Book your California DMV permit test appointment online through the DMV website or by phone — you cannot walk in without a reservation

The California Department of Motor Vehicles requires you to schedule an appointment before taking your written permit test. You have two ways to book: the DMV's online appointment system at dmv.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-777-0133. Online scheduling is faster and shows available dates when ready. Phone appointments take longer because you are working through a queue, but both methods reserve the same appointment slots.

You will need your Social Security number, California ID number (if you have one), or passport number to complete the booking. The system will ask you to choose a test type — select "Permit Test" or "Original Permit" depending on whether you are taking the test for the first time. Then select your preferred DMV office location and the date and time that work for you. Appointments typically fill up 4 to 8 weeks in advance during busy seasons, so book as soon as you know when you want to test.

Key Takeaways

  • Schedule your permit test appointment at dmv.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-777-0133 before your test date — walk-ins are not accepted.
  • You will need your Social Security number, California ID, or passport number to complete the online booking.
  • Bring your completed DL 44 form, proof of residency, proof of identity, and proof of Social Security number on your test day.
  • Appointment availability varies by location and season, with some offices showing openings 8 weeks out and others filling faster.
  • If you miss your appointment, you can reschedule through the same online system or by phone without losing your fee.

What documents to bring to your permit test appointment

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. You need a completed DL 44 form (process for California Driver License or Identification Card), which you can fill out at home or at the DMV office before your test. You also need proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), proof of identity (passport, consulate ID, or military ID), and proof of California residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).

If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you. They will need to sign your DL 44 form in front of the DMV examiner. Bring your original birth certificate or passport as well. If your documents are in a language other than English, bring the originals plus certified English translations.

How to reschedule or cancel your appointment

Log back into dmv.ca.gov with the same information you used to book, or call 1-800-777-0133 to change your date and time. You can reschedule as many times as you need without penalty. If you cancel instead of rescheduling, you keep your appointment fee and can use it toward a future test date within one year.

If you miss your appointment without canceling, you forfeit the fee. The DMV does not automatically refund missed appointments, so contact them when ready if you were unable to attend. Some offices will reinstate your fee if you have a documented emergency, but this is handled case-by-case.

What to expect during your permit test appointment

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. The DMV will verify your documents, take your photo, and collect your DL 44 form. You will then take the written permit test on a computer terminal. The test has 36 questions about California traffic laws and safe driving. You must answer at least 30 correctly to pass. The test takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

If you pass, the DMV will issue your permit when ready — you can drive home that day with your new permit in hand. If you fail, you can reschedule another test appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you will need to pay the test fee again for each new appointment.

DMV office locations and appointment availability by region

California has over 40 DMV field offices. Offices in large cities (Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento) fill up faster than rural locations. If your preferred office is booked, try scheduling at a nearby location — you can take your test at any DMV office in the state, not just the one closest to you.

Appointment availability changes daily. If you see no openings for your preferred date and location, check again the next day or try a different time slot. The DMV releases new appointment slots regularly, and cancellations open up spots throughout the week. Early morning appointments (8 a.m. to 10 a.m.) and weekday slots tend to have shorter wait times once you arrive.

Permit test fees and payment

The California permit test fee is $35. You pay when you book your appointment online or by phone. Payment is accepted by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. If you pay by phone, the fee is the same — there is no additional charge for calling instead of booking online.

The fee covers one test attempt. If you fail and need to retake the test, you pay the $35 fee again for your next appointment. Some DMV offices offer same-day retesting if you fail, but you must pay the fee a second time and wait for the next available slot that day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my permit test without an appointment?

No. California DMV requires all permit test appointments to be scheduled in advance. Walk-ins are not accepted. If you arrive without an appointment, you will be turned away and asked to book online or by phone.

How far in advance should I schedule my appointment?

Book as soon as you know your test date. Busy locations fill 6 to 8 weeks ahead, especially during summer and school breaks. Rural offices may have openings 2 to 4 weeks out. If you need a test date sooner, try less busy times like weekday mornings or check nearby offices.

What happens if I fail my permit test?

You can reschedule another test appointment when ready through the DMV website or phone line. You will pay the $35 fee again. Some offices offer same-day retesting, but availability depends on the location and time of day. There is no mandatory waiting period between attempts.

Can someone else schedule my appointment for me?

Yes. Anyone can book an appointment using your Social Security number, California ID, or passport number. They do not need to be present at the test — only you need to show up on the scheduled date with your documents.

What if I need to reschedule my appointment multiple times?

You can reschedule as many times as you need through the DMV website or by phone. There is no limit on how many times you can change your date and time. Your appointment fee stays valid for one year from the original booking date.