California DMV Practice Tests

A California provisional instruction permit is not valid until you begin the driver's training course. To validate the permit, your instructor must sign it. After that you must practice with an adult who is 25 years or older and has a valid California driver's license. This person must sit close enough to you and be able to take control of the vehicle if necessary.

No. You are only allowed to have your photo taken at the DMV office after you have completed and passed your written test.

Once you have passed the road test satisfactorily, you will be given an interim license that will be valid for ninety days. Your actual license will arrive in the mail approximately 2 weeks after you have completed your test.

Yes. If you are under 18, within the first year of obtaining your license, you must have a licensed driver over 25 accompany you when you are carrying passengers under the age of 20. A licensed driver over 25 must also be present if you are driving between the hours of 11 pm and 5 am unless it is a medical emergency. If you must drive during 11 pm and 5 am for employment reasons then you must have a note signed by your legal guardian.

Not unless your insurance policy does not cover California or meet the minimum requirements outlined by the DMV.

California requires every driver on the road to have car insurance, including those driving on a learner's permit.

When your teen applies for a learner's permit, you must sign a form accepting financial responsibility for their driving. That means they must be covered by your insurance plan.

They're welcome to purchase their own car insurance plans once they receive their full license or register their own car.

While driving on your learner's permit in California, you may ONLY operate a vehicle while accompanied by:

• Your parent or legal guardian.
• A licensed driving instructor.
• Your spouse.
• A fully-licensed adult who's at least 25 years old.

Adult driver's that have NOT held a license before must first get an instruction permit before obtaining a license. To get an instruction permit, you must:

• Complete a California Driver's License or Identification (DL/ID) Card Application.
• Provide your CA ID OR:
  • Accepted federal ID.

AND

• Accepted residency documents.
• Pass a written knowledge test.
• Pass a vision test.
• Pay the fee.

After getting your instruction permit you are eligible to take your driving test and obtain your license.

If you have a driver's license from another state, you must complete the same requirements listed above. However, you will NOT be required to:

• Get an instruction permit.
• Take a driving test*.

After passing the knowledge test you'll be issued your CA license.

*If you have a license issued from another country, you will be required to take the written driver's test.

Apply for a hardship license by completing an Application for Critical Need Restriction (DS 694) and submitting it to:

Driver Safety Actions Unit
2570 24th Street
M/S J256
Sacramento, CA 95818

If your application is approved, you must:

1. Obtain a California Insurance Proof Certificate (SR-22) and re-register your vehicle. This can be done online for a $14 fee + 2.1% online service fee.
2. Enroll in a DUI program.
3. Visit a DMV office.
4. Submit proof you obtained insurance, enrolled in a DUI program, and payment of the $125 administrative per se (APS) fee.

Drivers that are under 18 years old must hold their instruction permits for at least 6 months and complete the driver's training and behind-the-wheel requirements.

Drivers that are 18 years old and older are eligible to take the road test immediately after getting their instruction permit.

For minors to get their licenses in California, they must:

• Be at least 16 years old.
• Have obtained their provisional instruction permit and held it for at least 6 months.
• Have completed driver's education and driver's training with a certified instructor (minimum 6 hours).
• Have completed 50 hours of driving practice with a licensed driver who is 25 years old or older.
  • 10 hours must be completed at night.
• Pass the driving test. Schedule an appointment online or call 1-800-777-0133.

If you applied for your CA license and you passed your written exam, the DMV will issue you a permit. This permit will be valid for 12 months. You must wait 6 months before you can schedule your road test appointment if you are a minor. During this waiting period, you must complete 50 practice hours on the road accompanied by a driver who is at least 25 years old. During this period, you should also finish your driver's education class and complete 6 hours of professional driver's training.

In some cases, the DMV may allow you to obtain a hardship license, which will allow you to drive in certain circumstances.

The DMV accepts a number of documents as proof of your legal presence. Here are a few examples: a certified copy of your U.S. Birth Certificate from state or local vital statistics office, your U.S Certificate of Birth Abroad or Report of Birth Abroad, U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card, U.S. Military Idenfication Cards, Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship, Permanent Resident Card, Temporary Resident Identification Card.

This depends on your unique situation. DUI license suspensions typically last for a minimum of 4 months. Driving on a restricted license, however, will have its own terms outlined by your court officer. You will have to clear any other outstanding items on your driving record to reinstate your license.

