The California Driver Handbook (2024)

FAQs

Is the California driver handbook free? ›

Study the California Driver Handbook, which is where all the questions for the test will come from. The best part? You can get the manual for free (we'll link to all the places where you can get the handbook at the end of the post).

You can make a DMV appointment by calling 1-800-777-0133 during business hours or by using the DMV's online appointment system. Do AAA branches carry copies of the DMV's California Driver Handbook? Yes! AAA members may visit a branch to get a copy of DMV's California Handbook.

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.

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.

Where Can I Find the California Driver Handbook? You can download a PDF version from the California Department Motor Vehicles website. For a printed copy, just head to your local DMV office.

- 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.

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.

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.

Do you have to retake the written test when you renew your license in California? ›

Take the knowledge test(s) (if required). Your renewal notice will indicate if you need to take a knowledge test. You are allowed three attempts to pass each of the required knowledge tests. If you fail the same test three times, your application is no longer valid and you will need to reapply.

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.

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.

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.

This permit practice test contains questions that are similar to those you will find on the real exam, but they are not the same.

In California, high schools offer free driver ed. Driver Ed at a driving school can cost teens from $40-$60. Driver ed may be free if the teen also purchases a driving training package. These packages may range from $350-$650.

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.