The Texas exam has two parts: a written test on traffic laws and road signs, and a driving test with an examiner in your vehicle

The written knowledge test covers Texas traffic laws, safe driving practices, and road sign recognition. You answer 30 multiple-choice questions on a computer at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. You must score at least 21 correct answers (70 percent) to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish.

The driving test happens after you pass the written exam. A DPS examiner sits in your vehicle while you drive a set route in the local area. The examiner watches how you handle steering, braking, turning, parking, and your awareness of other traffic. You must demonstrate safe driving without major errors. If you fail either test, you can retake it, but you must wait one day before your next attempt.

Both tests are required before you receive your Texas driver's license. You cannot skip the written test or take only the driving test.

Key Takeaways

  • The written test is 30 multiple-choice questions on Texas traffic laws and road signs, taken on a computer at a DPS office, with a passing score of 21 correct answers.
  • The driving test requires you to drive a set route with a DPS examiner in your vehicle, demonstrating safe handling of steering, braking, turning, and parking.
  • You must pass the written test before you take the driving test on the same day or schedule it for a later date.
  • If you fail either test, you must wait at least one day before retaking it at a DPS office.
  • Both tests are required; there is no option to take only one or skip either test.

What the written test covers and how to prepare

The written test draws from the Texas Driver's Handbook, which is free and available online at the DPS website or in print at any DPS office. The test includes questions about right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, traffic signals, lane changes, following distance, and what different road signs mean. You will also see questions about driving under the influence, distracted driving, and what to do at a crash scene.

Most people prepare by reading the handbook and taking practice tests. The DPS website offers a free practice test that mirrors the real exam format. Many people take it multiple times to build confidence. You can also find third-party practice tests online, though the official DPS version is the most reliable match to the actual exam.

There is no required study period. You can take the written test as soon as you have your learner permit, though most people spend one to two weeks reviewing the handbook before testing.

The driving test route and what the examiner watches for

The driving test route is set by the DPS office where you test. The examiner will tell you where to drive — typically a mix of residential streets, busier roads, and sometimes a highway or parking lot. The route usually takes 15 to 25 minutes. You will not know the exact route in advance, but it always includes basic maneuvers: starting the vehicle, turning left and right, stopping at traffic lights, changing lanes, and parking.

The examiner scores you on vehicle control, awareness of traffic and pedestrians, following traffic laws, and your response to the examiner's directions. Major errors include hitting a curb, failing to stop at a red light, hitting another vehicle, or refusing to follow an instruction. Minor errors — like slightly jerky braking or hesitation at a turn — do not automatically fail you, but too many minor errors add up to a failing score.

You must bring your own vehicle, and it must be in safe working condition: brakes, lights, wipers, and horn all working. The examiner will do a quick safety check before you drive. If the vehicle fails the safety check, you cannot test that day.

Documents you need to bring to the DPS office

Bring your learner permit (the temporary document you received when you passed the written test or applied for one). Bring proof of identity — a passport, birth certificate, or state ID. Bring proof of Texas residency, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address. Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it.

For the driving test, bring the vehicle's registration and proof of insurance. The vehicle must be insured and registered in Texas. Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them — you must wear them during the test if you wear them while driving.

Bring all documents in original form or certified copies. Photocopies are not accepted for identity or residency proof. If you do not have all required documents, the DPS office will not let you test.

Fees and retake rules

The written test costs $16. The driving test costs $16. If you fail either test, you pay the fee again to retake it. There is no fee to schedule your test or to hold your learner permit.

You must wait at least one day after a failed test before you can retake it. You can retake it at any DPS office in Texas, not just the one where you failed. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but each attempt costs $16.

If you pass the written test but do not take the driving test on the same day, your learner permit remains valid. You can schedule the driving test for any day within the validity period of your permit. Check your permit to see the expiration date.

Common mistakes that cause test failure

On the written test, the most common mistakes are misreading questions about right-of-way and speed limits in school zones. Read each question twice before answering. If you are unsure, skip it and come back to it — you have time to review all 30 questions before submitting.

On the driving test, the most common failures are failing to come to a complete stop at a red light or stop sign, not checking mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes, and hitting the curb during parking. Practice these specific maneuvers before your test. Ask a licensed driver to ride with you and point out when you are not stopping fully or not checking your mirrors.

Arriving late or without required documents is also common. Plan to arrive 15 minutes early and bring all documents in a folder so you do not forget anything. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, the DPS office may not let you test that day.

What happens after you pass both tests

After you pass the driving test, the examiner will tell you on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your permanent Texas driver's license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving during that time.

Your new license is valid for six years (or eight years if you are over 85). You can renew it by mail, online, or in person at a DPS office before the expiration date printed on the card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test and driving test on the same day?

Yes. Most people pass the written test in the morning and schedule the driving test for the afternoon at the same DPS office. You can also pass the written test and schedule the driving test for a different day if you need more time to prepare or practice driving.

What if I fail the driving test because of nerves?

Failing the driving test does not go on your record or affect your insurance. You can retake it the next day at any DPS office. Many people pass on their second or third attempt. Practice the specific maneuvers that gave you trouble — parking, lane changes, and complete stops — before your next test.

Do I have to take the test in English?

No. The written test is offered in Spanish and English. You choose your language when you schedule the test. The driving test does not have a language option — the examiner will speak English, but you do not have to answer in full sentences; you just follow directions and drive safely.

What if my vehicle breaks down on the driving test?

If the vehicle has a mechanical failure during the test, the examiner will stop the test and you will be allowed to retake it at no extra charge. Bring a vehicle in good working condition to avoid this. Check your brakes, lights, wipers, and horn before you arrive.

Can I use a phone or GPS during the driving test?

No. You cannot use a phone, GPS, or any other device during the driving test. The examiner will give you all directions verbally. If you need directions to the DPS office, plan your route before you arrive.