If you have a testing requirement for your driver’s license (DL), save time and complete it online before visiting a DMV office.
If you are 70 years or older when your driver’s license expires, you are required to renew your driver’s license in person and pass a vision test unless otherwise instructed by DMV. Knowledge tests and training are no longer required for most senior drivers. If you have no accidents or citations, you may skip the test.
If you are required to pass a knowledge test, select “eLearning” when completing the online application for a fast, no fail option. You can complete a Driver’s License and ID Application online or at a DMV office.
Renewing your driver’s license and required to take a knowledge exam? Take eLearning to satisfy the knowledge test requirement.
This pass-only, no-fail, interactive online course has seven short sections with quizzes after each section. You can take it using a computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone and it takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete.
New DL application? Take the online test.
The at-home online knowledge test is available online weekdays Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., except on State holidays. The test is supervised remotely, so it requires you to use a webcam and cannot be done on a smartphone or tablet. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian will need to give permission before you can take the test.
Which one do I choose?
| Interactive eLearning Course | At-Home Online Knowledge Test | |
|---|---|---|
| Which one should I choose? | • Choose when renewing your driver’s license | • Choose when applying for a new driver’s license or if instructed by DMV |
| How do I get started? | • Once you select eLearning Course on your renewal application, you will receive an email with the link to get started. You can access the course through this link, or through your application. Keep the email in your inbox until you have confirmed that DMV has your results. | • Once you select “Online Knowledge Test” on your application or renewal, you will receive an email with the link to get started. Keep this email in your inbox until you have confirmed that DMV has your results. |
| What is the process? | • Pass only / No fail • Interactive / No preparation required • Self-paced • Not monitored • Can be done on any device | • Pass/Fail based on # of correct answers • Prepare by reviewing handbook • 2 attempts to pass online, 3rd attempt must be completed in a DMV office • Monitored by a smart computer • On a PC with a web camera |
| What language can I take this in? | • Currently offered in English, Spanish, and Traditional Chinese (with audio in Mandarin) | • Offered in 35+ languages |
| When can I take this? | • At any day and any time, for the duration of the renewal application (one year) | • Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, except State holidays |
| Where can I take this? | • Anywhere | • At home or any quiet location with a PC, web camera and internet |
| How much time will it take? | • About 20-30 minutes | • About 1 hour |
| What devices can I test on? | Any of the following devices with an internet connection: • Mobile device (eLearning only) • Tablet (eLearning only) • Laptop • Desktop computer | • A laptop or desktop computer with an internet connection |
Sample Tests and Preparation
If you are preparing to take a knowledge test to get your driver’s license, it can be helpful to see example questions. Practice with these sample tests for regular, commercial, and motorcycle drivers.
Before you can get a DL in California, you’ll need to pass relevant knowledge and drive tests to show that you understand the rules of the road and are comfortable driving the vehicle that the license will allow you to drive. We provide many additional resources to help you prepare for these tests.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
eLearning is a fully online, self-directed course. These seven interactive lessons are an alternative to the written or online exam.
Only eligible renewal noncommercial Class C driver’s license (federal noncompliant and REAL ID) applicants qualify for eLearning.
eLearning is currently offered in English, Spanish, and Traditional Chinese (with audio in Mandarin).
- Complete the online driver’s license application (eDL44).
- If eligible, you will be invited to participate in the DMV Virtual Test Center.
- Select eLearning Course.
- Follow the application fee payment steps.
- Upon successful payment, you will receive a Virtual Test Center Access email with a link to the eLearning course and additional information.
No, you will have to complete testing in the office.
If you select eLearning, you will receive a Virtual Test Center Access email with a link to the eLearning course. You can access the course through this link, or through your eDL44 application, at any time for the duration of the application (one year).
You can pause and resume eLearning modules at any point during the course.
You must complete each module before moving on to the next. All modules must be completed for the eLearning session to qualify as a completed knowledge test.
The eLearning course is self-directed and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can access the eLearning course for the duration of the application (one year).
Yes. You can access eLearning through a personal computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone with internet connection.
Corporate firewalls, VPNs, or restricted networks may limit access to eLearning.
Select the “Email” option and print the receipt from the email.
