It may seem like a touch too much, but it really isn't. California DMV permit test questions cover pretty much everything between pages 17 and 87. However, once you hit page 17 - it's time to buckle down and start paying attention. You can probably skip the first chapter that covers license requirements, the testing process, miscalleneous license information and the special section for minors if it does not apply to you, but be sure to check out cell phone restrictions for minors even if you are an adult - the DMV expects you to know them regardless of your age.
Unlike driver manual in other states, the 2024 CA DMV drivers handbook is very condensed and straight to the point, you really cannot throw that much stuff out of it and will have to go over almost all of the 116 pages of the booklet. Don't make the same mistake, read the DMV drivers handbook and nail the permit test the first time you take it!
The number of people who opt into taking the permit test without opening the drivers manual even once is simply mind-boggling. If we were to pick the most underappreciated, ignored and disregarded study resource for the DMV written test - the 2024 California drivers handbook would be our our choice and we would never give it a second thought.