What You Need to Know About Houston's Written Test
The written test in Houston is administered by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) at their driver license offices throughout Harris County and surrounding areas. You will answer 30 multiple-choice questions on a computer screen, and you must score at least 21 correct answers (70%) to pass. The test covers traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and right-of-way rules specific to Texas.
You can take the test in English or Spanish. The test itself takes about 20 to 30 minutes, though you should plan to spend 45 minutes to an hour at the office once you account for check-in and waiting time. You do not need to schedule an appointment at most Houston-area DPS offices — you can walk in during business hours — but wait times vary by location and time of day.
If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day at most locations, though you may have to pay the test fee again. There is no waiting period between attempts in Texas, so you can try again when ready if you choose.
Key Takeaways
- The written test is 30 questions, all multiple choice, taken on a computer at a DPS office in Houston.
- You need a score of at least 21 out of 30 (70%) to pass; the test covers Texas traffic laws, signs, and safe driving rules.
- Bring your completed DL 44 form, proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Tax Identification Number.
- Most Houston DPS offices do not require an appointment, but arrive early to avoid long waits during peak hours (typically late morning and early afternoon).
- If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at most locations, but you will pay the test fee again.
DPS Office Locations and Hours in the Houston Area
The main DPS driver license office in Houston is located at 4007 Director Beltway, Houston, TX 77092. This office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon. There are also satellite offices in Pasadena, Pearland, Conroe, and other surrounding communities, each with slightly different hours.
You can find the full list of Houston-area DPS offices and their hours on the Texas DPS website. Call ahead if you are traveling more than 20 minutes, because some smaller offices close for lunch or have reduced Saturday hours. Saturday mornings are typically the busiest time, so if you have flexibility, a weekday afternoon often means a shorter wait.
Do not rely on online wait-time estimates if the office offers them — they update slowly and may not reflect the actual line when you arrive. Arriving 15 to 20 minutes after the office opens usually results in a shorter wait than arriving mid-morning.
Documents You Must Bring
You will need to bring several documents to take the written test. First, bring your completed DL 44 form (process for Texas Driver License). You can fill this out at home before you go, or at the office, but having it completed ahead of time speeds up the process.
Bring one form of proof of identity. This can be a passport, military ID, state ID, or certified birth certificate. A school ID or work ID alone will not work. If you are using a birth certificate, it must be a certified copy with the state seal, not a photocopy.
Bring proof of residency — a document showing your current Houston-area address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A driver license from another state does not count as proof of residency in Texas.
Bring your Social Security number or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN). You will enter this at the office; you do not need to bring a card, but you must know the number. If you do not have either, tell the DPS staff when you arrive — they can direct you to alternative procedures, though this may delay your test.
What the Written Test Covers
The 30-question test focuses on Texas traffic laws and safe driving practices. You will see questions about speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, and how to respond to traffic signals and signs. The test also includes questions about driving under the influence, distracted driving, and seat belt laws.
Road signs make up a significant portion of the test. You need to know the shape and color of warning signs, regulatory signs, and informational signs. For example, you should recognize that a red octagon means stop, a yellow diamond warns of a hazard ahead, and a white rectangle contains a regulatory rule.
The test also covers situations — what to do if your brakes fail, how to handle a skid on wet pavement, and how to proceed at a four-way stop. These questions test your understanding of safe driving, not just memorization of rules. Study the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free and available on the DPS website, to prepare for these scenario-based questions.
How to Prepare Before Test Day
The Texas Driver Handbook is your primary study resource. It is available as a free PDF on the Texas DPS website and covers everything on the written test. Read through it at least once, and pay close attention to sections on traffic signs, right-of-way, and speed limits.
Take practice tests online. Several free practice test sites offer questions similar to those on the actual test. These are not official DPS tests, but they help you understand the format and identify weak areas. Aim to score at least 80% on practice tests before you take the real test.
Study for at least three to five days before your test. Do not cram the night before; instead, review for 30 to 45 minutes each day. Focus on areas where you scored lowest on practice tests. On the day of your test, get a good night's sleep and eat breakfast — you will think more clearly when you are rested and fed.
What Happens on Test Day
Arrive at the DPS office 10 to 15 minutes before you plan to take the test. Check in at the front desk and give the staff your documents. They will verify your identity, residency, and Social Security number. This process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.
Once you are checked in, you will be called to a testing station. A DPS employee will confirm your name and date of birth, then seat you at a computer. The test will appear on the screen. You will use the mouse and keyboard to select your answers. You cannot go back to previous questions once you move forward, so read each question carefully before you answer.
After you finish all 30 questions, the computer will when ready show your score. If you pass, you will move on to the vision test and photo. If you fail, you will be told your score and given the option to retake the test. If you choose to retake it, you will pay the test fee again and wait for the next available testing station.
Test Fees and Payment
The written test fee in Texas is $16. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card at the DPS office. If you fail and retake the test the same day, you will pay $16 again. There is no refund if you pass on your second attempt.
If you are obtaining your first Texas driver license, you will also pay a license fee on top of the test fee. The license fee varies depending on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid. Ask the DPS staff about the total cost before you pay, so you know exactly how much to bring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test in Spanish?
Yes. The written test is available in Spanish at all Houston-area DPS offices. Tell the staff when you check in that you want to take the test in Spanish, and they will direct you to a Spanish-language testing station. The questions and format are identical to the English version.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the test the same day at most Houston DPS offices. You will pay the $16 test fee again and wait for the next available testing station. There is no waiting period between attempts. If you fail a second time, you can retake it again the same day, but most people study for a few days before trying again.
Do I need an appointment to take the written test in Houston?
Most Houston-area DPS offices do not require an appointment for the written test. You can walk in during business hours. However, wait times vary by location and time of day. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times can help you choose the best time to go.
What happens if I pass the written test?
After you pass the written test, you will take a vision test and have your photo taken at the same DPS office. If you pass the vision test, you will receive your Texas driver license. The entire process from passing the written test to receiving your license usually takes less than an hour.
Can I use my phone or notes during the written test?
No. You cannot use your phone, notes, or any other materials during the test. The testing station is monitored, and using outside materials will result in your test being invalidated. You must answer all questions from memory based on your study of the Texas Driver Handbook.