The California DMV written test checks whether you know traffic laws and safe driving practices before you get your license

The test is called the written knowledge test or written exam, and you take it at a DMV office on a computer or on paper. You must pass it before you can take the behind-the-wheel driving test. The test has 36 questions, and you need to answer at least 30 correctly to pass — that is a score of about 83 percent. You get one attempt per visit, and if you do not pass, you can return and take it again, usually the same day or within a few days.

The test covers California traffic laws, road signs, safe driving rules, and what to do in emergencies. The DMV publishes the official study material free online, and most people study from the California Driver Handbook, which is the source of every question on the test. You cannot bring notes, phones, or other people into the testing room, and the test is offered in multiple languages including English, Spanish, Mandarin, Vietnamese, and others.

Key Takeaways

  • You must pass the written test before you can schedule a behind-the-wheel driving test, and you need a score of at least 30 out of 36 questions correct.
  • The test covers only material in the official California Driver Handbook, which you can read free on the DMV website or pick up at any DMV office.
  • You take the test on a computer or paper at a DMV office, and you get one attempt per visit — if you fail, you can return and try again.
  • The test is offered in multiple languages, and you cannot bring study materials, phones, or other people into the testing room.
  • You do not need to pass the written test if you already hold a valid driver license from another state or country, though you may still need to pass other tests.

Who has to take the written test

You must take the written test if you are getting your first California driver license and you do not already hold a valid license from another state or country. If you already have a license from another state, you may be able to skip the written test, though the DMV may still require you to pass a vision test and a behind-the-wheel test depending on your age and how long your out-of-state license has been valid.

If you are under 18, you must also complete a driver education course (classroom instruction) and a driver training course (behind-the-wheel instruction with a licensed instructor) before you can take either test. These courses are separate from the written test and the driving test. If you are 18 or older, you do not have to take a formal driver education course, though the DMV recommends it.

What the test covers and how to study

Every question on the written test comes from the California Driver Handbook. The handbook covers traffic signs and what they mean, speed limits and when they change, right-of-way rules, parking rules, what to do at traffic lights and stop signs, how to handle emergencies, and laws about seat belts, child car seats, and distracted driving. It also covers what to do if you are pulled over by police, how to report an accident, and rules about sharing the road with bicycles and motorcycles.

The DMV publishes the handbook free on its website at dmv.ca.gov, and you can read it online or read it as a PDF. You can also pick up a printed copy at any DMV office. Most people study by reading the handbook once or twice, then taking practice tests. The DMV website offers free practice tests that use real questions from past exams, and many third-party websites and apps also offer practice tests based on the handbook. The practice tests are the best way to find out which topics you need to study more.

You should study the handbook in the language you plan to take the test in. If English is not your first language, give yourself extra time to read and understand the material, because some questions test whether you understand specific words and phrases.

How to schedule and take the test

You schedule the written test when you visit a DMV office in person to explore for your learner's permit or driver license. You cannot schedule the test online or by phone. When you go to the DMV, bring your proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or other document the DMV accepts), proof of California residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. You will fill out an process form, pay a fee, and then take the written test the same day or a few days later, depending on how busy the office is.

On the day of the test, arrive early and bring your ID. You will be taken to a testing room where you sit at a computer or receive a paper test. You have as much time as you need to answer all 36 questions — most people finish in 20 to 30 minutes. The test is multiple choice, and you select your answer on the computer or mark it on the paper. After you finish, the DMV staff will score your test right away and tell you whether you passed.

What happens if you fail the test

If you do not pass, you can take the test again. Many DMV offices let you take it again the same day or within a few days, though some offices have a waiting period. There is no limit to how many times you can take the test, but you have to pay the test fee each time. The fee varies by county but is typically between $10 and $15.

If you fail, ask the DMV staff which topics gave you the most trouble, then study those sections of the handbook more carefully before you try again. Many people pass on their second or third attempt after focusing their study on the areas where they struggled.

Scams and safety alerts

Do not pay anyone to take the test for you or to may provide that you will pass. The test is taken in person at a DMV office, and the DMV staff watch to make sure you are the person taking it. Anyone who offers to take the test in your place or who guarantees you will pass is committing fraud, and you could lose your license or face criminal charges.

Do not buy "cheat sheets" or "secret study guides" online. The only source of test questions is the official California Driver Handbook, which is free. Any website that claims to have secret information or shortcuts is trying to sell you something you do not need. Stick to the free handbook and free practice tests on the DMV website.

Be careful about websites that ask for your personal information in exchange for test information. The DMV does not sell your information, and you should never give your Social Security number, driver license number, or financial information to any website except the official DMV site. If a website looks like the DMV but the web address does not say dmv.ca.gov, it is not the real DMV.

Retesting and moving forward

Once you pass the written test, you can schedule your behind-the-wheel driving test. The driving test is separate and tests whether you can actually drive safely. You must pass the written test before you can take the driving test, but passing the written test does not mean you will pass the driving test.

If you pass both tests, you will receive your driver license in the mail within a few weeks. If you need to drive before your license arrives, the DMV will give you a temporary paper license that you can use right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online from home?

No. You must take the test in person at a DMV office. The DMV does not offer online testing for the written knowledge test. You can take practice tests online to study, but the real test must be taken at a DMV office.

How long does it take to study for the test?

Most people study for one to two weeks, spending a few hours per week reading the handbook and taking practice tests. If you are a fast reader and already know a lot about traffic laws, you might need less time. If English is not your first language or you are a slower reader, give yourself more time.

What if I fail the test three times?

There is no limit to how many times you can take the test. You can keep taking it until you pass. Each time you take it, you pay the test fee again. If you keep failing, spend more time studying the handbook and focus on the topics that are giving you trouble.

Do I have to take the written test if I have a license from another country?

It depends on your country and how long your license has been valid. If your license is from a country that has a reciprocal agreement with California, you may not have to take the written test, but you will still need to pass a vision test and a behind-the-wheel test. Call your local DMV office or check the DMV website to find out whether your country qualifies.

What language is the test offered in?

The test is offered in English, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, Russian, Arabic, and several other languages. When you explore for your permit or license, tell the DMV which language you want to take the test in, and they will make sure it is available at your test appointment.