Study Tips for preparing California DMV Written Test
The first step to get your Driver’s License is to pass the DMV Written test. Once you pass the DMV Written test then you can practice for driving lessons with your Driving Permit. A score of at least 38 out of 46 on the California's Driver License knowledge test proves you comprehend traffic laws and safety regulations.Be prepared for the California DMV driving test written exam with the following study habits:
- Prioritize the importance of driver’s ed course
Taking an online driver's education course prepares you for the written driving test. Because it’s online, you can complete it at your own pace. Also, you can learn it on anywhere at your convenience. On DMV website, there are some practices to prepare you for the written test. On most driving school provide Online Driver Ed Course with affordable price. Keep in mind, for a teenager, it is mandatory to take the Online Driver Ed course before go to DMV to take the written test; in which DMV need the pink certificate that mentioned of the driver’s ed course completion.
- Study the handbook and take practice tests
Read the California Driver Handbook thoroughly, take notes, and include definitions for unclear terms. Make sure you understand all of the concepts and laws. If you are confused, you can highlight individual sections and research online or ask a professional for clarification. You can even watch videos online to clarify ideas and remember points better.
- Practice test-taking strategies
Make sure you relax and sleep early on the night before your test. During the test, carefully read each question, underlining key terms if needed. If you are not confident about an answer, use the process of elimination and try to narrow down your answer to the best two choices. Use your common sense when deciding on the correct answer. Lastly, be sure to double-check your work in case you missed something.
- Know what you need to bring
Teenagers who are between 15.5-18 years old need to gather several documents before taking the vision and written exam. These include a completed application for a driver permit, original birth certificate, proof of taking driver’s ed, social security number document, proof of identity and legal presence in the United States, and proof of California residency.
After submitting these forms and taking a vision exam and knowledge test, the DMV clerk will take teen driver' fingerprints and photographs. Please note that during the first year you have your permit, you are not allowed to drive between 11 pm to 5 am or transport passengers under 20 years old unless accompanied by a guardian, certified driving instructor, or licensed driver over 25 years old.
As a side note, you are allowed to take the test three times before you have to pay for a new application. If you fail, you need to wait one week before retaking the test.
Knowledge tests are walk-in only, but it is encouraged to take your test early in the morning, so your mind is clear and ready to take on the questions. Good luck!
FAQs
Study the handbook and take practice tests
How do I study for the California written 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.
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.
Is the California DMV written 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 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?
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.
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.
How many times can you take a CA DMV written 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.
How many people fail the CA DMV written 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.
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.
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.
How many possible questions are on the DMV written test California? ›
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.
Can you take the written driving test online in California? ›
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 do you study for a written exam? ›
Share
- Introduction.
- Give yourself enough time to study.
- Organize your study space.
- Use flow charts and diagrams.
- Practice on old exams.
- Explain your answers to others.
- Organize study groups with friends.
- Take regular breaks.
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.
What is the passing score for the California written test? ›
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.
