Each state in the US has a different number of questions on their permit test. We’ve got a handy table below to help you find out exactly what you need to know.
How many questions does my state’s permit test have?
| State | Number of Questions | Passing Score | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 30 | 24 (80%) | |
| Alaska | 20 | 16 (80%) | |
| Arizona | 30 | 24 (80%) | “Permit Test @ Home” option available for teens. |
| Arkansas | 25 | 20 (80%) | Test ends early once passing score is reached. |
| California | 46 / 36 | 38 (~83%) / 30 (~83%) | Test varies by age: 46 questions for under 18s, 36 for adults. |
| Colorado | 25 | 20 (80%) | |
| Connecticut | 25 | 20 (80%) | |
| Delaware | 30 | 24 (80%) | |
| Florida | 50 | 40 (80%) | Test ends early if you pass (40 correct) or fail (11 incorrect). |
| Georgia | 20 + 20 | 15/20 + 15/20 (75% each) | Two-part test (Road Signs & Road Rules). Must pass both sections. |
| Hawaii | 30 | 24 (80%) | |
| Idaho | 40 | 34 (85%) | High passing score of 85%. |
| Illinois | 35 (15 + 20) | 12/15 + 16/20 (80%) | Includes 15 road sign questions and 20 rules questions; must pass both. |
| Indiana | 50 (16 + 34) | 14/16 + 28/34 (80% + 82%) | Two-part test (Road Signs & Road Rules). Must pass both sections. |
| Iowa | 25 | 20 (80%) | At-home testing option available for teens. |
| Kansas | 25 | 20 (80%) | |
| Kentucky | 40 | 32 (80%) | Test ends early once passing score is reached. |
| Louisiana | 40 | 32 (80%) | |
| Maine | 30 | 24 (80%) | |
| Maryland | 25 | 22 (88%) | One of the highest passing scores in the country (88%). |
| Massachusetts | 25 | 18 (72%) | Strict 25-minute time limit. One of the lowest passing scores in the country (72%). |
| Michigan | 50 | 40 (80%) | |
| Minnesota | 40 | 32 (80%) | Test ends early if you pass (32 correct) or fail (9 incorrect). |
| Mississippi | 30 | 24 (80%) | |
| Missouri | 25 | 20 (80%) | |
| Montana | 33 | 27 (~82%) | |
| Nebraska | 25 | 20 (80%) | |
| Nevada | 25 | 20 (80%) | Stops at 20 correct or 6 wrong. |
| New Hampshire | 20 | 16 (80%) | One of the shortest tests in the country. |
| New Jersey | 50 | 40 (80%) | |
| New Mexico | 25 | 18 (72%) | One of the lowest passing scores in the country (72%). |
| New York | 20 | 14 (70%) | Must answer at least 2 of 4 road sign questions correctly. One of the lowest passing scores in the country (70%). |
| North Carolina | 25 | 20 (80%) | |
| North Dakota | 25 | 20 (80%) | |
| Ohio | 40 (20 + 20) | 30 (75%) | Two-part test (20 questions each). Must pass both sections. |
| Oklahoma | 50 | 40 (80%) | |
| Oregon | 35 | 28 (80%) | Online testing option available. |
| Pennsylvania | 18 | 15 (~83%) | The shortest test in the country. |
| Rhode Island | 25 | 20 (80%) | |
| South Carolina | 30 | 24 (80%) | |
| South Dakota | 25 | 20 (80%) | |
| Tennessee | 30 | 24 (80%) | At-home testing option available. |
| Texas | 30 | 21 (70%) | One of the lowest passing scores in the country (70%). |
| Utah | 50 / 25 | 40 (80%) / 20 (80%) | Test varies: 50 questions for new drivers, 25 (open-book) for others. |
| Vermont | 20 | 16 (80%) | One of the shortest tests in the country. |
| Virginia | 10 + 30 | 10/10 + 24/30 (100% + 80%) | Two-part test. Must get 100% on the road signs part to proceed. |
| Washington | 40 | 32 (80%) | 45-minute time limit. |
| West Virginia | 25 | 19 (76%) | |
| Wisconsin | 50 | 40 (80%) | Online testing option available for teens. |
| Wyoming | 25 | 20 (80%) |
Tips for studying
- Read the DMV Handbook: Each state provides a DMV handbook. It’s your best friend!
- Take Practice Tests: Take our state-specific DMV practice tests to get a feel for the real thing.
- Flashcards: Use flashcards to memorize traffic signs and rules.
FAQs
How many questions are on the California permit test?
How many questions are on the California permit test?
The California permit test has 46 questions, and you need to get at least 38 correct to pass (83%).
Can I take it online?
Can I take it online?
Some states offer online testing, while others require you to visit a DMV office. Check your state’s DMV website for details.
What if I fail?
What if I fail?
Don’t worry! Most states allow you to retake the test. Check your state’s specific rules on retakes.
Pro Tip: Study regularly, don’t cram! Consistent study habits lead to better retention and understanding.