Online Learning and Tests - California DMV (2024)

Need to take a driver’s license knowledge test? You can now take it online! If eligible, you can pick a remote knowledge testing option after filling out your driver’s license application. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian will need to give permission before you can take the test.

Online Learning and Tests - California DMV (1)

Practice Tests

If you are preparing to take a knowledge test to get a DL, it can be helpful to see example questions.

Practice with these sample tests for regular, commercial, and motorcycle drivers.

Online Knowledge Test (MVProctor) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

MVProctor is a fully online, remotely proctored exam that replaces the written test traditionally taken in person at a DMV office.

  1. Complete the online driver’s license application (eDL44).
  1. If eligible, you will be invited to participate in the DMV Virtual Test Center.
  1. Select I want to complete my test through MVProctor.
  1. Follow the application fee payment steps.
  1. Upon successful payment, you will receive a​ Virtual Test Center Access Email  with a link to the online test and additional information.

Online testing is offered in 35 languages.

MVProctor instructions are only available in English at this time.

If you:And you are:Then:
Do not have a CA DL/IDApplying for a noncommercial CA DL or a CA motorcycle license, or bothYou qualify to participate in online testing.
Have a CA IDApplying for a noncommercial CA DL or CA motorcycle license, or bothYou must complete your testing at a DMV office.
Have a noncommercial CA DLRenewing your noncommercial CA DL

Renewing and adding an original CA motorcycle license

You qualify to participate in online testing.

You must complete your testing at a DMV office.

Have a CA motorcycle licenseRenewing your CA motorcycle license

Renewing your CA motorcycle license and adding an original noncommercial CA DL

You qualify to participate in online testing.

You must complete your testing at a DMV office.

Have both a noncommercial CA DL and a CA motorcycle licenseAre renewing both your CA DL and CA motorcycle licenseYou qualify to participate in online testing.

All scenarios above pertain to REAL ID and federally noncompliant cards.

No, you will have to complete testing in the office.

If you select the MVProctor option, you will need to:

  1. Submit a photo match with an approved identification (ID) card.
  1. Download the MVProctor browser extension.
  1. Complete the knowledge test while being proctored and recorded using webcam video, computer sound, and keyboard tracking technologies.

MVProctor requires the applicant to submit a photo match with an approved ID.

Your full name and photo must be visible on the front of the photo ID.

Example: Driver’s license, Common Access Card, school ID, DMV photo receipt, employee badge.

You will receive a Virtual Test Center Access Email with a link to MVProctor to begin the online knowledge test. You may begin testing within the Virtual Test Center hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except state holidays.

No, you can only access MVProctor on a personal computer or laptop with internet connection.

A wired internet connection is strongly recommended instead of wireless for desktop or laptop computers (300 Kbps download/250 Kbps upload).

Make sure no other applications are using internet bandwidth.

If internet connection is lost, the attempt will register as a “Fail.”

You must use Chrome v25.0 or higher to access MVProctor. Make sure Javascript and third-party cookies are enabled.

Windows 7 or higher or MAC OSX High Sierra 10.13 or higher.

Make sure your settings are configured to allow screen recording.

Corporate firewalls, VPNs, and restricted networks may limit access to MVProctor.

Select the “Email” option and print the receipt from the email.

  • Original noncommercial Class C: 40 questions
  • Renewal noncommercial Class C: 25 questions
  • Original Class M motorcycle: 25 questions
  • Renewal Class M motorcycle: 25 questions

The test must be completed in one continuous session.

You must begin your test within the available Virtual Test Center hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except state holidays.

If you do not complete your test before the end of the day’s available testing time, it will register as a “Fail.”

Once the test is completed, a test results email will be generated within 24 hours.If test results are not received after 24 hours, please visit a local DMV office and present the DL Application Confirmation Code that was provided in the DMV: Virtual Test Center Access email.

If you need to retest, you will receive a new Virtual Test Center link in your test results email.

You will have two attempts to test online. If you do not pass on the second attempt, you must take the third attempt in person at a DMV office.

A temporary licensewill not be issued until you complete your application at a local DMV office.

The application will update with results as soon as you finish your test in MVProctor.

Please allow one business day for payment to show on your record before visiting a DMV office.

eLearning Course Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

eLearning is a fully online, self-directed course. These seven interactive lessons are an alternative to the written or online exam.

Only eligible renewal noncommercial Class C driver’s license (federal noncompliant and REAL ID) applicants qualify for eLearning.

No, not at this time.

  1. Complete the online driver’s license application (eDL44).
  1. If eligible, you will be invited to participate in the DMV Virtual Test Center.
  1. Select I want to complete my test through eLearning.
  1. Follow the application fee payment steps.
  1. Upon successful payment, you will receive a​ Virtual Test Center Access email with a link to the eLearning course and additional information.

No, you will have to complete testing in the office.

If you select eLearning, you will receive a Virtual Test Center Access email with a link to the eLearning course. You can access this link at any time for the duration of the application (one year).