To obtain a hardship license, you must:

• Have submitted to a Preliminary Alcohol Screening test or other chemical test at the officer's request.
• Have been under 21 years old when arrested.
• Prove you are in critical need of a hardship license.
• Prove all other means of transportation must be inadequate.

Your license will be suspended for a minimum of 30 days before you can drive again.

When you apply for your license, you will need to bring with you the application fee, Form DL 44 Driver's License Application (you may also complete this application online), your social security number, your full legal name, your original birth certificate or proof of legal presence.

When you apply for your license, you will need to bring with you the application fee, Form DL44 Driver's License application that is signed by your parent or legal guardian, your social security number, your full legal name, an original birth certificate or proof of legal presence, a Certficate of Completion of Driver's Education or a Certificate of Completion of Driver's Education and Driver Training or a Certificate of Enrollment in A Classroom Driver Education and Driver Training.

When you are ready to apply for your driver's license, you should visit your local DMV office. You can find a list of DMV offices here

Anyone older than 25, who has a valid California driver's license. They must stay behind while you take your exam.

Before applying for a provisional driver's license, you must be able to pass a driving test. Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Must be 16 to 18 years old
• Have had a California instruction permit for at least six months
• Have completed a driver education course
• Have completed 6 hours of a professional driver's training course
• Have completed 50 hours of practice driving with an adult who is 25 years or older and holds a valid California driver's license. At least 10 out of the 50 hours must include nighttime driving.

You can obtain an unrestricted license when you turn 18 years old, providing there are no restrictions or suspensions on your provisional driver's license.

No. Once you have taken the permit test, you don't need to take the written exam again.

To pass your CA road test, you must demonstrate to the examiner that you can drive safely and effectively. The examiner pay close attention to whether you watched for pedestrians, judged the traffic and used your mirrors. During your driving exam, make sure you always signal when merging into traffic, do not drive too quickly or too slowly and stay in control of the vehicle. Remember to buckle up, adjust your mirros when you get into the car, look into the mirror and over your shoulder before merging into traffic, keep both hands on the steering wheel and stop appropriately behind crosswalks and limit lines.

You must demonstrate to the examiner that you know how to drive safely and effectively. You will show the examiner that you know how to control your vehicle while you are backing up, driving through intersections, making left and right changes, parking, and driving through residential and business neighborhoods.

You must supply your own car for your driving test. The vehicle must be in good working condition and safe to drive. Before you begin your test, the examiner will check that your car has two license plates, working brake lights, good tires, an emergency parking brake, front signal and back signal lights that are working, two rear view mirrors and a windshield without cracks.

You must take your CA road test at a DMV office.

Currently, the California permit and licensing process includes the following fees:

• Driving skills exam retest: $8.
• Driver's license application: $38.
• Replacement and/or updated license: $30.

Additional fees may apply. Costs are also subject to change, so it's best to check directly with the California DMV before going to your nearest office.

The CA Driving Handbook is available online or at your closest DMV office.

Anyone who wants to apply for a California driver's license or instruction permit must complete application form DL 44. You must also submit proof of identity, date of birth, provide a thumbprint and have your photo taken. The DMV will have you take a written knowledge exam for your permit.

Anyone with a California provisional instruction permit will need to abide by the following restrictions:

The accompanying adult driver must sit in the passenger seat next to you at all times.

No. The CA permit test is not an open book test. Under no circumstances are you allowed to use your CA Driver's Manual or any other study guides during the exam.

No. You don't need a physical.

The accompanying adult driver must sit in the passenger seat next to you at all times.

The California Driver's Manual and practice test questions.

The DMV does not require your parents accompany you to your permit test, but you will need a responsible licensed driver who is over 25 years old to accompany you while driving.

The questions cover the rules of the road. The types of questions will differ. You want to know about speed limits, crossings, line colors, blind intersections, road signs, passing lanes, parking distances, parallel parking, center left turn lanes, sharing the road and more. The information you need is all provided in the driver's handbook. Consider taking a practice test to prepare.

To apply for a California provisional instruction permit, you will need to provide the following if you are between 15 œ and 17 œ old:

You will then have to pass the written knowledge exam.

