Reviewed and updated October 12, 2026 by the SearchSystems.net editorial team. Every fact on this page was read from the California DMV's own pages that day, and the DMV page each fact came from is linked where it appears.
How the California DMV tests drivers: the knowledge test and the DMV's own advice for passing it, the free sample tests, the eLearning course that replaces the knowledge test for many Class C renewals, and the two parts of the behind-the-wheel driving test. The permit itself is on the learner's permit guide, the license on the driver's license guide, and renewals on the renewal guide.
In this guide: The knowledge test, The DMV's sample tests, eLearning instead of the knowledge test, for renewals, The behind-the-wheel driving test, The DMV's study materials, Questions about the California DMV tests
The knowledge test
In most cases the DMV requires a passing knowledge test before an instruction permit or a license. Its test preparation page gives four pieces of advice: review the California Driver's Handbook and give yourself a few days to get through it; read each question carefully, because there is one correct answer and the other two choices are either obviously wrong or not appropriate to the question, with no trick questions; remember that every question comes from the handbook, and that a field office employee can tell you the page with the right answer for a question you missed; and do not be nervous, because the DMV wants you to pass.
The passing score is 80 percent on multiple choice questions, per the DMV's learner's permit page. You get three attempts at each required test; failing the same test three times makes the application no longer valid. Tests are not available after 4:30 pm, and the DMV does not give them within 30 minutes of closing.
The DMV's sample tests
The DMV's sample knowledge tests are free and online. For the regular Class C license there are four tests in English and four in Spanish, and four each in Armenian, Chinese, Farsi, Punjabi, Russian, Tagalog, Vietnamese and American Sign Language. There are two motorcycle (Class M) tests and two commercial (Class A or B) tests. The DMV says it adds new questions periodically, and that the tests need JavaScript in the browser, with an answer sheet provided for browsers without it.
eLearning instead of the knowledge test, for renewals
A driver renewing a license who has a knowledge test requirement can complete it online with the DMV's eLearning course, described on its online learning page. It is a pass-only, no-fail interactive course of seven short sections with a quiz after each, taking about 20 to 30 minutes on a computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone, offered in English, Spanish and Traditional Chinese with audio in Mandarin, self-paced and not monitored, available any day and any time for the duration of the renewal application, which is one year.
Who qualifies. Only noncommercial Class C renewal applicants, federal noncompliant or REAL ID. The DMV excludes motorcycle (Class M) renewals, drivers holding both a Class C and a Class M license, original license applicants, and commercial applicants. Most drivers 70 and over are eligible, per the DMV's renewal page for 70+.
How to choose it. Complete the online renewal application; if eligible, you are invited to the DMV Virtual Test Center, where you select eLearning Course and pay the application fee. A Virtual Test Center Access email then carries the link to the course, which can also be opened from the application. The DMV says to keep that email until it has confirmed your results. It cannot be chosen after the application has been processed at an office. You can pause and resume at any point, but each module must be finished before the next one opens. Corporate firewalls, VPNs or restricted networks may block it.
After the course. The application updates as soon as you finish; the DMV then tells you to visit an office to complete it, and asks you to allow one business day for the payment to show on your record before you go. A temporary license is not issued until the application is completed at an office.
The behind-the-wheel driving test
The DMV requires first-time license applicants, and other applicants who meet certain conditions, to pass a driving test. It says the test determines whether you can safely operate a vehicle, use safe driving habits, apply your knowledge of traffic laws in real situations, and make up for any physical condition such as loss of a limb, poor hearing or a vision condition.
The test has two parts: a pre-drive safety check, which determines whether the vehicle meets the DMV's minimum safety standards and whether you know how to operate it, and the Driving Performance Evaluation, the behind-the-wheel drive with a DMV examiner. The DMV also gives a Supplemental Driving Performance Evaluation to applicants of any age with a physical, mental or vision condition or a referral for a lack of skill, and an Area Driving Performance Evaluation that, if passed, restricts the license to the specified areas where the test was taken.
The driving test is by appointment only, and the DMV requires proof of insurance that meets California's financial responsibility rules. A failed test means a wait of 14 days, not counting the day of the test, and a retest fee, which the DMV's license page gives as $7 and its fee schedule as $9; a third failure makes the application no longer valid.
The DMV's study materials
The DMV lists the California Driver's Handbook, the California Motorcycle Handbook, the California Commercial Driver Handbook, the sample tests, its YouTube playlists and additional testing materials as the resources for the tests; they are gathered on its handbooks page.
Questions about the California DMV tests
Can I fail the eLearning course?
No. The DMV says the course is built to teach and coach, not to fail anyone. It only counts if every module is completed; an unfinished course does not satisfy the knowledge test requirement.
How do I know when eLearning is done?
There is no notification. When you finish, the course shows Congratulations and the application updates with the result; the DMV then tells you to visit an office to complete the application, after allowing one business day for the payment to show on your record.
How many tries do I get on the knowledge test?
Three attempts at each required knowledge test. The DMV says failing the same test three times makes the application no longer valid.
Where do the questions come from?
All of them from the California Driver's Handbook, according to the DMV, which adds that there are no trick questions and that a field office employee can tell you the page for any question you missed.
Can I take the knowledge test late in the day?
No. The DMV says tests are not available at its offices after 4:30 pm and that it does not give knowledge tests within 30 minutes of closing.
Written by SearchSystems.net from the California DMV's test preparation page, online learning page, sample tests page, learner's permits page and driver's license page, read on October 12, 2026.