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California permit test essentials
Last verified September 28, 2026 against the official California Driver’s Handbook (2025).
Study for the California knowledge test with free practice questions written from the official manual.
Practise California questions free Your checklist in the app Road signs
Quick facts
- Score to pass
- 80%Official source, checked September 23, 2026
- Earliest age for a learner permit
- 15½ Under 18, you must be at least 15½ and complete driver education to apply for an instruction permit.Manual p. 3
- If you fail the knowledge test
- 7 days (minors) You get three attempts before you must reapply. Minors must wait seven days to retake a failed knowledge test, not counting the day of the failure.Manual p. 5, The testing process
- What to bring
- 5 kinds of documents: see your DMV checklist.
Numbers to know
As the California manual states them; these often come up on the test.
- 0.08%
Blood alcohol limit, 21 and older
It is illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.08% or higher if you are 21 or older.
Manual p. 73 - 0.01%
Blood alcohol limit, under 21
It is illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.01% or higher if you are under 21.
Manual p. 73 - 3 seconds
- 100 feet
- 500 feet
Dim high beams for oncoming traffic
Dim high beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle.
Manual p. 11 - 300 feet
Dim high beams behind a vehicle
Dim high beams within 300 feet of a vehicle you are following.
Manual p. 11 - 15 feet
No parking near a fire hydrant
In California you may not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
Manual p. 28 - 15 feet
Stopping at a railroad crossing
When crossing devices or a person warn of a train, stop at least 15 feet from the nearest track.
Manual p. 51 - 6 months
How long you hold the permit
A minor must hold an instruction permit for at least 6 months (or turn 18) before scheduling the drive test.
Manual p. 3 - 50 hours
Supervised practice
A minor must log at least 50 hours of supervised practice with a licensed driver at least 25, including 10 hours at night.
Manual p. 3 - 18 / 25 or older
Your supervising driver
Permit holders must practice with a California-licensed driver at least 18 years old, or at least 25 years old if the permit holder is a minor.
Manual p. 3
Your California DMV checklist
Tick each item as you get it ready. Your ticks stay on this device only.
Documents to bring
- Manual p. 2, What you need
- Manual p. 2, What you need
- Manual p. 2, What you need
- Manual p. 2, What you need
- Manual p. 3, Instruction permit for minors
Fees
Tests at the office
Parent or guardian (under 18)
Appointment and visit
Rules and fees can change. Check with the California DMV before you go.
Questions people ask
How many questions are on the California permit test?
To pass you need 80%.
How old do you have to be to get a learner permit in California?
Under 18, you must be at least 15½ and complete driver education to apply for an instruction permit.
What happens if I fail the California permit test?
You get three attempts before you must reapply. Minors must wait seven days to retake a failed knowledge test, not counting the day of the failure.
What documents do I need for a California learner permit?
Proof of identity. Two proofs of California residency (exceptions may apply). A legal full name document, if the name on your identity document does not match your application. Your Social Security number (exceptions may apply). Under 18: proof you completed a driver education program.