What to expect when you take the written test in Dallas
The written driver license test in Dallas is administered by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) at their driver license offices across the city. You will answer 30 multiple-choice questions on a computer or paper, depending on which office you visit and their current setup. You need to score at least 21 out of 30 questions correct to pass — that is 70 percent.
The test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and what to do in emergencies. Questions are drawn from the Texas Driver Handbook, which you can read free online at the DPS website or pick up in print at any DPS office. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and some offices offer it in other languages as well.
You have 30 minutes to complete the test. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at most Dallas offices, though you may have to wait a few hours and pay the retest fee again.
Key Takeaways
- The Dallas DPS offices give the written test on computers or paper, and you must score at least 21 out of 30 questions to pass.
- All test questions come from the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free to read online or pick up in person at any DPS office.
- You have 30 minutes to finish, and you can retake the test the same day if you do not pass, though you will pay the fee again.
- Bring a valid form of ID and proof of residency to the test — without these documents, the office will not let you take it.
- The test is offered in English, Spanish, and other languages at select Dallas locations, so call ahead to confirm what your office offers.
Which Dallas DPS offices offer the written test
The Texas DPS runs several driver license offices in the Dallas area. The main office is located at 4201 Harry Hines Boulevard in Dallas, and it is open Monday through Friday. Other offices are scattered across Dallas County in cities like Arlington, Garland, and Irving, each with their own hours.
Not every office offers the test every day, and hours vary by location. Before you go, call the office or check the DPS website to confirm they are open and that they have test slots available. Some offices fill up during lunch hours or late afternoon, so arriving early in the morning often means shorter waits.
You do not need an appointment at most Dallas DPS offices — you can walk in and take a number. However, some locations now offer online scheduling through the DPS website, which lets you reserve a specific time slot and skip the walk-in line.
Documents you must bring to pass the test
You cannot take the written test without the right documents. Bring one form of valid photo ID — a passport, military ID, or an ID from another state all work. You also need proof that you live in Texas, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your name and current address on it.
If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you. They will need to sign a form giving permission for you to take the test. Bring the original documents, not copies — the DPS office will not accept photocopies.
If your documents are in a language other than English, bring an official translation along with the original. The DPS office can tell you which translation services they accept.
How to study for the Dallas written test
The Texas Driver Handbook is your main study tool. It covers everything the test asks about: speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and how to handle skids or brake failure. You can read it free on the DPS website, read it as a PDF, or pick up a printed copy at any DPS office in Dallas.
Many people study by reading the handbook once, then taking practice tests online. The DPS website offers a free practice test that mimics the real test — same number of questions, same time limit, same passing score. Taking the practice test several times helps you spot which topics you need to review more.
Some Dallas libraries also have study guides and practice materials. If you are struggling with reading or English, ask the DPS office whether they offer study materials in your language or can connect you with a tutor.
What happens if you fail the test
If you score below 21 out of 30, you fail and do not get a license. You can retake the test the same day at most Dallas offices, but you will have to pay the test fee again. Some people take it once, study the questions they missed, and come back the next day to retake it.
There is no limit to how many times you can retake the written test in Texas. However, if you fail it three times in a row, some DPS offices may ask you to wait a few days before your next attempt, or they may require you to bring proof that you have studied. Rules vary by office, so ask when you fail.
Keep track of which questions you got wrong so you know what to study. The DPS office will not give you a copy of your test, but you can ask the staff which topics gave you trouble, and they can point you to the right pages in the handbook.
Test fees and what they cover
The written test fee in Texas is set by the state and does not vary by location. As of 2024, the fee is $16 for a five-year license and $32 for an eight-year license. You pay this fee when you take the test, whether you pass or fail. If you fail and retake it the same day, you pay the fee again.
The fee covers only the written test. If you pass and want to get your actual license, you will need to pay for a photo ID and pass the driving test as well. Those are separate fees and separate appointments.
Most Dallas DPS offices take cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods, especially if you only have a specific type of card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test if I have a suspended license?
No. If your license is suspended, you must wait until the suspension ends before you can take any test or renew your license. Contact the DPS or the court that suspended your license to find out when you become may be able to access again.
What if I fail the written test three times — do I have to wait?
Rules vary by DPS office. Some offices let you retake it when ready; others ask you to wait a few days or bring proof of study. Call the Dallas office where you plan to test and ask what their policy is after three failures.
Is the test the same in Dallas as it is in other Texas cities?
Yes. The written test is the same across all of Texas — same 30 questions drawn from the same Texas Driver Handbook, same passing score of 21 out of 30. The only difference is the office location and wait times.
Can I use my phone or notes during the test?
No. The test is proctored, meaning a DPS staff member watches you take it. You cannot use your phone, notes, the handbook, or any other materials during the test. Attempting to cheat will result in when ready failure and may lead to other penalties.
How long does it take to get results after I finish the test?
You get your results when ready. The DPS office will tell you whether you passed or failed before you leave. If you passed, they will give you a receipt and tell you what to do next to get your actual license.