Test from Home

If you have a knowledge test requirement for your driver’s license (DL), save time and complete it online before visiting a DMV office.

The at-home online knowledge test is available online weekdays Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., except on State holidays. The test is supervised remotely, so it requires you to use a webcam and cannot be done on a smartphone or tablet. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian will need to give permission before you can take the test.

Which one do I choose?

	At-Home Online Knowledge Test	Interactive eLearning Course
Which one should I choose on my DL application?	• Choose when applying for a new driver’s license or if instructed by DMV	• Choose when renewing your driver’s license
How do I get started?	• Once you select “Online Knowledge Test” on your application or renewal, you will receive an email with the link to get started. Keep this email in your inbox until you have confirmed that DMV has your results.	• Once you select eLearning Course on your renewal application, you will receive an email with the link to get started. You can access the course through this link, or through your application. Keep the email in your inbox until you have confirmed that DMV has your results.
What is the process?	• Pass/Fail based on # of correct answers • Prepare by reviewing handbook • 2 attempts to pass online, 3rd attempt must be completed in a DMV office • Monitored by a smart computer • On a PC with a web camera	• Pass only / No fail • Interactive / No preparation required • Self-paced • Not monitored • Can be done on any device
What language can I take this in?	• Offered in 35+ languages	• Currently offered in English, Spanish, and Traditional Chinese (with audio in Mandarin)
When can I take this?	• Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, except State holidays	• At any day and any time, for the duration of the renewal application (one year)
Where can I take this?	• At home or any quiet location with a PC, web camera and internet	• Anywhere
How much time will it take?	• About 1 hour	• About 20-30 minutes
What devices can I test on?	• A laptop or desktop computer with an internet connection	Any of the following devices with an internet connection: • Mobile device (eLearning only) • Tablet (eLearning only) • Laptop • Desktop computer

Prepare for Your Knowledge Test

In most cases, you are required to pass knowledge tests showing that you understand traffic laws and safety before you can get an instruction permit or DL.

Here are a few suggestions for studying for your knowledge test(s):

• Review the California Driver’s Handbook. It contains a lot of important information, so give yourself a few days to get through it.
• Read the test questions carefully. There will be one correct answer and the other two answer choices will be either obviously wrong or not appropriate for the question asked. Don’t overthink it; there are no “trick questions.”
• Remember, all the test questions are taken from the handbook. If you miss a question, the field office employee can tell you on which page to find the correct answer.
• Don’t be nervous. DMV wants you to pass your test. Good luck!

Prepare for Your Behind-the-Wheel Drive Test

We require first-time DL applicants, and other applicants who meet certain conditions, to pass a behind-the-wheel drive test before they can get a DL.

The purpose of a drive test is to determine whether you:

• Are able to safely operate a vehicle
• Use safe driving habits
• Can apply your knowledge of traffic laws in real life situations
• Can make up for any physical condition, such as loss of a limb, poor hearing, or a vision condition

The drive test is divided into 2 parts:

• Pre-drive safety check: Determines whether your vehicle meets the minimum DMV safety standards and whether you are familiar with the operation of your vehicle
• Driving Performance Evaluation (DPE): Behind-the-wheel drive test with a DMV examiner who evaluates your driving skills

DMV also offers two additional types of drive tests:

• Supplemental Driving Performance Evaluation (SDPE): Given to applicants of any age who have a physical, mental, or vision condition, and/or a referral due to a lack of skill that may impact their ability to safely operate a vehicle.
• Area Driving Performance Evaluation (ADPE): Limits you to drive only in specified areas. If you are successful with the ADPE, your DL will be restricted to only the specified areas where you were tested.