The California DMV offers its online knowledge test in 35 languages, which is the widest choice you will get. DMV test languages in California depend on where and how you test: at a DMV office the test is on a touch screen in a variety of languages, with paper or audio versions in certain cases, but the DMV does not publish a list of office languages. The driver's handbook, the renewal eLearning course and the drive test word list each come in their own, shorter set of languages.
Here is what the California Department of Motor Vehicles (dmv.ca.gov) publishes for each, so you can pick the path that matches the language you read best.
DMV test languages in California at a glance
| Item | Languages | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Online knowledge test | 35 | DMV does not list them on the pages we checked |
| Knowledge test at a DMV office | Variety, on touch screen | Paper or audio in certain cases. No published list |
| California Driver Handbook (PDF) | 8: English, Armenian, Chinese, Hindi, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Vietnamese | Plus an American Sign Language video series |
| eLearning renewal course | 3: English, Spanish, Traditional Chinese | Chinese version has Mandarin audio. Renewals only |
| Drive test words and phrases (DL 80) | 16 | For the behind-the-wheel test |
Online test: 35 languages
The DMV announced in 2023 that its online knowledge test is offered in 35 languages. It first opened to eligible Californians over 18 in 2022, and in September 2023 the DMV expanded it to applicants under 18 and to people moving to California from another state who need a knowledge test.
- You start by completing your application at dmv.ca.gov, and the testing options appear after that.
- You get two tries online. If you fail both, the DMV prompts you to take the third try at a DMV office.
- After you pass, you still visit an office for your documents, photo, thumbprint and vision screening.
- Testing aids such as the handbook or a phone are not allowed.
The DMV does not publish the full list of 35 languages on the pages we checked. You will see the choices when you start the online test.
Testing at a DMV office
The DMV's Fast Facts on licensing requirements says the knowledge test may be offered in a variety of languages on its TouchScreen testing computers and, in certain cases, on paper or in audio form. TouchScreen tests are graded automatically, while a DMV representative grades paper and audio tests.
Because the DMV does not publish a list of office languages, ask your office before your visit if your language is less common. If it is not available there, the online test, with its 35 languages, may be the better route if you qualify.
Whatever language you test in, the rules are the same: three tries before you must reapply, and minors wait seven days after a failed test, not counting the day of the failure.
Studying in your language
The California Driver Handbook comes as a PDF in eight languages: English, Armenian, Chinese, Hindi, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese. The online eBook is English only, and there is an American Sign Language video series. If your test language is not one of those eight, study the handbook in English or in another language you read well, and keep a short list of key terms in both languages.
DMVZone's free California practice tests are in English. They are original practice questions based on the official California Driver Handbook, not real DMV test questions. They work well for checking which rules you know, even if your real test will be in another language.
DMV permit test languages for renewals
If you are renewing and the DMV asks for a knowledge test, you may be able to use the eLearning course instead. It is a no-fail online course in English, Spanish and Traditional Chinese with Mandarin audio. Only non-commercial Class C renewal applicants qualify, and you choose it on your renewal application.
The drive test: DL 80 word list
For the behind-the-wheel test, the DMV publishes Words and Phrases for Class C Driving Test (DL 80) in 16 languages: English, Arabic, Armenian, Chinese, Farsi, Hindi, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Portuguese, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Thai and Vietnamese. It lists the instructions an examiner gives, so you know them before you get in the car.
FAQ
What DMV test languages does California offer?
The online knowledge test is offered in 35 languages. At DMV offices, the test is on touch screens in a variety of languages, with paper or audio in certain cases. The DMV does not publish a list for offices.
How many languages is the California permit test in?
35 for the online test, according to the DMV. Ask your DMV office about its in-person languages.
Is the California driver handbook available in Spanish?
Yes. The handbook PDF is available in English, Armenian, Chinese, Hindi, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese.
Can I bring the handbook or a translator app to the test?
No. The DMV says testing aids such as the handbook or a cell phone are not allowed during knowledge tests.
