The California permit test has 46 questions, and you must answer at least 39 correctly to pass

The written knowledge test you take to get your California learner's permit (also called a permit test or written exam) contains 46 multiple-choice questions. You need to score at least 39 correct answers — that's about 85 percent — to pass. You get one attempt per visit to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), though you can retake the test if you fail.

The test covers California traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and what to do in emergency situations. All questions come from the California Driver Handbook, which the DMV publishes free online and in print. You can read the handbook before your test appointment to study the material.

Key Takeaways

  • The California permit test has 46 questions, and you must answer at least 39 correctly to pass.
  • All test questions come directly from the California Driver Handbook, which you can read for free before your appointment.
  • You take the test at a DMV office on a computer, and results are given when ready after you finish.
  • If you fail, you can schedule another test appointment, but you must wait at least one day before retaking it.
  • The test is offered in multiple languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and others, depending on your local DMV office.

What topics the 46 questions cover

The permit test questions are drawn from five main areas of the California Driver Handbook. These are: traffic laws and right-of-way rules, road signs and markings, safe driving practices, vehicle equipment and maintenance, and what to do if you are in an accident or emergency.

You will not see the same questions every time someone takes the test. The DMV has a large pool of questions, and the computer selects different ones for each test-taker. This means two people taking the test on the same day will see different questions, though both tests cover the same topics and have the same difficulty level.

Questions about right-of-way at intersections, speed limits, following distance, and what different road signs mean make up a large portion of the test. You will also see questions about what to do if your brakes fail, how to handle a skid, and when you must yield to pedestrians or other vehicles.

How the test is administered at the DMV

You take the permit test on a computer at a DMV office. The test is not on paper. You sit at a computer terminal, read each question on the screen, and click the answer you believe is correct. The computer moves to the next question after you answer, and you cannot go back to change an earlier answer.

The entire test usually takes 10 to 20 minutes to complete, depending on how quickly you read and decide. Once you finish all 46 questions, the computer when ready tells you whether you passed or failed and shows your score. If you pass, you can walk out with your permit the same day (after paying the fee and having your photo taken). If you fail, you receive a notice showing which topics you need to study more.

Retaking the test if you do not pass

If you score below 39 correct answers, you do not pass and cannot get your permit that day. You must schedule a new test appointment at a DMV office. California law requires you to wait at least one day before you can retake the test, so the earliest you can test again is the next day.

Between attempts, use the California Driver Handbook to study the topics where you struggled. The DMV office that gave you the test can tell you which areas you missed most, so you know where to focus. Many people pass on their second or third attempt after studying the handbook more carefully.

Languages available for the permit test

The California permit test is available in multiple languages at most DMV offices. These include Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, Russian, Arabic, Hmong, and Japanese. Some smaller DMV offices may not offer all languages, so call ahead or check the DMV website to confirm your language is available at your location.

If you need the test in a language not listed, contact your local DMV office to ask about other options. You will need to bring a valid form of identification to your test appointment, and you must be at least 15 years and 6 months old to take the permit test in California.

How to study for the 46-question test

The best way to study is to read the California Driver Handbook from start to finish. The handbook is organized by topic — traffic laws, signs, safe driving, and so on — which matches how the test questions are organized. Reading it once gives you a solid foundation.

After reading the handbook, take practice tests online. The DMV website offers a free practice test with questions similar to the real test. Taking the practice test shows you which topics you need to review more. Many people find that doing this twice — reading the handbook, taking the practice test, reviewing weak areas, then taking the practice test again — is enough to pass.

Some people also use third-party study apps or websites that offer California permit practice questions. These can be helpful, but make sure any app or website you use pulls questions from the official California Driver Handbook, not from a different state's rules.

What happens after you pass the permit test

Once you pass the 46-question test, you receive your California learner's permit (also called a provisional license or instruction permit). This permit allows you to drive with a licensed adult who is at least 25 years old sitting next to you in the front seat. You must follow all permit restrictions, including not driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. without a licensed adult in the car.

You must hold your permit for at least six months before you can take the behind-the-wheel driving test (also called the road test). During those six months, you build driving experience under supervision. When you pass the road test, you receive your California driver's license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my phone or notes during the permit test?

No. You cannot bring any materials into the testing area except your identification. The DMV does not allow phones, notes, the Driver Handbook, or any other resources during the test. You must answer all 46 questions from memory based on what you studied beforehand.

What if I fail the permit test — do I lose my money?

The permit test fee is not refunded if you fail, but you can retake the test by paying the fee again. The fee varies by DMV office but is typically around $7 to $10 for the written test. You must schedule a new appointment and wait at least one day before retaking it.

Is the permit test harder than the driver's license test?

The permit test (46 questions, 85 percent passing score) and the driver's license written test (36 questions, 83 percent passing score) are similar in difficulty. Both come from the same California Driver Handbook. Most people find the permit test slightly more detailed because it covers more topics, but both are manageable if you study the handbook.

Can I take the permit test in a language other than English?

Yes. The DMV offers the permit test in Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, Russian, Arabic, Hmong, and Japanese at most offices. Call your local DMV or check the website to confirm your language is available before you schedule your appointment.

How long is the permit test valid after I pass it?

Your California learner's permit is valid for five years from the date you pass the test. During that time, you can practice driving and prepare for the behind-the-wheel test. If your permit expires before you pass the road test, you must retake the written test to get a new permit.