Driver's License Test Prep
California Practice Licensing Process

How many attempts does California allow to pass the original knowledge test before you must reapply?

  1. A.
    Two attempts
  2. B.
    Three attempts Correct
  3. C.
    Unlimited attempts
The Why

The answer is "Three attempts"

California allows three attempts on the original knowledge test before you must reapply. A test-taker who picks two attempts is usually carrying over a two-tries-and-out rule from a peer or from a state that caps the vision retest at two, rather than reading California's own cap on the knowledge test.

Why the others miss

The traps in the wrong answers

A. Two attempts

California caps the original knowledge test at three attempts before you must reapply, not two. This answer carries over a two-tries-and-reapply rule picked up from a peer, or from a state that caps the vision retest at two, rather than the California cap on the knowledge test.

C. Unlimited attempts

California caps original knowledge test attempts at three; retakes are not open-ended. This answer extends the no-fail eLearning renewal course, which lets renewal drivers repeat module quizzes freely, to the original knowledge test the manual specifically limits to three attempts.

The Rule

This question tests your knowledge of Licensing Process in California. Source: California Driver Manual, "Knowledge Test," p.5..

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