California Driver's License
California DMV Knowledge Test β 46 questions, 83% to pass (38/46 correct)
π What to Bring
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Proof of identity
U.S. passport, birth certificate, or permanent resident card
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Social Security Number
Just know the number β you do not need to bring the card
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California residency proof
Utility bill, bank statement, or lease showing your CA address
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Application form DL 44
Available at any DMV office, or fill it out online in advance
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$41 application fee
Cash, check, or card accepted
π How to Schedule
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Schedule online (fastest)
Visit dmv.ca.gov and book a same-day or future appointment β usually the fastest option.
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Call by phone
1-800-777-0133 (MonβFri 8amβ5pm). Have your ZIP code ready to find the nearest office.
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Walk in
Arrive early morning. Wait times vary β check current wait times at dmv.ca.gov before going.
π‘ Test Day Tips
- β’Read the full California Driver Handbook at least once before taking the test.
- β’The test is on a touchscreen computer β no paper or pencil needed.
- β’You can take the test in your preferred language (33 languages available).
- β’If you fail, you can retake up to 3 times per visit. After 3 failures you must reapply.
- β’There is no time limit β read each question carefully before answering.
- β’Questions come from a large pool, so each attempt may show different questions.
π Driver Handbook
All practice questions are based on the chapters below. Click any chapter to read it on the official DMV website.
π― Practice by Topic
The California Driver's License
License classes, REAL ID requirements, and ID card basics
Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver's License
Application documents, age requirements, supervised practice hours, and provisional license restrictions for minors
The Testing Process
Vision test, knowledge test, and behind-the-wheel drive test requirements, vehicle safety inspection, and retake rules
Changing, Replacing, and Renewing Your Driver's License
Reporting an address or name change, replacing a lost or stolen license, renewing online or in person, and out-of-state extensions
An Introduction to Driving
Health and fitness to drive, steering, signaling, horn use, headlights, and what to do when your vehicle has trouble
Navigating the Roads
Lane markings, lane changes, special lanes, turns, U-turns, merging, passing, parking, and law enforcement stops
Laws and Rules of the Road
Traffic signals and signs, right-of-way, roundabouts, pedestrians, speed limits, school buses, railroads, sharing the road, and driver record rules
Safe Driving
Scanning and following distance, night and bad-weather driving, skids and hydroplaning, seat belts and child restraints, managing speed, emergencies, distracted driving, and carbon monoxide
Alcohol and Drugs
BAC limits, zero tolerance for minors, implied consent and chemical testing, DUI penalties, open container and cannabis laws, and driving under the influence of medications
Financial Responsibility, Insurance Requirements, and Collisions
Minimum liability insurance amounts, proof of financial responsibility, driving without insurance, SR 1 collision reporting deadlines, what to do at a collision scene, and hit-and-run penalties
Vehicle Registration Requirements
Registering a vehicle to use it in California, the 10-day deadline to transfer ownership, the 5-day notice of transfer and release of liability, the 20-day deadline for new residents, and emission-control requirements
Driver Safety
Self-assessment of driving skills, DMV reexamination authority based on condition not age, medical and cognitive conditions affecting driving, the Notice of Priority Reexamination, and license restrictions
Seniors and Driving
In-person renewal and vision test at 70+, warning signs to limit or stop driving, recommended driving modifications, the Mature Driver Improvement Program, senior ID cards, and resources
π Official Resources
CA DMV Official Site β
Home of the California Department of Motor Vehicles
Driver Handbook (Online) β
Full California Driver Handbook β read chapter by chapter
Handbook PDF Download β
Download the handbook as a PDF to study offline
Schedule Appointment β
Book your knowledge test appointment online
Find a DMV Office β
Find the DMV office nearest to you
Check Wait Times β
See current wait times before you go