Texas does not offer the written knowledge test online

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) does not allow you to take the written knowledge test remotely or online. You must take the test in person at a Texas DPS office or an approved third-party testing location. This applies whether you are seeking your first license, renewing after a long gap, or upgrading your license class.

The written test — officially called the knowledge test — is administered on a computer at the testing location, but you must be physically present to take it. You cannot complete it from home, from your phone, or from any remote location.

Texas does allow you to study online and to schedule your test appointment online, but the test itself must be taken in person.

Key Takeaways

  • You must take the written knowledge test at a Texas DPS office or approved third-party location; online testing is not available.
  • You can schedule your test appointment through the Texas DPS website before you go to the testing location.
  • The test is computer-based and covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices specific to Texas.
  • You need a valid form of identification and proof of residency to take the test in person.
  • Study materials and practice tests are available online through the Texas DPS website at no cost.

Where to take the written test in Texas

You have two main options for where to take the test: a Texas DPS office or an approved third-party testing location. DPS offices are run directly by the state, while third-party locations are private businesses licensed by DPS to administer the test.

To find a DPS office near you, visit the Texas DPS website and use their office locator tool. Enter your city or ZIP code to see all locations in your area, their hours, and whether they require an appointment. Most DPS offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some offer limited Saturday hours.

Third-party testing locations include some driver training schools, certain insurance agencies, and other licensed testing centers. These locations often have more flexible hours and may have shorter wait times than DPS offices. You can find approved third-party testers through the Texas DPS website or by calling your local DPS office for referrals.

How to schedule your test appointment

You can schedule your written test appointment online through the Texas DPS website without visiting an office first. Go to the DPS website, select your county, and choose a testing location. The system will show you available dates and times for the next several weeks.

When you schedule online, you will receive a confirmation with your appointment date, time, and location. Write down or save this confirmation — you will need to bring it with you on test day. If you cannot schedule online or prefer to book by phone, call your local DPS office directly.

You can also walk in without an appointment at most DPS offices and third-party locations, but wait times may be longer. If you walk in, arrive early in the day for the shortest wait.

What documents you need to bring

Bring a valid form of identification and proof of residency to your test appointment. Your ID must be government-issued and show your name and date of birth. Acceptable forms include a passport, military ID, or an out-of-state driver license.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 90 days that shows your name and current Texas address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail. A phone bill or credit card statement will not work.

If you do not have these documents, contact your local DPS office before your appointment to ask what alternatives they accept. Showing up without the required documents will result in your test being cancelled, and you will lose your appointment slot.

What the written test covers

The Texas written knowledge test has 30 questions and covers three main areas: road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly (70 percent) to pass.

Road signs questions test your knowledge of warning signs, regulatory signs, and informational signs you will see on Texas roads. Traffic laws questions cover speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking rules, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs. Safe driving questions cover topics like following distance, handling bad weather, driving under the influence, and what to do in an emergency.

The test is available in English and Spanish. You choose your language when you arrive at the testing location. The test is computer-based, and you use a mouse and keyboard to answer questions. You do not need any computer experience — the testing system is designed to be straightforward to use.

How to study for the written test

The Texas DPS publishes a free study guide called the Texas Driver Handbook, available on their website in PDF format. This handbook covers all the topics on the written test and is the official source for test content. Read it carefully and take notes on topics that are unfamiliar to you.

The Texas DPS website also offers free practice tests that simulate the real test. These practice tests have 30 questions, just like the real test, and show you which questions you missed so you can study those topics more. Taking the practice test multiple times until you consistently score above 70 percent is the best way to prepare.

Some third-party websites offer practice tests and study materials for Texas, but the official DPS materials are free and are may provide to match the real test content. Stick with the Texas Driver Handbook and the official practice tests on the DPS website.

What happens after you pass the written test

If you pass the written test, you will receive a passing certificate or a receipt showing your passing score. This document is valid for 12 months and allows you to schedule your driving test (the behind-the-wheel test) at any point during that year.

You do not need to do anything else when ready after passing the written test. You can schedule your driving test whenever you are ready, as long as you do so within 12 months of passing the written test. If your passing certificate expires before you take the driving test, you will need to retake the written test.

If you do not pass the written test, you can retake it the same day at most locations, or you can schedule another appointment for a later date. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you will need to pay the test fee again.

Test fees and what they cover

The written test fee in Texas is $16 if you take it at a DPS office. Third-party testing locations may charge a different fee — typically between $10 and $25 — so ask when you schedule your appointment. This fee covers only the written test; it does not cover the driving test or the license itself.

If you fail the test and retake it the same day, you will pay the fee again. If you retake it on a different day, you will also pay the fee again. Some third-party locations offer discounts if you retake the test within a certain time frame, so ask about their policy.

The fee is non-refundable if you do not show up for your appointment. If you need to cancel or reschedule, do so through the Texas DPS website or by calling your testing location at least 24 hours in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online from home?

No. Texas does not offer online testing for the written knowledge test. You must take the test in person at a DPS office or approved third-party location. You can study online and schedule your appointment online, but the test itself must be taken at a physical location.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test the same day at most locations, or schedule another appointment for a later date. There is no waiting period between attempts. You will pay the test fee each time you take it. Most people pass on their second or third attempt after studying the areas where they struggled.

How long does the written test take?

The test itself usually takes 15 to 30 minutes to complete, depending on how quickly you answer the 30 questions. Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to check in and provide your documents. Total time at the location is usually 30 to 45 minutes if you walk in, or less if you have a scheduled appointment.

Do I need to take a driver education course before the written test?

It depends on your age. If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course before taking the written test. If you are 18 or older, a driver education course is not required, though it may lower your insurance rates. Check the Texas DPS website for approved driver education providers in your area.

Is the written test the same as the driving test?

No. The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving knowledge. The driving test (also called the behind-the-wheel test) is a separate test where you drive a vehicle with a DPS examiner to show you can operate the vehicle safely. You must pass the written test before you can take the driving test.