CA Practice Permit Test

California has adopted a Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program, which requires teens to meet certain age and experience-related milestones prior to obtaining their driver’s license. The milestones, which have been set to help lower the risks associated with being a first-time driver, include:

• 15 1/2 years old: Complete driver’s education course to receive your learner’s permit.
• 16 years old: Having completed driver’s education, teen is now eligible for a provisional license.
• 17 1/2 years old: At this age, the teen no longer has to complete a driver’s education course to apply for a provisional license.
• 18 years old and up: Teen no longer needs to first get a learner’s permit before applying for a driver’s license.

If you are under 18 years of age, you need:

• Form DL 44 (driver’s license application) which has been signed by a parent or legal guardian
• Your Social Security Number
• Your full legal name
• Birth Certificate/Proof of Legal Residence (Here is a list of examples.)

• A Completion Certificate for Driver’s Education or Driver’s Education and Driver Training or a Certificate of Enrollment In A Classroom Driver Education And Driver Training Program

• Application Fee

If you are over age 18, you need:

• Form DL 44 (Driver’s License Application)
• Social Security Number
• Full Legal Name
• Birth Certificate/Proof of Legal Residence (Here is a list of examples.)

• Application Fee

To start the application process, visit your local DMV office.

You may reach the DMV by calling (800) 777-0133. You may also visit the official website at www.dmv.ca.gov.

All California teens between the ages of 15 ½ years old and 17 ½ years old must first take and complete a driver’s education course before applying for their license. Once you have passed 17 ½ years old you no longer need to take a driver’s education course. However, it is still recommended that you do complete such a course in order to better prepare yourself to drive safely in all situations.

If you have taken a driver’s education course in another state, California will accept either of the following as proof of course completion:

• A Form DL 33, the “Secondary Schools Other Than California Schools” form, completed by your out-of-state secondary school. To request this form call (800) 777-0133 or visit your local DMV office.
• A letter from your out-of-state secondary school that is printed on school stationery and signed by a school official. The letter should state that you completed a driver’s education course that is equivalent to California’s as described in Section 10020 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations.

California will not accept your out-of-state learner’s permit as proof that you completed driver’s education.

California rules of safe driving along with traffic laws and road signs are all covered on the exam. Test questions are drawn from the content contained in the state driver’s manual. For example, you might be tested on the following:

• Drivers 15-19 years old have the highest traffic conviction, collision and injury rates of any age group. In fact, traffic collisions are the leading cause of death among teenagers.

• At 55 mph, it takes approximately 400 feet to react and bring the vehicle to a complete stop.

All questions are presented in a multiple-choice format.

There are no “trick” questions on the exam; however, some questions are more difficult than others so you should study intensely. One particular thing to pay attention to is numbers, such as speed limits and percentages.

The California Permit Test contains 46 questions. You need to answer at least 38 of them correctly to pass.

You should study the California Driver’s Manual extensively. There are also practice tests available online that are formatted like the real thing and contain questions that are often found on the exam.

You can actually get a free copy of the California Driver’s Manual right on this website.

The best way to improve your chances of passing the exam the first time is to thoroughly study the California Driver’s Manual and take numerous practice tests online. Many tests will give you the correct answers when you get a question wrong and you can use your practice test performance to guide your study efforts. Take a practice test now.

You can certainly read over the California driver’s manual one more time but the big key is to get a good night’s rest. Taking the test while you are tired is no way to ensure your best performance. Also, be sure to get ready early so that there is plenty of time to get to the DMV. You don’t want to be stressed and have to rush around to get there on time, if you have scheduled an appointment. Also, be sure to eat a good meal before going so you are not distracted by hunger pangs.

If your local DMV takes appointments, then it is definitely a good idea to schedule one. This will save you from enduring an extended wait time before your test.

You will take the test at your local DMV office.

Those under 17 ½ years old need:

• Completed Driver’s License or Identification Card Application (Form DL 44). This form will need to be signed by your parent or guardian. It also cannot be downloaded, copied or faxed.
• Proof of Social Security number – such as your Social Security Card.
• Original birth certificate or a certified copy.
• Proof of identity and lawful U.S. presence – examples of this include an unexpired U.S. passport, your original or certified birth certificate or a Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization
• Completion certificate for driver’s education or driver education and driver training or proof of enrollment in an approved driver training program.

Those over age 17 ½ years old do not have to provide certificates of completion for driver’s education and driver training. However, you cannot take the driving test until you are 18 years old or older. Who should accompany me to the written test?

You should be accompanied by your parent or guardian, who will need to sign your application form at the DMV.

Yes, most states charge a fee to process the application and for you to take your written test. In California, this fee is $33 and it covers a total of 3 exams within a 12 month period. It also covers your provisional learner’s permit and driver’s license. Keep in mind, however, that if all requirements are not met within the 12 month period, you will need to start over and pay the $33 fee again.

The test will include 46 multiple choice questions. You will need to answer at least 38 of them correctly to pass. There is no time limit on the test so you can proceed at your own pace. You will not be able to refer to the California Driver’s Manual or any notes. To get a feel for the exam, take a practice test that is formatted just like the real thing.

After passing the test, and fulfilling any other applicable California requirements, you will be issued your learner’s permit. This permit will give you permission to drive under the guidance of a licensed adult or guardian.

