The DMV permit test has 46 questions in most states, but the exact number varies

The number of questions on your written permit test depends on which state you take it in. Most states use 46 questions, but some use 50, some use 40, and a few use different counts. You will answer all the questions in one sitting, and you typically need to score 80 percent or higher to pass — that usually means getting 37 to 40 questions correct, depending on your state's total.

The test covers traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and right-of-way rules. Every question is multiple choice with three or four answer options. You will have a set amount of time to finish — usually 30 to 45 minutes — though most people finish faster than that.

Key Takeaways

  • Most states give you 46 questions, but California, Florida, and several others use 50; check your state's DMV website to confirm the exact number before you test.
  • You need to score 80 percent correct on nearly all state tests, which means roughly 37 to 40 right answers out of 46 to 50 questions.
  • All questions are multiple choice and cover traffic laws, road signs, parking rules, and safe driving situations you will encounter on the road.
  • You will have 30 to 45 minutes to complete the test, and you can usually take it on a computer at the DMV office or, in some states, online before your in-person appointment.

Question count by state

The variation in question count is real and worth checking before you study. California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas all use 50 questions. Most other states — including Colorado, Connecticut, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming — use 46 questions.

A few states fall outside both groups. Delaware uses 30 questions. Maryland uses 25. Hawaii uses 50. The District of Columbia uses 25. If you are moving to a new state or testing in a state you are unfamiliar with, go to that state's DMV website and search for "permit test" or "written test" to find the official count and the topics covered.

Passing score and what it takes to pass

Nearly every state requires you to score 80 percent to pass. On a 46-question test, that means 37 correct answers. On a 50-question test, that means 40 correct. On Maryland's 25-question test, you need 20 correct. The passing percentage is almost always 80 percent — very few states use 70 percent or 75 percent.

You will know your score when ready after you finish the test. If you pass, you walk out with a permit that day (or within a few hours). If you fail, you can usually retake the test the same day or schedule another appointment within a few days. Most states let you retake it as many times as you need, though some charge a fee each time.

What the questions cover

The permit test questions focus on practical driving knowledge, not trivia. You will see questions about speed limits in residential areas, what to do at a red light when turning right, how to handle a four-way stop, parking rules, and what different road signs mean. You will also get questions about impaired driving, distracted driving, seat belt laws, and what to do in bad weather or if your brakes fail.

The questions are drawn from your state's driver's manual, which is free and available online or in print at your DMV office. Every question on the test comes from material in that manual. If you read the manual carefully and take a few practice tests, you will recognize the topics and the way the questions are phrased.

How to prepare for the number of questions you will face

The best way to prepare is to take practice tests that match your state's format and question count. Many state DMV websites offer free practice tests online. Some let you take them as many times as you want. These practice tests use the same questions or very similar ones to what you will see on test day, and they show you how much time you have and how many questions there are.

Study the driver's manual for your state first, then take a practice test to see which topics you need to review. If you score below 80 percent on a practice test, go back to the manual and reread the sections that gave you trouble. Take another practice test a few days later. Most people who study the manual and take two or three practice tests pass on their first try.

Computer-based and paper tests

Most states now give the permit test on a computer at the DMV office. You sit at a terminal, read each question on the screen, click your answer, and move to the next question. A few states still offer paper tests, and some let you choose. The computer version is usually faster because you do not have to wait for someone to grade your paper.

A growing number of states let you take a practice test or a full permit test online before you come to the DMV office. Some states even let you take the real test online if you meet certain conditions — usually you need to be at least 18 years old or have a parent present. Check your state's DMV website to see whether online testing is available where you live.

Time limits and pacing

You will have between 30 and 45 minutes to answer all the questions, depending on your state. Most people finish in 20 to 30 minutes. The time limit is generous enough that you should not feel rushed. If you do not know an answer, you can skip it, answer other questions, and come back to it at the end.

Do not spend more than one or two minutes on any single question. If you are stuck, make your best guess and move on. You can review your answers before you submit the test, so if you finish early, use the remaining time to double-check the questions you were unsure about.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I retake the permit test if I fail?

Yes. Most states let you retake the test the same day or within a few days. Some charge a fee for each retake, usually $5 to $15. Check your state's DMV website or call your local office to find out the retake policy and any fees that explore.

Are all 46 or 50 questions counted toward my score?

Yes. Every question you answer counts toward your final score. There are no "throwaway" questions or questions that do not count. You need to get 80 percent of all questions correct to pass.

Can I use a calculator or notes during the permit test?

No. The permit test does not require math, and you are not allowed to bring notes, a phone, or any other materials into the testing area. You will have scratch paper if you need it to work through a problem, but most questions do not require that.

What happens if I run out of time before I finish all the questions?

Any questions you do not answer are marked as wrong. This is rare because the time limit is set so that most test-takers finish with time to spare. If you are a slow reader, practice tests will help you get comfortable with the pace before test day.

Do I need to memorize the exact wording from the driver's manual?

No. The test checks whether you understand the rules and can explore them to driving situations. You do not need to memorize word-for-word answers. Read the manual for understanding, not memorization, and you will do fine.