Learn for the permit test
Short lessons on the topics people most often get wrong, with practice at the end.
About these lessons
The California DMV knowledge test checks that you know traffic signs, the rules of the road and safe driving practices from the California Driver Handbook.
These free lessons follow the eight topics in our mock exams. Each one explains the rule in plain language, says whether it’s a legal rule or a safety recommendation, gives an example and ends with practice questions. When you’re ready, try a mock exam.
Lessons
Signs and Signals
Sign shapes, red-light turns, yellow lights and dark signals.
Right of Way and Crossings
All-way stops, pedestrians, railroad crossings and roundabouts.
Lanes and Turns
Center lines, the shared center turn lane, lane changes and turnouts.
Parking and Backing
Hill parking, curb colors, backing up and opening doors.
Sharing the Road
Bicyclists, large trucks, school buses and emergency vehicles.
Safe Driving and Hazards
The Basic Speed Law, following distance, lights and seat belts.
Alcohol, Drugs and Distraction
Alcohol, medicines, phones and drowsy driving.
Permits and Test Preparation
Practicing with a minor's permit, supervised hours and test day.
Guides
Free practice
Free California DMV practice test
20 mixed questions with answers and explanations.
Road signs practice test
Sign shapes, signals and warning signs.
Rules of the road practice test
Right of way, lanes, parking, sharing the road and safe driving.
Mock Exams 1–7
20-question practice exams with answers hidden until you submit. No sign-in needed.
Questions
What’s on the California permit test?
The DMV’s knowledge test is a multiple-choice test on traffic signs, the rules of the road and safe driving, based on the California Driver Handbook. The number of questions and the passing score depend on your age and the test you’re taking, so check the DMV website for the current format. See About the California permit test.
What score do I need on these practice exams?
Each of our mock exams has 20 questions, and we suggest aiming for at least 16 correct (80%). That’s our own practice target, not the DMV’s rule.
Are these lessons enough to pass?
They cover the topics people most often get wrong, but read the full California Driver Handbook too. Then check yourself with the road signs and rules of the road practice tests, and finish with a few mock exams. See Road signs practice test.
How long should I study?
It depends on how much of the handbook is new to you. If your test is coming up, our 7-day study plan gives you one topic a day, each linked to free practice. See 7-day study plan.
Are these the real DMV test questions?
No. These are original practice questions written by ChowChow Labs. We are not affiliated with the California DMV, and the DMV doesn’t publish its test questions.
Our lessons are written in our own words and checked against the California Driver Handbook. Read how we write and check them.