Short answer: Yes, if you are eligible. The California DMV offers an at-home online knowledge test, and since September 2023 that includes applicants under 18. You need a computer or laptop with a webcam (not a phone or tablet), and you get two tries online, with a third at an office if needed. You still have to visit a DMV office afterward to finish getting your permit.
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Start the free test →What the DMV says about the online knowledge test
The DMV has described the online test in news releases. Here are the key facts and where they come from:
- The online option launched in 2022 for eligible Californians over 18 (DMV, Dec. 2023).
- In September 2023, the DMV opened it to people under 18 who need a driver’s license and to people moving to California from another state (DMV, Sept. 2023).
- It is offered in 35 languages and is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., except state holidays. The DMV repeated this in August 2024.
- Questions come from the same pool used at DMV offices (DMV, Dec. 2023).
One thing to know: the DMV’s current permit page describes taking the knowledge test at an office, and its “Online Testing” page now mostly covers a renewal course. The online test details above come from DMV news releases. Whether you’re offered the online test shows up when you complete your application, so check there.
Who can take it
Based on the DMV’s releases, the online knowledge test is for eligible applicants who need a knowledge test for a driver’s license, including:
- Adults (18 and over) getting a license
- Teens under 18 applying for a driver’s license, with a parent or guardian’s consent
- People moving to California from another state who need the knowledge test
The DMV says eligible applicants choose the remote test after they finish the online application and pay the application fee. Teens still have to meet the regular permit requirements, like being at least 15½ and, if under 17½, having a driver education certificate. Our permit age guide covers those.
What you need
| Requirement | What the DMV says |
|---|---|
| Device | An internet-enabled computer or laptop with a webcam |
| Not allowed | Tablets and mobile phones |
| Hours | 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except state holidays |
| Identity | You verify your identity and agree to be monitored during the test |
| Under 18 | A parent or guardian must give consent for the DMV to interact with the minor online and record the test |
| Languages | 35 languages |
How it works, step by step
- Apply online. Fill out the DMV’s driver’s license and ID card application. It has a section for parents to complete for minors.
- Pay the application fee. The DMV’s licensing fees page lists $46 for an original Class C driver’s license application, as of November 2026. Check the fees page for the current amount.
- Choose the online test if it is offered. If you are eligible, you can pick the remote knowledge test.
- Take the test on your computer. Verify your identity, agree to monitoring, and complete the test during the available hours.
- Visit a DMV office. The DMV says you still go in person to provide your identity and residency documents, take a vision screening, and have your photo and thumbprint taken. Our what to bring guide can help you get ready.
Attempts and what happens if you fail
The DMV says you get two attempts at the online test. If you don’t pass either one, you take the test a third time at a DMV office. Overall, the handbook says you have three attempts to pass before you must reapply. If you are under 18, you must wait seven days to retake a failed knowledge test, not counting the day you failed. You need 80% to pass, online or in person. See how many questions are on the permit test for more on scoring.
The online test is not the same as eLearning
You may see the DMV’s “eLearning” course on its Online Learning and Tests page. That is a no-fail course for people renewing a regular Class C license. The DMV says original driver’s license applicants don’t qualify for it. If you are getting your first permit, eLearning is not an option for you.
Online or at the office: which should you choose?
Both options use questions from the same pool, and you need 80% either way. The difference is mostly about convenience.
| Online at home | At a DMV office | |
|---|---|---|
| Hours | 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays, except state holidays | Office hours; no knowledge tests after 4:30 p.m. |
| Equipment | Your own computer or laptop with a webcam | Provided by the DMV |
| Tries | Two online, then the third at an office | Three before you must reapply |
| Office visit | Still needed afterward for documents, vision, photo and thumbprint | Everything is done in the same visit |
Testing online lets you take the knowledge test from home on a weekday, and if you pass, your office visit is for the remaining steps. If you don’t have a computer with a webcam, or you’d rather finish everything in one visit, testing at the office works fine too.
Tips for taking the test at home
- Treat it like an office test. The handbook says you can’t use testing aids, like the handbook or a cell phone, during knowledge tests. The online test is monitored.
- Check your setup the day before. Make sure your computer, webcam and internet connection work.
- Start early in the day. The online test is only available until 4 p.m. on weekdays.
- Use your two online tries wisely. If you fail the first one, review before trying again. You only get two online.
Before you log in, take the free 10-question practice test to see if you are ready. For a full study plan, read how to pass the California permit test.
Ready to check what you know? Take the free 10-question California permit practice test.
Start the free test →Frequently asked questions
Can I take my permit test online in California?
Yes, if you are eligible. The DMV offers an at-home online knowledge test, and since September 2023 that includes applicants under 18 and people moving from another state.
Can I take the online permit test on my phone?
No. The DMV says the online test needs a computer or laptop with a webcam and can't be taken on a tablet or mobile device.
How many times can I take the permit test online?
Two times. If you fail both online attempts, the DMV says your third attempt must be at a DMV office.
What hours is the online permit test available?
The DMV says it is available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except state holidays.
Do I still have to go to the DMV if I pass online?
Yes. You still visit an office to provide identity and residency documents, take a vision screening, and have your photo and thumbprint taken.
Is the online permit test in Spanish?
The DMV says the online test is offered in 35 languages. Its releases don't list them all, but the DMV's online application is available in Spanish, and so are its handbook PDF and sample tests.
Sources
- DMV Expands Eligibility for At-Home Testing (Sept. 7, 2023)
- More Californians Fulfilling DMV Testing Requirement Online (Dec. 28, 2023)
- DMV Introduces Chinese Language Option for No-Fail eLearning Course (Aug. 29, 2024)
- Online Learning and Tests
- Instruction Permits
- Driver's License and ID Card Application
- Licensing Fees
- Handbook Section 3: The Testing Process
- Handbook Section 2: Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver's License
- Sample Driver's License Knowledge Tests
- Driver Handbooks (all languages)