CA · Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

California driving test prep

Roundabouts, colored curbs, and the Basic Speed Law — prep for how the DMV actually tests.

46

questions on the exam

38

correct to pass (83%)

45 min

time limit

35

languages offered

Your readiness

📝 Permit exam0%

🚗 Road test0%

Fresh slate. Answer questions and play scenarios — these bars remember everything.

Interactive scenarios

15 playable now — drive the decision, watch the outcome.

Permit practice test

301 CA-specific questions, explained, with manual references.

Exam simulator

The real format: 46 questions, 45 minutes, 38 to pass.

Road test prep

The examiner's score sheet, parallel parking coach, and the instant-fail watchlist.

Unlock California

$14.99once. no subscription.

✓ Every practice question — the full bank, no daily cap
✓ All interactive scenarios, crashes included
✓ Unlimited timed exam simulator attempts
✓ Full road test prep, parallel parking coach included
✓ Pass guarantee — fail your exam, get a refund

Study guides

Rules of the RoadRight-of-way, speed limits, lanes and turns, highway driving, and safe-driving practice — the largest share of the real exam.Road Signs, Signals & MarkingsSign shapes and colors, traffic signals, and pavement markings — they appear on every version of the exam.Penalties, Alcohol & Drug LawsOUI limits and penalties, implied consent, suspensions, and violations — the questions test-takers miss most.Junior Operator Law & LicensingJOL restrictions and penalties, permits, and road test rules — essential for anyone under 18.

Common questions

How many questions are on the California permit test?

46 multiple-choice questions, drawn at random. You must answer 38 correctly (83%) within the 45-minute time limit.

What topics does the CA DMV permit exam cover?

Rules of the road and safe driving (the largest share), road signs and signals, alcohol and drug laws with their penalties, and Junior Operator Law restrictions.

How many languages is the CA permit exam offered in?

35 languages, with audio versions available at the testing stations.

Does the California license require more than the written test?

Yes — after the written permit exam you must pass a road test with a DMV examiner, covering skills like parallel parking, three-point turns, backing up, and hand signals.

Worth knowing in California

California's drive test has NO parallel parking — you'll back in a straight line along the curb for three vehicle lengths instead.
The pre-drive checklist is graded: you must locate and demonstrate controls, including the three hand signals, before leaving the lot.
Provisional rules bite: for the first 12 months, no driving 11 p.m.–5 a.m. and no passengers under 20 without a driver 25+ aboard.
The knowledge exam is untimed at the DMV — our simulator adds a clock for pacing practice.
Automated parking and lane-keeping features must stay off during the drive test; backup cameras may be used but don't replace head checks.