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California DMV

Learner GuidesEverything for your California drive test

4 guides, from first practice to retest

How the test is scored, what the examiner checks before you drive, what happens on the day, and what to do if it doesn't go to plan. All plain English, all from the DMV's own rules.

Your drive test, in order

Four guides, in the order you'll need them. Each one is built from the California DMV's own handbook and score sheet.

  1. 1
    Start here, weeks before

    How the drive test is scored

    The score sheet section by section, the 15-error limit, and the critical errors that mean an automatic fail.15 errors allowed8 critical errorsPractice scorer
  2. 2
    The week before

    Pre-drive safety check

    The 17 items the examiner checks before you pull away, which ones get your test rescheduled, and which ones you can fail on.17 itemsTick-off checklistShow-me practice
  3. 3
    On the day

    Drive test day

    What to bring and what happens on the day, from check-in to your result.What to bring6 stepsAbout 20 minutes
  4. 4
    If it doesn't go to plan

    Failed your drive test?

    When you can retake it, the three ways to fail, and how to turn your score sheet into a practice plan.Retake date calculator3 ways to failPractice plan

Quick answers

Common questions before a California drive test, with the full detail one tap away.

  • How many errors can you make?

    15 on the driving, and no critical errors.

    How the test is scored

  • What does the examiner check first?

    17 items on your car and its controls, before you set off.

    Pre-drive safety check

  • How long is the drive?

    About 20 minutes, after the pre-drive check.

    Drive test day

  • Who has to come with you?

    A licensed driver aged 18 or over, or 25 or over if you're under 18.

    What to bring

  • When can you retake it?

    Under 18: after a 14-day wait. 18 or over: no wait set in the DMV handbook.

    Retake date calculator

  • Is the freeway on the test?

    Not on a standard drive test. Only on supplemental (referral) tests.

    What the examiner scores

Practice the roads around your office

The test starts and ends at the DMV office, so the roads nearby matter most. Each office page has practice routes built from its own streets.

Find your DMV office

Search all 169 California offices, or find the nearest one to you.

See an example: Norco DMV

Three practice routes, lane guides, and the junctions with the most crashes.

Ready for the real routes?

The Driving Test Routes app has routes recorded from real tests at California DMV offices, with turn-by-turn voice directions. Your first week is free.

QR code: get the Driving Test Routes appOn a computer?Scan with your phone Try it free for a week