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Free California DMV Permit Practice Test 2025 | CA

Average pass rate for driving tests in California: 55%.
Average pass rate for this test: 55%.
Moderate
6 min
Score distribution:
90-100=>16%
80-89=>31%
70-79=>28%
60-69=>16%
<60%=>8%
Avg. first-try score: 83%
Perfect for:
Learner’s permit applicants
First‑time adult applicants

To get your California DMV instruction (aka provisional or learner’s) permit, you must be at least 15 1⁄2 years old, complete a driver education program if you’re under 18, and pass a vision screening and the DMV written test (knowledge test). The permit test consists of 46 multiple-choice questions covering information outlined in the state’s California DMV 2025 Driver’s Manual. To pass, you must score at least 83% (38 out of 46 questions). If you’re a minor (under 18) and fail, you must wait seven days before retaking it (not including the day you failed). Using our free California DMV permit practice test helps you pass on your first attempt and ensure accuracy based on the state manual. By mimicking the official knowledge test and providing immediate feedback on missed questions, our tests speed the learning experience. The Instruction Permit is the first phase of California’s Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) program for drivers under 18. At age 15½, teens can apply for it after completing a driver education course and at least 6 hours of professional driver training. During this stage, teens are allowed to drive when accompanied by a parent or guardian, a licensed driver 25 years old or older, or a certified driving instructor. At age 16, after holding the provisional permit for at least 6 months and completing 50 hours of supervised driving (including 10 hours at night), teens can take the driving test to get a provisional license. This license comes with drive time and passenger restrictions for the first 12 months. After the 12-month period has passed, or they turn 18, they can obtain an unrestricted license.

Tricky exam topics covered here:
Curves & Hills
Passing Rules
Highway Driving
Free California DMV Permit Practice Test 2025 | CA
CA DMV driver's license
Based on the official CA Driver HandbookHandbook‑based (2025) + exam‑taker feedback
0 CA students practicing now
1673 completed today

How to use this practice test

  1. Start here. One of 4 free California tests. ~6 min. Read explanations as you go.
  2. Cover more ground. All tests have different questions - no repeats.
  3. Finish strong. Try the Exam Simulator for a full-length run.

Why this works

  • Exam-like questions from the current handbook + real test-taker patterns. Explanations cite the manual.
  • AI Assistant explains tricky items in plain language.
  • Performance Insights show your weak topics and what to study next.
  • Challenge Bank™ saves your mistakes for targeted practice.

Actual DMV permit test: What to expect?

The California permit test has 46 questions. You must get 38 correct (83%) to pass.
  • Where: Any California DMV office (find locations)
  • Bring: ID + SSN + residency proof + permit/license fee (see checklist)
  • If you fail: Under 18: Wait 7 days before retaking (not including the day you failed). 18+: Retake after next business day.
  • Commonly missed: road sign recognition (warning, regulatory, and guide signs), legal blood alcohol limits.
  • Ready to schedule? Book your CA DMV appointment
Steven Litvintchouk, M.S., Chief Educational Researcher at Driving-Tests.org

Authored and fact-checked by Steven Litvintchouk, M.S.

Chief Educational Researcher, Driving‑Tests.org (ACES member)

Last verified for accuracy on

Methodology & Editorial Policy

Real California drivers who passed first try

Verified student reviews • Shared with permission

I would not have passed the CA DMV Knowledge Test if I had not taken your practice tests.
Studying the CA Driver's Manual, as I was told to do by the DMV Test proctor after I failed the knowledge test the first time, is not enough since I failed the test again after reading through the Manual twice. After I went through all the materials here, I finally passed the CA DMV Knowledge test. It was quite a relief for me
R
Passed with no problems
I was at the DMV less than 45 minutes getting a Real ID, and just had absolutely no problem at all. It was great!
PC

About the California learner permit

If you’re 18 or older, the GDL phases do not apply. You must apply for your instruction permit as detailed above, but you can take the road skills test whenever you feel ready. Upon passing, you will obtain your unrestricted license.

Once you’re ready to apply for the permit, go to the DMV with proof of identity (birth certificate, passport), Social Security card, two proofs of residence (utility bill, bank statement), any legal name change documents, and completed application. If under 18, you’ll need signed consent (in person) from a parent or legal guardian and a certificate of driver’s education completion. Submit the documents, pass a vision screening, pay the fee, and pass the official written test.

We know what it takes to pass. And we’ve got the proof.

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