If you’re a teenager in California getting ready to earn your driver’s permit, one of the most common questions is: How many questions are on the California permit test?
Good news—you’re in the right place. This guide is just for teens under 18 and will walk you through what to expect on the test, how it’s scored, and how to get ready to pass it the first time.
How Many Questions Are on the Permit Test?
If you are under 18, the California DMV permit test has 46 multiple-choice questions.
To pass, you must get at least 38 questions correct—that’s a score of 83% or better.
The permit test is also called the provisional instruction permit test, and it’s the first major step in California’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program for teens.
What’s Covered on the Test?
The test questions come directly from the California Driver Handbook. You’ll be tested on key rules of the road and safe driving practices, including:
- Traffic signs, signals, and road markings
- Right-of-way rules
- Speed limits and safe following distances
- Sharing the road with bicycles, pedestrians, and motorcycles
- Driving under the influence (DUI) laws
- Defensive driving and hazard awareness
- Driving in special conditions (rain, fog, night, etc.)
Every question is designed to help you understand how to drive safely and responsibly.
How Is the Test Given?
As a teen applicant, you’ll take the test:
- In person at a California DMV office (appointments are required)
- On a touchscreen computer
- In a multiple-choice format
- In English or another language if needed (audio options available)
There is no time limit, but you should plan to spend at least 30–45 minutes at the DMV on test day.
What You Need to Do Before Taking the Test
Before you can take the written test, California requires you to:
✔ Be at least 15½ years old
You must be between 15½ and 17½ to apply for a provisional instruction permit.
✔ Complete a DMV-Approved Driver Education Course
California law requires all teens under 17½ to complete 30 hours of driver education before getting a permit.
You can take this course in a classroom or online. Most teens choose an online drivers ed course because it’s:
- DMV-approved and accessible 24/7
- Interactive and self-paced
- Easy to complete from a phone or laptop
When you finish the course, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion to bring to your DMV appointment.
How to Prepare for the Permit Test
Read the California Driver Handbook
Download it from the California DMV website. Focus on chapters about rules of the road, signs, and safety tips.
Take an Online Drivers Ed Course
A quality online course (like Driver.Org) breaks the material into short lessons, animations, and quizzes to help you actually understand the content—not just memorize it.
Practice with Sample Tests
The best way to know you’re ready is to try DMV-style practice tests. They’ll show you how the real questions are worded and help you build confidence.
Try a free practice test here
What Happens If You Don’t Pass?
Don’t stress—if you don’t pass the permit test on your first try, you’re allowed three chances within a 12-month period.
If you fail, you’ll need to wait 7 days before trying again, but you won’t have to pay another fee unless all three attempts are used.
DMV Test Day Tips for Teens
- Make a DMV appointment in advance
- Bring your paperwork:
- Driver’s Ed Certificate of Completion
- Completed DL 44 form (signed by your parent/guardian)
- Proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number
- Study the night before, but don’t cram
- Get plenty of sleep and eat a light meal before going
- Take your time during the test—read every question carefully
Final Thoughts
So, how many questions are on the California permit test for teens? If you’re under 18, expect 46 questions, and you’ll need to answer at least 38 correctly to pass.
It might sound like a lot, but with a good online drivers ed course, a few practice tests, and some focused study time, you’ll be ready in no time.
Ready to start? Join over 1 million California students who have taken their first step toward driving with Driver.Org. It’s DMV-approved, mobile-friendly, and designed to make learning to drive easy and stress-free.