The California permit test has 46 questions, and you need to answer at least 39 correctly to pass
The written test you take at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to get your California learner's permit contains exactly 46 multiple-choice questions. Each question has three possible answers. You must score at least 39 correct answers — which is about 85 percent — to pass and move forward to the behind-the-wheel driving test.
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 at any DMV office. Nothing on the test goes beyond what is in that handbook.
Key Takeaways
- You must answer at least 39 out of 46 questions correctly to pass the California permit test.
- All test questions come directly from the California Driver Handbook, which you can read for free before you take the test.
- You can take the test in English or in one of 32 other languages, including Spanish, Mandarin, Vietnamese, and Korean.
- If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at most DMV locations, though some offices may require you to wait and schedule another appointment.
- The test is offered at every DMV office during regular business hours; no appointment is required at most locations, but wait times vary.
What the test covers and where the questions come from
Every question on the permit test is pulled directly from the California Driver Handbook. The DMV does not add trick questions or test material that is not in the handbook. This means you can study the handbook and know exactly what kinds of questions to expect.
The test covers five main areas: traffic laws and rules of the road, road signs and their meanings, safe driving practices, what to do if you are in an accident or emergency, and how to handle different road and weather conditions. Questions are written in plain language and ask what you should do in a specific situation, or what a particular sign means.
You can study the handbook online at the California DMV website, or you can pick up a printed copy at any DMV office for free. Many people also study using the DMV's official practice test, which is also free and available online. The practice test has the same format as the real test and uses real questions from the handbook.
How the test is scored and what happens if you fail
Your score is based on the number of correct answers only. There is no penalty for wrong answers — you straightforward do not get points for them. You need 39 correct out of 46 to pass. If you answer 38 correctly, you do not pass, even if you were very close.
If you fail the test, you can retake it. At most DMV offices, you can take it again the same day, though you may have to wait in line again and pay the test fee again. Some offices require you to schedule a new appointment or wait a certain amount of time before retaking it. Call your local DMV office ahead of time to find out their specific policy on retakes.
There is no limit to how many times you can take the test. Some people pass on the first try; others take it two or three times. Each time you take it, you pay the test fee again, which varies by location but is typically under $10.
Languages available and testing accommodations
You can take the permit test in English or in one of 32 other languages. The most common alternatives are Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, Russian, Arabic, Japanese, and Hmong, but many others are available. The DMV website lists all 33 languages offered.
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can request an interpreter at no cost. If you have a learning disability or other condition that affects how you take tests, you can request extra time or other accommodations. You must request accommodations when you schedule your test or at least a few days before you plan to take it. Call your local DMV office or visit the DMV website to find out what accommodations are available and how to request them.
When and where you can take the test
The permit test is offered at every DMV office during regular business hours. Most offices do not require an appointment — you can walk in, take a number, and wait your turn. However, wait times vary widely depending on the office and the time of day. Some offices are much busier than others, and you may wait anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours.
A few DMV offices do require appointments for the permit test. Check your local office's website or call ahead to find out whether you need one. If you do need an appointment, you can schedule one online through the California DMV website or by calling the office directly.
The test is offered every day the DMV is open, including some Saturdays at select locations. Most offices are closed on Sundays and major holidays. Hours vary by location, so check your local office's website before you go.
How to prepare and what to bring
The best way to prepare is to read the California Driver Handbook from start to finish. It is not long — most people can read it in a few hours. After you finish, take the DMV's free practice test online. The practice test shows you the format and style of the real questions, and it tells you which answers are correct so you can see what you got wrong.
Some people study the handbook once and pass the first time. Others study it, take the practice test, find the areas where they are weak, and study those sections again. There is no single right way to study — do whatever works for you.
When you go to take the test, bring your learner's permit process (if you have not already submitted it), a form of identification, and proof of your Social Security number. The DMV office will tell you exactly what documents you need when you arrive. You do not need to bring the handbook or any study materials — you will not be allowed to use them during the test.
Retaking the test if you do not pass on your first try
If you do not pass, do not panic. Most people who fail the first time pass on the second or third try. The key is to figure out which topics gave you trouble and study those areas more carefully before you retake it.
When you retake the test, you will get a different set of 46 questions, but they will cover the same topics and come from the same handbook. Some people find it helpful to take the practice test again, or to study specific chapters of the handbook that they struggled with. Others ask a friend or family member to quiz them on road signs or traffic laws.
You can retake the test as many times as you need to. There is no time limit between retakes at most offices, though some may ask you to wait a day or two. Each time you take it, you pay the test fee again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my phone or notes during the permit test?
No. You cannot bring any study materials, phones, or notes into the testing area. The DMV will ask you to put your phone away before you start. The test is proctored, meaning a DMV employee watches while you take it to make sure you are not cheating.
What happens if I pass the permit test but fail the driving test later?
Your permit is still valid. You do not have to retake the written test. You can practice driving and retake the behind-the-wheel test as many times as you need. Your permit lasts for a certain amount of time (usually one year for minors, longer for adults), so you have a window to pass the driving test before your permit expires.
Is the permit test harder than the driving test?
They test different things. The written test checks your knowledge of laws and signs. The driving test checks whether you can actually drive safely. Some people find the written test harder because they have to memorize details. Others find the driving test harder because they get nervous behind the wheel. Both are important.
Can I study the practice test instead of the handbook?
The practice test is helpful, but it is not a substitute for reading the handbook. The practice test shows you what kinds of questions to expect, but the handbook explains the "why" behind the rules. Understanding why a rule exists helps you remember it and explore it in real situations on the road.
Do I have to pass the permit test before I can drive with a learner's permit?
Yes. You cannot get a learner's permit without passing the written test. Once you pass, you can explore for the permit itself, which involves submitting documents and paying a fee. After that, you can drive with a licensed adult in the car while you practice for the driving test.