Book your California permit test appointment online through the DMV website or by phone; you cannot walk in without a reservation
California requires you to schedule a written permit test appointment in advance. The DMV does not accept walk-ins for permit tests at any location. You have two ways to book: the official DMV website (dmv.ca.gov) or by calling 1-800-777-0133. Online booking is faster and shows available dates when ready; phone booking can take longer but works if you have trouble with the website.
You must have a valid email address and a California ID number or Social Security number to book online. If you are booking by phone, have your ID information ready and know which DMV office is closest to you. The appointment system will show you available test dates and times at that location, usually ranging from a few days to several weeks out depending on how busy the office is.
Key Takeaways
- Schedule your permit test appointment online at dmv.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-777-0133 before you go to any DMV office.
- Bring your confirmation number, a valid ID, proof of residency, and your completed DL 44 form to your appointment.
- The written permit test is 46 questions and you must score at least 38 correct to pass.
- Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early; if you are more than 15 minutes late, the DMV may cancel your appointment and you will need to reschedule.
- Test fees vary by age: minors under 18 pay one rate, and applicants 18 and older pay a different rate.
Booking Online Through the DMV Website
Go to dmv.ca.gov and click "Schedule an Appointment" in the top menu. Select "Permit Test" from the list of services. Enter your California ID number or Social Security number, your date of birth, and your email address. The system will ask you to choose a DMV office location; select the one closest to you or the one you prefer.
The website will display available appointment dates and times for that location. Pick the date and time that works for you. You will receive a confirmation number when ready on screen and also by email. Write down or screenshot your confirmation number — you will need it when you arrive at the DMV. The confirmation email will include your appointment date, time, location address, and a list of documents to bring.
If the office you selected has no available appointments, try a different location nearby. Some offices book up weeks in advance while others have openings within days. You can cancel or reschedule your appointment through the same website up to 24 hours before your scheduled time.
Booking by Phone
Call 1-800-777-0133 during DMV business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time). Have your California ID number or Social Security number, date of birth, and email address ready. Tell the representative you need to schedule a permit test appointment and provide your preferred DMV location.
The representative will check availability and offer you the next open dates and times. Confirm your choice and they will give you a confirmation number over the phone. Ask them to email or mail your confirmation to you. Keep the confirmation number in a safe place — you will need it at your appointment.
Phone lines are often busy during peak hours (mid-morning and early afternoon). Calling early in the morning or late in the afternoon may get you through faster. If you cannot reach anyone after several tries, use the online booking system instead.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
Bring your confirmation number, a valid government-issued photo ID (passport, state ID, or driver's license from another state), and proof of California residency. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or insurance document dated within the last 60 days with your name and address on it.
You must also bring your completed DL 44 form (process for Driver's License or Identification Card). You can fill this out at home before your appointment or at the DMV office, but filling it out ahead of time moves your appointment along faster. If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian and their ID as well.
Do not bring your phone or any electronic devices into the testing area. The DMV will not allow you to use them during the test. Leave them in your car or at home.
Arrival Time and What Happens at Your Appointment
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. If you are more than 15 minutes late, the DMV may cancel your appointment without refunding your fee. You will have to reschedule and pay again.
When you arrive, check in at the front desk with your confirmation number and ID. A staff member will verify your documents and may ask you questions about your address and identity. You will then be directed to a testing station where you will take the written permit test on a computer or paper, depending on the office.
The test has 46 questions about California traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 38 questions correctly to pass. You will know your score before you leave. If you pass, you will receive your permit that day. If you fail, you can reschedule another test appointment, usually within a few days.
Test Fees and Payment
The permit test fee depends on your age. Minors under 18 pay one fee; applicants 18 and older pay a different fee. The DMV accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at most locations. Some offices may have payment method restrictions, so check your confirmation email or call ahead if you want to confirm what payment types your location accepts.
If you fail the test, you will need to pay the fee again when you reschedule. There is no refund if you do not show up to your appointment or if you arrive too late to test.
Rescheduling or Canceling Your Appointment
You can reschedule or cancel your appointment online at dmv.ca.gov up to 24 hours before your scheduled time. Log in with the same ID number and email address you used to book, find your appointment, and select "Cancel" or "Reschedule." You will not lose your fee if you cancel or reschedule within the 24-hour window.
If you need to cancel or reschedule within 24 hours of your appointment, call 1-800-777-0133. The representative may be able to help, but you might lose your fee depending on the office's policy. It is best to reschedule as soon as you know you cannot make your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the permit test in a language other than English?
Yes. The DMV offers the written permit test in multiple languages including Spanish, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Korean, and others. When you book your appointment online or by phone, you will be asked what language you prefer. Not all DMV locations offer every language, so your location options may be limited if you choose a less common language.
What if the DMV website is down or I cannot book online?
Call 1-800-777-0133 to book by phone. The phone line is available during business hours even if the website is temporarily unavailable. If you cannot reach the phone line, try again the next business day or use the online system once it is back up.
How far in advance should I schedule my permit test?
Book as soon as you are ready to test. Some DMV offices have appointments available within a few days; others book up 4 to 6 weeks in advance. The sooner you schedule, the sooner you can take the test. You can reschedule if your plans change, as long as you do so at least 24 hours before your appointment.
What happens if I fail the permit test?
You can reschedule another test appointment when ready after failing. Most DMV offices allow you to book your next attempt within a few days. You will pay the test fee again. There is no waiting period between attempts in California, so you can test as many times as you need to pass.
Can someone else schedule the appointment for me?
No. You must schedule your own appointment using your own ID number or Social Security number. A parent or guardian cannot book it for you, though they can help you navigate the website or make the phone call. You will need to provide your personal information during the booking process.