The knowledge test trips up many first-time applicants. Here's exactly what to study and how to walk in prepared.
The California DMV knowledge test has 36 multiple-choice questions for adult applicants. You must score at least 83% to pass — at least 30 correct out of 36, with a maximum of 6 missed. Applicants under 18 take a 46-question version and need 38 correct (miss at most 8). Road signs are mixed into the test — there is no separate sign section.
Retakes: You have three attempts to pass before you must reapply and pay a new application fee. Minors must wait 7 days between failed knowledge tests (not counting the day of failure). For the behind-the-wheel test, minors must wait 14 days between failures.
Where you test: At a California DMV field office after an appointment you make at dmv.ca.gov/make-an-appointment. Begin your application online at dmv.ca.gov/dl first.
Testing aids: None. The California Driver's Handbook, a phone, or any reference material is not allowed during the knowledge test.
California DUI limits: 0.08% (21+), 0.01% under 21 (Zero Tolerance), 0.01% on DUI probation, 0.04% commercial driver or passenger for hire. You can be arrested for DUI below these limits if impairment is observed. DUIs stay on your record for 10 years.
1st DUI: up to 6 months jail, DUI program, SR 22/SR 1P filing, driving privilege suspended/revoked 1 year, possible ignition interlock device. Refusing a chemical test: 1-year suspension under California's implied consent law.
Instruction permit at 15½ (with driver education + parent signature). Hold permit 6 months + 50 practice hours (10 at night). Provisional license at 16. First 12 months: no driving 11 p.m.–5 a.m.; no passengers under 20 without parent/guardian or licensed 25+. Minors: no wireless device use at all.
California uses the 3-second rule — pick a fixed point; if you reach it in under three seconds, you're following too closely. Always scan the road at least 10 seconds ahead. Increase following distance in rain, fog, or on slippery surfaces.
Basic Speed Law: never faster than is safe for conditions. Maximum on most California highways: 65 mph; 55 mph on two-lane undivided roads and for vehicles towing trailers; 25 mph in school zones when children are present; 15 mph within 100 ft of a railroad crossing with limited visibility.
Signal at least 100 feet before the turn or lane change. On higher-speed roads, signal 5 seconds (about 400 ft at 65 mph). Left on red: only from a one-way onto another one-way, after a complete stop. Right on red: allowed after a complete stop and yielding (unless prohibited).
Stop for a school bus with flashing red lights from any direction on an undivided road. On a divided road or multilane highway, traffic in the opposite direction may proceed with caution. Same-direction traffic must always stop.
Turn on headlights when it is too dark to see persons or vehicles at least 1,000 feet away. Dim high beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle or 300 feet of a vehicle you're following. Use low beams in fog, rain, or snow. Never drive with parking lights only.
No parking within 15 ft of a fire hydrant or fire-station driveway, 20 ft of a crosswalk at an intersection, 3 ft of a sidewalk ramp for persons with disabilities, or 100 ft of an intersection, bridge, tunnel, or railroad crossing.
Rear-facing restraint required under 2 yrs AND under 40 lbs AND under 3'4". Child restraint system under 8 yrs OR less than 4'9", in the rear seat. Rear-facing cannot be in a front seat with an active airbag. Primary seatbelt enforcement — every passenger must be buckled. Driver gets a ticket if a passenger under 16 isn't.
California requires 83% — 30 correct out of 36 (adults) or 38 out of 46 (minors). Aim for 90%+ in practice so real-test nerves don't cost you the pass.
Memorize BAC limits, distances, signal distance, following distances, and suspension periods. These specific numbers appear on virtually every California test.
The Weak Spots mode saves every question you got wrong. Replay it until you're hitting 90%+ before going to the DMV office.
Download the California Driver's Handbook (2025) at dmv.ca.gov. Every question comes directly from this manual.
The Basic Speed Law means "posted limits are maximums for ideal conditions." You can be cited for speeding at 60 mph in a 65 mph zone if rain or traffic makes that unsafe. The speed on most California highways is 65; on two-lane undivided it drops to 55.
Sign questions are visual — shape, color, and meaning all matter. Use the Road Signs Quiz mode to practice all signs before test day.
Free, no signup · Questions verified against the official state driver manual