✓The written knowledge test count depends on age: under 18 — 46 questions, 38 to pass; 18 and older — 36 questions, 30 to pass.
✓The pass mark is a correct-answer count, not a percentage — 38 of 46 and 30 of 36 each work out to about 83%.
✓The test is taken at a DMV office and, for in-office testing, must be started before 4:30 p.m.
✓Retakes: 7 days for applicants under 18, the next business day for adults — up to three attempts before you reapply.
✓It's offered in 35+ languages and is part of the $46 application fee — there's no separate charge.
Under 1846 Q · 38 to pass
18 and older36 Q · 30 to pass
Pass markCorrect-answer count (~83%)
Retake7 days (under 18) / next business day (18+)
Attempts3 before reapplying
Languages35+
CostPart of the $46 application fee
The knowledge test — the written, multiple-choice test on traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving — is one of the first hurdles to a California license. This guide is about the logistics: how many questions, the score you need, where and when it’s given, retakes, and languages. For the material itself, use the free practice tests and the road signs study guide.
How many questions and the score you need
The single most-misunderstood fact about the California written test is that there is no single question count — it depends on the applicant’s age:
Under 18: 46 questions, 38 correct to pass
18 and older: 36 questions, 30 correct to pass
The number that decides pass or fail is the correct-answer count, not a percentage. The DMV’s instruction-permit page describes the threshold as roughly 80%, but 38 of 46 and 30 of 36 each come to about 83% — so the counts, not the rounded percentage, are what to aim for. Missing more than eight questions (under 18) or six (adults) is a fail.
Where and when you take it
The knowledge test is taken at a DMV field office. For in-office testing, the test has to be started before 4:30 p.m., so arriving with time to spare matters, especially at busy offices. It’s a computer-based test at most locations.
The test is offered in more than 35 languages, and audio versions are available for some formats. Which formats are on hand can vary by office, so it’s worth confirming when you arrive.
Retakes and attempt limits
Failing the written test isn’t the end of the application — you get up to three attempts on a single application before you have to reapply and pay the fee again. The waiting period between attempts is age-based:
Under 18: a 7-day wait between attempts
18 and older: a retake as early as the next business day
Retaking the written test within your current application carries no separate fee — it’s covered by the original $46 application. Only after three failed attempts does a new application, and a new fee, come into play.
Cost
Knowledge test with your application
Part of the $46 first-license application fee — no separate charge
Included
Retaking the written test
Free within your current application, up to three attempts
No fee
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the California written test?
It depends on age. Applicants under 18 take a 46-question test; applicants 18 and older take a 36-question test. There is no single count that applies to everyone.
What score do I need to pass?
The pass mark is a correct-answer count, not a percentage: 38 of 46 for applicants under 18, and 30 of 36 for adults. Both work out to roughly 83%.
Is the DMV written test 80% to pass?
The DMV's instruction-permit page describes the pass mark as about 80%, but the figure that actually decides pass or fail is the correct-answer count — 38 or 30. Those counts come to about 83%, so the count is the number to aim for.
How many times can I retake the knowledge test?
Up to three attempts on one application before you have to reapply. Between attempts, applicants under 18 wait 7 days; adults can retake the next business day.
What languages is the California written test offered in?
The knowledge test is available in more than 35 languages. Ask at the office which formats are available for your test.
How do I study for the knowledge test?
Study the California Driver's Handbook and work through our free practice tests and the road signs study guide. This page covers the test logistics; those cover the material.
Is there a separate fee for the knowledge test?
No. The knowledge test is part of the $46 first-license application fee, and retaking it within your current application is free. See what to bring and pay.