What is on the Los Angeles Permit Test?

Once you turn 15 1/2 and live in Los Angeles, you are able to take your written test to get your instructional driver's permit. You must study the California Driver's Handbook from top to bottom, fill out your license application, and pass a vision test before you take the written exam. Get a step ahead by knowing what is on the exam, what to practice, and where to take the test.

How Many Questions Are on the California Permit Test?

The permit test you will take in Los Angeles contains 46 questions. To pass the test, you have to get at least 38 correct for a passing score of 83%. If you fail the test on your first attempt, you can retake it two more times, but you must wait at least a week between each attempt. You have until 4:30 p.m. to take the test, so give yourself plenty of time to think through all of the questions. Once you pass, you can start learning how to drive.

What Kinds of Questions Are on the Written Test?

The LA permit test is a mix of true and false and multiple-choice questions. These questions cover everything from the basic rules of the road to road signs and traffic safety. 

Study Tricky Traffic Law Questions

All of the traffic law questions on your test are straight out of the handbook or practice test. When you take your exam, read each question multiple times so you understand exactly what it is asking. The wording may be confusing even though the test isn't trying to trip you up. 

One of the most important things to learn is all of the different distance rules since you can easily mix them up. Learn from some of these practice questions and their answers:

  • When can you drive in a bike lane? When you are within 200 feet of a cross street where you plan to turn right.

  • You are driving on a freeway posted for 65 mph. Most of the other vehicles are driving  70 mph or faster. You may legally drive: No faster than 65 MPH.

  • You want to make a right turn at an upcoming intersection. You should slow down and: Signal for 100 feet before turning.

Learn All of the Road Signs

Other than learning the rules of the road, you need to be able to identify road signs. Make sure you know these tricky signs:

  • Divided highway

  • Right lane ends merge left

  • End divided highway

  • Merging traffic entering from the left

Take as many practice tests as you need before you try the real one.

Where Can I Take the Permit Test in Los Angeles?

Once you have studied and have all of your documents in order, head to the closest DMV to take your permit test. There are over a dozen locations where you can take a test in the LA area, including the following:

  • 3615 S Hope St., Los Angeles, CA 90007

  • 6801 South Garfield, Bell Gardens, CA 90201

  • 621 N La Brea Ave., Inglewood, CA 90302

  • 3700 W El Segundo Blvd., Hawthorne, CA 90250

  • 2111 South Santa Fe Ave., Compton, CA 90221

  • 803 Cole Ave., Hollywood, CA 90038

The $39 application fee covers up to three test attempts.

Drive Safely in Los Angeles with Your New License

This guide will prepare you for everything that you may encounter on your permit test and where you can take it. Sign up for a course on DriversEd.com as well before you take your permit test. It will give you extra knowledge on the rules of the road, driving safety, and traffic signs.

Get Started with your Online Drivers Ed Course Today

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