The California permit (written knowledge) test has 46 questions for most first-time teen applicants.

Quick Scoop

  • Number of questions: 46 multiple-choice questions.
  • Passing score: You must get at least 38 correct (about 83%).
  • Question type: All questions are multiple-choice or true/false and based on the California Driver Handbook.
  • Who this applies to: Standard Class C learner’s permit applicants; under 18 typically receive the 46-question version.

Tiny example

You might see a scenario like: “At a 4-way stop, who goes first?” with 3–4 answer choices, and you select the safest and most legally correct option, just like a practice exam on DMV-style prep sites.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.