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Test your knowledge forthe California permit test

The California permit test has 46 multiple-choice questions and you need 83% to pass: 38 correct answers, so you can miss up to 8.

10 questions from your state's handbook. Instant results, and every answer explained.

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The California permit test at a glance

Updated October 2026

Questions on the real test
46
Score needed to pass
83%38 of 46 correct
California practice questions on GetMyPermit
947

What's on the California permit test

Every question comes from the California driver handbook. These are its topics, with how many of our California practice questions cover each one.

  • Laws and Rules of the Road350
  • Navigating the Roads190
  • Safe Driving176
  • Alcohol and Drugs55
  • Financial Responsibility, Insurance Requirements, and Collisions40
  • An Introduction to Driving35
  • Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver’s License24
  • The Testing Process20
  • Seniors and Driving15
  • Changing, Replacing, and Renewing Your Driver’s License10
  • Driver Safety10
  • Glossary9
  • Vehicle Registration Requirements7
  • The California Driver's License6

California permit test sample questions and answers

  1. 1. When can you still get a speeding ticket at the posted speed limit?

    • A. When you follow every posted speed sign
    • B. When your vehicle has extra passengers
    • C. When road or weather conditions require slower driving

    Answer: When road or weather conditions require slower driving

    You may never drive faster than is safe for current road conditions. You must slow down when conditions call for it, regardless of the posted speed limit.

  2. 2. How many points accumulated in 36 months can cause the DMV to suspend an adult driver's license?

    • A. 4 points
    • B. 6 points
    • C. 7 points
    • D. 8 points

    Answer: 8 points

    DMV may suspend an adult driver’s license if they accumulate 8 points in 36 months.

  3. 3. Besides requiring tests, what additional outcome is possible after a DMV reexamination?

    • A. Automatically renew your license for 10 years
    • B. Issue a limited-term driver's license
    • C. Require you to install a breathalyzer regardless of the reason for reexamination
    • D. Transfer your license to a family member

    Answer: Issue a limited-term driver's license

    As part of a reexamination, DMV may issue a limited term driver's license, among other possible outcomes.

  4. 4. What should you never do when changing lanes?

    • A. Change lanes over double solid white lines
    • B. Check your blind spots by looking over your left or right shoulder
    • C. Check for other drivers moving into the same lane

    Answer: Change lanes over double solid white lines

    According to the DMV handbook, you should never change lanes over double solid white lines. Instead, you should wait until you see a single broken white line before changing lanes.

  5. 5. Beginning May 2025, your driver's license or ID card must be REAL ID compliant to do which of the following?

    • A. Renew your vehicle registration
    • B. Apply for a passport
    • C. Register to vote
    • D. Board a domestic flight

    Answer: Board a domestic flight

    Beginning May 2025, REAL ID compliance is required to board a domestic flight, enter military bases, or enter most federal facilities, as stated on page 1 of the handbook.

  6. 6. When must you provide a legal full name document when applying for an instruction permit or driver's license?

    • A. Only for a REAL ID application
    • B. If the name on your identity document and application do not match
    • C. Only if you are under 18
    • D. Never, it is optional

    Answer: If the name on your identity document and application do not match

    A legal full name document is required to prove your current name if the name on your identity document and application do not match, as stated on page 2 of the handbook.

  7. 7. What should a senior driver consider doing if night driving is necessary?

    • A. Choose a well-lit route
    • B. Drive faster to get home sooner
    • C. Turn off headlights to save battery
    • D. Avoid using mirrors

    Answer: Choose a well-lit route

    If night driving is necessary, senior drivers should choose a well-lit route.

  8. 8. Who are considered vulnerable road users (VRU)?

    • A. Road users who travel on foot only, such as people walking or jogging, but not cyclists or people using a wheelchair, tricycle, or quadricycle
    • B. All road users, including drivers of cars and trucks along with cyclists, pedestrians, and people using a wheelchair, tricycle, or quadricycle
    • C. Motorized road users without an enclosed vehicle, such as motorcyclists and moped riders, along with people using a powered wheelchair or tricycle
    • D. Non-motorized road users, such as cyclists, pedestrians, and people with disabilities or reduced mobility and orientation using a wheelchair, tricycle, or quadricycle

    Answer: Non-motorized road users, such as cyclists, pedestrians, and people with disabilities or reduced mobility and orientation using a wheelchair, tricycle, or quadricycle

    VRUs are non-motorized road users, such as cyclists, pedestrians, and persons with disabilities or reduced mobility and orientation using a wheelchair, tricycle, or quadricycle.

California permit test FAQ

How many questions are on the California permit test?

The California permit test (the DMV knowledge test) has 46 multiple-choice questions.

What score do you need to pass the California permit test?

You need 83% to pass: at least 38 of the 46 questions right, so you can miss up to 8.

What is on the California permit test?

Questions come from the California driver handbook. The main topics are laws and rules of the road; navigating the roads; safe driving; alcohol and drugs; and financial responsibility, insurance requirements, and collisions.

How should I study for the California permit test?

Read the California driver handbook, then practice with questions written from it until you score well above the pass mark every time. GetMyPermit has 947 California practice questions, explains every answer and shows which topics you still miss.

Is this California permit practice test free?

Yes. The 10-question California practice test on this page is free, with instant results and every answer explained. The GetMyPermit app has the full question bank and a study plan.

Want the full California question bank and a study plan? Get GetMyPermit on the App Store.