California Retake Rules & Pass Rates

Minors (under 18) must wait seven days to retake a failed knowledge test, not counting the day of the failure. No waiting period is published for adults. All applicants get three attempts on the application; after a third failure the application is void and you must reapply (and pay the application fee again).

Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 3 'The Testing Process', 2. Knowledge Test: "You are allowed three attempts to pass before you must reapply. Minors must wait seven days to retake a failed knowledge test, not including the day of the failure." · Verified Sep 2026

There is no separate knowledge-test retest fee. The nonrefundable Class C application fee ($46, valid for 12 months) allows three attempts at each required knowledge test; after three failures the application is void and a new application fee is due. (The DMV fee table lists a $9 retest fee only for the behind-the-wheel drive test.)

Source: DMV 'Driver's Licenses (DL)' page, 'Situation #1: I am applying for a DL for the first time': "You are allowed three attempts to pass each of the required knowledge tests. If you fail the same test three times, your application is no longer valid and you will need to reapply." Fee amount: DMV 'Driver's License & ID Card Fees' page, Class C Application Original: $46; Driving (behind-the-wheel) retest: $9. · Verified Aug 2026

45% pass; 2020-2023 pooled; all tests administered (first attempts not separated); knowledge test. The figure comes from a 2024 analysis of test results supplied by 36 state licensing agencies, pooled across 2020 to 2023. It counts every test administered, so retakes are mixed in with first attempts.

Source: USA TODAY Blueprint, 'Nearly 35% fail driver's license tests: Indiana leads the way' (Apr 18, 2024), analysis of test results provided by each state's licensing agency ("We analyzed knowledge and skill driver's license test results from 36 states from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2023. Test results were provided by the state organization overseeing driver's licensing and motor vehicles.") · Verified Aug 2026