. No need to take notes or memorize the materials just yet. On the second or third read, go more slowly with a stronger focus on remembering key sections and rules.

Is the CA DMV practice test the same as the real test? Pretty much, yes. That doesn't mean you'll see the exact same and identical questions on the test but if you take enough practice tests you'll eventually get an idea of what to expect on the test.