How Many Points Can You Miss and Still Pass The Written Test For California Driver's License?

You have completed the Drivers Ed course and made an appointment at the California DMV to take the written test to get your learner's permit. Your nerves are probably shot, as you are worried about passing this test and then getting your driving lessons started. You may be wondering, how many questions can you miss on the drivers test and still pass? We have all the details for the California driver's license written test here!

How Many Questions Can You Miss On The Permit Test?

For the written test, you are going to be tested on a wide variety of topics, which were all covered during your Drivers Ed course. These topics include:

• Lane markings
• Lane usage
• Driving on freeways
• Railroad crossings
• Road hazards
• Speed and speed limits
• Safe driving practices
• Sharing the road with others
• Accident responsibility
• Traffic lights and signals
• Turns
• Traffic signs
• Right-of-way
• Seat belts and child restraints
• Maintaining a space cushion
• Driving with special vehicles (e.g., school buses)
• Improving traffic flow
• Visual scanning
• Passing and lane changes
• Parking (including on hills)
• Driving in inclement weather
• DUI/drugs

How Many Questions Are On The DMV Written Test?

The California DMV does not publish one fixed question count for every applicant in its current public guidance. Test requirements can vary by application and license type. For instruction permits, the DMV requires applicants to answer at least 80% of the multiple-choice questions correctly.

How Many Questions Can You Get Wrong On The Permit Test?

You can miss up to 20% of the questions shown on your test and still earn the required 80% passing score. Because the number of questions can vary, use the score shown for your test instead of relying on a fixed number of allowed errors.

Practice Makes Perfect

Coastline offers free DMV practice tests that you can take as many times as you like. The California DMV also provides sample knowledge tests for additional practice.

Along with practice tests, study the current California Driver’s Handbook online or pick up a free printed copy at a DMV office.

What Happens If You Don't Pass?

Provisional applicants who do not pass must wait eight days before retaking the written test, according to the California DMV Teen Driver Roadmap.

Use the waiting period to review the current California Driver’s Handbook and take more practice tests before trying again.

Applicants have three attempts to pass the knowledge test. After three unsuccessful attempts, the California DMV requires a new application.

Online Driver’s License Testing Option

Eligible noncommercial Class C renewal applicants can complete the DMV’s online eLearning course instead of a written or online knowledge exam. The course is self-paced and pass-only.

Complete the driver’s license application first. If you qualify, the DMV will offer eLearning through the Virtual Test Center.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our friendly support staff. If you want to start your driver's training journey with Coastline Academy, make sure to sign up for Drivers Ed and book your driving lesson today.