Driving Tests

Failed the California Permit Test? Retake Wait Times and Fees

informational·how to guide·Published June 8, 2026

How long do you wait to retake the California permit test?

In California, an applicant under 18 who fails the DMV knowledge test (the permit test) must wait 7 days before a retake, and 14 days after a failed drive test. One application allows three knowledge test attempts and stays valid for 12 months. If you are 18 or older, ask the DMV office when you can retest. The original Class C application fee is USD 46.

Where these California rules come from

This guide uses the California Driver Handbook testing process, the DMV licensing fees page and the DMV learner's permit page. It also uses the DMV driver license, teen driver, test preparation, sample test and Virtual Test Center pages, and Vehicle Code sections 12509 and 12814.6 (as of 2026). Confirm the waits and fees with the California DMV (dmv.ca.gov) before you book a retest.

California retest waits for an applicant under 18

California retest waits for an applicant under 18
Test	Wait before a retake	Attempts on one application
Knowledge test (written test)	7 days, not counting the day of the failure	3 attempts, then you must reapply
Drive test (behind-the-wheel test)	14 days, not counting the day of the failure	3 failed tests end the application

California law on retest waits for teens

Vehicle Code section 12814.6 sets these waits in law for a 16 or 17 year old in the provisional license program for teens: at least one week after a failed written test and at least two weeks after a failed driving test. If you are 18 or older, the license steps for first-time adults explain the permit, the knowledge test hours and the drive test.

What happens after each failed test

You fail the knowledge test once or twice

Wait out the retake period, study the topics you missed, and use your next attempt on the same application.

You fail the knowledge test three times

Reapply. A new application fee is due before your next knowledge test.

You are under 18 and fail the drive test

Wait 14 days, book a new appointment (driving tests are not given without one) and pay the retest fee.

You are under 18, or hold a license from another country, and fail the drive test three times

The application is no longer valid. You must reapply.

California DMV fees for a failed test (USD, as of 2026)

California DMV fees for a failed test (USD, as of 2026)
Fee	Amount
Original Class C license application	USD 46 (nonrefundable)
Class C driving (behind-the-wheel) retest	USD 9 on the DMV fee page; USD 7 on the DMV driver license page for applicants under 18. Confirm the amount with the DMV before you pay.

What to do after you fail the California permit test

1
Count the wait
The day of the failure does not count. Start with the next day.
2
Find the missed topics
Every test question comes from the handbook. A DMV employee can tell you which handbook page has the answer to a question you missed. To study by topic, read what is on the California permit test.
3
Practice
Use the four English DMV Class C sample tests. Each one has 10 practice questions.
4
Book the retest
Driving tests are not given without an appointment. Book one at dmv.ca.gov/make-an-appointment. If possible, take a morning appointment for any test. Knowledge tests have late-day cut-off times (see the last question below).
5
Pay the retest fee
A drive test retest has its own fee (see the fee table above).

Drive test retake checklist

Your instruction permit, and valid proof of insurance and vehicle registration.
A vehicle that passes the pre-drive safety check: for example, at least two rearview mirrors (one on the left side), working right and left brake lights, and at least 1/32 inch of even tire tread, with no donut spare tire. If the vehicle does not meet the requirements, the drive test is rescheduled.
A California-licensed driver to come with you, unless you are already licensed. Under the Vehicle Code, a 16 or 17 year old drives on a permit with a California-licensed driver who is 25 or older. That age rule does not apply when the licensed driver is a parent, spouse, guardian or licensed or certified driving instructor. Other permit holders, such as adults, drive with a licensed driver who is 18 or older.

Key takeaways

An applicant under 18 waits 7 days after a failed knowledge test and 14 days after a failed drive test, not counting the day of the failure.
One application allows three knowledge test attempts and is valid for 12 months.
The original Class C application fee is USD 46. The driving retest fee is USD 9 on the DMV fee page and USD 7 on another DMV page, so confirm it with the DMV.
Next step: practice for your retake on the free California Class C permit practice test.

California permit test retake: common questions

Do I have to pay again to retake the California permit test?

No new application fee is due for your second or third knowledge test on the same application. After a third failed knowledge test, you must reapply and pay a new application fee. A failed drive test has its own retest fee, so confirm that amount with the DMV before you pay.

Can I take the California permit test online at home?

Not now. The DMV says the link for its online testing pilot is no longer available. If a DMV office gave you that link before, you must go back to the office to finish your application. The DMV online eLearning course is for license renewals, so plan to take the permit test at a DMV office.

Can I use the handbook or my phone during the knowledge test?

No. Testing aids, such as the California Driver Handbook or a cell phone, are not allowed during a knowledge test, so study before you go. Each question has three answer choices and only one of them is right.

What if my permit application runs out before my driving test?

If a teen's application ends before six months of holding the provisional permit, the teen must reapply at a DMV office. The time already held on the permit counts toward the six months. Bring both the expired and the valid permit to the driving test to show that credit.

What time do DMV offices stop giving the permit test?

The DMV permit page says tests are not available at DMV offices after 4:30 p.m. The DMV driver license page says knowledge tests are not given within 30 minutes of closing. Arrive early and check the times with your DMV office.