For many teens, earning a driving permit is one of their biggest milestones. And for parents, it’s a major moment too—full of excitement, nerves, and a lot of questions. If your teen is preparing for their California DMV permit test, you might be wondering how to help them succeed without taking over the process.
Here’s a simple guide for how you can support your teen in passing the California permit test with confidence.
Understand What’s on the Test
The California DMV written permit test is multiple choice and based on the California Driver Handbook. If your teen is under 18, they’ll take a 46-question test and need to get at least 38 correct (83%) to pass.
Topics include:
- Traffic laws and rules of the road
- Road signs and pavement markings
- Driving in different weather or road conditions
- Sharing the road with cyclists, pedestrians, and more
- DUI laws, penalties, and safety tips
Knowing what to expect is half the battle.
Enroll Them in a DMV-Approved Drivers Ed Course
Teens under 17½ are required by California law to complete 30 hours of driver education before they can get a learner’s permit.
A DMV-approved online drivers ed course like Driver.Org is a great option because it’s:
- Self-paced and flexible
- Built with engaging lessons and interactive quizzes
- Accessible from any device
- Designed to help students retain and apply what they learn
Encourage your teen to take it seriously—it’s not just about passing the test, it’s about becoming a safe, informed driver.
Help Them Set a Study Schedule
Cramming the night before is not the best strategy. Instead, help your teen create a simple study plan.
Example Weekly Study Plan:
- Days 1–3: Complete drivers ed lessons and take notes
- Days 4–5: Review signs, laws, and right-of-way rules
- Days 6–7: Practice with online quizzes or flashcards
- Final Days: Take full-length practice tests and review incorrect answers
Short, daily study sessions (30–45 minutes) work better than long, exhausting marathons.
Encourage Practice Tests
Taking realistic DMV-style practice tests is one of the most effective ways to prepare. These simulate the format of the actual permit test and help teens:
- Get familiar with question wording
- Identify weak areas
- Build test-taking confidence
Driver.Org offers free practice tests based on the latest California DMV handbook. Make it a goal for your teen to consistently score 90% or better before test day.
Be Their Cheerleader, Not Their Coach
Teens learn best when they feel supported—not pressured. While it’s helpful to check in on their progress, avoid turning every conversation into a quiz.
Instead:
- Offer to quiz them only if they want help
- Celebrate progress, not just perfection
- Remind them that it’s okay to be nervous
- Let them know they have multiple attempts (3 tries at the DMV within 12 months)
Your support means more than you think.
Prepare for DMV Test Day
Once your teen is ready, help them prepare for their appointment by:
- Booking a DMV appointment ahead of time
- Gathering required documents, including:
- Proof of driver education completion
- A completed DL 44 form (signed by a parent or guardian)
- Proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number
- Getting a good night’s sleep before the test
- Arriving early with plenty of time to check in
Remind them to read every question carefully, and to stay calm—there’s no time limit.
If They Don’t Pass—It’s OK
Failing the test isn’t the end of the road. Teens get up to three chances to pass the permit test within a 12-month period. The DMV requires a 7-day waiting period between attempts.
Use it as a chance to:
- Go over the questions they missed
- Study specific weak areas
- Build even more confidence for next time
Final Thoughts
Helping your teen pass their California DMV permit test is about more than just studying facts—it’s about building the foundation for safe, confident driving. With your support, the right preparation, and a solid drivers ed program, your teen will be ready to take on the road (and the test) with success.
Need a trusted resource to get started? Driver.Org has helped over 1 million California teens prepare for their permit—and we can help your teen too.