You cannot skip questions on most permit tests — you must answer every question before you can submit
The permit test software used by most state DMVs requires you to answer every single question on the exam before the system will let you finish and submit your answers. If you leave a question blank and try to move forward or submit, the test will either lock that question and force you back to it, or display a warning that all questions must be answered.
Some states use slightly different testing systems, so the exact behavior varies. A few allow you to mark a question and come back to it later within the same test session, but you still cannot leave the testing booth without answering it. The intent is the same across all states: the DMV wants a complete answer sheet from every test-taker.
If you genuinely cannot answer a question, you still have to choose something. Leaving it blank is not an option that will be accepted by the system.
Key Takeaways
- The testing software will not let you submit your test until every question has an answer selected.
- If you try to skip a question, the system will either prevent you from moving forward or show an error message requiring you to go back and fill it in.
- You can usually mark a question as one you want to review later, but you must still answer it before leaving the test.
- If you do not know an answer, your best strategy is to make your best guess rather than leave it blank, since blank answers count as wrong anyway.
How the testing system handles skipped questions
When you encounter a question you are unsure about, most DMV testing interfaces let you mark it with a flag or bookmark feature. This puts a visual indicator on that question so you can find it easily when you review your answers at the end. However, marking a question does not let you leave it unanswered — you must still select an answer choice before you can move to the next question.
The system typically works like this: you read the question, select one of the multiple-choice options, then click "Next" to move forward. If no answer is selected, clicking "Next" either does nothing or displays a message saying "Please select an answer to continue." You are then sent back to that question until you make a choice.
Some testing software shows you a summary screen at the end where you can review all your answers before final submission. This is your chance to go back and reconsider any questions you marked or guessed on. But even at this final review stage, you cannot submit the test with any blank answers.
What to do if you do not know the answer
Since you must answer every question, your strategy should be to make an educated guess rather than panic. Read the question carefully and eliminate any answer choices that are clearly wrong. Even if you are not certain, selecting the most likely answer is better than leaving it blank — both result in a wrong answer if you guess incorrectly, but at least you have a chance of being right.
This is why studying practice tests beforehand matters. The more questions you have seen before test day, the fewer truly unfamiliar questions you will face. You may not remember the exact answer, but the question format and topic will feel familiar, making it easier to reason through.
If you reach a question that seems completely unfamiliar or confusing, take a breath and read it one more time. Permit test questions are designed to test knowledge of actual driving laws and safety rules, not trick you. The answer is usually one of the four choices in front of you.
Reviewing your answers before submitting
Most DMV testing systems give you a review screen after you have answered all questions. This screen shows you a list of every question and your selected answer, often with visual indicators for questions you marked or felt uncertain about. Use this time to reconsider any answers you guessed on.
Do not change an answer unless you are quite confident the new choice is better. Research shows that your first instinct is often correct, and changing answers out of nervousness usually makes your score worse, not better. Only change an answer if you realize you misread the question or suddenly remember information that makes a different choice clearly right.
Once you are satisfied with your answers, you submit the test. At that point, the system locks your responses and scores your exam. You cannot go back and change anything after submission.
What happens if you run out of time
Permit tests have a time limit, usually between 30 and 60 minutes depending on your state. If time runs out before you have answered all questions, the test ends automatically. Any unanswered questions are marked as wrong.
This is another reason to pace yourself during the test. Do not spend five minutes on a single difficult question. If you are stuck, make your best guess, mark it for review if the system allows, and move on. You can come back to it during the review period if time permits. Answering all questions — even with some guesses — is better than running out of time with several blank answers.
How skipped or wrong answers affect your score
Your permit test score is based on the number of correct answers out of the total questions. Most states require you to score at least 80 percent correct to pass, though some require 70 or 75 percent. A blank answer and a wrong answer are treated the same way — both count against you.
If you guess on a question and get it wrong, you lose one point. If you leave it blank (which the system will not let you do anyway), you also lose one point. There is no penalty for guessing, so there is no reason to leave anything blank even if you are completely unsure.
Your final score report shows only your percentage correct and whether you passed or failed. It does not break down which questions you guessed on or which ones you got wrong, so there is no lasting record of your uncertainty — only your final result.
Preparing so you do not have to guess
The best way to avoid being stuck on difficult questions is to study the permit manual and take practice tests before your exam date. Practice tests show you the types of questions the DMV actually asks and help you learn the material in the format you will see on test day.
Focus your studying on areas where you feel weakest. If you struggle with right-of-way rules, spend extra time on those questions in practice tests. If parking and stopping rules confuse you, drill those specifically. By test day, most questions should feel familiar even if you have not memorized every detail.
Take multiple practice tests under timed conditions so you get used to the pace and pressure. This builds confidence and reduces the number of questions where you are truly guessing blindly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mark a question and come back to it later?
Most DMV testing systems let you flag or bookmark a question so you can find it easily during your review period. However, you must still select an answer before moving to the next question. You cannot leave it blank and skip it entirely.
What if I run out of time before answering all questions?
The test ends automatically when time runs out. Any unanswered questions are marked as wrong. This is why pacing matters — make your best guess on difficult questions rather than spending too much time on any single one.
Does guessing hurt my score?
No. A wrong answer and a blank answer both count the same way against your score. Since you must answer every question anyway, guessing gives you at least a chance of being correct, while leaving it blank guarantees it is wrong.
Can I go back and change my answers after I submit?
No. Once you submit the test, your answers are locked and scored when ready. You cannot make changes after submission. This is why the review screen before submission is important — use it to reconsider any answers you are unsure about.
What percentage do I need to pass the permit test?
Most states require 80 percent correct to pass, though some require 70 or 75 percent. Check your state's DMV website to confirm the exact passing score before you test.