No. The content is created to teach you and coach you. However, if the eLearning course is not completed, it will not satisfy the knowledge test requirement.
You will not receive a notification. When you complete the course, the eLearning application will update with results and you will see “Congratulations” on the screen. You will then be instructed to visit a local DMV office to complete the application.
The application will update with results as soon as you finish the eLearning course.
Please allow one business day for payment to show on your record before visiting a DMV office.
A temporary license will not be issued until you complete your application at a local DMV office.
MVProctor is a fully online, remotely proctored exam that replaces the written test traditionally taken in person at a DMV office.
- Complete the online driver’s license application (eDL44).
- If eligible, you will be invited to participate in the DMV Virtual Test Center.
- Select Online Knowledge Test.
- Follow the application fee payment steps.
- Upon successful payment, you will receive a Virtual Test Center Access Email with a link to the online test and additional information.
Online testing is offered in 35 languages.
MVProctor instructions are only available in English at this time.
| If you: | And you are: | Then: |
|---|---|---|
| Do not have a CA DL/ID | Applying for a noncommercial CA DL or a CA motorcycle license, or both | You qualify to participate in online testing. |
| Have a CA ID | Applying for a noncommercial CA DL or CA motorcycle license, or both | You must complete your testing at a DMV office. |
| Have a noncommercial CA DL | Renewing your noncommercial CA DL Renewing and adding an original CA motorcycle license | You qualify to participate in online testing. You must complete your testing at a DMV office. |
| Have a CA motorcycle license | Renewing your CA motorcycle license Renewing your CA motorcycle license and adding an original noncommercial CA DL | You qualify to participate in online testing. You must complete your testing at a DMV office. |
| Have both a noncommercial CA DL and a CA motorcycle license | Are renewing both your CA DL and CA motorcycle license | You qualify to participate in online testing. |
All scenarios above pertain to REAL ID and federally noncompliant cards.
No, you will have to complete testing in the office.
If you select the MVProctor option, you will need to:
- Submit a photo match with an approved identification (ID) card.
- Download the MVProctor browser extension.
- Complete the knowledge test while being proctored and recorded using webcam video, computer sound, and keyboard tracking technologies.
MVProctor requires the applicant to submit a photo match with an approved ID.
Your full name and photo must be visible on the front of the photo ID.
Example: Driver’s license, Common Access Card, school ID, DMV photo receipt, employee badge.
You will receive a Virtual Test Center Access Email with a link to MVProctor to begin the online knowledge test. You may begin testing within the Virtual Test Center hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except state holidays.
No, you can only access MVProctor on a personal computer or laptop with internet connection.
A wired internet connection is strongly recommended instead of wireless for desktop or laptop computers (300 Kbps download/250 Kbps upload).
Make sure no other applications are using internet bandwidth.
If internet connection is lost, the attempt will register as a “Fail.”
You must use Chrome v25.0 or higher to access MVProctor. Make sure Javascript and third-party cookies are enabled.
Windows 7 or higher or MAC OSX High Sierra 10.13 or higher.
Make sure your settings are configured to allow screen recording.
Corporate firewalls, VPNs, and restricted networks may limit access to MVProctor.
Select the “Email” option and print the receipt from the email.
- Original noncommercial Class C: 40 questions
- Renewal noncommercial Class C: 25 questions
- Original Class M motorcycle: 25 questions
- Renewal Class M motorcycle: 25 questions
The test must be completed in one continuous session.
You must begin your test within the available Virtual Test Center hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except state holidays.
If you do not complete your test before the end of the day’s available testing time, it will register as a “Fail.”
Once the test is completed, a test results email will be generated within 24 hours. If test results are not received after 24 hours, please visit a local DMV office and present the DL Application Confirmation Code that was provided in the DMV: Virtual Test Center Access email.
If you need to retest, you will receive a new Virtual Test Center link in your test results email.
You will have two attempts to test online. If you do not pass on the second attempt, you must take the third attempt in person at a DMV office.
For your convenience, the California Driver’s Handbook is available to view or download online.
A temporary license will not be issued until you complete your application at a local DMV office.
The application will update with results as soon as you finish your test in MVProctor.
Please allow one business day for payment to show on your record before visiting a DMV office.