California DMV Permit Test FAQ

California requires 83% — 30 of 36 correct for adults, or 38 of 46 for minors. No testing aids are permitted; you may not reference the handbook or phone during the knowledge test.

You have three attempts before you must reapply and pay a new application fee. Minors must wait 7 days between knowledge-test attempts and 14 days between behind-the-wheel drive-test attempts (not including the day of failure).

You must be at least 15½ years old for a California instruction permit. Under 18, complete a DMV-approved driver education program and have a parent/guardian sign to accept financial responsibility. Your permit must be validated by a licensed driver training instructor before first use.

During the first 12 months of a provisional license: no driving 11 p.m.–5 a.m., and no passengers under 20 unless a parent, guardian, or California-licensed driver 25+ rides along. Minors may not use any wireless device (not even hands-free) except for emergency calls. Exceptions with signed notes: medical, school, work, or immediate family.

Under California's Zero Tolerance law, it is illegal to drive with any BAC of 0.01% or higher if you are under 21. A PAS reading of 0.05% or higher may trigger a full breath or blood test. A conviction can revoke driving privileges for one year and delay a first license by up to one year. Minors may also be cited for operating a bicycle under the influence (ages 13–20).

California BAC limits: 0.08% (21+), 0.01% (under 21 Zero Tolerance), 0.01% on DUI probation, 0.04% for commercial drivers and passenger for hire. You may still be arrested for DUI below these limits if impairment is observed. 1st DUI = 1-year suspension/revocation, DUI program, SR 22/SR 1P, possible IID. Refusal = 1-year suspension. DUIs stay on record 10 years.

California Basic Speed Law: never drive faster than is safe for conditions. 65 mph on most California highways; 55 mph on two-lane undivided highways and for trailers; 25 mph in school zones when children are present; 15 mph within 100 feet of a railroad crossing with limited visibility.

15 ft from a fire hydrant or fire-station driveway · 20 ft from an unmarked or marked crosswalk · 3 ft from a sidewalk ramp for persons with disabilities · 100 ft from an intersection, bridge, tunnel, or railroad crossing. Never block a driveway or an accessible-space diagonal access line.

1st DUI in California — up to six months jail, DUI program, SR 22/SR 1P required, 1-year driving-privilege suspension or revocation, possible ignition interlock device. Refusing a chemical test = 1-year suspension. Subsequent DUIs during the 10-year record window trigger additional DMV and court penalties. Specific fines are set by the court under the California Vehicle Code.

California requires minimum liability insurance of $30,000 per person for bodily injury or death, $60,000 per accident for multiple persons, and $15,000 for property damage. Driving without proper coverage during a collision can suspend your license for up to four years.

California allows a left turn on a red light only from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after a complete stop and yielding to pedestrians and traffic (unless a sign prohibits it). Right turn on red is generally allowed after a complete stop and yielding, unless a sign or red arrow prohibits it. Always yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk and cross-traffic with the green.

Most California licenses may be renewed online at dmv.ca.gov/dlservices. Drivers may be required to visit an office if ineligible for online renewal or if a new photo or vision exam is needed. If you move, you must notify DMV within 10 days (online at dmv.ca.gov/addresschange) — you do not automatically get a new license with your new address. Out-of-state drivers who can't renew in person can request a one-year extension by emailing dl-extensions@dmv.ca.gov before the license expires.