You can pause and resume eLearning modules at any point during the course.

You must complete each module before moving on to the next. All modules must be completed for the eLearning session to qualify as a completed knowledge test.

The eLearning course is self-directed and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can access the eLearning course for the duration of the application (one year).

Yes. You can access eLearning through a personal computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone with internet connection.

Corporate firewalls, VPNs, or restricted networks may limit access to eLearning.

Select the “Email” option and print the receipt from the email.

No. The content is created to teach you and coach you. However, if the eLearning course is not completed, it will not satisfy the knowledge test requirement.

When you finish the last lesson, eLearning will notify you that you completed the course and instruct you to visit a local DMV office to complete the application.

The application will update with results as soon as you finish the eLearning course.

Please allow one business day for payment to show on your record before visiting a DMV office.

A temporary license will not be issued until you complete your application at a local DMV office.

Online Learning and Tests - California DMV (2024)

FAQs

Can I take a CA DMV knowledge test online? ›

Take the online test. 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.

Can you get a California learner's permit online? ›

As of May 31, 2022, the California DMV does not offer online driver's permit tests. Instead, the DMV administers the exam, along with an eye test, and requires visitors to bring proof of age and residency. After passing the written exam, visitors must then see a road test examiner for their driving test.

How many questions are on the online permit test in California? ›

California residents 15 ½ or older may apply for their driver's permit to begin learning how to drive. In order to get your learner's permit, you'll need to take the California DMV written test, which will have 46 questions and you'll be required to answer 38 correctly to pass.

Do you need to take a online course for permit test in California? ›

To get a California DMV Driving Permit, teens between the ages of 15½ and 17½ must complete approved driver education. This course is an internet-based, California DMV-approved driver education program and provides you the certificate you need to take to the DMV!

Can you take the DMV written test online at home in California? ›

Online knowledge test

The online test is offered in 35 languages to customers who have an internet-enabled computer or laptop with a webcam. It is available between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding state holidays. The test cannot be taken on a tablet or mobile device.

How many questions are on the California DMV written test for seniors? ›

In-person Knowledge Test (Written Test)

The in-person Knowledge Test requires you to schedule an appointment to take the test at a DMV office. If you are renewing, the test will be 25 questions offered in English and many other languages.

Do adults need a learner's permit in California? ›

If you are 18+ you do not have to take driver's training, so you can take the driving test as soon as you pass the written test. However, when you pass the written test you get a permit, which you need to lawfully drive a car to take the driving test.

What happens if I fail the CA DMV written test three times? ›

If you fail the test all 3 times, you must start over by filling out a new application and paying the appropriate fees. Remember, questions for this test are taken from the California Driver Handbook.

How many times can you take the permit test in California? ›

You are allowed three attempts to pass before you must reapply. Minors must wait seven days to retake a failed knowledge test, not including the day of the failure.

How to easily pass California permit test? ›

Prepare for Your Knowledge Tests
  1. Review the California Driver's Handbook. It contains a lot of important information, so give yourself a few days to get through it.
  2. Read the test questions carefully. ...
  3. Remember, all the test questions are taken from the handbook. ...
  4. Don't be nervous.

How many people fail the CA DMV written test? ›

Results • The overall fail rates for first-attempt applicants are 50.1% for English originals, 33.6% for English renewals, 74.8% for Spanish originals, 79.8% for Spanish renewals, and 42.7% for English provisionals.

Is the California permit test easy? ›

Is Passing the California DMV Permit Test Hard? Getting a passing score is hard if you don't study, or don't study effectively. Nationally, over half of teens fail their first permit test. Like a lot of folks, you'll probably find that just wading through the California Driver's Handbook isn't enough to help you pass.

Can I walk in to DMV for a written test in California? ›

To take a written driver's license exam in California, you must first book your appointment with a licensing center. Not all DMV centers in California offer licensing and driver exams. Therefore, you must find a licensing center and then schedule your driving test appointment.

Is the California permit test on paper or computer? ›

In California, at least at the DMV near me, they have terminals where you take the test electronically. You have to take the test in person, at the DMV, but it's done in a computer. California made its written DMV test more difficult, how are people suppose to pass?

How do I schedule a knowledge test for California DMV? ›

When you're ready to take the California written driving test, you'll need to go to a DMV office near you. You can save time by making an appointment: schedule one online or by calling 1-800-777-0133.

How do I schedule a permit knowledge test in California? ›

You can take the permit test at any DMV office that offers drivers license services. Find a DMV office location near you for your permit test. To speed up the process, schedule an appointment online at http://dmv.ca.gov or by phone at 1-800-777-0133.

How many times can you take the CA DMV knowledge test? ›

Knowledge Test

You are allowed three attempts to pass before you must reapply. Minors must wait seven days to retake a failed knowledge test, not including the day of the failure.

How hard is the California knowledge test? ›

Most people pass the written test with no problem if they have studied, so you will have nothing to stress about as long as you have prepared beforehand. Take your time, read the questions carefully, and don't be in a hurry to finish.

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