California permit practice tests
Nine free section tests built from the official California driver handbook. Every answer comes with the reasoning and the section to look it up under.
DMV publishes the passing score as 80% and allows three attempts. Question counts vary by test form, so confirm the current format when you book.
The nine section tests
Road Signs
Shapes, colors and what each sign actually requires you to do. The single most-tested section on every state exam.
2Signals & Road Markings
Traffic lights, flashing signals, and what the yellow and white lines on the pavement permit you to do.
3Right-of-Way
Who goes first at stops, left turns, roundabouts, school buses and emergency vehicles.
4Speed & Following Distance
The basic speed law, the three-second rule, stopping distance and adjusting for weather.
5Parking & Stopping
Hill parking, curb colors, prohibited places, and the distances people lose points on.
6Alcohol, Drugs & the Law
BAC limits, zero tolerance, implied consent, and how medications affect driving.
7Emergencies & Hazards
Skids, blowouts, brake failure, running off the pavement, fog and collision duties.
8Sharing the Road
Trucks and their blind spots, motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians and Move Over laws.
9State-Specific Laws
The rules that differ where you live — speed limits, curb colors, phone laws and local penalties.
Go further
Full Simulated Exam
A complete mock exam in your state's real format and length, scored the way the state scores it.
Missed-Question Drill
Re-serves only the questions you have gotten wrong, and retires each one after you answer it correctly twice.
California rules worth memorizing
| Maximum speed limit | 65 mph on most freeways; 70 mph where posted |
|---|---|
| Residential & business districts | 25 mph unless posted otherwise |
| Blind intersections and alleys | 15 mph |
| School zone | 25 mph when children are present |
| Fire hydrant clearance | 15 feet |
| Phone use | Hands-free only; drivers under 18 may not use a phone at all |
Curb colors in California
| Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Red | No stopping, standing or parking |
| Yellow | Loading zone — commercial loading only, time limited |
| White | Passenger loading or drop-off, brief stops only |
| Green | Limited-time parking, as posted |
| Blue | Disabled parking with a placard or plate |
Common questions
How many questions are on the California permit test?
California DMV publishes the passing score as 80%, with 3 attempts before you must reapply. Confirm with California DMV before you go in.
Are these the real California DMV test questions?
No, and you should be skeptical of anyone who says theirs are. Real exam questions are not public. These are original questions written from the official California driver handbook, covering the same rules the exam is drawn from. That's what actually prepares you — memorizing a leaked question list doesn't help when the exam words it differently.
Is street parking free on the day of my test — do I need anything else?
Bring the documents California DMV lists for your application. This site prepares you for the knowledge portion only; check the official handbook for document and appointment requirements.
What score do I need to pass?
California DMV publishes the passing score as 80%, with 3 attempts before you must reapply. Confirm with California DMV before you go in.
How long should I study?
Most people who fail did one pass through the handbook and nothing else. Working through all nine section tests, then re-drilling only what you missed, is usually a few hours total — and it's the re-drilling that moves the score.