Online Learning and Tests - California DMV (2024)

MVProctor is a fully online, remotely proctored exam that replaces the written test traditionally taken in person at a DMV office.

  1. Complete the online driver’s license application (eDL44).
  1. If eligible, you will be invited to participate in the DMV Virtual Test Center.
  1. Select Online Knowledge Test.
  1. Follow the application fee payment steps.
  1. Upon successful payment, you will receive a​ Virtual Test Center Access Email  with a link to the online test and additional information.

Online testing is offered in 35 languages.

MVProctor instructions are only available in English at this time.

If you:And you are:Then:
Do not have a CA DL/IDApplying for a noncommercial CA DL or a CA motorcycle license, or bothYou qualify to participate in online testing.
Have a CA IDApplying for a noncommercial CA DL or CA motorcycle license, or bothYou must complete your testing at a DMV office.
Have a noncommercial CA DLRenewing your noncommercial CA DL

Renewing and adding an original CA motorcycle license

You qualify to participate in online testing.

You must complete your testing at a DMV office.

Have a CA motorcycle licenseRenewing your CA motorcycle license

Renewing your CA motorcycle license and adding an original noncommercial CA DL

You qualify to participate in online testing.

You must complete your testing at a DMV office.

Have both a noncommercial CA DL and a CA motorcycle licenseAre renewing both your CA DL and CA motorcycle licenseYou qualify to participate in online testing.

All scenarios above pertain to REAL ID and federally noncompliant cards.

No, you will have to complete testing in the office.

If you select the MVProctor option, you will need to:

  1. Submit a photo match with an approved identification (ID) card.
  1. Download the MVProctor browser extension.
  1. Complete the knowledge test while being proctored and recorded using webcam video, computer sound, and keyboard tracking technologies.

MVProctor requires the applicant to submit a photo match with an approved ID.

Your full name and photo must be visible on the front of the photo ID.

Example: Driver’s license, Common Access Card, school ID, DMV photo receipt, employee badge.

You will receive a Virtual Test Center Access Email with a link to MVProctor to begin the online knowledge test. You may begin testing within the Virtual Test Center hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except state holidays.

No, you can only access MVProctor on a personal computer or laptop with internet connection.

A wired internet connection is strongly recommended instead of wireless for desktop or laptop computers (300 Kbps download/250 Kbps upload).

Make sure no other applications are using internet bandwidth.

If internet connection is lost, the attempt will register as a “Fail.”

You must use Chrome v25.0 or higher to access MVProctor. Make sure Javascript and third-party cookies are enabled.

Windows 7 or higher or MAC OSX High Sierra 10.13 or higher.

Make sure your settings are configured to allow screen recording.

Corporate firewalls, VPNs, and restricted networks may limit access to MVProctor.

Select the “Email” option and print the receipt from the email.

  • Original noncommercial Class C: 40 questions
  • Renewal noncommercial Class C: 25 questions
  • Original Class M motorcycle: 25 questions
  • Renewal Class M motorcycle: 25 questions

The test must be completed in one continuous session.

You must begin your test within the available Virtual Test Center hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except state holidays.

If you do not complete your test before the end of the day’s available testing time, it will register as a “Fail.”

Once the test is completed, a test results email will be generated within 24 hours.If test results are not received after 24 hours, please visit a local DMV office and present the DL Application Confirmation Code that was provided in the DMV: Virtual Test Center Access email.

If you need to retest, you will receive a new Virtual Test Center link in your test results email.

You will have two attempts to test online. If you do not pass on the second attempt, you must take the third attempt in person at a DMV office.

For your convenience, the California Driver’s Handbook is available to view or download online.

A temporary licensewill not be issued until you complete your application at a local DMV office.

The application will update with results as soon as you finish your test in MVProctor.

Please allow one business day for payment to show on your record before visiting a DMV office.

Online Learning and Tests - California DMV (2024)

FAQs

Can you take a CA DMV knowledge test online? ›

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.

Can I get my license without taking the written test in California? ›

Before you can get a California driver's license (DL) of any kind, you will need to pass knowledge and drive tests.

How many questions are on the CA DMV renewal written test for seniors? ›

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. You may also request the English language written test to be in a larger print.

Do you need to take a online course for permit test in California? ›

The state of California requires at least 30 hours of driver education before you can take your in-person vision, traffic laws and road signs test. We conveniently offer California Driver Education Online that fulfills your driver education program requirement and gives you the certificate of completion you need.

How many questions are on the California online knowledge test? ›

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%.

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 it hard to pass the California written driving test? ›

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 happens if I fail the CA DMV written test three times? ›

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.

What are the most commonly missed questions on the California DMV test? ›

8 Commonly Missed Questions on the Written Drivers Test
  • What Direction Do You Turn Your Wheels When Parking on a Hill? ...
  • What Is the Legal Blood Alcohol Limit? ...
  • What Is This Sign? ...
  • How Much Space Should You Leave Between You and the Car in Front of You? ...
  • Who Do You Yield to in a Roundabout?

What is the new rule for senior drivers in California? ›

- California drivers aged 70 and older face special conditions when renewing or applying for a driver's license. Senior drivers are required to renew their license in person unless directed otherwise by the DMV. They must undergo a vision test and pass a multiple-choice knowledge exam.

At what age do you have to retake the written driving test in California? ›

If you are 70 years old or older at the time your driver's license expires, you are required to renew your driver's license in person, unless otherwise instructed by DMV. Knowledge and vision tests are required. If you do not pass, you may be issued a temporary driver's license.

How often do seniors have to renew their driver's license in California? ›

Drivers 70+ must renew their DL in person at the DMV every five years.

Can you take the DMV written test online at home in California? ›

Online knowledge test

The online test is offered in 35 languages to customers who have an internet-enabled computer or laptop with a webcam. It is available between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding state holidays. The test cannot be taken on a tablet or mobile device.

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.

Can I walk in to DMV for a written test in California? ›

This will depend on which state you are a resident of to walk in for the DMV Written test. In California you can walk in after paying the fee and take the written test. The driving test must have a reservation to take it.

How do I schedule a knowledge test in CA? ›

When you're ready to take the California written driving test, you'll need to go to a DMV office near you. You can save time by making an appointment: schedule one online or by calling 1-800-777-0133.

How many times can you take the CA DMV knowledge test? ›

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.

Can you take drivers ed online in California? ›

Is the driver ed course completely online? Yes. The driver education course is 100% online. This allows you to complete your requirement before you go to the DMV to apply for your license.

What do I need to bring to CA DMV knowledge test? ›

What to Bring to Take Your Written Test for Your California Driver Permit
  • A completed California Driver's License or Identification (DL/ID) Application with your parents'/guardians' signatures.
  • Your birth certificate (original or certified), valid passport or residence card (temp or permanent)
  • Your social security number.

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