No, you can’t. In January 2025, the DMV sunset the option to take permit tests online. New applicants must now go to a DMV office to take the permit test. Here’s an overview of who can and cannot take the knowledge test online
| Who can satisfy the DMV knowledge requirement online (California, 2025)? | ||
|---|---|---|
| If you… | And you are… | Then… |
| Don’t have a CA driver’s license (e.g., teen/first-time applicant) | Applying for a noncommercial Class C or a motorcycle license | ❌ Test at a DMV office (no eLearning for originals) |
| Have only a CA ID (no DL yet) | Applying for a noncommercial Class C or a motorcycle license | ❌ Test at a DMV office (original application) |
| Have a noncommercial Class C DL | Renewing your Class C license (and a knowledge test is required) | ✅ eLearning available (no-fail) to satisfy the requirement |
| Have a noncommercial Class C DL | Renewing and adding an original CA motorcycle license | ❌ Motorcycle knowledge test must be taken at DMV (eLearning covers Class C only) |
| Have a CA motorcycle license (M1/M2) | Renewing your motorcycle license | ❌ If a knowledge test is required, it’s at DMV (no eLearning for motorcycle) |
| Have a motorcycle license (M1/M2) | Renewing motorcycle and adding an original Class C DL | ❌ Original Class C knowledge test at DMV (no eLearning for originals) |
| Have both Class C + M | Renewing both | 🟨 You can use eLearning for the Class C portion if required; any motorcycle knowledge test is in-office |
Notes: 1) eLearning = DMV’s online, no-fail course that satisfies the knowledge test for eligible Class C renewals only. 2) Many drivers 70+ no longer have any knowledge test requirement as of Oct 1, 2024; check your renewal notice.
How to Take the Permit Test for New Drivers
California teenagers must apply for an instruction permit (also known as a learner’s permit) after finishing driver’s ed and obtaining a certificate of completion, or pink slip. The permit allows them to practice driving under supervision.
If you’re over 18, you don’t have to complete driver’s education or get a pink slip, but you must hold an instruction permit for at least six months before applying for a noncommercial DL.
In either case, it’s necessary to take and pass a written test to obtain your instruction permit.
Simply follow the steps below:
- Create a MyDMV account.
- Complete Form eDL44 (driver’s license application) and pay the application fee.
- Have the form signed by a parent (for applicants under 18).
- Make a DMV office appointment and bring required ID/residency docs.
- Pay a $45 application fee.
- Take the knowledge test in person at a DMV office (no remote option). You get up to 3 attempts; offices don’t give tests within 30 minutes of closing.
🔹 If you pass, schedule a DMV visit for fingerprinting, a vision test, and a photo.
Once you have your learner’s permit, you must hold it for at least six months and drive for 50+ hours under the supervision of a licensed adult driver.
These practice sessions will prepare you for the behind-the-wheel test, which is a prerequisite for getting a provisional license (if you are under 18) or a permanent driver’s license (if you’re 18+).
Get your California driver’s license with our comprehensive driver’s education course!
Online Permit Tests for License Renewal
The online testing option is available to Californians who need to renew their driver’s licenses.
If your renewal notice requires a test, you can:
- Take a 25-question knowledge test via MyProctor (follow the steps above), or
- Complete a pass-only, no-fail online course with the DMV
The second option is quicker and more convenient. Here’s what you need to do:
- Create a MyDMV account.
- Complete Form eDL44.
- Select “eLearning” when filling out the renewal application (Form eDL44).
- Pay the $45 renewal fee.
- Wait to receive an email with an access link to the course or access the eLearning platform through your application.
- Take the course at your own pace – just make sure you finish within one year and before your license expires.
The eLearning course is available in English, Spanish, and Chinese and takes around 20 to 30 minutes. It has seven short lessons followed by quizzes, and you must go through all the modules.
This testing option is available 24/7 and can be accessed from any device. If you need a break, you can pause the course and resume from where you left off.
When you’re done, go to a DMV office to complete your application. The DMV will issue a temporary driver’s license that is valid for 60 days. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within three to four weeks.
*You may not take the knowledge exam online if you apply for license renewal at a DMV office.
How to Prepare for the California Permit Test
The DMV permit test is based on the California Driver Handbook. Both the online and in-person tests have 40 multiple-choice questions covering topics like:
- Proper lane changes
- Traffic laws and regulations
- Road signs and signals
- Safe driving practices
- Right-of-way and interactions
- Driving under the influence
The test has a first-try pass rate of only 45%. If you don’t get a passing score, you can retake the exam after seven days. Participants who fail three times must resubmit their application and repay the application fee.
To pass, you must answer at least 32 questions correctly. Our advice is to start practicing a few weeks ahead and set aside time for learning every day or on most days.
- First, read the California Driver Handbook, focusing on the sections you struggle with the most.
- Next, take the sample tests on the DMV website to familiarize yourself with the questions.
- Go one step further and look for online practice tests.
Our California Driver Learner’s Permit Study Guide includes 200+ DMV-like questions plus other helpful resources, such as a free road signs cheat sheet. It also provides step-by-step instructions to get your learner’s permit and improve your odds of passing the exam.
The guide is available in both digital and paper formats, so you can choose whatever suits you best. The digital version comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, meaning we’ll give you a full refund if you’re not satisfied with your purchase.
Buy the California Driver Learner’s Permit Study Guide to increase your chances of success!
Final Thoughts
Taking the knowledge test online was faster and more convenient than going to the DMV, but it wasn’t any easier than the in-person test students must use in 2025.
The best thing you can do to increase your chances of passing the test is to choose a reputable driving school. Our DMV-approved California driver’s ed course is fully online and can be completed from any device. You can study at your own pace, take regular breaks, and pick up from where you left off.
FAQs about Taking the Driver’s Permit Test Online
Is there anything else you want to know? Here is one question we get all the time:
What is the easiest way to pass a permit test?
When it comes to taking your California permit test, there are no shortcuts. We recommend reading the California Driver Handbook and taking lots of practice tests. Remember that only 45% of students pass this test on their first try, so study hard and take it seriously.
What states allow you to take a permit test online?
Several states allow you to take all or part of your permit test online, including Colorado, Iowa, Tennessee, Arizona, Hawaii, Michigan, Oregon, and New York. California allowed online permit tests up to 2025.
How many questions are on the permit test in California?
In California, the standard learner’s permit / instruction permit knowledge (written) test has 46 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 38 of them correctly to pass (which is about an 83% passing score).
