California DMV Written Test: Passing Score & Tips

What Is the California Written Test?

The California DMV knowledge test (also called the written test) checks your understanding of traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must pass it to get your learner’s permit or driver’s license.

All questions come directly from the California Driver Handbook. DMV states there are no trick questions — but the wording can be precise, so study carefully.

Passing Score: 83%

You need approximately 83% correct to pass. The exact number of questions varies by applicant type (new driver vs. renewal vs. commercial).

3 Attempts Per Application

You get 3 attempts to pass within 12 months on a single $46 application.

• Under 18: Must wait 7 days between attempts
• 18 and over: Can retest the next business day

After 3 failures, you must submit a new application and repay the $46 fee.

Test Format

• Multiple-choice: 3 answer options per question
• Source: All questions from the California Driver Handbook
• Method: Touchscreen kiosks at DMV offices (no more paper tests)
• Timing: Not timed — take your time and read carefully
• Online option: Available Mon–Fri 8am–4pm with webcam monitoring (verify current eligibility on dmv.ca.gov)

Paper or touchscreen? The DMV scrapped the paper test about a decade ago, and the touchscreen terminal is the default at every office — paper survives only in certain cases, as an accommodation, and the at-home online test ended for first-time applicants in January 2025. Our paper vs touchscreen guide compares all three formats, explains who still gets paper, and covers the 2025 change in full.

Can you take the written test online instead? For first-time applicants, no — the at-home proctored test ended in January 2025, and the only current at-home option is the no-fail eLearning course for non-commercial Class C renewals. Our written test online guide explains who qualifies, how eLearning works step by step, and why you still have to visit a DMV office even after passing from home.

35 Languages Available

The knowledge test is offered in 35 languages including Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Hindi, Punjabi, Arabic, and more.

Note: Language availability may vary between online and in-office testing. Confirm with your local DMV office.

70+? You Might Skip the Test

Since October 2024, most drivers age 70+ with a clean recent driving record are no longer required to take the knowledge test at renewal.

You’ll still visit the office for vision screening and a new photo. You must still test if you had 2+ accidents in the last 2 years or 3+ in the last 3 years.

For the full senior picture — the complete trigger list, the no-fail eLearning route, and how the vision test fits in — see our seniors knowledge test guide.

How to Pass: 7 Tips

What to Bring

• Completed driver’s license application (online or DL 44 form)
• Proof of identity and residency documents
• $46 application fee
• Glasses/contacts if you need them for the vision test

The Hardest Sections (Where People Fail)

These topics trip up the most test-takers:

• Alcohol limits: 0.01% under-21, 0.08% adult, 0.04% commercial — the #1 trap
• Speed limits (unposted): 15 mph blind intersections, 25 mph business/school zones, 55 mph two-lane roads, 65 mph highways
• Parking distances: 15 ft from hydrants, 20 ft from crosswalks, 18 inches from curb
• Curb colors: White (passenger loading), Green (short-term), Yellow (commercial), Red (no stopping), Blue (disabled)
• Turn signals: 100 feet before turning; 200 feet max in center turn lane

California-Specific Laws to Memorize

• Hands-free: No handheld phone use while driving (CVC 23123) — $162 base fine
• 3-foot rule: Must give cyclists 3 feet when passing
• Under-18: No phone use at all, even hands-free

What Happens After You Pass

Passing the knowledge test gets you a learner’s permit. Then:

• Hold permit for 6 months minimum
• Complete 50 hours supervised driving (10 at night)
• Complete 6 hours professional behind-the-wheel training
• Supervisor must be 25+ with valid CA license

Provisional License Restrictions

For drivers under 18 (CVC 12814.6):

• Curfew: No driving 11 PM – 5 AM (first 12 months)
• Passengers: No passengers under 20 without licensed adult 25+
• Phone: No phone use at all until age 18
• Exceptions require a signed note in the vehicle

For the complete guide to the provisional license — restrictions, exceptions, and penalties — see our California provisional license guide.

Related Guides

Last verified against bar.ca.gov and dmv.ca.gov: October 15, 2026. Requirements change — confirm current rules with BAR or the DMV before your visit.