Free California DMV Permit Practice Test 2025
- Perfect for learner’s permit, driver’s license, and senior refresher test
Updated October 2025. Practice with 20 exam‑like questions for the California DMV permit test -- same format as the real exam (83% to pass). Start now, no registration.
To get your California DMV instruction (aka provisional or learner’s) permit, you must be at least 15 1⁄2 years old, complete a driver education program if you’re under 18, and pass a vision screening and the DMV written test (knowledge test). The permit test consists of 46 multiple-choice questions covering information outlined in the state’s California DMV 2025 Driver’s Manual. To pass, you must score at least 83% (38 out of 46 questions). If you fail, you must wait seven days to take it again. Using our free California DMV permit practice test helps you pass on your first attempt and ensure accuracy based on the state manual. By mimicking the official knowledge test and providing immediate feedback on missed questions, our tests speed the learning experience.
The Instruction Permit is the first phase of California’s Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) program for drivers under 18. At age 15½, teens can apply for it after completing a driver education course and at least 6 hours of professional driver training. During this stage, teens are allowed to drive when accompanied by a parent or guardian, a licensed driver 25 years old or older, or a certified driving instructor. At age 16, after holding the provisional permit for at least 6 months and completing 50 hours of supervised driving (including 10 hours at night), teens can take the driving test to get a provisional license. This license comes with drive time and passenger restrictions for the first 12 months. After the 12-month period has passed, or they turn 18, they can obtain an unrestricted license.
If you’re 18 or older, the GDL phases do not apply. You must apply for your instruction permit as detailed above, but you can take the road skills test whenever you feel ready. Upon passing, you will obtain your unrestricted license.
Once you’re ready to apply for the permit, go to the DMV with proof of identity (birth certificate, passport), Social Security card, two proofs of residence (utility bill, bank statement), any legal name change documents, and completed application. If under 18, you’ll need signed consent (in person) from a parent or legal guardian and a certificate of driver’s education completion. Submit the documents, pass a vision screening, pay the fee, and pass the official written test.
Verified for accuracy: October 2025
Reviewed by Steven Litvintchouk, M.S.
Chief Educational Researcher (ACES member)
Methodology & Editorial Policy
What to expect on the actual CA exam
questions
correct answers to pass
passing score
minimum age to apply
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We know how Driver's Ed goes
Noses sneeze. Babies cry. Frustration groans. And when it's finally time to take your test, you're sweating. Thirty minutes later, you're crying. Because despite your best efforts. You failed. Next thing you know, you're chasing a Waymo in circles to get home (embarrassing!).
At Driving Tests, we know emotions can get in the way of doing what you need to do. So we deliver Driver's Ed that makes it easy to start, and even easier to finish. We get you DMV Smart ASAP. Testing you with real, up-to-date questions. Backing up tricky driving situations with easy-to-grasp visuals & engaging practice tests that reaffirm what you know, and test you again on what you don't. So by the time test day comes - you *own* the DMV. Your only worry? Convincing the proctor you didn't cheat ;)