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State-specific ★★★★★ average Updated 2025

California DMV Practice Test 2025

From LA carpool lanes to Sierra snow passes, master the cues California exam writers spotlight.

Download iOS App See exam details

Studying the handbook helps — but consistent, state-specific practice makes the real exam feel familiar and easier to handle.

Questions
46 (under 18) / 36 (18+)
Passing score
83% (38 correct for teens)
Time limit
Approx. 45 min
Agency
DMV

State exam briefing

California’s 2025 exam balances mega-city pace with statewide terrain

California learners navigate Silicon Valley express lanes, LA HOV corridors, and Tahoe snow in one state. The DMV’s 2025 manual refresh highlights clean-air rules, Vision Zero enforcement, and online testing logistics. Structure study sessions across three tracks: urban commuting (metered ramps, bus rapid transit lanes, protected intersections), coastal/freeway travel (carpool sticker rules, toll express lanes, fog on Highway 1), and mountains/deserts (chain controls on I-80, heat-related breakdowns in the desert, wildfire evacuation). App explanations cite California Vehicle Code so you see the legal foundation behind each answer. Finish sessions by comparing teen curfews with handheld device penalties—hybrid questions like these are common on the 46/36-question exam.

Before tackling California’s two-tier exam, check these items

  • Under 18: 46 questions with 38 correct required (83%); 18+ see 36 questions with 30 correct needed (83%).
  • Expect questions about lane-splitting etiquette, Vision Zero speed reductions, and bold crosswalks in SF/LA.
  • California emphasizes clean-air rules—know carpool sticker requirements, idle reduction, and zero-emission zone signage.
  • Mountain prompts stress chain laws, runaway ramps, and braking techniques on SR-89 and I-80 near Donner Pass.
  • DUI and hands-free laws appear frequently—memorize the 0.01% BAC limit for minors and penalties for handheld device use.
Minimum age
Teens may apply at 15½ with proof of driver education completion and parent/guardian signature.
Permit fees
$41 application fee for Class C permit, covering three knowledge test attempts and two road tests.

Included within the application fee (three attempts). Additional attempts require a new application fee.

Covered by the original application fee (two tries).

Bring payment (card, cash, check, money order). AB 60 applicants follow separate ID requirements but pay the same fee.

Retest rules
You can retake the online or in-person knowledge test after waiting seven days. Three failed attempts require a new application and fee.

Local statutes to flag

  • CVC §21760 – Three-foot minimum passing distance for bicycles (vulnerable road users).
  • CVC §23124 – Prohibition on cell phone use by drivers under 18.
  • CVC §22450 – Stop requirements at limit lines, including California’s enforcement nuances.

Weather extremes California exam writers cover

Sierra Nevada chain controls require readiness—know when to install chains and carry mandatory equipment. Coastal fog along Highway 1 reduces visibility; use low beams and increase following distance. Desert heat on I-10 compels pre-trip inspections—expect reminders to check coolant, tires, and carry water.

Imagine your Hollywood DMV test after a Metro ride

You exit the Red Line, step into the bustling office, and head to an online test validation kiosk. After the vision screen, you slide into the exam booth. The first prompt covers an LA HOV lane—your practice drill kicks in. Later, a Tahoe chain control scenario appears; remembering last winter’s trip, you choose the correct answer and finish the exam with confidence.

Regional practice ideas

Where to keep honing skills after California

Keep momentum by comparing how nearby agencies phrase questions, documentation, and retest timelines.

Nevada DMV Permit Guide 2025

Nevada adds Las Vegas Strip traffic, desert flash floods, and open-range cattle.

Explore details

Arizona MVD Permit Roadmap 2025

Arizona drills dust storms, Phoenix bus lanes, and Sonoran desert survival tactics.

Explore details

Oregon DMV Practice Test 2025

Oregon emphasizes rain-soaked freeways, bike culture, and coastal fog detours.

Explore details

Washington DOL Permit Playbook 2025

Washington pushes rain-lined express lanes, ferry staging, and bike-lane etiquette.

Explore details
State-specific ★★★★★ average Updated 2025

Guided practice for California streaks, simulations & reminders that keep you exam-ready

Short, focused drills + full exam runs. Track progress weekly so the real test feels familiar and manageable.

  • Adaptive study reminders
  • Offline mode
  • Readiness score
Start practicing in the iOS app

Consistent, state-specific practice makes the real exam feel easier. Individual outcomes vary.

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State-specific question bank

Curated practice from the latest California handbook — no generic filler.

  • Focused on California laws & tricky edge cases
  • Explanations reference the official handbook
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Realistic timing & scoring

Simulators mirror the California Department of Motor Vehicles interface so exam day feels familiar.

  • Same pacing, limits, and scoring rules
  • Readiness score shows when you’re truly ready

How it works

A simple path from practice to permit

Three focused steps designed for California. Study what matters, rehearse the real pacing, and go in calm.

  1. 1

    Study what matters

    Run a quick diagnostic; the app surfaces California-specific weak spots and builds your plan.

    • Targeted drills from the latest California handbook
  2. 2

    Simulate the real test

    Timed exams mirror California Department of Motor Vehicles pacing and scoring; review each explanation right after.

    • Same limits, same rules, familiar interface
  3. 3

    Pass with confidence

    Track your readiness score and book when you’re consistently strong across topics.

    • Clear next steps and gentle reminders
Practice in the iOS app Review exam details

Practice tools

Train the way you’ll be tested

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Road Signs Trainer

Master regulatory, warning, and guide signs with visuals built for California. The app resurfaces tricky signs until they’re instinctive.

  • Image-first drills with memory hooks
  • Mix-and-match quizzes to mimic exam variety
  • Confidence score at a glance
Practice signs in iOS app
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Exam Simulator

Full-length tests mirror the official interface: same timer, same scoring, and real-time feedback so exam day feels like rehearsal.

  • Timed runs based on the latest 2025 handbook
  • Review mode with handbook references after each session
  • Readiness score tells you when to book
See how simulation works

From the blog

Latest California driving guides

Practical walkthroughs written for California learners: exam expectations, coaching tips, and checklists you can use today.

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Published Jan 25, 2025

California Road Test: Your 2025 DMV Playbook

Master multilane traffic, hill parking, and examiner cues anywhere in California.

≈ 4 min read

Frequently asked questions

Need-to-know answers

California permit FAQ (2025)

Quick answers to the questions California learners search most before exam day.

  1. Can I take California’s permit test online?

  2. What if I fail the online exam?

  3. How long is the permit valid?

  4. Do I need a parent present?

  5. Are interpreter services available?

  6. Can I drive immediately after passing?