Can i take the written driving test online in california

Have to take the driver’s license knowledge test? You can do that online now.

Table of Contents Show

• Can you take the California driver's written test online?
• Do I need an appointment for written test at DMV California?
• How much is the written driving test in California?
• Is the California permit test online or on paper?

The California Department of Motor Vehicles announced Thursday that it now offers two online options for people who need to take the written driver license’s knowledge test: A remote version of the traditional knowledge test, and also an interactive eLearning course.

When filling out the online driver’s license application, eligible customers will have the chance to choose one of the online testing options.

“Currently, the remote exam is available for the nearly 2 million tests taken by Californians renewing their license each year, the more than 1.3 million tests taken by adults getting their license for the first time who also don’t have a California identification card, and Californians getting a REAL ID or motorcycle license for the first time. The eLearning course is available for Californians renewing their license,” according to a DMV statement.

The online knowledge test is available in 35 languages, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding state holidays, to people with internet-enabled computers with a webcam. The test cannot be taken on a tablet or mobile device.

Customers can take the online test twice, but will be prompted to go to a DMV office to take the test a third time if both tests are failed.

“For identity verification and as a fraud prevention measure, online test participants are required to verify their identity and agree to be monitored throughout the exam,” according to the DMV.

The interactive eLearning course is available on any internet-enabled device, is available all day, every day, though only in English. It features seven interactive modules that must be completed, including quizzes after each one. The course takes approximately 45 minutes to complete.

“The course is an ideal option for people who need to renew their license and have trouble with exams or prefer an alternative learning method,” according to the DMV.

The new measure is intended to reduce the amount of time a person needs to spend at the DMV office. Customers will still be required to visit the office after completing the online test in order to provide the necessary documents, take a photo, provide a thumb print, complete a vision screening and be issued a licensing document.

“This is one more example of how the DMV is modernizing to add more convenient services online that used to be only available in an office,” DMV Director Steve Gordon said in a statement. “We continue to incorporate ways to bring DMV services to our customers when and where they want.”

This story was originally published March 17, 2022 12:56 PM.

Andrew Sheeler covers California’s unique political climate for The Sacramento Bee. He has covered crime and politics from interior Alaska to North Dakota’s oil patch to the rugged coast of southern Oregon. He attended the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles has started offering online options for those who need to take their driver’s license knowledge test, officials said Friday.

Drivers renewing a license with a knowledge test requirement and some adult drivers applying for a license for the first time will have two options: a remote version of the traditional test and an interactive eLearning course, officials said.

Applicants will be prompted to choose the remote exam or eLearning option after filling out an online driver’s license application and paying a fee.

“Currently, the remote exam is available for the nearly 2 million tests taken by Californians renewing their license each year, the more than 1.3 million tests taken by adults getting their license for the first time who also don’t have a California identification card, and Californians getting a REAL ID or motorcycle license for the first time,” the DMV said.

Californians renewing their license can also choose the eLearning course option, officials said.

The department is billing the online testing options as a way to cut down on wait times at DMV offices.

“This is one more example of how the DMV is modernizing to add more convenient services online that used to be only available in an office,” DMV Director Steve Gordon said. “We continue to incorporate ways to bring DMV services to our customers when and where they want.”

Those with a testing requirement for their license will still have to go to a DMV office in person after completing one of the online options in order to provide required identity and residency documents, take a photo, provide a thumbprint, complete a vision screening and get their license, officials said.

The eLearning course is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on a computer, laptop, tablet or mobile device.

Those taking the course will have to complete seven interactive modules, including quizzes after each module, officials said. The course takes about 45 minutes and is currently available in English.

The online knowledge test is available in 35 languages and must be taken on a computer or laptop with a webcam, officials said. It can’t be taken on a tablet or mobile device.

It is available between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays, excluding state holidays, according to the DMV.

Those taking the online test will be required to verify their identity and agree to be monitored throughout the exam, officials said.

The test can be attempted twice online. If someone fails twice, they will have to go to a DMV office for their third try.

Can you take the California driver's written test online?

Do I need an appointment for written test at DMV California?

How much is the written driving test in California?

Is the California permit test online or on paper?