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Original questions based on the latest CaliforniaCA Driver Handbook Expert-reviewed by S. Litvintchouk, M.S. (MIT), Chief Educational Researcher

Free Online DMV Written Test Practice for California (2026)

Avg. pass rate on our CA tests: 55%.
Average pass rate for this test: 43%.
Hard
6 min
Score distribution:
90-100=>11%
80-89=>24%
70-79=>28%
60-69=>21%
<60%=>16%
Avg. first-try score: 83%
Perfect for:
Learner’s permit applicants
First‑time adult applicants

In California, if you’re under 18 or have never held a driver’s license before, you must obtain an instruction permit to practice driving under supervision before applying for a driver’s license. To be eligible, you must be at least 15½ years old, complete an approved driver education course (if under 18), pass a vision exam, and pass the official knowledge test. You may take the knowledge test online or at a DMV field office.

The California DMV knowledge test has 46 multiple-choice questions based on the official driver’s manual (California DMV Driver’s Handbook 2026: Interactive Manual w/Audio). To pass, you must answer at least 38 correct (83%).

This is our second California Permit Practice Test. It’s based on the official driver’s manual and current for June 2026. Topics include driving emergencies, freeway driving, headlights, lanes, parking, passing, pavement markings, road signs, and roundabouts.

If you get stuck on a question, our AI Assistant can give you a hint or explain the question. If you still miss it, the Assistant will provide the correct answer and an explanation. We also offer a California DMV Permit Test Study Guide with last-minute tips, document checklists, and frequently missed questions.

Free Online DMV Written Test Practice for California (2026)
CA DMV driver's license
Last verified:
Tricky exam topics covered here:
CA hands-free law
Carpool lane rules
Right-Of-Way At Intersections
Turning Rules
Snow & Ice
20 CA students practicing right now 20 CA students online now
744 tests completed today statewide

Daily email practice

Get a free permit question by email each morning

Not ready for a full test right now? Use a 2-minute daily habit to keep permit rules fresh and spot exam-like patterns before test day.

California written test practice: quick facts

Use this second set to check vehicle equipment plus sharing the road after the first permit practice test

Questions
46 questions
Passing score
38 correct (83%)
Typical time
6 min
Best for
A second pass after Practice Test 1, especially for vehicle equipment plus sharing the road
Best next step
Review vehicle equipment plus sharing the road, then use Practice Test 3 to see if the misses disappear.

Can you take the California written driving test online?

This page is online practice, not the official DMV exam. Use it to check vehicle equipment plus sharing the road, then confirm the current CA testing option before relying on an at-home exam.

California Test 2 question mix: Vehicle Equipment, Sharing the Road, and Speed & Regulatory Signs

Based on the categories assigned to this second practice test pool.

Vehicle Equipment
4 questions in this test pool cover this area. Broader topic: Emergencies.
Sharing the Road
2 questions in this test pool cover this area. Broader topic: Safety & Hazards.
Speed & Regulatory Signs
2 questions in this test pool cover this area. Broader topic: Signs & Signals.

How to use California Test 2

Treat this as a second read, not a repeat of the first practice test.

1

Start with Vehicle Equipment

This is one of the main areas in this test pool, so review the rule before another scored attempt.

2

Use fresh wording for CA rules

Test 2 changes the question mix so you can separate understanding from memorized answers.

3

Move to Test 3 after repeat misses drop

Use Test 3 to confirm that vehicle equipment plus sharing the road no longer pull your score down.

Reviewed for legal and handbook accuracy

Steven Litvintchouk

M.S. (MIT, Columbia), Chief Educational Researcher. ACES member (Society for Editing). Verifies all 50 state tests against official handbooks weekly.

Test design and learning experience oversight

Andrei Zakhareuski

Co-founder & CEO, Driving-Tests.org

Questions are created and maintained by the Driving-Tests.org content team following our multi-layer editorial process and updated whenever the California DMV changes its handbook or website information. Official sources we check: 

Real California drivers who passed first try

Verified student reviews • Shared with permission

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!
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A smarter way to study for the permit test

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Get smarter as you study. Our new AI-powered feedback provides detailed, question-level insights to help you understand the why behind each answer.

Interactive handbook

Go beyond the boring black-and-white manual. Our interactive handbook lets you read, listen with an MP3 audio version, or even chat with it to find the information you need, faster.