California DMV Written Test (2026): How to Pass

Short answer: The California DMV written test is what the DMV calls the knowledge test: a multiple-choice test on traffic laws and safe driving, with questions taken from the California Driver’s Handbook. You need 80% to pass, and you get three attempts before you have to reapply. You take it in person at a DMV office, or online from a computer with a webcam if that option is offered when you apply.

Ready to check what you know? Take the free 10-question California permit practice test.

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“Written test,” “permit test,” “knowledge test”: same thing

People use different names for this test. Adults often search for the “written test.” Teens usually call it the “permit test.” The DMV’s own name is the knowledge test, and that is the term you will see on dmv.ca.gov and in the handbook.

They all mean the same exam. The California Driver’s Handbook says that when you apply for an original driver’s license, “you must pass a knowledge test with multiple choice questions.” It shows that you understand traffic laws and safety, and in most cases you need it before you can get an instruction permit or a license.

Who has to take the written test

First-time applicants of any age. Whether you are 15 and a half or 50, if you are applying for your first California permit or license, passing the knowledge test is one of the required steps. For the full adult process, see getting a California driver’s license as an adult.
Some drivers renewing a license. Since October 1, 2024, most renewals no longer need a written test. The DMV says you may still need one if your record shows things like a DUI suspension, more than one violation point, or several collisions in the years before your license expires. Many drivers in that group can use the DMV’s no-fail eLearning course instead. Drivers 70 and older can read our guide to the senior written test.
People moving to California. The DMV says people new to California still need to take the knowledge test, but the steps depend on whether you hold a license from another state or another country. See moving to California: getting your driver’s license.

Online vs. in-office written test

The DMV first offered the online knowledge test in 2022 for adults. In September 2023 it opened the online option to Californians under 18 and to people moving to California from out of state. According to the DMV, testing options appear once you complete your application at dmv.ca.gov/dl.

	Online (at home)	At a DMV office
Attempts	Two tries online; a third try must be at an office	Three attempts in total before you must reapply
Device	Computer or laptop with a webcam; not a tablet or phone	Provided by the DMV
When	8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday, excluding state holidays (per DMV’s 2023 announcements)	During business hours; you must start before 4:30 p.m.
Languages	35 languages	Ask your DMV office
Rules	You verify your identity and agree to be monitored	No testing aids, such as the handbook or a phone
Minors	Parent or guardian must give consent	Parent or guardian signs the application

Taking the test online does not mean you skip the DMV. The DMV says you still visit an office to show your identity and residency documents, take a vision test, have your photo and thumbprint taken, and get your permit or license.

For a step-by-step look at the at-home option, read taking the California permit test online.

Passing score, attempts and retakes

Passing score: 80%.
Attempts: You are allowed three attempts to pass before you must reapply. If you fail the same test three times, your application is no longer valid.
Waiting to retake: Minors must wait seven days to retake a failed knowledge test, not counting the day they failed. The DMV pages we reviewed do not list a waiting period for adults.
Online attempts count: If you fail both online tries, your third attempt has to be at a DMV office.

How many questions are on the written test?

The DMV does not publish the number of questions on the Class C knowledge test. It says only that the test is multiple choice and that the questions come from the handbook. We explain what is and isn’t known in how many questions are on the California permit test.

What the written test covers

The DMV says all the test questions are taken from the California Driver’s Handbook. So use the handbook’s sections as your topic list. The ones most tied to driving knowledge are:

Section 5: An Introduction to Driving
Section 6: Navigating the Roads
Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road
Section 8: Safe Driving
Section 9: Alcohol and Drugs
Section 10: Financial Responsibility, Insurance Requirements, and Collisions
Section 12: Driver Safety

Skim the earlier sections on permits, licenses and testing as well, since they explain the rules you are signing up for. Our California road signs guide is a good companion.

What to bring

For an office visit, the DMV lists proof of identity, proof of residency, a legal full name document (if your name doesn’t match your identity document), and your Social Security number. You also pay a non-refundable application fee. Teens 15½ to 17½ need a driver education certificate, and anyone under 18 needs a parent or guardian signature. Our checklist covers the details: what to bring to the DMV permit test in California.

How to study for the California written test

Read the handbook. It is free on dmv.ca.gov and available in several languages. Our handbook study guide breaks it into manageable chunks.
Take the DMV’s sample tests. The DMV posts sample Class C knowledge tests and says it periodically adds new questions to them.
Practice with more questions. Practice tests help you spot weak areas before test day. You can take the free 10-question practice test on our homepage. Our questions are written from the handbook; they are not the actual DMV questions.
Review what you miss. Go back to the handbook section behind each wrong answer. At a DMV office, the DMV says staff can tell you the handbook page with the correct answer to a question you missed.

For more test-day tips, read how to pass the California permit test. When you feel ready, try the free practice test one more time to check your score.

Ready to check what you know? Take the free 10-question California permit practice test.

Start the free test →

Frequently asked questions

Is the California DMV written test the same as the permit test?

Yes. The DMV calls it the knowledge test. Teens often call it the permit test and adults often call it the written test, but it is the same multiple-choice test based on the California Driver's Handbook.

What score do I need to pass the California written test?

You need 80% to pass the knowledge test, according to the DMV.

How many times can I take the California DMV written test?

You get three attempts before you must reapply. If you test online, you can try twice online, and the third attempt must be taken at a DMV office.

Do adults have to take the written test?

Yes, if it is your first California permit or license. Adults applying for an instruction permit take the knowledge test along with a vision test. Most renewals no longer require a written test, though some drivers with certain items on their record still do.

Can I take the California written test on my phone?

No. The DMV says the online test needs a computer or laptop with a webcam and cannot be taken on a tablet or mobile device.

Can I take the written test late in the day?

At a DMV office, you must start the knowledge test before 4:30 p.m. The DMV's 2023 announcements say the online test runs 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding state holidays.

California DMV Written Test (2026): What’s on It and How to Pass