You can retake the test. The DMV does require a wait of at least 7 days before retaking the test. Your $33 fee covers a total of 3 exams within a 12 month period. If you don’t pass within that time frame, you must start over, which includes paying a new $33 fee.

Your $33 fee covers a total of 3 exams within a 12 month period. If you don’t pass within that time frame, you must start over and pay a new fee, which will give you the chance to take the written test three more times.

Once you pass the written permit test, you must accumulate 50 hours of driver training with licensed drivers who are over 25 years of age. In addition, 10 of those 50 hours must be at night. Finally, you are required to complete 6 hours of training with a professional instructor.

You are required to wait at least six months before applying for the driving test. Remember, you must during that time complete 50 hours of driver training and six hours of training with a professional instructor.

Any public road or street is acceptable for driver training. Remember, you must have a licensed driver age 25 or older with you when you are driving.

Of the 50 hours of driver training needed to apply for a provisional license, 10 of those hours must be from driving at night.

Yes, a licensed driver age 25 or older must always be in the car with you.

If your permit is expired, you will need to start over – including paying the $33 application fee again and retaking the written test.

If you lost your permit, take the identification and residence documents you used the first time and go back to the local DMV and request a replacement.

Two things are key here:

• Practice, practice, practice. Try to get in as much driving practice as possible.
• Learn the rules of the road and be sure to adhere to them closely whenever you drive. You can learn the rules of the road by studying the California Driver’s Manual and by taking online practice tests that cover the content of the manual.

Yes, you need both. Supervised driving practice is under the guidance of a professional driving instructor. You must complete six hours of this type of driver training. Supervised behind-the-wheel training is driving you do while accompanied by a licensed adult age 25 or older. You need 50 hours of this training, including 10 hours in which you drive at night while supervised.

Yes, you should practice parking, making two and three-point turns, stopping, other turns, lane changes, and defensive driving, such as following at a safe distance and using mirrors.

Practice the maneuvers mentioned in the previous question as these are all commonly tested on driving exams. You may also want to visit your local DMV and practice on the same roads that you will be tested on.

Contact your local DMV office or visit the website to find out if an appointment is required or if you can walk in. Most states require you to schedule a driving test appointment. You may be able to schedule the appointment online or by calling.

You will take the test at the nearest DMV office that offers the driving test.

You should bring all of the following:

• The vehicle you are going to use for the test
• Proof of registration and insurance
• Learner’s permit (if applicable)
• Proof that you have met the practice driving time requirements

If you are under 18 years of age you should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

During the driving test you will complete a basic maneuver course that includes such things as 3-point turns, parking, acceleration and braking, using vehicle signals and checking mirrors.

You will also venture into traffic so that you can show your on-the-road driving abilities.

Also before the test begins, you will likely be asked to turn on your windshield wipers, headlights, and other car systems to demonstrate your familiarity and ensure your vehicle is safe to drive.

Common reasons for test failure include: nerves, insufficient practice, rolling stops during the test, failure to maintain a safe driving distance between vehicles, not controlling speed, using incorrect hand position on steering wheel when driving, improper lane changes, poor parking and poor vehicle condition.

• Make sure you come to a complete stop when required
• Always maintain a safe distance between yourself and the vehicle in front of you when driving on the road
• Be very careful not to speed
• Always signal and check your mirrors when changing lanes
• Be sure to take the test in a car that is properly maintained

You can retake the test. You are required to wait seven days before attempting it again.

You can take the test three times. If you fail all three times you will need to start over, paying the $33 application fee and retaking the written test.

If you are 18 or over, you will immediately receive a temporary driver’s license that’s good for 90 days. The DMV will then mail you your permanent license. If you do not receive the license within 60 days, call (800) 777-0133.

If you are under 18, you will receive a provisional license, which will allow you to drive solo but comes with certain restrictions (see next question).

Provisional license holders can’t drive between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. You also can’t have any passengers in your car under the age of 20 unless there is also a licensed driver over the age of 25 present.

There are exceptions to the restrictions: a medical emergency or immediate need of a family member; school or work-related necessities; and employment purposes.

Once provisional license holders turn 18 the restrictions are removed.

Auto insurance is required by law and teen drivers are required to show proof of insurance before receiving their provisional or regular driver’s license. To get covered, teens can be added to an existing family policy or they can get their own policy.

Minimum liability insurance requirements for drivers in California are $15,000 for injury/death to one person; $30,000 for injury/death to more than one person; and $5,000 for damage to property.

You can renew your license online, by mail, by phone or in person by visiting your local DMV office.

If you have lost your driver’s license or if it was stolen, you should first report it to the California DMV at (886) 658-5758 or by sending an email to dlfraud@dmv.ca.gov. You can then follow regular renewal procedures to get your new license.

You can renew your license online, by phone, by mail unless you meet one of the following conditions, which require you to renew your license in person at the DMV:

• You are 70 years old or above
• Your driver’s license expires in more than 60 days
• Your last 2 renewals were not completed in person
• You need to take a written test

If renewing in person, you will need to complete a Driver License or Identification Card Application (DL 44); provide your thumbprint; have your picture taken; pass a vision test; pass a written exam, if necessary; and pay a $34 renewal fee for non-commercial Class A and B and $33 for Class C