California Driver’s Ed Test Questions: 5 Things to Know

California’s driver’s ed test questions cover everything from basic road signs to right-of-way rules, making it hard to tell which topics to focus on. If you want to know how to pass driver’s ed on the first try, understanding these questions – and how to study for them – is key.

Here’s what you need to know to boost your chances of passing.

You’ll Learn It All in Your Driver’s Ed Course

Everything you need to pass the DMV written test is covered in your California driver’s ed course. From road signs and their meanings to speed limits, it’s all there. 

Note that you must be at least 15-and-a-half years old to start driver’s ed. If you meet this requirement, look for a state-approved course provider, such as Traffic Safety Institute.

Once enrolled, complete 30 hours of study and pass a final exam. You’ll then receive a DMV-recognized certificate (pink slip), which is required to take the written test for your learner’s permit. Continue to study what you’ve learned to ensure you’re prepared for your test at the DMV.

You’ll Find It All in the DMV Handbook

All of the questions on the learner’s permit test come from the California Driver’s Handbook. Read it page by page, take notes, and revisit the topics you find challenging. 

Focus on the chapters covering traffic laws and regulations, safe driving practices, impaired driving, and other relevant topics. Make sure you have a clear understanding of:

• Pedestrian and school zone laws
• Right-of-way rules
• Speed limits in special areas (e.g., near railroad tracks)
• California road signs and markings
• Parking maneuvers
• Road lines and how to make safe lane changes
• What to do in emergency situations 

To make things easier, we included a free road signs cheat sheet with our permit study guide, so you might want to check it out.

Read: California Traffic Rules: Ultimate Guide

There Are Lots of Practice Tests

For most students, just reading the course materials and the California Driver’s Handbook isn’t enough to pass the permit test. Some questions can be tricky or confusing, making it hard to choose the right answer(s). 

Let’s see an example:

Question: When parking uphill on a street with no curb, your wheels should be:

1. Turned toward the street
2. Turned toward the shoulder
3. Parallel to the street
4. Straight ahead 

The correct answer is “turned toward the shoulder,” as this maneuver prevents your car from rolling into traffic. However, some students may misinterpret the question and choose “turned toward the street,” confusing it with the rule for parking uphill with a curb. 

That’s why taking practice tests is crucial. These are available in different formats, but they all include sample questions similar to those on the actual exam. We recommend the following resources:

• 2025 California DMV Permit Practice Guide: This eBook was created by our team, featuring 200+ DMV-like questions plus a road signs cheat sheet and step-by-step instructions to obtain your learner’s permit. It works on all devices and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 
• DMV practice tests: The California DMV offers four sample tests, each with 10 questions. Use them as a starting point, then move on to the questions in our practice guide. The more sample tests you take, the more confident you’ll feel and the better you’ll retain what you’ve learned. 
• Online resources: Use online resources like Quizlet and the California DMV Test app to prepare for the exam. For instance, Quizlet features hundreds of questions in the form of flashcards, helping students learn the rules of the road through active recall.
• YouTube walkthroughs: Search for YouTube videos with expert tips, sample questions, and other useful information about the DMV knowledge test. Some include detailed explanations to help you understand why an answer is right or wrong. Start with these educational videos from the California DMV. 

There Are 46 Questions on the Test 

The California DMV knowledge test has 46 questions, each with three possible answers — and only one correct choice. To pass, you must get at least 38 answers right. 

The test is administered on a computer, and you may also be allowed to take the permit test online from any PC or laptop equipped with a webcam. 

Read: How to Pass Driver’s Ed

You Can Retake the Test 

More than half of applicants fail the DMV written test, and 40% of new drivers miss the mark on their first try. Luckily, you get three chances to pass, with a 14-day waiting period between exams. If you fail all three attempts, you’ll need to reapply for a learner’s permit and pay the required fees. (Learn more in How to Get a Learner’s Permit in California.)

To help ensure you pass on the first try, be sure to choose the best driver’s ed course in California and set time aside to study each day. Also, prepare yourself mentally for the test by getting plenty of rest in the days leading up to it and reviewing the study materials until you feel confident. 

The Easy Way to Pass: Take Driver’s Ed with Traffic Safety Institute

The learner’s permit test can be difficult, but we’re here to help you succeed. Our California driver’s ed course features 15 easy-to-follow lessons, each ending with a four-question quiz. Go through all the modules, then take an open-book exam to test your newly acquired knowledge and get one step closer to obtaining your learner’s permit. 

But that’s not all. We also offer extra perks like:

✅ Unlimited exam retakes
✅ Save-and-resume feature
✅ Multi-device compatibility
✅ 24/7 live chat support
✅ Free audio read-along
✅ Instant electronic certificate
✅ Physical certificate shipped for free
✅ 100% guaranteed to pass

We provide a stress-free learning experience from the moment you start driver’s ed to the day you get your pink slip —  all for a low flat fee of only $29.99. Plus, you can use this drivers’ ed promo code for further savings. 

Learning the rules of the road doesn’t have to be a hassle. Sign up for our driver’s ed course to gain the confidence and knowledge you need to pass your permit test.