Updated for 2026

California CA DMV (California Department of Motor Vehicles)

Comprehensive study guide for the 2026 driver's knowledge exam. Everything you need to know about laws, fees, and requirements.

Total Questions

Passing Score

Standard Fee

$45 (Application fee)

Testing System

touchscreen computer / Online 'MVProctor' / eLearning Course

Critical Failure Factors

The primary reason for failure in California is a misunderstanding of the specific 'Red Arrow' vs 'Red Light' rules, poor knowledge of 'Lane Splitting' safety guidelines, and failing to adhere to the strict 'Basic Speed Law' which dictates speed based on conditions rather than posted limits.

Legal Statutes & Driving Codes

California Vehicle Code (CVC) dictates some of the most progressive and specific traffic laws in the nation. A standout regulation is the 'Basic Speed Law', which states that you may never drive faster than is safe for current conditions, regardless of the posted speed limit. This means if it is foggy or traffic is heavy, driving at the posted 65 mph limit is technically illegal and ticketable. Regarding traffic signals, California is very strict about 'Red Arrows': unlike a solid red light where you can turn right after stopping (unless signed otherwise), a red arrow prohibits the turn entirely until the light changes. California is also famous for formally legalizing 'Lane Splitting' (motorcycles riding between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic). While legal, it is heavily regulated; motorcyclists are advised not to split lanes at speeds greater than 10 mph above surrounding traffic. For new drivers, the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program is rigorous. Minors (under 18) must hold their permit for 6 months and complete 50 hours of practice (10 at night). Once they obtain a provisional license, for the first 12 months, they cannot drive between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM and cannot transport passengers under 20 years old unless accompanied by a licensed parent/guardian or a licensed driver over 25. Exceptions exist for medical necessity, school, or work, but must be documented with a signed note. California also enforces the AB 60 law, which allows undocumented residents to obtain a driver's license if they can prove identity and residency, ensuring all drivers are tested and insured. Strict laws also apply to technology: holding a cell phone while driving is a primary offense; it must be mounted on the dashboard or windshield and used with a single swipe/tap. Furthermore, the 'Three Feet for Safety Act' requires drivers to maintain a distance of at least three feet when passing a bicyclist. If traffic or road width prevents this, the driver must slow down and wait until it is safe to pass.

Statistical Realities

California has the largest driving population in the United States, with over 27 million licensed drivers, creating a driving environment defined by volume and variety. A crucial environmental fact for the test involves the Central Valley's 'Tule Fog'. This extremely dense fog can reduce visibility to zero (less than 10 feet), leading to massive chain-reaction pileups. The DMV manual explicitly warns drivers to use low-beam headlights and never stop on the road itself during fog; instead, pull completely off the highway. Another unique aspect of California driving is the omnipresence of freeways and the specific etiquette required for merging. Unlike some states where drivers yield at the end of a ramp, California emphasizes 'zipper merging' and maintaining highway speed to enter traffic flow smoothly. Regarding the test itself, statistics show that nearly 50% of applicants fail their written test on the first attempt. To combat this, the CA DMV recently introduced options to take the test online at home (with proctoring software) or via an interactive 'eLearning' course that guarantees a pass if the modules are completed. California is also the epicenter of environmental regulation; while not on the driving test, keeping your vehicle 'Smog Check' compliant is essential for registration. An interesting safety fact is the 'Hot Car' law (Senate Bill 869): it is illegal to leave a child 6 years old or younger unattended in a motor vehicle, specifically if there are risks like heat or the keys are in the ignition. Violators face fines and potential jail time. Financially, California imposes some of the highest fines in the country due to 'penalty assessments'. A base fine of $35 for a rolling stop (often called a 'California Stop' or 'Hollywood Stop') can balloon to over $230 after court fees and state assessments are added. Additionally, California has unmarked crosswalks at essentially every intersection; even if there are no painted lines, if two streets meet at roughly right angles, a crosswalk exists legally, and pedestrians have the right of way. Finally, be aware of the High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes; the fines for using these lanes alone can start around $490, making it one of the most expensive traffic tickets for a non-moving violation.