California DMV Practice Tests

The California driver's manual isn't enough for the written exam. The California permit practice test is just one more way you can prepare. We also have the California road signs test and the California new-to-state driver's license test if needed.

Your California DMV Practice Tests

We've arranged several CA DMV practice tests for your convenience. Please pick the one below that fits your needs the best.

FREE Practice Tests

Your California DMV Handbooks

Before you take a practice test make sure you've reviewed the California drivers handbook. You will be tested on this content! Find them online below:

Review your Handbook

+ Frequently Asked Questions

We've gathered a list of frequently ask questions by California drivers. Please click to expand.
Click here to ask your driving related question.

Ask a driving related question on AnswersforDrivers.com.

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California Driver’s License Resources

Whether you’re getting ready to take your learner’s permit written test for the first time, studying to get a motorcycle endorsement so you can ride your new bike, or preparing for your CDL exam to drive a commercial vehicle, we’ve gathered a wealth of resources and knowledge to help you obtain your driving credentials.

All Drivers

If you’re renewing a license that has been expired for longer than a year, or if you’re applying for reinstatement after a suspension, you may have to retake the written exam in order to obtain your license.

Free Practice Tests

Driver's License practice tests
Learner's Permit practice tests
Motorcycle Endorsement practice tests
CDL practice tests
Road Signs and Signals practice tests

Resources for all drivers

Read the official California driver’s manual
Check out our frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Buy a driver’s license test cheat sheet: basic or advanced
Buy a driver’s license renewal test cheat sheet: basic or advanced
Read our driving safety articles

California DMV quick links for all drivers

California DMV home page
Renew online
DMV office locations
DMV license processing center locations
License fees
Identification requirements checklists

New & Teen Drivers

In California, to obtain an Instruction Permit you must: be at least 15 and a half years of age; submit proof of driver education completion; and pass a knowledge test. If you are at least 18 years of age, you do not have to provide proof of driver education completion to obtain an Instruction Permit. To obtain a Minor’s Provisional License, you must: be at least 16 years old; provide proof of driver education completion; have held an Instruction Permit for at least 6 months; provide a parent’s signature on your permit indicating completion of 50 hours of supervised driving (10 hours at night); and pass a driving test. If you are over 18 years of age, to obtain a Driver License you must: pass a knowledge exam and receive a permit; and pass a driving test.

Resources for new & teen drivers

Read the official California driver’s manual
Take one of our free learner’s permit practice tests
Check out our new & teen driver frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Buy a learner’s permit test cheat sheet: basic or advanced
Buy a driver’s license test cheat sheet: basic or advanced
Check rates or buy car insurance

California DMV quick links for new & teen drivers

How to apply for a Driver License (over 18)
How to apply for a Provisional Permit (under 18)
Driving School information
Minor's Provisional License checklist
Permit checklist (under 18 years of age)
Permit checklist (over 18 years of age)
Driver License FAQ

New-to-State Drivers

New California residents have 10 days after establishing residency in the state to exchange an out-of-state license for a California license. You will be required to pass a knowledge exam to exchange your out-of-state license for a California license.

Resources for new-to-state drivers

Read the official California driver’s manual
Take one of our free driver’s license practice tests
Check out our new-to-state frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Buy a new-to-state driver’s license test cheat sheet: basic or advanced
Check rates or buy car insurance

Motorcycles

In California, to obtain a Motorcycle Permit you must: be at least 15 and a half years of age and pass a knowledge test. To obtain a Motorcycle License, you must: be at least 16 years of age; have possessed a motorcycle permit for at least 6 months; provide proof of driver education training completion; and provide a completion certificate from a motorcycle rider training course. If you are 18 years of age or older, to obtain a Motorcycle License you must: pass a knowledge test and provide a completion certificate from a motorcycle rider training course. If you are over 21 years of age, instead of presenting a completion certificate from a motorcycle rider training course, you may pass a motorcycle driving test to obtain a Motorcycle License.

Resources for motorcyclists

Read the official California motorcycle manual
Take one of our free motorcycle license practice tests
Check out our motorcycle license frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Buy a motorcycle license test cheat sheet: basic or advanced
New-to-state motorcycle insurance

California DMV quick links for motorcycles

Motorcycle License information (over 18)
Motorcycle License information (under 18)
Motorcycle License checklist
Motorcycle Permit checklist
Motorcycle Safety Course information

CDL

In California, to obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) you must: be at least 18 years of age and pass a general knowledge test. To obtain a Commercial Driver License (CDL) you must: possess a CLP and pass the CDL road skills test.

