Permit test tomorrow?
One evening is enough to get your documents ready and go over the rules people mix up most. It isn't enough to learn everything from scratch, so spend it where it counts.
Independent practice site. We're not the DMV and aren't connected to any government agency.
Tonight
- Take the free 20-question test (about 5 minutes) and note the topics you miss.
- Go over the rules people mix up most (below). Most of them are numbers: distances, limits and times.
- Look again at what you got wrong, then stop. No new topics tonight.
What to bring
- Proof of identity.
- Two proofs that you live in California (exceptions may apply).
- Your Social Security number (exceptions may apply).
- A legal full name document, if the name on your identity document doesn't match your application.
- Your glasses or contacts, if you wear them. Everyone takes a vision test.
- Under 18: the application signed by a parent or guardian (both, if they share joint custody), and your driver education completed.
Sources: Handbook section 2, page 2; Handbook section 2, page 3; Handbook section 3, page 5
Good to know
- Office hours
- DMV offices don't give knowledge tests after 4:30 p.m.Source: DMV website, checked 15 October 2026
- No aids
- You can't use the handbook or your phone during the test.Source: Handbook section 3, page 5
- If it doesn't go well
- You get 3 tries per application. Under 18, you wait 7 days before the next one.Source: Handbook section 3, page 5
Rules people mix up most
Each one has a practice question and the answer explained.
- Five-sided sign means a school is nearSigns
- Lane Ends signSigns
- Slow-moving vehicle emblemSigns
- T intersectionsRight of way
- Marked and unmarked crosswalksRight of way
- Meeting on a narrow mountain roadRight of way
- Red arrow: no turn until greenSignals
- Flashing red light: stop, then goSignals
Show all 27
- Dim high beams within 500 feet of oncoming trafficSignals
- 55 mph: two-lane undivided highways and towingSpeed
- School zone speed limitSpeed
- Blind intersectionsSpeed
- Solid and broken yellow center linesLanes
- Center left turn laneLanes
- Left turn on redLanes
- Distance from a fire hydrant or fire station drivewayParking
- Parking uphill next to a curbParking
- White curbParking
- School bus with flashing red lightsSharing
- Passing a bus or streetcar stopped at a safety zoneSharing
- Following an emergency vehicle: 300 feetSharing
- BAC limit for drivers under 21Alcohol
- BAC limit in a vehicle that needs a commercial licenseAlcohol
- Deadline to request a DMV hearing after a DUI arrestAlcohol
- Child restraints until age 8 or 4 feet 9 inchesSafety
- SR 1 collision report to DMV within 10 daysSafety
- Tell DMV within 5 days when you sell a vehicleSafety
About our plan, if you're thinking of it tonight
With one day left, our Ready Plan gives you a 1-day plan and says what it can't cover. It can't confirm you're ready: Ready needs two full practice exams on different days. If the free test already goes well, you probably don't need it.
Sources
- Handbook section 2, Getting an instruction permit and driver's license, pages 2 to 4
- Handbook section 3, The testing process, pages 5 to 7
- DMV page: Instruction permits
We read these sources and wrote this page in our own words. The DMV has the final word, and rules change, so check anything important with the DMV before your appointment.