If you are 17 œ or older, you do NOT need to complete driver's education or training. You will still be required to complete an application and pass the permit test.

Yes. A vision test is required when applying for a driver's license in CA. You must have 20/40 acuity with or without glasses.

Yes. You can retake the CA driving exam three times before you must reapply. Reapplying means filing out another Form DL 44, paying the application fee again, passing the written exam and the vision test and taking another picture and thumb print. You will also have to present your Social Security Number and your true full legal name again.

You can reach the DMV by calling (800)-777-0133 or by going online: www.dmv.ca.gov

You must be at least 15 1/2 years old to apply.

Your parent, legal guardian, licensed driving instructor who 25 years old or older or spouse must accompany you to your exam.

No. You don't need a physical.

At the same appointment you take your permit test, you'll also need:

• A completed California Driver's License Application, signed by your parents.
• Proof of identity, including:
  • An original/certified copy of your birth certificate.

OR

• Proof of legal presence in the United States, if you're not a citizen.
• Proof of California residency. (Bring 2 proofs if applying for a REAL ID.)
• Your Driver's Education course completion certificate, if under 17 Âœ.

Before you can apply for a learner's permit in California, you will need to:

• Be at least 15 Âœ years old.
• Pass a state-approved Driver's Education course.

Once that's done, you can apply for your permit. Schedule an appointment at your closest participating DMV office and bring:

• A completed California Driver's License Application, signed by your parents.
• Proof of identity, including:
  • An original/certified copy of your birth certificate.

OR

• Proof of legal presence in the United States, if you're not a citizen.
• Proof of California residency. (Bring 2 proofs if applying for a REAL ID.)
• Your Driver's Education course completion certificate, if under 17 Âœ.

At this same appointment, you'll also have to:

• Pass the written knowledge test.
• Pass an eye exam.
• Provide a thumbprint to the state.
• Pay the application fee.

Once the tests are passed, paperwork filed, and fees paid, you'll be issued your provisional permit.

Yes. If you're under 17 œ years old, you'll need to pass a state-approved Driver's Education course before you can apply for your permit.

If you're between 17 œ and 18 years old, you can apply for your permit without taking the course, but you will have to wait until you're 18 to take your driving skills test.

If you're driving on a California learner's permit, you will ONLY be able to drive when accompanied by:

• Your parent or legal guardian.
• A licensed driving instructor.
• Your spouse.
• A fully-licensed adult who's at least 25 years old.

Once you receive your full license, there are no restrictions.

To earn your license in California, you must pass:

• A vision test.
• The written exam.
• The driving skills test.

If you're under 17 œ years old, you'll have to pass a state-approved Driver's Education course before you can apply for your permit.

In California, you can renew a driver's license:

• Online, using the DMV online portal.
• By mail, using the renewal application that was mailed to your address.
• In person at a DMV office.

Most CA drivers may renew their licenses online or by mail. If you renew in person, you will be required to pass a vision exam.

To renew your license, you must provide your current license number. When renewing in person you will be required to pass a vision test.

In special circumstances you may be required to take the written knowledge test (you will be notified on your renewal notice).

Applying for a REAL ID for the first time requires:

• Proof of identity.
• Proof of social security.
• Proof residency (2 documents required).

You can renew your license up to:

• 6 months before expiration (120 days if you renew online).
• 90 days after it expires.

You may renew your license by mail if you(r):

• Driver license doesn't expire in more than 120 days from the date you are renewing.
• Are under 70 years old.
• Do NOT hold a commercial license.
• Do NOT wish to obtain a REAL ID for the first time.
• Are NOT on driving probation.
• Have NOT have violated a promise to appear in court in the past two years.
• Do NOT have 2 successive five-year extensions in the mail or internet.
• Do NOT have a driver's license from more than one state or jurisdiction.

You may renew your license by mail if you(r):

• Driver license doesn't expire in more than 120 days from the date you are renewing.
• Are under 70 years old.
• Do NOT hold a commercial license.
• Do NOT wish to obtain a REAL ID for the first time.
• Are NOT on driving probation.
• Have NOT have violated a promise to appear in court in the past two years.
• Do NOT have 2 successive five-year extensions in the mail or internet.
• Do NOT have a driver's license from more than one state or jurisdiction.

