In California, who can ride along so a provisional driver may carry passengers under 20 in the first year?

A parent, guardian, or licensed driver 25 or older

A car in the lane next to you has stopped at a crosswalk. You should:

Stop too — a pedestrian may be crossing in front of it

California Permit Test Practice

California's DMV gives teens a longer test than adults. If you're under 18, the knowledge test has 46 questions and you need 38 right; adults answer 36 and need 30. Both work out to about 83%, a higher bar than most states. You can apply at 15½, but only after finishing (or enrolling in) driver education, and a parent or guardian must sign your application.

The permit isn't valid on its own at first: you can't drive until a driving instructor validates it when behind-the-wheel training starts. After that, you hold the permit for six months and log 50 hours of practice, 10 at night, before the road test. If you fail the written test, you wait a week before trying again, so it pays to practice free on DMV Permit Prep until you're scoring well above 83%.

Questions: 46
To pass: 38 correct · 83%
Permit age: 15 years 6 months
Practice: 50 hours, 10 at night

Start a free California practice test

5 free tests per license. No sign-up needed.

California permit test sample questions

Tap an answer to check yourself.

1. During the first 12 months of a California provisional license, when may you NOT drive alone?
2. What is the youngest age at which you can get a provisional driver's license in California?
3. In California, who can ride along so a provisional driver may carry passengers under 20 in the first year?
4. A row of white triangles painted across your lane, pointing toward you, means:
5. A car in the lane next to you has stopped at a crosswalk. You should:

How to get your learner's permit in California

1Complete or enroll in an approved driver education course (minors 15½–17½).
2Fill out the online Driver's License & ID Card application and have a parent or guardian sign it.
3Book a DMV appointment and bring proof of identity, Social Security number and California residency.
4Pay the non-refundable application fee and pass the vision test.
5Pass the 46-question knowledge test (38 correct).
6Start behind-the-wheel training so an instructor can validate your permit.
7Hold the permit 6 months and log 50 practice hours (10 at night) before the road test.

For the first year, provisional drivers can't drive 11 p.m.–5 a.m. or carry passengers under 20 unless a licensed adult 25+ is with them. Permit holding period: 6 months. Fee: $46 Class C application fee (covers the permit and license).

The California knowledge test

Under-18 version shown (adults: 36 questions, 30 correct); taken at a DMV office on a touchscreen terminal and offered in many languages.

Study tips for California

Aim for 40+ correct on practice tests, since California's under-18 test requires 38 of 46.
Know California's 'Basic Speed Law' and the 15/25/55/65 mph limits that appear repeatedly on the test.
Learn the provisional license rules: no driving 11 p.m.–5 a.m. and no passengers under 20 without an adult 25+ for the first year.

CDL in California

California CDL applicants take the general knowledge test and any endorsement tests at a DMV office to get a Commercial Learner's Permit (plus a medical exam report), complete federal ELDT, and wait at least 14 days before the skills test.

Motorcycle in California

California issues an M1 motorcycle permit after the motorcycle knowledge test; riders under 21 must complete the California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) course, and its certificate waives the DMV riding skills test.

California permit test FAQ

How many questions are on the California permit test?

Applicants under 18 answer 46 questions and must get 38 right. Adults 18 and over answer 36 questions and need 30 correct.

Can I get a California permit at 15?

You must be at least 15½, and you need to have completed or be enrolled in driver education. A parent or guardian must sign the application.

What happens if I fail the California permit test?

Applicants under 18 must wait 7 days before retaking it. Failing three times means you must reapply and pay again.

How much does a California permit cost?

The Class C application fee is $46 and covers the instruction permit and the license once you pass the road test.

Official information: California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) . DMV Permit Prep is an independent study tool, not affiliated with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

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