Learner ResourcesOfficial links and free tools for your California license
Checked October 6, 2026
The official California DMV pages, handbooks and practice tests worth bookmarking, plus our own free tools, in one place.
Book and manage your test
Make a DMV appointment
Book your behind-the-wheel drive test, or manage an existing appointment.
OfficialCalifornia DMVPreparing for your knowledge and drive tests
The DMV's overview of both tests, including taking the knowledge test online before you visit.
OfficialCalifornia DMVDriver's licenses
Requirements and applying for a California driver's license.
1-800-777-0133Call the DMV
For appointments, forms and general questions.
Study for your knowledge test
California Driver's Handbook
The official rules of the road, which the knowledge test is based on.
OfficialCalifornia DMVSample knowledge tests
Practice questions from the DMV, including tests in other languages.
OfficialCalifornia DMV on YouTubeDMV videos
The DMV's own videos on permits, tests and getting your license.
Prepare for your drive test
Driving test criteria
How the drive test works, the different types of test, and what examiners look for.
OfficialCalifornia DMVPre-drive checklist (safety criteria)
The DMV's requirements for each item checked before you drive.
OfficialCalifornia DMVDrive test scoring criteria
Every scored maneuver and the critical driving errors, in the DMV's own words.
OfficialCalifornia DMVThe testing process
What to bring on test day, retake waiting times for under-18s, and rules on cameras and driver-assist features.
OfficialCalifornia DMV, PDFPreparing for your driving test (Fast Facts FFDL 22)
A two-page DMV summary: test length, vehicle requirements and proof of insurance.
OfficialCalifornia DMV, PDFDriving Test Criteria handbook (DL 955)
The full driving test criteria handbook as a printable PDF.
Teens, parents and other drivers
Teen drivers
The DMV's page for under-18s, including the sample drive test score sheet.
OfficialCalifornia DMVVision standards
What happens at the vision test, and what to do if you don't pass it.
OfficialCalifornia DMVSenior drivers
Guidance for older drivers, including the supplemental drive test score sheet.
Our free tools
Everything on this site is free to use, and nothing you enter is sent to us.
Find your DMV office
Search all 169 offices, or find the nearest one to you.
Our toolPractice routes and fly-throughs
Three practice loops per office, with a route fly-through and Google Maps links. Norco is the first.
Our toolPre-drive checklist and show-me drill
Tick off all 17 items in your car, then practice the examiner's requests.
Our toolPractice scorer
Mark a practice drive the way the examiner does, against the 15-error limit.
Our toolTest day packing list
The six things to bring, ticked off as you pack.
Our toolRetake date calculator
When you can retake, and roughly when your application runs out.
Practice 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.
On a computer?Scan with your phone
Try it free for a week
The data we use
Public sources behind our office pages. See how we build our practice routes for how we use them.
OpenStreetMap
The free, volunteer-built map behind our routes, lane guides and road counts.
Data sourceCalifornia crash records (CCRS)
Crash data published by the California Highway Patrol, behind our junction crash counts.
Data sourceDMV office locations
The DMV's own office list, behind our office directory.
Data sourceCalifornia Vehicle Code, section 14900
The law on license application fees and drive test retests.
Links checked October 6, 2026. If one stops working, let us know at info@astoncreative.com.