Master My Test

California DMV Written Test Prep

Study the California DMV written knowledge test by rule, not by memorized answer. Start with the free 25-question test, then use the focused guides below to review exactly what you missed.

HOW THE TEST WORKS

Start with the official source, then practice.

California DMV says the knowledge test is multiple choice and based on the California Driver’s Handbook. For instruction permits, DMV lists an 80% passing score. Original driver-license applicants have three attempts before they must reapply, and testing aids such as a handbook or phone are not allowed during the knowledge test.

Take the free 25-question test
Open the official handbook
80%DMV-listed permit-test passing score
3Original-license knowledge-test attempts before reapplying
0Testing aids allowed during the knowledge test

STUDY BY TOPIC

Build the rules into separate mental buckets

Each guide opens with a direct answer, explains the rule in plain language, links to the official DMV source, and includes a few crawlable practice checks.

01California DMV Knowledge Test GuideCalifornia's Class C knowledge test uses multiple-choice questions based on the California Driver's Handbook. For instruction permits, DMV states that a passing…Open study guide →02California DMV Right-of-Way RulesRight-of-way rules decide who should go first, but safety still controls the decision. At an uncontrolled intersection, the vehicle that arrives first…Open study guide →03California DMV Parking and Curb RulesFor hill parking, set the parking brake and leave the vehicle in park or in gear for a manual transmission. Facing downhill,…Open study guide →04California DMV Lane Markings GuideYellow lines generally separate traffic moving in opposite directions; white lines separate traffic moving in the same direction. A broken yellow line…Open study guide →05California DMV Speed Limits and School ZonesCalifornia speed questions are often about the situation, not just a posted number. The handbook lists 25 mph in business or residential…Open study guide →06California DMV Headlights and Visibility RulesCalifornia DMV requires headlights in several situations beyond nighttime. The handbook says to use them when it is too dark to see…Open study guide →07California DMV Alcohol and BAC RulesCalifornia's illegal BAC threshold depends on the driver. The handbook lists 0.08% or higher for drivers over 21, 0.01% or higher for…Open study guide →08California DMV Road Signs and Traffic SignalsThe California DMV written test expects you to recognize both traffic signals and sign shapes. A flashing red signal means stop, then…Open study guide →

A BETTER STUDY LOOP

Practice → identify the weak rule → verify → retest

1Practice

Take the full test without looking up answers.

2Diagnose

Separate incorrect, unanswered, and guessed questions.

3Verify

Use the topic guide and official DMV source to understand the rule.

4Retest

Return to practice and make sure the rule now makes sense.

OFFICIAL DMV RESOURCES

Use Master My Test with the DMV’s own materials

Last reviewed: August 16, 2026 · Reviewed by Master My Test