California DMV Practice Test
The California permit knowledge test is run by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, which does not publish its question count or passing score. This page runs 46 questions and targets 80%, and says plainly that those numbers are ours, not the state's. Free, no signup.
DMV Prep practice configurationNot an official exam format
CaliforniaCalifornia Department of Motor VehiclesCalifornia Driver's Handbook (2026)Checked 2026-06-30Open the official California handbook
Before you go for the real California test
| Minimum permit age | 15½ |
|---|---|
| Permit fee | $46 |
| Permit holding period | 6 months |
CaliforniaCalifornia Department of Motor VehiclesCalifornia DMV — Instruction and Learner's PermitsChecked 2026-07-13Official source
Sample California permit test questions
Orange-colored signs indicate:
- A. School zones
- B. Recreational areas
- C. Railroad crossings
- D. Construction zones
Show answer
D. Construction zones — Orange signs warn about construction or maintenance work zones. Slow down, watch for workers and equipment, and be ready for changing lane patterns.
Universal ruleMUTCD 11th Edition, Part 2 — Signs (General)Traffic Signs — GeneralChecked 2026-08-01Read the source
Report a problemNear a California school with children present, when does a 15 mph limit apply?
- A. Whenever a school crossing guard is on duty
- B. Whenever children are present near the school
- C. Only on school days before 4 p.m.
- D. Only where a local authority has posted it
Show answer
D. Only where a local authority has posted it — California's prima facie limit is 25 mph when approaching or passing a school with children present. A local authority may set 15 mph, but that lower limit only applies where it has actually been posted.
CaliforniaCalifornia Driver's HandbookSection 7: Laws and Rules of the Road - Around ChildrenChecked 2026-05-17Read the source
Report a problemIn California, when does the school-zone speed limit apply?
- A. When children are present near the school
- B. Only on posted school days
- C. Only between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.
- D. At all times year-round
Show answer
A. When children are present near the school — California Vehicle Code 22352 ties the 25 mph prima facie limit to children being present when you approach or pass a school, rather than to fixed clock hours or a calendar.
CaliforniaCalifornia Driver's HandbookSchool Zone Speed RequirementChecked 2026-07-28Read the source
Report a problemIn California, a driver under 21 violates the zero-tolerance law at a BAC of:
- A. 0.10% or higher
- B. 0.05% or higher
- C. 0.08% or higher
- D. 0.01% or higher
Show answer
D. 0.01% or higher — California's zero-tolerance law applies to a driver under 21 with a BAC of 0.01% or higher. The separate 0.08% limit applies to adult DUI law.
CaliforniaCalifornia Driver's HandbookSection 9: Alcohol and DrugsChecked 2026-05-17Read the source
Report a problemIn California, traffic fines in a posted highway work zone are doubled when:
- A. The road has two lanes
- B. It is after dark
- C. Traffic is moving slowly
- D. Workers are present
Show answer
D. Workers are present — California doubles traffic fines in posted highway construction or maintenance zones when workers are present. Slow traffic or darkness alone does not trigger the work-zone penalty.
CaliforniaCalifornia Driver's HandbookSection 7: Laws and Rules of the Road - Road Workers and Work ZonesChecked 2026-05-17Read the source
Report a problem
Questions last verified 2026-05-17 · Reviewed by the DMV Prep editorial team · Editorial policy
Before the California knowledge test
These learner's permit requirements are separate from the written knowledge test score above. Use them to plan your application and supervised-driving timeline.
What to bring to the knowledge test:
- California Driver's License application (DL 44) with parent/guardian signature
- Proof of identity
- Proof of California residency
- Certificate of completion/enrollment in driver education
Requirements last verified 2026-07-13 · Source: California DMV — Instruction and Learner's Permits ↗. See the complete California permit requirements.
What is different about California
Rules that are set by California rather than nationally, and where they depart from what most states do. Compared against DMV Prep's verified rules for all 51 jurisdictions — unverified figures are left out of both sides of every comparison.
- Minimum permit age: 15½ here. The most common minimum permit age is 15 (25 of 50 states we have verified).
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are in this California DMV practice test?
This practice test uses 46 questions and a 80% study target — at least 37 correct answers. Confirm the current official exam format with the state licensing agency.
What score should I target for the California written test?
Use 80% as the practice target on this site. The readiness dashboard tracks consistent performance; the state agency remains the source for current official requirements.
Is this California practice test really free?
Yes. Every practice test on this page and everything in the DMV Prep app is free — no ads, no paywall, no account.
Where do these California practice questions come from?
Questions use California Driver's Handbook and other handbook or regulatory references, and are not copied from live exams. Citation scope and recency are being revalidated across the bank.
Can I study for the California permit test in Spanish?
Yes — try the California practice test in Spanish. The DMV Prep app includes all 3,671+ questions in Spanish.
