You can take the written test in Vietnamese, but the behind-the-wheel test is only in English

California's Department of Motor Vehicles offers the written knowledge test in Vietnamese, along with 30 other languages. You can study from a Vietnamese-language test manual, take the written exam in Vietnamese at any DMV office, and receive your results in Vietnamese. However, the behind-the-wheel driving test — where an examiner sits in your car and watches you drive — is only conducted in English, regardless of what language you used for the written portion.

This split matters because you need to pass both tests to get your license. If you are not comfortable understanding driving instructions in English during the road test, you should prepare for that separately from studying the written material. The DMV does not provide interpreters for the driving test, and you cannot bring your own interpreter into the vehicle.

Key Takeaways

  • The written knowledge test is available in Vietnamese at any California DMV office, and you can request it when you schedule your appointment or arrive in person.
  • The behind-the-wheel driving test is only in English, so you will need to understand basic driving commands and safety instructions in English to pass it.
  • The Vietnamese-language test manual is the official DMV study guide and covers the same road rules and signs as the English version.
  • You must bring a valid ID, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number to your written test appointment, regardless of which language you choose.
  • Scheduling your written test in Vietnamese does not delay your appointment — you book the same way as English-language test takers.

How to request the Vietnamese-language written test

When you book your DMV appointment online through the California DMV website or by calling 1-800-777-0133, you can select Vietnamese as your test language. If you are scheduling in person at a DMV office, tell the staff member you want to take the test in Vietnamese and they will note it in your file. The DMV will have a Vietnamese version of the test ready for your appointment — you do not need to request it separately or provide advance notice beyond selecting it during booking.

If you have already scheduled an appointment in English and want to switch to Vietnamese, call the DMV phone line or visit your local office to change your language preference. This change can usually be made up to a few days before your test date, though availability varies by location.

What the Vietnamese written test covers

The Vietnamese-language test contains the same 36 questions as the English version, drawn from the same pool of possible questions. You will be tested on California traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, parking regulations, and safe driving practices. The test is multiple choice, and you need to answer at least 30 questions correctly to pass.

The official DMV study guide in Vietnamese is called the California Driver Handbook and is available free on the DMV website as a PDF read. You can also request a printed copy at any DMV office. The handbook explains each rule and shows pictures of road signs with their meanings. Studying this handbook is the most direct way to prepare, since the test questions come directly from the material it covers.

Preparing for the English-language driving test

Because the behind-the-wheel test is only in English, you should spend time before your test learning the commands and instructions an examiner might give. Common phrases include "turn left," "turn right," "pull over," "merge," "proceed," "stop at the next red light," and "park here." The examiner will also ask you to demonstrate specific skills, such as parallel parking or a three-point turn, and will give these instructions in English.

If you have a friend or family member who speaks English, ask them to ride with you during practice drives and give you instructions in English. This helps you become comfortable hearing and responding to driving commands. You can also watch YouTube videos of California driving tests to hear the exact language examiners use. The more familiar the English instructions sound, the less mental effort you will need to understand them during the actual test.

Documents you need for your written test appointment

Bring three things to your written test appointment: a valid ID (such as a passport or foreign driver's license), proof of California residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return). These requirements are the same whether you take the test in Vietnamese or English. If you do not have all three documents, the DMV will not let you test.

Arrive at least 15 minutes early. The DMV will check your documents, take your photo, and have you sign a form confirming you understand the test rules. Then you will be seated at a computer or given a paper test in Vietnamese and have up to one hour to complete it.

What happens after you pass the written test

Once you pass the written test in Vietnamese, you will receive a permit that allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. You can then schedule your behind-the-wheel test at any DMV office. There is no waiting period between passing the written test and taking the driving test — you can schedule it for the next available appointment, which may be weeks or months away depending on your local DMV's schedule.

When you show up for your driving test, bring the same documents you brought for the written test, plus your permit and the vehicle you will be driving. The examiner will be English-speaking only. They will give you directions throughout the test, and you will need to understand and follow them to pass. If you do not understand an instruction, you can ask the examiner to repeat it, but they will not translate it into Vietnamese or speak more slowly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a translator to my behind-the-wheel test?

No. The DMV does not allow interpreters or translators in the vehicle during the driving test. Only you and the examiner are permitted in the car. If you cannot understand the examiner's English instructions, you will not be able to complete the test.

Is the Vietnamese test harder than the English test?

No. The test questions are identical — they are just translated into Vietnamese. The difficulty level and passing score (30 out of 36 correct) are the same for all languages. The translation is official and reviewed for accuracy by the DMV.

What if I fail the written test in Vietnamese?

You can retake it. You must wait at least one day before scheduling your next attempt. You can take the retest in Vietnamese again, or you can switch to English if you prefer. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the written test, though you will pay the test fee each time.

Do I need to speak English to get a California driver's license?

You need to understand English well enough to follow the examiner's instructions during the behind-the-wheel test. The written test can be taken in Vietnamese, but the driving test cannot. If you cannot understand basic driving commands in English, you will not pass the road test.

Where can I read the Vietnamese Driver Handbook?

Visit the California DMV website at dmv.ca.gov, go to the "Handbooks and Manuals" section, and select Vietnamese from the language menu. The PDF is free to read. You can also request a printed copy at any DMV office, though printed copies may take a few days to arrive.