Free California DMV knowledge test (Class C) practice questions: Getting a permit and a license

The right answer: Boarding a plane for a flight inside the U.S.

Since May 7, 2025, a license or ID card you use to board a flight inside the U.S. or to enter secure federal facilities, such as military bases, must be REAL ID compliant. The DMV adds that a U.S. passport or another federally accepted ID also does the job, so a REAL ID is recommended but not required.

Source: California DMV, What Is REAL ID?, Domestic flights and secure federal facilities from May 7, 2025; a U.S. passport or other federally accepted ID also works

The right answer: 15½

A minor can apply for a permit from 15½, with driver education completed and a parent's or guardian's signature. The handbook sets the minimum at 15½.

Source: California Driver's Handbook (2025), Section 2: Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver's License > Applying For An Instruction Permit

The right answer: At least 50 hours, 10 of them at night

A minor needs at least 50 hours of practice with a California-licensed driver aged 25 or older, and 10 of those hours must be at night.

Source: California Driver's Handbook (2025), Section 2: Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver's License > Applying For A Driver's License

The right answer: No, a permit never allows you to drive alone

A permit is for supervised practice only. The DMV says an instruction permit does not allow you to drive alone at any time, not even to the DMV office for your drive test.

Source: California DMV, Fast Facts FFDL 19, Provisional Licensing (rev. 7/2019), Instruction Permit Restrictions