You may renew your license online if you:

• Do NOT wish to upgrade to a REAL ID.
• Do NOT hold a commercial driver's license.
• Do NOT need to change your name, address, or gender.

• Noncommercial license: $38.
• Commercial license: $49.

No, you do not need an appointment for the written test. However, the behind-the-wheel test requires an appointment.

No. The only persons allowed in the vehicle during your road test is yourself and the examiner.

Some DMV locations are open on select Saturdays. If the office is open on a Saturday, they will allow you to apply for a license or permit and take your written exam. Be sure to arrive well before closing to allow yourself enough time to complete the test.

The DMV written knowledge test is NOT open book. However, you will need to present identity documents, residency proof, and a completed license application to apply for a license or instruction permit.

The written test will test your knowledge of the laws and best defensive driving practices. Use your driving handbook to study and take practice tests to prepare for your exam.

Yes. Consider taking a practice test to make sure you pass on the first try.

You have 3 chances to pass the instruction permit test in California. You must wait 7 days before retrying after a failed attempt. If you fail 3 attempts, you must reapply for your permit and pay the application fee again.

No. Permit tests are only administered at CA DMV offices.

The CA DMV knowledge test is typically administered over the computer. However, certain accommodations can be made in special needs cases. Make sure to notify the DMV if you may need assistance.

After you have passed your permit test, you must wait at least 6 months before you can schedule your road test. During this time, you must complete 50 practice hours on the road with a licensed California driver, who is over 25. 10 practice hours must be completed at night. You must also complete your Driver's Education course and complete 6 hours of professional driver's training.

It's best to take your permit test at your local DMV office. To schedule your appointment call 1-800-777-01333 or visit www.dmv.ca.gov.

The CA DMV now has an online appointment system. You may schedule your appointment by visiting www.dmv.ca.gov or you may call 1-800-777-01333 to schedule.

Yes. If you're applying for a first-time license in California and you're 18 or older, you will still need to get a learner's permit before you can earn your full license.

You'll have as long as you need to take the test. However, the state recommends scheduling an appointment before 4:30 to give yourself enough time.

If you failed your CA Driving Exam, you must wait at least 2 weeks before you can reschedule your road test. You have three opportunities to pass the road test before you must reapply again.

The examiner will tell you the areas you need to improve upon if you fail your road test. Take the examiner's advice and practice, targetting specially those weaker areas the examiner pointed out. You must wait 2 weeks before rescheduling your test. During that time, it's important to practice. Don't rush to take the exam to oquickly. Make sure you are ready before you pay the retest fee and schedule to take the test again.

Yes. You must wait 7 days to schedule a retest if you are under 18 years old.

You may retake the written test up to three times before you have to pay another $31 application fee.

You do not need to pass a CA Driving Exam if you already hold a valid license in another state, as long as you are prepared to surrender your out-of-state license. You will have to take a written knowledge test. You are allowed 3 attempts. If you do not have an out-of-state license, you will have to take the driver's test.

You have 10 days after establishing CA residency to apply for your license or ID. Establishing residency means you:

• Registered to vote in CA.
• Started paying tuition at a California University.
• Filed for exemption from homeowner's property tax.
• Acquired privileges or benefits only extended to residents.

You will have to apply for a California permit. If you completed driver's education and training already, you must provide a DL 33 form completed by your out-of-state school. which you can obtain from your local DMV office or by calling 1-800-777-01333.

If you're visiting California and have no plans to relocate there, you can drive on your out-of-state license:

• If you're 18 or older: For the duration of your trip.
• If you're 16 or 17: For no more than 10 days.

If you plan on relocating to California permanently, you only have 10 days to transfer your out-of-state license.

If the court does not mandate that you install an ignition interlock device (IID), you may elect to get one installed and avoid having to wait out the 30-day suspension.

Once the device is installed, you may drive wherever you want, whenever you want.

You'll still have to visit a DMV office and:

• Provide proof you enrolled in a DUI program.
• Prove you have insurance (SR-22).
• Prove you've installed an IID (present a DL 920 certificate).
• Pay the $125 APS fee.

It depends on your age:

• Minors can miss 8 questions out of 36.
• Adults can miss 6 questions out of 36.

No. Only non-commercial hardship licenses can be obtained in California. Commercial drivers may not apply for a restricted license.