California DMV practice test

What this test covers

Each attempt is a random draw from the 198 questions in the bank, spread over 8 topics. The standard version asks 36 and needs 30 right. The under-18 version asks 46 and needs 38 right.

• Signs, signals and pavement markings 28
• Right-of-way and intersections 25
• Speed limits 18
• Turns, lanes, passing and parking 27
• Sharing the road 24
• Safe driving and emergencies 27
• Alcohol and drugs 22
• Licensing, insurance and the law 27

The knowledge test in California

The DMV's knowledge test is the written half of an original license application, taken together with the vision test. The handbook describes it as multiple choice, gives you a fixed number of tries before the application has to be filed again, and forbids any aid while you take it, so the habit to build with our practice test is answering from memory, with nothing open beside you.

• An original license requires passing a multiple-choice knowledge test, and the DMV allows three attempts before a new application is needed. p. 5
• For a minor, a failed knowledge test means a seven-day wait before the retake, counted without the day of the failure. p. 5
• No testing aids of any kind are allowed during the knowledge test; the handbook names the California Driver's Handbook itself and a cell phone as examples. p. 5
• When renewing, eLearning may be offered instead of the test: a self-paced, no-fail course with a quiz after each module, taken on a computer, laptop, tablet or mobile device. p. 5
• The vision test comes with it. Passing with glasses or contact lenses adds a corrective lenses restriction to the license, and failing it means a Report of Vision Examination (DL 62) from your eye doctor. p. 5

Page numbers refer to the California Driver's Handbook, June 2025 edition.