The California permit test covers road rules, safe driving, and vehicle operation

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) written permit test has 46 questions. You must answer at least 39 correctly to pass. The test draws from the California Driver Handbook, which is free and available online at the DMV website. Every question on the test appears in that handbook — nothing is a surprise if you have read it.

The test is multiple choice with three answer options per question. You take it on a computer at a DMV office or an approved testing location. You get your score when ready after you finish. If you do not pass, you can retake it the same day at most locations, though you may have to pay the fee again.

Key Takeaways

  • The permit test has 46 questions, and you need 39 correct answers to pass — that is about 85 percent.
  • Every question comes from the California Driver Handbook, so reading it cover to cover is the most direct way to study.
  • Questions cover traffic signs and signals, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, and what to do in emergencies or bad weather.
  • The test is given on a computer, and you find out your score before you leave the DMV office.
  • You can take the test in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, Russian, Arabic, or Hmong.

Traffic signs, signals, and road markings make up a large section

Expect questions that show you a sign and ask what it means. Red octagon means stop. Yellow diamond means warning — slow down and be ready to stop. White rectangle with black letters is a regulatory sign telling you what you must or must not do. You need to know what a solid yellow line means (do not cross), what a dashed yellow line means (you can cross to pass), and the difference between a solid white line (stay in your lane) and a dashed white line (you can change lanes).

Questions also ask about traffic light colors and what they mean. Red means stop. Yellow means the light is about to turn red, so slow down and prepare to stop unless you are already in the intersection. Green means go, but you still have to check for other traffic and pedestrians before you proceed. You will see questions about pedestrian signals, bicycle signals, and what to do when a traffic light is broken or flashing.

Right-of-way rules determine who goes first at intersections and in other situations

The test asks many questions about who has the right of way. At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to arrive goes first. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the one on the right goes first. When you are turning left, oncoming traffic and pedestrians in the crosswalk have the right of way. When you are turning right on red, you must yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic.

Other right-of-way scenarios include merging onto a highway (you must yield to traffic already on the highway), roundabouts (yield to traffic already in the circle), and parking lots (treat other vehicles like you would at an intersection). Questions also cover pedestrians in crosswalks, people with guide dogs or white canes, and school buses with red lights flashing (you must stop from both directions).

Speed limits, following distance, and safe driving practices

The test includes questions about speed limits in different zones. The basic speed limit on California highways is 65 miles per hour for cars, but you must slow down in bad weather, heavy traffic, or when visibility is poor. In residential areas, the limit is usually 25 miles per hour unless a sign says otherwise. Near schools, the limit is 25 miles per hour during school hours. You need to know that you cannot exceed the posted limit even if conditions seem safe.

Following distance questions ask how far back you should stay from the car in front of you. The rule is the three-second rule: pick a fixed object ahead, count the seconds it takes your car to reach it after the car in front passes it, and maintain at least three seconds of distance. In heavy traffic or bad weather, increase that distance. Questions also cover safe speeds for curves, hills, and wet roads, and what to do if your brakes fail.

Parking rules and where you cannot stop or park

The test asks where parking is illegal. You cannot park in a red zone, a white zone (except to load or unload passengers), a yellow zone (except to load or unload cargo), or a blue zone (reserved for people with disabilities). You cannot park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection, in front of a driveway, on a sidewalk, or on the wrong side of the street at night.

Questions also cover parking on hills — you must turn your wheels toward the curb when parking uphill and away from the curb when parking downhill, so the car rolls toward the curb if the brakes fail. You need to know that you cannot park in a handicap space unless you have a valid disabled person placard or license plate, and you cannot park in a red zone even for a moment.

Driving in bad weather, at night, and in emergencies

The test includes questions about how to drive safely when it is raining, foggy, or snowing. You must slow down, increase your following distance, and use your headlights. If your car starts to skid on a wet road, you should ease off the gas and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go — do not slam on the brakes. If your brakes fail, pump them gently, downshift to a lower gear, and look for a safe place to stop.

Night driving questions cover when to use headlights (from sunset to sunrise and any time visibility is poor), when to use high beams (only when no other traffic is near), and how to handle glare from oncoming headlights (look to the right edge of the road instead of straight ahead). Questions also ask what to do if you have a blowout, your engine overheats, or you see an emergency vehicle with lights and sirens — you must pull over and let it pass.

Alcohol, drugs, and distracted driving laws

The test covers California's zero-tolerance law for drivers under 21 — any amount of alcohol in your system is illegal. For drivers 21 and older, the legal limit is 0.08 percent blood alcohol content. You cannot drive under the influence of drugs, including prescription medications that impair your ability to drive safely. The test asks about the signs of impaired driving and what to do if you see a driver who appears to be under the influence.

Distracted driving questions cover cell phone use — you cannot hold a phone while driving, and texting is illegal at any age. Hands-free devices are allowed, but you still cannot text. Questions also ask about eating, drinking, adjusting the radio, or looking at passengers while driving. You need to know that distracted driving is a primary offense, meaning an officer can stop you for it without any other reason.

Vehicle equipment, maintenance, and registration requirements

The test asks about equipment your car must have: working brakes, steering, lights, windshield wipers, horn, and mirrors. Your tires must have at least 2/32 of an inch of tread. Your windshield must not be cracked in a way that blocks your view. You must have a valid registration and proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times. Questions also cover seat belts — everyone in the car must wear one, and children under a certain age or weight must be in a car seat or booster seat.

You need to know that you are responsible for keeping your vehicle in safe working condition. If your brakes fail or your steering does not work, you cannot drive the car. If a warning light comes on, you should have the car checked by a mechanic. The test may ask what different dashboard warning lights mean — for example, a red oil can means low oil pressure, and a thermometer means the engine is overheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the California permit test?

There are 46 questions on the written permit test. You must answer at least 39 correctly to pass, which is about 85 percent. The test is multiple choice with three answer options for each question.

Can I take the permit test in a language other than English?

Yes. The DMV offers the permit test in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, Russian, Arabic, and Hmong. You choose your language when you schedule your test appointment or when you arrive at the DMV office.

Where do the permit test questions come from?

Every question on the permit test comes from the California Driver Handbook, which you can read free on the DMV website. The handbook covers traffic laws, safe driving practices, and vehicle operation. Reading the handbook is the most direct way to study for the test.

What happens if I fail the permit test?

You can retake the test the same day at most DMV locations, though you may have to pay the test fee again. There is no waiting period between attempts. You get your score when ready after you finish, so you know right away whether you passed or need to study more and try again.

Are there questions about driving on freeways or highways?

Yes. The test includes questions about freeway driving, such as merging, using acceleration lanes, maintaining safe speeds, and yielding to traffic already on the highway. You will also see questions about when you can and cannot use the carpool lane, and what to do if you miss your exit.