Driving Tests

California DMV Test Languages: Handbook, Sample Tests, Interpreters

informational·how to guide·Published May 19, 2026

In which languages can I take the California DMV knowledge test?

For an AB 60 license (for people who cannot show legal presence in the U.S.), the DMV's AB 60 page says the knowledge test is available in more than 40 languages. For study, the Driver's Handbook comes as a PDF in 8 languages and the Class C sample tests in 10 versions. DMV interpreters are free. Ask your DMV office which languages it offers for your test.

Where the California language facts come from

The counts come from California DMV pages: Interpreter Services, the Driver's Handbooks page, the Sample Driver's License Knowledge Tests page, the AB 60 page and the Driver's License / ID Card Application page. The drive test and testing-aid rules come from the testing process section of the California Driver's Handbook. All facts are as of 2026 (October). Confirm the rules with the California DMV (dmv.ca.gov) before your DMV visit.

California DMV language counts: what each number covers

California DMV language counts: what each number covers
DMV resource	Languages	What it is for
AB 60 knowledge test	More than 40 languages	Applicants for an AB 60 license
Driver's Handbook (PDF)	8 languages: English, Armenian, Chinese, Hindi, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese. There is also an ASL video.	Studying for the knowledge test
Class C sample tests	10 versions: English, Spanish, Armenian, Chinese, Farsi, Punjabi, Russian, Tagalog, Vietnamese and ASL	Practice for the regular driver (Class C) knowledge test
Interpreter Services notices	11 spoken languages plus ASL: Arabic, Armenian, Chinese, Farsi, Hindi, Korean, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese	The languages of the DMV notices about free interpreters

Which California study material matches your language?

Your language is Armenian, Chinese, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish or Vietnamese

Study the Driver's Handbook PDF in your language, then check what you learned with the Class C sample tests in your language.

Your language is Hindi

Read the Hindi handbook PDF. There is no Hindi sample test, so practice with the English sample test or with another sample test that you can read.

Your language is Farsi or Tagalog

Take the sample tests in your language. The handbook PDF comes in the 8 languages in the table, so study it in the one you read best.

Your language is Arabic, Korean, Japanese or another language with no handbook PDF and no sample test

Study the handbook PDF in the listed language you read best, and ask for a free interpreter when you book your visit.

You use American Sign Language

Watch the ASL video of the handbook and take the ASL sample tests. DMV provides ASL interpreters at no additional cost.

How to ask for a free interpreter at the California DMV

1
Tell DMV staff
At the office, tell a staff member that you need an interpreter. DMV then schedules an appointment for a time when a language interpreter is available.
2
Or call during business hours
Call 1-800-777-0133 during regular business hours and say that you need foreign language assistance.
3
AB 60 applicants: call when you book
For an AB 60 application, ask for an interpreter when you schedule the DMV appointment to finish it. Use the phone line in step 2.
4
ASL: use the relay or voice line
Call 1-800-735-2929 from a TDD phone through California Relay Telephone Service, or 1-800-735-2922 from a voice phone. Together with DMV staff you pick a time when an ASL interpreter is available.

Drive test and language: what an interpreter can and cannot do

Before you drive, an interpreter may help during the pre-drive inspection, when you identify and use certain controls in the car.
During the drive, only the examiner may ride with you, with exceptions for training, service animals and certain law enforcement situations. An interpreter may not accompany you.
The examiner may give two or more instructions at one time to see if you understand and follow both. Practice following spoken directions before the day.
Drive tests are by appointment only. To ask for an interpreter for the pre-drive inspection, follow the steps above.

Related guides

How to Get an AB 60 License in California: Documents and Steps
Steps, tests and documents for an AB 60 license, including documents that need an English translation.
California Permit Test: How Many Questions and What Score to Pass
What the knowledge test looks like, the passing score and how to study for it.

Key takeaways

Study in your language: the Driver's Handbook PDF comes in 8 languages and the Class C sample tests in 10 versions. DMV says all the test questions are taken from the handbook.
DMV interpreters are free. Tell staff, or call 1-800-777-0133 and say that you need foreign language assistance.
An interpreter may not ride with you on the drive test, and a handbook or cell phone is not allowed during a knowledge test.
Next step: practice on the free California Class C permit practice test. The questions are in English, so study the handbook in your language first.

California DMV test languages: common questions

Can I take the California DMV written test in Spanish?

For an AB 60 license, DMV says the knowledge test is available in more than 40 languages. For a regular permit or license, ask your DMV office about Spanish when you book your test. To study, use the Spanish Driver's Handbook PDF and the Spanish Class C sample tests. The free interpreter notice on the DMV Interpreter Services page is in Spanish too.

Is the California driver handbook available in Punjabi or Hindi?

Yes, the Driver's Handbook PDF comes in both, along with English, Armenian, Chinese, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese. The Class C sample tests come in Punjabi but not in Hindi. The Interpreter Services notice is in both languages.

Can I use a translation app or dictionary on the California knowledge test?

Not a translation app on your phone. The California Driver's Handbook says that you may not use testing aids during knowledge tests, such as a handbook or cell phone. For a paper dictionary, ask the DMV office before test day. Study the handbook in your language so that you need less help on the day.

Can I fill out the California DMV application in my language?

The online driver's license and ID card application comes in 10 languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Tagalog, Thai and Vietnamese. Teens who want a learner's permit start with this application too. After you submit it, you must visit a DMV office to finish it.