How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in California?

In California, you must be at least 15½ years old to begin the permit process. Requirements and any driver-education steps are set by the California driver licensing agency.

Where do these California practice questions come from?

Every question is written from the official Official California Driver Handbook (DL 600) — the same source the California knowledge exam is based on — and each comes with a plain-English explanation.

Is the California permit practice test free?

Yes. You can take a free California practice test on this page, and the DMV Permit Pass app includes a free 3-day trial with 400+ questions and lessons.

What does the California permit test cover?

Traffic signs and signals, right-of-way, speed limits and following distance, alcohol/drug laws, signaling and parking, and sharing the road with trucks, motorcycles, bikes, and pedestrians.

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Free California Permit Practice Test (2026)

Try real California permit questions below — each one written from the official California driver handbook, with an explanation so you actually learn the rule instead of just memorizing. Then get the app to master all 400+.

15½Min. permit age

Class CLicense type

400+Practice questions

Free3-day trial

Take a free 6-question California sample

Tap an answer to see if you're right and why — this is exactly how the app teaches, just with a lot more.

Question 1 of 60 correct

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More free California practice — no signup

Every question comes from the official California handbook with an explanation. Unlimited retakes, all free.

California Practice Test 1 · 20 questions California Practice Test 2 · 20 questions California Practice Test 3 · 20 questions California Road Signs Test · 40 signs Browse all 45 California-specific questions & answers General road-rules questions · 381 more

Also available in Español · Kreyòl Ayisyen · Português · Français

Key California rules to know

A few state-specific facts pulled straight from the questions in our California bank:

You must be at least 15½ years old for an instruction permit if under 18.
Never drive faster than is safe for current conditions — even below the posted limit.
0.08% or higher is illegal for drivers over 21.
Move over and slow down for a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights.
Everyone must buckle up in California.

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Official California Driver HandbookThe current edition — the exact source this practice test is built from.

Open PDF ↗

Source: Official California Driver Handbook (DL 600). Always confirm current rules with your official California driver handbook.

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400+ California questions, lessons that teach each rule, and practice that drills only what you get wrong. Free 3-day trial.

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What the California permit test covers

The California knowledge exam pulls from these topics — the app has a lesson and practice set for each.

Traffic signs & signalsShapes, colors, and what each means

Right-of-wayIntersections, crosswalks, merging

Speed limits & following distanceCalifornia's limits and safe spacing

Alcohol, drugs & the lawZero tolerance, implied consent, DUI

Signaling & parkingDistances, turn signals, rules

Sharing the roadTrucks, motorcycles, bikes, pedestrians

California permit test FAQ

How old do I have to be to get a California permit?

You must be at least 15½ in California to start the permit process. Some states also require a driver-education or supervised-driving step — check your California driver licensing agency for the exact requirements.

Where do these questions come from?

Every question is written from the official Official California Driver Handbook (DL 600) — the same material the California knowledge exam is based on — and each includes an explanation so you learn the rule.

Is this California practice test free?

Yes. The sample above is free, and the DMV Permit Pass app includes a free 3-day trial with 400+ California questions, lessons, and smart review.

What should I bring to the California DMV?

Generally proof of identity, your Social Security number, and residency documents. Confirm the exact list with your official California driver licensing agency before you go.