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California DMV Practice Tests
Free California permit practice, written from the official California handbooks: a full car learner-permit bank and a motorcycle bank, every question explained and mapped to its handbook topic. California testing is administered by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
California car permit test facts
| Testing agency | California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) |
|---|---|
| Official manual | California Driver Handbook (official) |
| Test format | 36 questions · 30 correct to pass (83%) |
| Format notes | Adults (18+) take a 36-question test and need 30 correct. Applicants under 18 take a 46-question version and need 38 correct. Our simulator uses the adult 36-question format. |
| Fees | Class C original application fee: $46 (covers the knowledge test attempts allowed within 12 months). |
| Minimum age | 15½ |
| Test languages | More than 30 languages |
| Sources | California DMV driver handbooks index and the official DMV licensing fees page. Verified October 2026. |
California motorcycle test facts
| Testing agency | California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) |
|---|---|
| Official manual | California Motorcycle Handbook (DL 655) (official) |
| Test format | 25 questions · 20 correct to pass (80%) |
| Format notes | The California motorcycle knowledge test has 25 questions; 20 correct (80%) passes. Lane splitting is legal in California when done safely - expect questions on it. |
| Fees | Motorcycle (M1/M2) original application fee: $46. |
| Test languages | More than 30 languages |
| Sources | California DMV handbooks index and licensing fees page; question count corroborated by multiple prep sources (see QC report). Verified October 2026. |
Start practicing — California
Learner's Permit (Car)
The Class C/D knowledge test for new drivers: signs, speed limits, right-of-way, DUI penalties, and safe-driving rules. 200 questions live now.
Motorcycle Permit
Rider knowledge from the state motorcycle manual: gear, controls, braking and swerving, lane position, hazards, and state rider law. 60 questions live now.
California Exam Simulator
Timed runs built to the real California specs above — graded by the number correct you actually need.
California Flashcards
Review the California banks by topic, one card at a time.
California Study Guide
The handbook topics behind the test, each with practice questions and the official manual link.
How to get your California learner permit
- Check the minimum age and document requirements in the facts tables above, and gather your identity and residency proofs.
- Study the official handbook (linked in the tables) — the real test is drawn from it.
- Drill the practice tests on this page until the explanations feel obvious, then take a timed simulator run.
- Visit a California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office or testing location, pay the fee, pass the vision screening, and take the knowledge test.
This is a general outline, not legal advice. Requirements change; the official handbook and agency site are the final word.