California DMV · 506 questions · Free
California DMV practice, test-day help, and official resources
Start the free California practice testStart with the 506-question California practice bank, move through the 25 fixed tests, then use the exam-day guide and official DMV links before your appointment.
Your 3-stage California study path
- Stage 1: Study the sheets. Read the California cheat sheet and handbook pages for signs, numbers, and rules.
- Stage 2: Drill topics. Run the free practice test with instant explanations until weak topics turn green.
- Stage 3: Simulate the exam. Take the timed exam simulator, then review the exam-day guide.
California verified practice bank · 506 questions rev 2026-10-12-ca500
How much does the California permit test cost?
No separate fee; covered by the original driver license/permit application fee of $46 for a Class C license
- Knowledge test fee: No separate fee; covered by the original driver license/permit application fee of $46 for a Class C license Official fee source
- Permit fee: $46 Class C original application fee (the instruction permit is issued under this application; no separate permit fee) Official fee source
- Initial license fee: $46 Class C application, original (same application fee covers the license issuance) Official fee source
Fee source checked 2026-10-05. Our 506-question California practice test is free and separate from these DMV fees.
Before your California knowledge test
Cost details
- The permit uses the same $46 Class C application; do not add another $46 for license issuance. Official cost source
- The application lasts 12 months. Three failed attempts at the same knowledge test require a new application and fee. Official cost source
Before you apply
These notes cover selected application steps. Check the linked official instructions for the full requirements for your situation.
- Complete the DL/ID application and select identity and residency documents for your credential type. Official application instructions
- Minors need parent or guardian signatures; applicants under 17½ also need the required driver-education documentation. Official application instructions
Cost and application notes checked .
What the real exam actually requires
The California DMV says "a passing score is 80%" on the knowledge test. The DMV's own evaluation of its Class C knowledge tests describes 36 questions for first-time applicants 18 and older, with 30 correct to pass, and 46 questions for applicants under 18, with 38 correct to pass. Both cut points clear 80%, so our Exam Mode grades to them: pass here and you have passed with room to spare.
You get three attempts to pass each required knowledge test before the application must be redone. Under 18, the handbook says you "must wait seven days to retake a failed knowledge test, not including the day of the failure"; the DMV lists no waiting period for applicants 18 and older. Renewing a license? Eligible renewal applicants can meet the knowledge test requirement with the DMV's no-fail eLearning course instead of the exam.
Minimum permit age
15 1/2 years old for minors (under 18); 18 for adult applicants
Knowledge test fee
No separate fee; covered by the original driver license/permit application fee of $46 for a Class C license
Permit fee
$46 Class C original application fee (the instruction permit is issued under this application; no separate permit fee)
Initial license fee
$46 Class C application, original (same application fee covers the license issuance)
Questions on the knowledge test
36 questions for first-time applicants 18 and older (30 correct to pass) and 46 questions for applicants under 18 (38 correct to pass), per the DMV's own evaluation of its Class C knowledge tests; the DMV's current pages state only the 80% passing score
Passing score
A passing score is 80%.
Retake fee
No separate knowledge test retake fee: the application fee covers three attempts at each required knowledge test and stays valid for 12 months. Fail the same test three times and you must reapply and pay again
Retake wait after failing
Minors (under 18) must wait seven days to retake a failed knowledge test, not counting the day of the failure; the DMV lists no waiting period for applicants 18 and older. Minors must also wait 14 days to retake a failed behind-the-wheel drive test
Supervised driving before road test
50 hours supervised practice driving with a parent/guardian or licensed driver 25+, including at least 10 hours at night, for first-time teen (under 18) applicants
Documents to bring
Proof of identity, two proofs of residency, and REAL ID documents if applying for a REAL ID; minors also need driver education completion and a parent or guardian signature (both if joint custody)
Find an office / appointment
CA DMV Service Locations and Offices locator plus the Schedule Appointment tool; most DMV business can be completed online.
REAL ID status
REAL ID application requires identity documents (passport or birth certificate) plus residency documents, uploaded online and then brought to a DMV office visit.
Motorcycle license
Riders under 21 must complete a CHP-approved rider training course (DL 389 certificate) and hold an M1/M2 permit for six months; riders 21 and older may take the course or a DMV driving test.
Commercial license (CDL)
Minimum age 18 for intrastate-only CDL; 21 for interstate commerce or hazmat. Requires Commercial Learner's Permit held 14+ days, Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT), knowledge and skills tests, and medical exam.
Official source: California DMV - Instruction and Learner's Permits
Getting your first permit
In California, the minimum permit age is 15 1/2 years old for minors (under 18); 18 for adult applicants. When you apply for a permit or license, bring: proof of identity, two proofs of residency, and REAL ID documents if applying for a REAL ID; minors also need driver education completion and a parent or guardian signature (both if joint custody). CA DMV Service Locations and Offices locator plus the Schedule Appointment tool; most DMV business can be completed online.
Fees, retakes, and practice hours
No separate fee; covered by the original driver license/permit application fee of $46 for a Class C license. If you fail the knowledge test: minors (under 18) must wait seven days to retake a failed knowledge test, not counting the day of the failure; the DMV lists no waiting period for applicants 18 and older. Minors must also wait 14 days to retake a failed behind-the-wheel drive test. Before the road test, the state requires 50 hours supervised practice driving with a parent/guardian or licensed driver 25+, including at least 10 hours at night, for first-time teen (under 18) applicants.
REAL ID, motorcycle, and CDL
REAL ID application requires identity documents (passport or birth certificate) plus residency documents, uploaded online and then brought to a DMV office visit. For a motorcycle license: riders under 21 must complete a CHP-approved rider training course (DL 389 certificate) and hold an M1/M2 permit for six months; riders 21 and older may take the course or a DMV driving test. For a commercial license (CDL): minimum age 18 for intrastate-only CDL; 21 for interstate commerce or hazmat. Requires Commercial Learner's Permit held 14+ days, Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT), knowledge and skills tests, and medical exam.
A note on memorized answer dumps
The practice bank here is written from the California Driver Handbook, not copied from a leaked exam, because the DMV does not publish its actual question bank. Treat any site claiming to have "the real 2026 questions" with suspicion. What actually transfers to the real test is understanding why an answer is correct, which is why every question here comes with an explanation, not just a checkmark.
Studying in Vietnamese, or helping a family member who is? BaoHiemXe has a California question bank in Vietnamese at baohiemxe.com/dmv/bang/california.
Passed? Add the new driver before the first solo drive
California carriers rate newly licensed drivers differently. Before accepting the first premium you see, ask about driver assignment, good student discounts, and carrier fit.