✓The DMV publishes one figure for the written test: a passing score of 80%. It no longer states a current question count.
✓Older DMV material put the test at 36 questions (adults) or 46 (under 18), per a December 2006 report — dated, not a current DMV figure.
✓The test is taken at a DMV office and, for in-office testing, must be started before 4:30 p.m.
✓Retakes: a 7-day wait for applicants under 18; the DMV publishes no required wait 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.
Pass mark80% (DMV's published score)
Question countNot currently published
Historical count36 adult / 46 under 18 (2006 report)
Retake wait7 days (under 18) / none published (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 DMV publishes one current figure for the written test: a passing score of 80% (stated on its Learner’s Permits page). It no longer states how many questions the test has.
Older DMV material — a December 2006 evaluation report — described the test as 36 questions for adults and 46 for applicants under 18. Those numbers are widely repeated, but they’re dated and the DMV doesn’t publish a current count, so treat them as historical rather than a guaranteed test length. What’s current and certain is the 80% pass mark and that every question comes from the California Driver’s Handbook.
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. Any wait between attempts depends on the applicant’s age:
Under 18: a 7-day wait between attempts
18 and older: no waiting period is published — the 7-day wait applies only under 18
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?
The DMV no longer publishes a question count on its current pages. A December 2006 DMV evaluation report described the adult test as 36 questions and the under-18 test as 46 — dated figures, not a current DMV-stated count. The current published standard is a passing score of 80%.
What score do I need to pass?
The DMV publishes a passing score of 80% on its Learner's Permits page. It doesn't state a per-test correct-answer count on its current pages, so treat 80% as the mark to beat.
Is the DMV written test 80% to pass?
Yes — the DMV's Learner's Permits page states a passing score of 80%. That's the current published standard; the DMV no longer publishes a per-test question or correct-answer count.
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 (Handbook §3); the DMV publishes no required waiting period for adults.
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.