Knowledge test, drive test and vehicle check

Key points

1. You are allowed three attempts to pass the knowledge test before you must reapply.

   Source: Handbook p. 5

   “You are allowed three attempts to pass before you must reapply.”
   California Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 5

2. Minors must wait 7 days to retake a failed knowledge test, not counting the day they failed.

   Source: Handbook p. 5

   “Minors must wait seven days to retake a failed knowledge test, not including the day of the failure.”
   California Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 5

3. Minors must wait 14 days to retake a failed behind-the-wheel test, not counting the day they failed.

   Source: Handbook p. 6

   “Minors must wait 14 days to retake a failed behind-the-wheel drive test, not including the day of the failure.”
   California Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 6

4. No testing aids are allowed during the knowledge test, not even the handbook or a cell phone.

   Source: Handbook p. 5

   “You are not allowed to use any testing aids during knowledge tests, such as a California Driver’s Handbook or cell phone.”
   California Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 5

5. Tires on the test vehicle need at least 1/32 inch of even tread depth.

   Source: Handbook p. 6

   “The tires must have at least 1/32-inch of uniformed tread depth.”
   California Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 6

6. The brake pedal needs at least one inch of clearance above the floorboard when pressed.

   Source: Handbook p. 6

   “There must be at least one inch of clearance between the bottom of the brake pedal and the floorboard when depressed.”
   California Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 6

7. The horn must be loud enough to be heard from at least 200 feet.

   Source: Handbook p. 6

   “loud enough to be heard from a distance of at least 200 feet.”
   California Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 6

8. If your vehicle does not meet the requirements, your drive test will be rescheduled.

   Source: Handbook p. 6

   “If your vehicle does not meet the requirements, your drive test will be rescheduled.”
   California Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 6

Numbers to know

3 questions from the California practice test

1. 1. How many attempts does a California applicant get to pass the knowledge test for an original license before having to reapply?

   1. One
   2. Two
   3. Three
   4. Unlimited attempts within one year
   Show answer

   Three. California allows three attempts at the knowledge test on an application for an original driver license. After the third failure, the applicant must start a new application. One or two attempts understates the allowance, and there is no unlimited window. Testing aids such as the handbook or a cell phone are not allowed in the test, so every attempt is closed book. Minors also face a seven day wait between knowledge test attempts, which means three tries can take a few weeks for a teen applicant.

2. 2. A 17-year-old in California fails the knowledge test on a Monday. How long must they wait before retaking it?

   1. They may retest the same day
   2. 24 hours
   3. 30 days
   4. Seven days, not counting the day of the failure
   Show answer

   Seven days, not counting the day of the failure. California makes a minor who fails the knowledge test wait seven days before trying again, and the day of the failure does not count toward that week. A same day retest and a 24 hour wait are both too short for an applicant under 18. Thirty days is not a knowledge test waiting period the handbook gives. Keep this separate from the drive test: a minor who fails the behind the wheel test waits 14 days instead. Applicants get three attempts at the knowledge test before they must reapply.

3. 3. A California minor fails the behind the wheel drive test. How long is the wait before the next attempt?

   1. 14 days, not counting the day of the failure
   2. Seven days
   3. Six months
   4. No wait if a parent signs a new form
   Show answer

   14 days, not counting the day of the failure. For a minor, a failed behind the wheel drive test means a 14 day wait before retesting, and the day of the failure is not counted. Seven days is the waiting period after a failed knowledge test, so it is the wrong test. Six months is how long a minor must hold the instruction permit before the first drive test, not a retest delay. A parent's signature does not waive the waiting period. A sample Driving Performance Evaluation score sheet at dmv.ca.gov/teendriver shows what the drive test covers.

Source: the California Driver's Handbook, Section 3: The Testing Process. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.