Resources for CDL

Read the official California CDL manual
Take one of our free CDL practice tests
Buy a CDL test paid cheat sheet: basic or advanced
Check rates or buy CDL insurance

California DMV quick links for CDL

CDL information
CDL checklist
CLP checklist
CDL testing information
CDL testing office locations

California DMV Driving Test Info

Who has to take the written test?

Anyone who is getting their driver's license for the first time must pass the written test. Teens can take the test if they are at least 16 years old, have successfully completed driver's education, and have held a driving permit for at least 6 months.

Do I have to Take the written test to Renewing my Drivers License?

When your license is up for renewal you will be mailed a notice that states whether or not you will be required to take the written test. The written test for renewal will only have 18 questions, of which you must correctly answer 15, and you will have 3 attempts to pass.

If you're new to state are you required to take the written test?

All applicants for new driver's licenses in California are required to pass the written test. However, if you hold a valid driver's license from another state then you will be allowed to waive the on-road driving test.

Who has to take the on-road driving test?

Anyone who is getting their driver's license for the first time must pass both the written and driving tests. Additionally, you will also be required to re-pass both tests if your driver's license has expired and you want to renew it.

How many questions are on the written test?

There are 36 questions on the written test.

How many questions must you get right?

You must answer at least 30 questions correctly in order to pass.

If you fail when can you retake the test?

You can retake the test again in 7 days.

How many times can you retake the test?

You are given three chances to pass the test.

California DMV Motorcycle Permit Test Info

What are the Motorcycle Permit age limits?

You must be at least 16 years old and have held a driving permit for at least 6 months before you can take the test. If you are under 18 years of age you must also have parental consent.

How many questions are on the test?

There are 25 questions on the test.

How many must you get correct to pass?

You must answer at least 20 questions correctly in order to pass.

California DMV Motorcyle Permit Resctictions

You cannot drive on highways, drive during hours of darkness, or carry any passengers.

Do you need to take an on-road motorcycle riding test?

If you are under 21 and hold a valid California driver's license then you are not required to take the on-road motorcycle skill test in order to get your motorcycle license. If you are over 21 and have complete an approved motorcycle rider training course then you may present a certificate of successful completion in lieu of taking the on-road test.

Are there any other state specific age requirements or restrictions for motorcycles?

If you are less than 21 years of age you are required to take the motorcycle rider training course given by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and provide a form proving successful completion to the DMV before you can be issued your license.

What is California Helmet Law?

All operators and passengers of a motorcycle are required to wear a protective helmet meeting state-approved safety standards at all times while operating or riding on the motorcycle, regardless of their age.


California Watercraft Written Safety Test Info

Currently, the State of California does not require its citizens to obtain a license to operate boats or other watercraft.

 
 
Drivers License Practice Packages
License Tests Variations
Number of Questions in Pool
Easy Online Practice
Print and take With You "Cheat Sheet"
Guaranteed to Pass OR YOUR MONEY BACK?
Drivers Permit Practice Package Price
 
Basic Practice
unlimited
50
No
$9.95
Continue
Advanced Practice
unlimited
100
$19.95
Continue
Our Test
1
20
 
No
no cost
Continue
california Drivers License Practice Packages
License Tests Variations
Number of Questions in Pool
Easy Online Practice
Print and take With You "Cheat Sheet"
Guaranteed to Pass OR YOUR MONEY BACK?
Drivers License Package Price
 
Basic Practice
unlimited
50
No
$9.95
Continue
Advanced Practice
unlimited
100
$19.95
Continue
Our Test
1
20
 
No
no cost
Continue
california Drivers License Practice Packages
License Tests Variations
Number of Questions in Pool
Easy Online Practice
Print and take With You "Cheat Sheet"
Guaranteed to Pass OR YOUR MONEY BACK?
Drivers License Package Price
 
Basic Practice
unlimited
50
No
$9.95
Continue
Advanced Practice
unlimited
100
$19.95
Continue
Our Test
1
20
 
No
no cost
Continue
Motorcycle Permit Practice Packages
Motorcycle Permit Practice Packages
Test Variations
Number of Questions in Pool
Easy Online Practice
State Specific Questions
 
Basic Practice
$9.95
unlimited
50
Continue
Advanced Practice
$14.95
unlimited
100
Continue
Our Test
no cost
1
15
 
Continue
Drivers License Practice Packages
CDL Package Price
CDL Tests Variations
Number of Questions in Pool
Easy Online Practice
State Specific Questions
 
Basic Practice
$9.95
unlimited
50
Continue
Advanced Practice
$14.95
unlimited
100
Continue
Our Test
no cost
1
20
 
Continue
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