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Free California permit practice tests

Pick a test and start. Every answer is explained, so each question teaches you something. No sign-up needed for the free tests.

Questions built from the official California driver manualBuilt from the official California manual
0 of 10 tests finishedUp next: California quick practice test
Step 1

Free tests

Open to everyone. Take them as many times as you like.

  1. Test 2Free

    California road rules and markings

    Signs, lines and pavement markings.

    20 questionsStart
  2. Test 3Free

    California traffic signals test

    Lights, turn signals and crossings.

    15 questionsStart
  3. Test 4Free

    California right-of-way test

    Who goes first at stops, turns and circles.

    20 questionsStart
  4. Test 5Free

    California speed and highway test

    Speed limits, merging and exits.

    15 questionsStart

Finish the trail, win 10% off

Score 80% or higher on all 5 free tests to unlock a discount on Premium.

0 of 5 passed
Step 2

Premium tests

The full exam-style tests. You can read about each one before you upgrade.

  1. Test 6Premium

    California parking and pedestrians test

    Parking distances, curbs, crosswalks and buses.

    20 questionsUnlock
  2. Test 7Premium

    California defensive driving test

    Following distance, weather and staying alert.

    25 questionsUnlock
  3. Test 8Premium

    California permits and licenses test

    Ages, practice hours, curfew and the tests.

    20 questionsUnlock
  4. Test 9Premium

    California alcohol and drugs test

    BAC limits, DUI rules and impairment.

    15 questionsUnlock
  5. Test 10Most important

    California Full Exam Simulator

    200 questions, 50 per exam, different every time.

    50 questionsUnlock
Step 3

Study the California manual

Read the source the real test is written from, then print a one-page cheat sheet.

Why exam-style questions matter

Knowing the rules is half of it. The other half is recognizing how the test asks about them.

Practice the way the test asks

The real written test uses set wording and answer choices that are close together. Questions written in that style take away the surprise.

Built from the official manual

Every question comes from the California driver manual, with the source named, so you can check what you learned.

Every answer explained

A wrong answer is the best lesson. You see the right one straight away, with the reason, and can retake until it sticks.

About the California permit test

California learners can practice with 276 questions on DMVZone, 110 of them free. They are grouped into 10 tests, from a quick warm-up to a full exam simulator, and every answer comes with a short explanation.

The California knowledge test has 46 questions, and you need 38 correct (80%) to pass. Aim to score above 80% on the exam simulator a few times in a row before you book your test.

The earliest permit age we list for California is 15½. Many states add conditions such as driver education or a waiting period, so confirm your exact situation on the official site before you apply.

The biggest topics in our California question bank are defensive driving (29), alcohol and drugs (22) and right-of-way (21). Questions cite 56 different sections of the source material, so anything you miss is easy to look up.

Our California questions are written from the California Driver's Handbook, and each explanation names the part of the source it comes from, so you can look it up yourself.

The California DMV handbook says applicants under 18 must be at least 15½, complete a driver education program, and have a parent or guardian sign the application. The permit cannot be used until behind-the-wheel training starts with an instructor.

Common questions

Are these the exact questions on the real California test?

No website can promise that, because the state does not publish its real test questions. Our questions are written in the same style as the real written test and cover the same topics, built from the official California driver manual, so the wording and the format feel familiar on test day.

Do I need an account to practice?

No. Free tests open right away with no sign-up. An account lets you save your progress and see which topics need work.

What do I get with Premium?

Every Premium test, practice with no ads, and progress tracking. You can pay once for a short pass or for lifetime access, so there is nothing to forget to cancel.

Where should I study besides these tests?

Read the official California driver manual, which is where the real test questions come from. You can find it on the official California site.

How old do you have to be to get a permit in California?

The earliest permit age we list for California is 15½. Driver education, a waiting period or other conditions can change this, so confirm the details with the official California agency.

How many questions are on the California permit test and what score passes?

The test has 46 questions. You need 38 correct (80%). Formats can change, so confirm with the official agency before test day.

More California study help

California driving law questions explained · Premium printable California cheat sheet · CA Permit Test Cheat Sheet: Every Number on One Page

Studying for a nearby state? Arizona, Nevada, Oregon.

Official source: California driver information