What You Need to Know About El Paso's Written Test

In El Paso, you take your written knowledge test at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices — the same material statewide — but where and when you test depends on which DPS location you choose and how busy it is that day.

You cannot schedule the written test online in advance. You walk in during business hours, pay the fee, and take the test the same day if space is available. Arriving early in the morning or on weekday mornings typically means shorter waits than afternoons or Saturdays.

The test is 25 multiple-choice questions. You need 18 correct to pass. You get one attempt per visit, so if you fail, you pay the fee again on your next visit.

Key Takeaways

  • El Paso has two DPS offices where you can take the written test: one on East Paisano Drive and one on North Mesa Street.
  • You must bring your learner permit (or valid ID if you do not have one yet), proof of residency, and the test fee, which is currently $7.
  • The test is offered Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday mornings; hours vary by location, so call ahead.
  • You have 25 questions to answer in one sitting, and passing means 18 correct or higher.
  • If you fail, you can retake the test at your next visit after paying the fee again.

Which DPS Office to Visit in El Paso

El Paso has two DPS Driver License offices that administer the written test. The East Paisano location is at 6920 East Paisano Drive, and the North Mesa location is at 4410 North Mesa Street. Both offer the same test and accept walk-ins during regular hours.

Neither location requires an appointment. Choose whichever is closer to you or has a shorter wait when you arrive. On busy days, one location may have a shorter line than the other, so if you have flexibility, calling both offices before you go can save you time.

Both offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon. Hours can change seasonally or due to staffing, so verify the current hours by calling the East Paisano office at (915) 212-5000 or the North Mesa office at (915) 212-5100 before you go.

What to Bring to Your Test Appointment

Bring your learner permit (Learner License) if you already have one. If you do not have a learner permit yet, bring a valid photo ID — a passport, military ID, or state ID card will 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.

Bring the test fee. As of now, the written test costs $7. Fees can change, so confirm the current amount when you call to verify hours. Bring cash or a debit card; not all DPS offices accept all payment methods, so having both is safest.

Do not bring study materials, phones, or other devices into the testing room. You will not be allowed to use them during the test.

How the Test Works on the Day You Go

When you arrive, check in at the front desk. Tell the staff you are there to take the written knowledge test. They will verify your documents, collect your fee, and give you a form to fill out with your name, address, and driver's license number (if you have one).

You will be called to a testing station where a staff member will administer the test on a computer. The test is 25 multiple-choice questions. You have one hour to complete it, though most people finish in 20 to 30 minutes. Each question shows four answer choices, and you select your answer on the screen.

When you finish, the computer scores your test when ready. If you pass (18 or more correct), you receive a passing certificate on the spot. If you fail, you are told which topics you missed, and you can retake the test on your next visit.

What Happens After You Pass

Your passing certificate is valid for 12 months. You use it to schedule your road test at the same DPS office or at any other DPS location in Texas. You do not need to retake the written test if you move to another city or county — your passing score follows you statewide.

To schedule the road test, you can call the DPS office or visit in person. The road test fee is separate from the written test fee and currently costs $7 as well. You will need to bring your learner permit, proof of insurance, and a vehicle that is registered and passes inspection.

If You Fail the Written Test

If you do not pass, you can retake the test when ready on your next visit. There is no waiting period between attempts in El Paso. You pay the fee again and take a different version of the test with different questions covering the same topics.

Before your next attempt, review the topics the DPS staff told you that you missed. The Texas Driver Handbook is free online at the DPS website and covers everything on the test. Many people find it helpful to take practice tests online — several free practice test sites mirror the real test format and questions.

Most people pass on their second attempt after studying the weak areas. If you fail twice, take more time to study before your third attempt rather than retaking when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test without a learner permit?

Yes. If you do not have a learner permit yet, bring a valid photo ID instead. However, you will need a learner permit before you can take the road test, so plan to get one after you pass the written test.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it on your next visit to the DPS office. There is no waiting period. You pay the fee again and take a different version of the test. Most people pass on their second or third attempt after studying the topics they missed.

How long does the written test take?

The test itself takes 20 to 30 minutes for most people. You have up to one hour. Add 15 to 30 minutes for check-in and waiting, depending on how busy the office is that day.

Can I reschedule my test if I cannot make it?

Since you do not schedule in advance, there is nothing to reschedule. straightforward go to the DPS office on a day that works for you. If you are in the middle of testing and need to stop, tell the staff member — you can come back another day, though you will have to pay the fee again.

What if I pass the written test but fail the road test?

Your written test passing certificate stays valid for 12 months. You do not retake the written test. You only retake the road test, and you can schedule it as soon as you are ready to try again.