California DMV Practice Test 2026

Free California DMV practice test with 85+ real questions and detailed explanations. The California DMV written exam has 46 questions — pass with 83%. Updated for 2026.

85+ Practice Questions
📖 14 Bite-Size Lessons
🎯 83% Passing Score
💰 20 Free Questions
Start Free Practice Test → No account needed. 20 free questions.
Non-Commercial (Class D) CDL (Commercial)
46
Questions on Exam
83%
Passing Score
39
Correct Answers Needed
$38
Permit Fee
15.5
Minimum Age
ℹ️ California's 46-question test requires 38 correct (83%) — a higher threshold than most states.

What's on the California DMV Test?

The California DMV written knowledge test has 46 multiple-choice questions. You need to score 83% or higher (39 of 46 correct) to pass and receive your learner's permit. The minimum age to apply is 15.5 years, and the permit fee is $38. California's 46-question test requires 38 correct (83%) — a higher threshold than most states.

The California DMV knowledge exam tests your understanding of California traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. DriveAce covers every topic you'll encounter on test day.

🚦 Road Signs & Signals

Stop signs, yield signs, warning signs, traffic signals, and regulatory signs tested on the California DMV exam.

🔄 Right-of-Way Rules

Intersections, roundabouts, pedestrians, emergency vehicles, and school buses — all covered in California traffic law.

⚡ Speed Limits

Residential, highway, school zones, and construction zones as defined by California law.

🚫 DUI/DWI Laws

BAC limits, implied consent, penalties, and zero-tolerance policies specific to California.

🅿️ Parking Rules

Hydrant distances, hill parking, handicap spaces, and no-parking zones under California regulations.

❄️ Safe Driving

Following distance, winter driving, night driving, and emergency procedures tested by the California DMV.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the California DMV written test?

The California DMV knowledge test has 46 multiple-choice questions. You need to answer 39 correctly (83%) to pass. DriveAce provides 85+ practice questions that mirror the real exam topics and format.

What is the passing score for the California permit test?

You need to score 83% to pass the California DMV written test. That means answering at least 39 out of 46 questions correctly. If you fail, you can retake the test after a waiting period set by the California DMV.

Is the California DMV practice test free on DriveAce?

Yes — DriveAce offers 20 free practice questions for California. These cover the same topics as the real California DMV exam: road signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, and California-specific traffic laws. Full access to all 85+ questions is available for a one-time $19.99 fee.

What topics does the California driving test cover?

The California DMV knowledge test covers road signs and signals, right-of-way rules, speed limits (residential, highway, school zones), parking regulations, DUI/DWI laws (BAC limits, implied consent), and California-specific traffic laws. DriveAce organizes practice questions by topic so you can focus on your weak areas.

How old do you have to be to take the California DMV permit test?

You must be at least 15.5 years old to apply for a learner's permit in California. The permit fee is $38. After passing the written test, you'll receive your learner's permit and can begin supervised driving practice.

Ready to pass your California DMV test?

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