California permit test facts
The format of the DMV knowledge test and where each fact comes from.
| Fact | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Official test | Class C knowledge test (18 and over) | dmv.ca.gov Commonly reported · Agency page: "passing score is 80%"; count from third-party reporting · checked November 1, 2026 |
| Number of questions | 36 questions (commonly reported; not published by the state) | Same source as above |
| Passing score | 80% correct (30 of 36 on a 36-question test) | Same source as above |
| About the pass rule | California DMV publishes an 80% passing score but not the number of questions. Adults are commonly reported to get 36 questions (30 to pass) and under-18 applicants 46 (38 to pass). | dmv.ca.gov Agency website · Instruction permit page · checked November 1, 2026 |
| Minimum age for a permit | You must be at least 15½ to apply for a California instruction permit. Applicants under 18 also need a driver education certificate and a parent or guardian's signature. | dmv.ca.gov Agency website · Instruction and Learner's Permits – 'To apply for a California Instruction Permit (under age 18), you must:' · checked November 1, 2026 |
| Permit fee | The DMV charges a $46 application fee for an original Class C driver's license application. Its instruction permit page links to this fee. | dmv.ca.gov Agency website · Licensing Fees – Driver's License (DL) Fees table, Class C row (linked as 'application fee' from https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/instruction-permits/); page modified 2026-08-07 · checked November 1, 2026 |
| What to bring | Bring proof of identity, two proofs of California residency, your Social Security number (exceptions may apply), and a legal name document if your names don't match. Under 18, you also need driver education and a parent or guardian's signature. | dmv.ca.gov Official handbook · PDF p. 8 (printed p. 2), Section 2. Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver's License – What You Need; and PDF p. 9 (printed p. 3), same section (under-18 requirements) · checked November 1, 2026 |
| If you fail | Applicants under 18 who fail the knowledge test must wait seven days, not counting the day of the failure, before retaking it. | dmv.ca.gov Official handbook · PDF p. 11 (printed p. 5), Section 3. The Testing Process – 2. Knowledge Test · checked November 1, 2026 |
| Attempts allowed | The DMV allows three attempts to pass each required knowledge test. After three failures of the same test, the application is no longer valid and you must reapply. | dmv.ca.gov Agency website · Driver's Licenses – How to Apply for a Driver's License (DL) if You're Over 18 Years Old, Situation #2 (knowledge test step); page modified 2026-08-07 · checked November 1, 2026 |
| Handbook to study | California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), 6/2025 | dmv.ca.gov Official handbook · checked November 1, 2026 |
DMV does not publish how many questions its test has. Our practice tests use the length most often reported, marked "Commonly reported" above.
Questions people ask
How many questions are on the California permit test?
California DMV publishes an 80% passing score but not the number of questions. Adults are commonly reported to get 36 questions (30 to pass) and under-18 applicants 46 (38 to pass).
What score do you need to pass the California permit test?
80% correct (30 of 36 on a 36-question test).
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in California?
You must be at least 15½ to apply for a California instruction permit. Applicants under 18 also need a driver education certificate and a parent or guardian's signature.
How much does a California learner's permit cost?
The DMV charges a $46 application fee for an original Class C driver's license application. Its instruction permit page links to this fee.
What do you need to bring for the California permit test?
Bring proof of identity, two proofs of California residency, your Social Security number (exceptions may apply), and a legal name document if your names don't match. Under 18, you also need driver education and a parent or guardian's signature.
How soon can you retake the California permit test if you fail?
Applicants under 18 who fail the knowledge test must wait seven days, not counting the day of the failure, before retaking it.
Which handbook should you study for the California permit test?
The California Driver's Handbook (DL 600) (6/2025), published by the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
Fees and document rules change more often than the test itself. Check the DMV website before you go.
Back to the California practice tests
Facts checked November 1, 2026. See how we check.