In most cases, Californians who are applying for a learner’s permit can take the course online. Those looking to apply for or renew a noncommercial DL can often take the test online, too. Let’s take a look at the details.
Can I Take My Driver’s Permit Test Online in California?
In 2022, the DMV introduced online testing for the DMV knowledge test, removing the need to book an appointment and wait in line at the DMV for some drivers.
| Who can take the DMV knowledge test online? | ||
|---|---|---|
| If you: | And you are: | Then: |
| Don’t have a California driver’s license or ID card (e.g., teenagers aged 15 ½ to 18) | Applying for a noncommercial DL, a motorcycle license, or both | ✅ Online test available |
| Have a California ID | Applying for a noncommercial DL, a motorcycle license, or both | ❌ Must test at DMV |
| Have a non-commercial DL | Renewing your license | ✅ Online test available |
| Renewing and adding an original CA motorcycle license | ❌ Must test at DMV | |
| Have a CA motorcycle license | Renewing your motorcycle license | ✅ Online test available |
| Renewing your motorcycle license and adding an original noncommercial DL | ❌ Must test at DMV | |
| Have both a noncommercial CA DL and a motorcycle license | Renewing both licenses | ✅ Online test available |
In California, new drivers under 18 must first obtain an instruction permit (learner’s permit) before applying for a provisional license. Adults applying for a noncommercial driver’s license (DL) can also take their knowledge test online in most cases. However, there are exceptions based on whether you already have a California ID.
Aspiring drivers can take the test online in 35 languages via Proctortrack, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. However, the instructions are only available in English.
Participants must verify their identity and leave their webcams on during the exam. Those who fail the test twice can take it a third time at a DMV office.
Online Permit Tests for New Drivers
California teenagers must apply for an instruction permit (also known as a learner’s permit) after finishing driver’s ed and obtaining a certificate of completion, or pink slip. The permit allows them to practice driving under supervision.
If you’re over 18, you don’t have to complete driver’s education or get a pink slip, but you must hold an instruction permit for at least six months before applying for a noncommercial DL.
In either case, it’s necessary to take and pass a written test to obtain your instruction permit. If you don’t have a California ID card when you apply for a permit, then you may take the test online.
Simply follow the steps below:
- Create a MyDMV account
- Complete Form eDL44 (driver’s license application)
- Have the form signed by a parent (for applicants under 18)
- If eligible, you will be invited to join the DMV’s online testing platform
- Select “I want to complete my test through MVProctor”
- Verify your identity (have a photo ID document at hand, such as a school ID or employee badge)
- Download the MVProtector browser extension
- Pay a $45 application fee
- Wait to receive an email with a link to the test
- Take a 40-question knowledge test on your laptop or PC
🔹 If you pass, schedule a DMV visit for fingerprinting, a vision test, and a photo.
🔹 If you fail twice, your third attempt must be in person.
Once you have your learner’s permit, you must hold it for at least six months and drive for 50+ hours under the supervision of a licensed adult driver.
These practice sessions will prepare you for the behind-the-wheel test, which is a prerequisite for getting a provisional license (if you are under 18) or a permanent driver’s license (if you’re 18+).
*Note that you may not take the knowledge test online if you apply for a learner’s permit or driver’s license at a DMV office.
Online Permit Tests for License Renewal
The online testing option is also available to Californians who need to renew their driver’s licenses.
If your renewal notice requires a test, you can:
- Take a 25-question knowledge test via MyProctor (follow the steps above), or
- Complete a pass-only, no-fail online course with the DMV
The second option is quicker and more convenient. Here’s what you need to do:
- Create a MyDMV account
- Complete Form eDL44
- Select “eLearning” when filling out the renewal application (Form eDL44)
- Pay the $45 renewal fee
- Wait to receive an email with an access link to the course or access the eLearning platform through your application
- Take the course at your own pace – just make sure you finish within one year
The eLearning course is available in English, Spanish, and Chinese and takes around 20 to 30 minutes. It has seven short lessons followed by quizzes, and you must go through all modules.
This testing option is available 24/7 and can be accessed from any device. If you need a break, you can pause the course and resume from where you left off.
When you’re done, go to a DMV office to complete your application. The DMV will issue a temporary driver’s license that is valid for 60 days. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within three to four weeks.
*You may not take the knowledge exam online if you apply for license renewal at a DMV office.
How to Prepare for the California Permit Test
The DMV permit test is based on the California Driver Handbook. Both the online and in-person tests have 40 multiple-choice questions covering topics like:
- Proper lane changes
- Traffic laws and regulations
- Road signs and signals
- Safe driving practices
- Right-of-way and interactions
- Driving under the influence
The test has a first-try pass rate of only 45%. If you don’t get a passing score, you can retake the exam after seven days. Participants who fail three times must resubmit their application and repay the application fee.
To pass, you must answer at least 32 questions correctly. Our advice is to start practicing a few weeks ahead and set aside time for learning every day or on most days.
- First, read the California Driver Handbook, focusing on the sections you struggle with the most.
- Next, take the sample tests on the DMV website to familiarize yourself with the questions.
- Go one step further and look for online practice tests.
Our California Driver Learner’s Permit Study Guide includes 200+ DMV-like questions plus other helpful resources, such as a free road signs cheat sheet. It also provides step-by-step instructions to get your learner’s permit and improve your odds of passing the exam.
The guide is available in both digital and paper formats, so you can choose whatever suits you best. The digital version comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, meaning we’ll give you a full refund if you’re not satisfied with your purchase.
Buy the California Driver Learner’s Permit Study Guide to increase your chances of success!
Final Thoughts
Taking the knowledge test online is faster and more convenient than going to the DMV, but you still need to prepare thoroughly. The online exam isn’t any easier than its standard version.
The best thing you can do to increase your chances of passing the test is to choose a reputable driving school. This is the first step to obtaining your driver’s license, equipping you with the knowledge to operate a vehicle safely.
Our DMV-approved California driver’s ed course is fully online and can be completed from any device. You can study at your pace, take regular breaks, and pick up from where you left off.
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FAQs about Taking the Driver’s Permit Test Online
Is there anything else you want to know? Here is one question we get all the time:
How can you pay online for the permit test at the California DMV?
The California DMV accepts credit and debit card payments for the online permit test. Follow the instructions provided in the application process to ensure your payment goes through.
