California DMV Practice Test 2026: Class C knowledge test
Free California DMV practice test: official facts from the California DMV, questions written from the official California Driver's Handbook (DL 600).
- 36 questions, commonly reported
- 80% pass mark
- $46 fee, non-refundable application
- 15½ minimum age
- Facts checked October 13, 2026
- Tests 1–2 free, no sign-up
Free practice tests
Practice test 1
- Advertisement
Practice test 2
Practice tests 3–10
8 more full-length California tests unlock with a one-off code, saved in this browser.
Unlock codes are not on sale yet.
California road signs test: free practice with 20 sign questions.
Every test has the same length and pass mark, shown on each card. Each answer comes with its handbook reference. Each test has 27 national rules-and-signs questions and 9 California-specific questions. Tests 1–2 are free; your best score is saved in this browser. The United States pass unlocks every United States test. Have a code? Open practice test 3 to enter it.
Practice format (commonly reported): The California DMV does not publish the number of questions; the test is commonly reported as 36 questions for adults (46 for under-18 applicants) with an 80% pass mark, and our practice tests use that format. Practice tests use a strict 80%: 29 of 36 (adult form); the under-18 form is commonly reported as 46 questions, 37 to pass.
Official facts from the California DMV
| Official exam name | Driver's license knowledge test(Class C) |
|---|---|
| Run by | California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) official page |
| Number of questions | Not published by the California DMV |
| Pass mark | 80% |
| Time limit | None published by the California DMV |
| Fee | $46 non-refundable application fee, valid for 12 months and three knowledge-test attemptsNon-refundable Class C original application fee (Licensing Fees page). Application and fee valid for 12 months; three knowledge-test attempts before you must reapply. |
| Minimum age | 15½ |
| Where to book | California DMV appointments (official site) |
You need 80% to pass the California driver’s license knowledge test (Class C), per the California DMV; questions come from the official California Driver's Handbook (DL 600) (REV. 6/2025).
Source: California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) official pages, checked October 13, 2026.
ID, retakes and booking
| ID and documents | Driver's License & ID Card Application; proof of identity; two proofs of California residency (REAL ID); Social Security number (exceptions may apply); legal-name document if names differ. Under 18: driver education certificate of completion/enrollment and parent/guardian signature. Vision test and photo at the DMV. |
|---|---|
| Retake | Minors must wait seven days to retake a failed knowledge test, not counting the day of the failure. No wait stated for adults. |
| Attempts | 'You are allowed three attempts to pass before you must reapply.' Tests not available at DMV offices after 4:30 p.m. |
| Languages | Current list of knowledge-test languages not stated on the DMV pages checked. Handbook PDF available in Armenian, Chinese, English, Hindi, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese, plus an ASL video. |
| Road signs | US road signs, signals and pavement markings as shown in the California Driver's Handbook. |
| Handbook | California Driver's Handbook (DL 600) — DL 600 English (REV. 6/2025) read the handbook |
| Facts last checked | October 13, 2026 |
California road signs test
US road signs, signals and pavement markings as shown in the California Driver's Handbook. Practice them in the free California road signs test or browse the United States sign library.
California Class C knowledge test: common questions
How many questions are on the California permit test?
The California DMV does not publish the number of questions; the test is commonly reported as 36 questions for adults (46 for under-18 applicants) with an 80% pass mark, and our practice tests use that format. Practice tests use a strict 80%: 29 of 36 (adult form); the under-18 form is commonly reported as 46 questions, 37 to pass.
What is the pass mark for the California permit test?
You need 80% to pass, per the California DMV. Our practice tests mark 29 of 36 (80%), the commonly reported format.
Is the California permit test hard?
You need 29 of 36 (80%) to pass, so in the commonly reported 36-question format you can get at most 7 wrong. The best preparation is to study the official California Driver's Handbook (DL 600) (REV. 6/2025) and take practice tests until you pass them comfortably.
How much does the California permit test cost?
$46 non-refundable application fee, valid for 12 months and three knowledge-test attempts, per the California DMV.
Is there a free California DMV practice test for 2026?
Yes. This site has 2 free California Class C knowledge test practice tests for 2026, each with 36 questions and the commonly reported pass mark of 29 of 36 (80%), plus a free road-sign quiz.
More California Class C knowledge test questions: time limit, retakes, age and ID
Nearby tests
Official handbook
Class C knowledge test questions come from the official California Driver's Handbook (DL 600). Read the California Driver's Handbook (DL 600) on the official site.
Last updated October 13, 2026. Facts checked against California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) official pages. This site is independent and is not run by the California DMV.