California · Cheat Sheet
California permit-test facts: Questions: Not stated on the cited official page; To pass: 80% (California DMV does not state a question total on the cited permit page); Minimum age: 15½; driver-education documentation or qualifying integrated program is required for some applicants under 18; Fee: $46 Class C original application fee; Re-takes: 3 attempts for each required knowledge test; reapply after failing the same test 3 times; Official handbook: California Driver’s Handbook.
Short on time? This California DMV cheat sheet pulls the highest-yield facts and rules from the California Driver’s Handbook into one scrollable page — the stuff that shows up over and over on the permit test.
Skim it, then take the free 6-question check-in at the bottom to see how much actually stuck.
California permit-test facts: Questions: Not stated on the cited official page; To pass: 80% (California DMV does not state a question total on the cited permit page); Minimum age: 15½; driver-education documentation or qualifying integrated program is required for some applicants under 18; Fee: $46 Class C original application fee; Re-takes: 3 attempts for each required knowledge test; reapply after failing the same test 3 times; Official handbook: California Driver’s Handbook.
The cited California instruction-permit page says the knowledge test is multiple choice and requires 80%, but it does not state one statewide question total. Age requirements are conditional for applicants under 18. The $46 value is the Class C original application fee shown on the cited fee schedule; confirm fees at application time.
| Fact | Answer | Evidence status |
|---|---|---|
| Questions | Not stated on the cited official page | Not stated on the cited official page |
| To pass | 80% (California DMV does not state a question total on the cited permit page) | Verified against cited official source |
| Minimum age | 15½; driver-education documentation or qualifying integrated program is required for some applicants under 18 | Verified against cited official source |
| Fee | $46 Class C original application fee | Verified against cited official source |
| Re-takes | 3 attempts for each required knowledge test; reapply after failing the same test 3 times | Verified against cited official source |
| Official handbook | California Driver’s Handbook | Verified against cited official source |
Official source
Official-source access attempted: 2026-09-14 (retrieved)
Three sample questions from our practice bank. Read the explanation after each.
Question 1 · Traffic signals
What should you do when you see a yellow traffic light?
Correct answer: Slow down and prepare to stop
Yellow means slow down and prepare to stop — don’t speed up to beat the light.
Question 2 · Right of way
When must you yield the right of way to a pedestrian?
Correct answer: At all crosswalks, marked or unmarked
Always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks — marked or not.
Question 3 · Safe driving distance
What is the minimum following distance you should keep behind the vehicle ahead?
Correct answer: 3 seconds
Keep at least 3 seconds of space between you and the car ahead.
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Strong head start, but on its own — no. Combine it with at least 100 practice questions and one full mock exam.
Yes — every fact comes from the current California Driver’s Handbook. We update content within 30 days of any handbook revision.
Not yet — but you can print this page directly from your browser. PDF cheat sheets for paid users are coming.
Rarely as exact numbers — more often as concepts (e.g., "what doubles your stopping distance?"). Understanding the rule matters more than memorizing feet.
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