California lets most first-time applicants take the DMV knowledge test online at home. You still visit a DMV office once to finish your permit.
Who can test online
- Applicants aged 18 and over.
- Applicants under 18 (since September 2023), with a parent or guardian's consent.
- People moving to California from another state.
What you need
- A started driver's license application on dmv.ca.gov. Testing options appear once your application is complete.
- A computer or laptop with a webcam. Tablets and phones are not allowed.
- Time on a weekday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. (not state holidays).
- You must verify your identity and agree to be monitored for the whole test. No handbook, phone or notes.
Languages
The online test is offered in 35 languages: choose yours when you start. You can study in your language too, as the DMV publishes the California Driver's Handbook in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Punjabi, Hindi, Armenian and Russian as well as English.
Attempts
- You get two attempts online. If you fail both, you take the third attempt at a DMV office.
- Your application allows three attempts in total, and minors wait 7 days between attempts.
After you pass: visit the DMV
Book an appointment and bring your identity and residency documents. At the office you have your photo and thumbprint taken, do the vision screening and get your instruction permit. Under 18, bring your parent or guardian's signature and your driver education certificate.
Read how to pass the California permit test and take a free California mock test first.
Checked against official sources on 17 October 2026.