California DMV practice tests 2026
Get ready for the California written knowledge tests: numbered practice tests that follow the official California format, with 128 questions on California law, from teen licensing and speed limits to alcohol limits and insurance, plus the road rules that apply everywhere.
Choose your California test
Car
The written knowledge test for a learner permit or a Class D driver license.
Motorcycle
The written test for a Class M license or motorcycle endorsement.
CDL
The general knowledge test every commercial driver license applicant takes.
Handbook
The official California driver, motorcycle and CDL handbooks every test is based on.
All California practice tests
California Permit Practice Tests
California Motorcycle Practice Tests
California CDL General Knowledge Practice Tests
How to pass the California knowledge test
- Read the handbook. Every question comes from the official California manuals; the handbook page links to the agency's own copies.
- Practice test by test. Each numbered test mixes California law with the national road rules, like the real exam.
- Read every explanation. Especially for answers you got right by guessing.
- Simulate the real exam on the category page when you pass the tests comfortably.
California written test format
| Test | Questions | Pass mark | Minimum age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car | 36 | 30 correct (6 mistakes allowed) | 15 years 6 months |
| Motorcycle | 25 | 20 correct (5 mistakes allowed) | 15 years 6 months |
| CDL | 50 | 40 correct (10 mistakes allowed) | 18 years |
Car. Applicants 18 and older take the 36-question DL 5 knowledge test and may miss 6. Original applicants under 18 take the longer DL 5T form, which the DMV reports as 46 questions with 8 errors allowed. The practice exam follows the adult format.
Motorcycle. Applicants must pass both the driver knowledge test and a separate motorcycle knowledge test. The dual knowledge test requirement is confirmed in the California Motorcycle Handbook; the question count and passing margin are not published officially.
CDL. General knowledge test for a commercial learner's permit. The minimum age of 18 and the limit of three attempts per application are confirmed in the California Commercial Driver Handbook; the question count and passing margin are not published officially.
What the California questions cover
| Topic | Questions |
|---|---|
| Licensing and permits | 23 |
| Graduated licensing for teen drivers | 16 |
| Speed limits | 13 |
| Alcohol limits and DUI | 13 |
| Penalties and points | 13 |
| Phone use and distraction | 10 |
| Insurance requirements | 11 |
| Move over law | 9 |
| Other state rules | 20 |
Sources and accuracy
The California facts on this site were checked against these official sources on September 2, 2026. Test formats that the DMV does not publish are marked as such in the notes above.
- dmv.ca.gov/portal/file/california-driver-handbook-pdf/
- dmv.ca.gov/portal/file/motorcycle-driver-handbook-pdf/
- dmv.ca.gov/portal/file/california-commercial-driver-handbook-pdf/
- dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-handbooks/
- dmv.ca.gov/
DMV Exam Test is not affiliated with the California Department of Motor Vehicles. To book a test, pay fees or check your license, use the official DMV website.