California DMV Learner’s Permit Test Online

California DMV Learner’s Permit Test Online: 46 Questions in English. A learner’s permit (also called an instruction permit) lets you practice driving with an adult before you take the road test. To get that permit, you must pass a short written test at the DMV.

Age Must you test? Question count Score to pass
15 ½ – 17 ½ years Yes 46 38 or more right answers (83 %)
18 + years Yes, if there is no prior U.S. license 36

If you already hold a full driver’s license from another U.S. state, you can skip the written test.

California DMV Learner’s Permit Test Online

/46

California DMV Learner’s Permit Test Online
Total Items: 46 Questions
Passing Percentage:  83%
Time Limit: 60 Minutes

1 / 46

1) What does a sign with the letters “DIP” mean?

2 / 46

2) What is the purpose of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) in the context of traffic accidents?

3 / 46

3) What does a circular green signal light mean?

4 / 46

4) What is the purpose of an “all-way stop”?

5 / 46

5) What is the rule for using a cell phone while driving in California?

6 / 46

6) What is the move-over law in California?

7 / 46

7) What is the maximum speed limit for vehicles towing trailers on California freeways?

8 / 46

8) When parking downhill on a street with a curb, which way should you turn your front wheels?

9 / 46

9) What should you do if you see a pedestrian crossing your lane with a white cane or guide dog?

10 / 46

10) How often are drivers over 70 required to renew their license in person at a DMV office?

11 / 46

11) What should you do if you miss your intended exit on a freeway?

12 / 46

12) What is the rule for using headlights when it’s raining?

13 / 46

13) When driving on a multilane highway, which lane should you use for normal driving?

14 / 46

14) What does a white rectangular sign with “SPEED LIMIT” indicate?

15 / 46

15) When is it legal to drive in the bike lane?

16 / 46

16) What is the speed limit in a residential area unless otherwise posted?

17 / 46

17) In California, at what blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) is a driver considered to be driving under the influence (DUI)?

18 / 46

18) What does a red arrow traffic signal mean?

19 / 46

19) When approaching a railroad crossing with no gates or warning lights, you should:

20 / 46

20) What is the minimum following distance you should maintain behind the vehicle in front of you under usual driving conditions?

21 / 46

21) What does a flashing yellow traffic signal mean?

22 / 46

22) What is the color of the curb marking where you are allowed to park only for a very short time?

23 / 46

23) How long must you notify the DMV if you change your address?

24 / 46

24) What is the move-over law in California?

25 / 46

25) When is it legal to pass on the right?

26 / 46

26) What should you do if your brakes fail while driving?

27 / 46

27) What is the minimum following distance you should maintain behind the vehicle in front of you?

28 / 46

28) When driving in fog, you should use:

29 / 46

29) What does a white-painted curb mean?

30 / 46

30) What is the speed limit in a school zone when children are present?

31 / 46

31) How often must you renew your vehicle registration in California?

32 / 46

32) What does a yellow diamond-shaped sign indicate?

33 / 46

33) When parking uphill with a curb, which way should you turn your front wheels?

34 / 46

34) What does a sign with the letters “SOFT SHOULDER” mean?

35 / 46

35) How long is a driver’s-license suspension for a first DUI offense in California?

36 / 46

36) When driving in fog, you should use:

37 / 46

37) What does a white rectangular sign with black lettering typically indicate?

38 / 46

38) What should you do when approaching a roundabout?

39 / 46

39) What does a flashing yellow arrow at a traffic light mean?

40 / 46

40) When can you drive in a bike lane?

41 / 46

41) What is the rule about driving in the left lane on a multilane highway?

42 / 46

42) If you’re involved in a traffic collision resulting in injury or death, how soon must you report it to the DMV?

43 / 46

43) What does a yellow “X” sign above a freeway lane indicate?

44 / 46

44) When making a right turn, you should:

45 / 46

45) What does a solid yellow line on your side of the center line mean?

46 / 46

46) What should you do when approaching a school bus with flashing red lights on a two-lane road?

Your score is

0%

How much time do I get?
Enough. Most people finish in 15 – 25 minutes, but the DMV does not rush you.

Can I skip questions?
Yes, up to three. You must answer them before you finish the test.

Is the test on paper or a screen?
Almost always on a touch-screen kiosk. Paper is rare and only if the kiosk is down.

After I pass, can I drive alone?
No. You must sit with a licensed driver aged 25 or older (or 18 or older with an instruction permit for adults).

Tips

You must read 10 pages a day from the handbook and complete it within a week. Write down any rule that surprises you. Take a free 46-question practice quiz online every night. Aim for 90% before the actual test. Use flashcards for sign shapes and colors; you cannot miss those. The night before, sleep at least 8 hours—tired brains forget easy stuff.

Latest Posts