California permit test pass it at 80%

Three attempts, then you start over

Section 3 of the handbook spells out the rules. The test is multiple choice, no testing aids are allowed (no handbook, no phone), and the DMV's instruction-permit page sets the pass mark at 80%. What neither source states is the number of questions, so our practice test runs as a 25-question set scored at 80% rather than pretending to mirror an official length. The application fee is non-refundable. We couldn't confirm the current amount because the DMV fee page didn't load for us.

In-office tests must be started before 4:30 p.m. Book an appointment, and leave time for documents, the vision exam and your photo first.

Before the DMV: what minors need

• Be at least 15½.
• Proof you finished or are enrolled in driver education.
• A parent or guardian signature — both parents if you're in joint custody.
• Proof of identity, two proofs of California residency, a legal-name document if your names differ, and your SSN (exceptions may apply).
• The DL/ID application, which you can start online at dmv.ca.gov.

If you fail the vision exam, the DMV gives you form DL 62 (Report of Vision Examination) to take to an eye doctor.

The supervisor rule: 25, not 21

Many states let any licensed adult 21+ ride with a learner. California sets the bar at 25 for minors, and the same number reappears in the provisional rules. A parent, guardian, spouse, adult 25+ or licensed instructor can supervise. For adult permit holders it drops to 18.

From permit to provisional license

1. Hold the permit six months (or until 18).
2. Log 50 supervised hours, 10 at night, with a licensed driver 25+, plus professional driver training.
3. Pass the drive test at 16 or older. If a minor fails, they wait 14 days and pay a $7 retest fee. Three failures void the application.
4. First 12 months provisional: no driving 11 p.m.–5 a.m. and no passengers under 20 unless a parent, guardian or licensed driver 25+ is with you. Signed notes cover medical, school, work and family exceptions.

Applicants aged 17½ to 18 can skip driver ed and training for the permit, but they can't take the drive test until they turn 18.

Rules with California-specific numbers

• BAC: 0.08% at 21+, 0.01% under 21 or on DUI probation, and 0.04% for commercial or passenger-for-hire drivers (Sec. 9).
• Phones: handheld use is illegal for everyone. A mounted phone allows a single swipe or tap. Drivers under 18 can't use a phone at all except for emergency calls (Sec. 8).
• Emergency vehicles: don't follow within 300 feet of one using a siren. Move over or slow down for stationary emergency, tow and road-work vehicles with flashing lights.
• School buses: stop in both directions for flashing reds, except across a divided or multilane highway with two or more lanes each way. Fines run up to $1,000, plus a possible one-year suspension.
• Railroads: stop at least 15 feet from the nearest rail.
• Cyclists: pass with at least 3 feet of space.
• Parking: 15 feet from a hydrant, and 3 feet from a disabled sidewalk ramp.
• Turning: signal 100 feet ahead, and use a center left-turn lane for no more than 200 feet.
• High beams: dim within 500 feet of oncoming traffic and 300 feet of a car ahead.
• No smoking with a minor in the vehicle.
• Insurance minimums: $30,000 / $60,000 / $15,000.