DMV Test Apps (2026): 10 Permit Practice Test Apps

The permit test is usually the first exam a teenager takes that has real consequences, and plenty of adults sit it again after moving state. The questions are about road signs, right of way and the rules in your state's own handbook, and a good practice app gets you used to the wording.

The apps below are listed alphabetically and in no particular order, and each description comes from the provider's own App Store listing, read this week. California DMV also offers free sample knowledge tests on its own website, and my guide on how to find free exam study materials has more free ideas.

DMV practice test apps at a glance

I checked the free plan column on each provider's own App Store listing, as of Oct 2026. Yes means the listing names a free version, a free tier, free lessons or tests, or a free daily set of questions. Trial only means a time-limited trial. Not stated means the listing I read named neither, even where there's a download button, so check the provider's own page before you subscribe.

Tool	Type	Good for	Free plan
Aceable Drivers Ed	Drivers ed and permit app	State-approved drivers ed as well	Not stated
DMV Driving Permit Test Prep by Deedal Studios	Permit test app with explanations	An explanation for every wrong answer	Not stated
DMV Genie	Car, motorcycle and CDL test app	Car, motorcycle and CDL in one app	Yes
DMV Permit Test Prep by Hanh Le	Free permit practice app	Every lesson and test free	Yes
DMV Practice Test Max	Study plan permit app	A step-by-step study plan	Trial only
DMV Practice Test myDMV	Bilingual permit practice app	Studying in English or Spanish	Trial only
DMV Written Test by Infinity Loop	State-specific written test app	Skipping the full driver's manual	Not stated
MD Practice Driving Test (Maryland MVA)	Official Maryland practice test	Practice from Maryland's own MVA	Not stated
PA Driver's Practice Test (PennDOT)	Official Pennsylvania practice test	Practice from PennDOT itself	Not stated
Zutobi	Quick-session permit test app	Quick, fun practice sessions	Trial only

Ten DMV practice test apps worth a look

Aceable Drivers Ed

Best for: Teens who need a state-approved drivers ed course as well as permit test practice, all in one app on their phone.

DMV Driving Permit Test Prep by Deedal Studios

Best for: Learners who want the latest questions with an explanation for every one they get wrong, plus an approved online course in some states.

DMV Genie

Best for: Households with more than one learner, since it covers car, motorcycle and CDL tests in every state with free and premium tools.

DMV Permit Test Prep by Hanh Le

Best for: Families who'd rather not pay at all, as the listing says every lesson and practice test is free with no question limits.

DMV Practice Test Max

Best for: Nervous test takers who want a step-by-step study plan with real exam-style questions and clear explanations, starting with a free trial.

DMV Practice Test myDMV

Best for: Spanish-speaking learners who want courses and tests for their own state in English or Spanish, with a short trial sometimes offered.

DMV Written Test by Infinity Loop

Best for: Busy learners who want state-specific practice tests drawn from the current manual instead of reading the whole handbook cover to cover.

MD Practice Driving Test (Maryland MVA)

Best for: Maryland learners who want the practice test published by their own Motor Vehicle Administration for the learner's permit knowledge test.

PA Driver's Practice Test (PennDOT)

Best for: Pennsylvania learners who want a realistic version of the driver's knowledge test published by PennDOT, the agency that runs it.

Zutobi

Best for: Teens who learn best in quick, fun sessions, with courses for car, CDL and motorcycle tests and a three-day free trial.

Matching an app to your learner

• You'd rather pay nothing: DMV Permit Test Prep by Hanh Le.
• You live in Maryland or Pennsylvania: MD Practice Driving Test (Maryland MVA), PA Driver's Practice Test (PennDOT).
• Your teen still needs drivers ed: Aceable Drivers Ed.
• You'd like to study in Spanish: DMV Practice Test myDMV.
• More than one person in the house is learning: DMV Genie.

What California DMV says about the knowledge test

Each state runs its own test, so always check your own DMV, but California's rules show why practice matters. California DMV says you're allowed three attempts to pass each required knowledge test. If you fail the same test three times, your application is no longer valid and you'll need to reapply.

For under-18s, the permit is only the start. California DMV says you must hold a provisional instruction permit for at least six months, complete driver education and six hours of professional driver training, and do 50 hours of practice before you can take the driving test.

Why official practice tests are worth a look first

Two apps here are published by state agencies: Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration and PennDOT in Pennsylvania. California DMV also puts sample knowledge tests on its website. Questions written by the people who set the real test are the best check of whether you understand your state's rules.

Third-party apps are still useful for volume, explanations and mock tests, but check that the app matches your state. A question about a rule from another state can teach you the wrong answer.

A two-week plan for the permit test

1. Days 1 to 4: read one section of your state's driver's handbook a day and answer the app's questions on it.
2. Days 5 to 8: learn the road signs until you can name every one without thinking.
3. Days 9 to 12: take mixed mock tests and reread the handbook pages behind every wrong answer.
4. Days 13 and 14: one official sample test from your state, then rest before the real thing.

What to check before you download

• Your state. Pick an app that builds questions from your own state's manual.
• Explanations. You learn more from why an answer is wrong than from a score.
• Road signs. A separate signs section is handy, as sign questions are easy marks.
• Ads and limits. Free apps may cap questions or show adverts, so check the listing.

Do you make permit test, driving or learner driver apps? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.

My plain advice on DMV test apps

Read your state's handbook first, then use one app for daily practice and your state's own sample test as the final check. Don't book until you're passing mock tests comfortably, because three failures in some states means a new application.

Once you've passed, keep the car in good shape too. My guide to car care tips all drivers need to know covers the simple checks every new driver should learn.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best app for the DMV permit test?

Choose an app that matches your state's handbook, explains every answer and includes road signs practice, then finish with your state's official sample test.

Are DMV practice test apps free?

Some are completely free, some offer a free tier and others need a subscription after a trial, so check the free plan column.

How many times can you take the DMV written test?

In California you're allowed three attempts at each required knowledge test before you need to reapply. Other states set their own rules.

Does the DMV have its own practice test?

Some states do: California DMV has sample tests on its website, and Maryland and Pennsylvania publish their own apps.

How long do teens hold a permit in California?

California DMV says under-18s must hold a provisional instruction permit for at least six months before the driving test.

Can I study for the permit test in Spanish?

Yes, some apps here offer courses and tests in Spanish as well as English.