Read the California Driver's Handbook (opens in a new tab) one section at a time over 2 to 3 weeks, then check yourself with the DMV's sample tests (opens in a new tab). The test is multiple choice, the questions come from the handbook, and the passing score is 80%.
What is on the California permit test?
Every question comes from the handbook, according to the DMV. The DMV says each question has one correct answer, and the other two choices are "either obviously wrong or not appropriate for the question asked."
- Passing score: 80%.
- Testing aids: none. The handbook says you may not use the handbook or a cell phone during the test.
- Time of day: knowledge tests are not given at DMV offices after 4:30 p.m.
- After a miss: the DMV says a field office employee can tell you which page has the right answer.
What happens if you fail the permit test?
A minor who fails the knowledge test must wait seven days to retake it, not counting the day of the failure. Section 3 of the handbook also allows three attempts before the applicant must reapply.
Each retake is another trip to the DMV and another week on the calendar. It is cheaper to keep studying until the sample tests feel easy.
What is a good 2 to 3 week study plan?
Plan about 30 to 45 minutes a day, one handbook section at a time, with sample tests at the end. The DMV suggests giving yourself "a few days" to read the handbook. Spreading it over two weeks leaves room to reread what you miss.
| Days | Handbook section | Focus | Check yourself |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 to 2 | Section 2 (permits and licenses) and Section 3 (the testing process) | Permit rules, provisional limits, how the tests work | Can you list the provisional license limits? |
| 3 to 4 | Section 5 (an introduction to driving) | Steering, signals, horn, headlights, emergency flashers | When do you start signaling before a turn? |
| 5 to 7 | Section 6 (lanes, turns, merging, passing and parking) | Lane markings, turns, U-turns, hill parking, colored curbs | What does each curb color mean? |
| 8 to 10 | Section 7 (laws and rules of the road) | Signals, signs, right-of-way, sharing the road, special speed limits | Who goes first at an intersection with no signs? |
| 11 to 12 | Section 8 (safe driving) | Scanning, following distance, road conditions, seat belts, emergencies, phones | What is the three-second rule? |
| 13 | Section 9 (alcohol and drugs) and Section 10 (insurance and collisions) | Blood alcohol limits, rules for drivers under 21, what to do after a collision | What is the limit for a driver under 21? |
| 14 | DMV sample tests 1 and 2 | Mark every miss and find it in the handbook | 80% or better on both? |
| 15 to 18 | Your weakest sections, plus a skim of Sections 1, 4 and 11 to 14 | Fix the misses from the sample tests | Sample tests 3 and 4 |
| 19 to 21 | Road signs and a final pass through Section 7 | Sign shapes and colors, then speed limits and right-of-way | All four sample tests at 80% or better |
For signs, use the California road signs guide (opens in a new tab) from Stallion School of Driving. It covers shapes and colors, so this plan doesn't repeat them.
Which handbook rules are easy to mix up?
The easiest points to lose are rules with similar numbers or with an exception. The speed limits below all come from Section 7 of the handbook.
| Where | Speed limit |
|---|---|
| Blind intersection | 15 mph |
| Alley | 15 mph |
| Within 100 feet of a railroad crossing when you can't see the tracks for 400 feet both ways | 15 mph, unless gates, a warning signal or a flagman control the crossing |
| Within 500 feet of a school while children are outside or crossing | 25 mph, and some school zones as low as 15 mph |
| Business or residential district | 25 mph, unless posted otherwise |
- School bus with flashing red lights: stop from either direction until the children are across and the lights stop flashing. The exception is a bus on the other side of a divided or multilane highway with two or more lanes each way.
- Railroad crossing with flashing red lights: stop and wait. Do not cross until the lights stop flashing, even if the gate rises.
- Overthinking: the DMV's own advice is "Don't overthink it" because there are no trick questions.
Quick answers
Check yourself
Sources
- California Driver's Handbook (opens in a new tab)
- California Driver's Handbook, Section 3: The testing process (opens in a new tab)
- California Driver's Handbook, Section 7: Laws and rules of the road (continued) (opens in a new tab)
- California DMV: Knowledge and drive tests preparation (opens in a new tab)
- California DMV: Sample driver's license knowledge tests (opens in a new tab)
- California DMV: Learner's permits (opens in a new tab)
Checked: October 5, 2026. Rules and forms can change; recheck the official page before acting.
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