The Texas written test costs $16 and you pay it when you take the exam
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) charges $16 for the written knowledge test at any DPS office. You pay this fee at the time you sit for the test — not before, not after. If you fail and need to retake it, you pay $16 again for each attempt.
This $16 covers only the written test itself. If you are also taking the driving test on the same day, that is a separate fee. The total cost depends on what you are testing for: a Class C license (standard passenger vehicle), a motorcycle endorsement, or a commercial license all have different fee structures.
Key Takeaways
- The written test costs $16 and must be paid when you arrive at the DPS office to take the exam.
- You pay $16 for each attempt if you fail and retake the test — there is no bulk discount for multiple tries.
- The $16 fee is separate from the driving test fee, which is an additional charge if you take both on the same day.
- Payment methods at DPS offices typically include cash, debit, and credit cards, though you should confirm with your local office.
- No refunds are issued if you do not show up or if you cancel after paying, so plan to take the test when you are ready.
What the $16 covers and what it does not
The $16 fee pays for the test administration itself — the written exam, the scoring, and the record of your results. It does not include your license document, your driving test, vision screening, or any other service. Those are separate charges added on top.
If you pass the written test but fail the driving test, you do not pay the $16 again for the written portion on your next visit. You only pay for the driving test retake. However, if you fail the written test, you must pay $16 again to sit for it a second time.
Total cost if you are taking both tests the same day
For a standard Class C driver's license, the written test is $16 and the driving test is $16, for a combined test fee of $32. You also pay a license issuance fee, which varies depending on the validity period you choose (four years, six years, or eight years). The license fee ranges from roughly $33 to $75 depending on your age and the term length.
So a first-time driver taking both tests and receiving a license on the same day should expect to pay somewhere between $65 and $107 in total fees, though the exact amount depends on your age and which license term you select. Ask the DPS office staff what the total will be before you pay, so there are no surprises.
Payment methods and what to bring
Most DPS offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may have restrictions on which cards they take, so calling ahead is wise if you want to be certain. Bring your payment method along with your documents — your proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Tax Identification Number.
Do not assume you can pay online or by mail. The $16 fee must be paid in person at the DPS office when you take the test. There is no way to prepay or reserve a test slot by paying in advance.
What happens if you fail and need to retake the test
If you do not pass the written test, you can retake it. You will need to pay the $16 fee again at your next appointment. Texas does not limit how many times you can retake the written test, but each attempt costs $16.
You do not have to wait a set number of days between attempts, but you do need to schedule another appointment at a DPS office. During busy periods, getting an appointment slot may take a few weeks. Plan your study time accordingly so you are ready before your next scheduled test date.
Motorcycle and commercial license test fees
If you are testing for a motorcycle endorsement or a commercial driver's license (CDL), the written test fee may differ. Motorcycle endorsement tests are typically $16 for the written portion, matching the standard fee. CDL written tests are more expensive — usually around $20 to $25 per test, depending on the endorsement type (tanker, hazmat, passenger, etc.).
Confirm the exact fee with your local DPS office or check the Texas DPS website before you go in, since CDL fees can vary by endorsement combination and are subject to change.
No refunds if you miss your appointment or change your mind
Once you pay the $16 fee, it is non-refundable. If you do not show up for your test, you lose the $16. If you decide to cancel after paying, the office will not return your money. You will have to pay $16 again if you want to reschedule and take the test at a later date.
This is why it makes sense to schedule your test only when you feel ready to pass. Cramming in a test appointment just to "get it done" can be an expensive mistake if you are not prepared.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay the $16 fee before I arrive at the DPS office?
No. You must pay the $16 fee in person when you arrive at the DPS office to take the test. There is no way to prepay online, by phone, or by mail. Bring your payment method with you on test day.
Do I have to pay $16 again if I pass the written test but fail the driving test?
No. You only pay for the test you are retaking. If you pass the written test but fail the driving test, you pay the driving test fee again on your next visit — not the $16 written test fee.
What if I fail the written test three times — do I pay $16 each time?
Yes. Each attempt at the written test costs $16. There is no limit on how many times you can retake it in Texas, but you will pay $16 for each attempt. After three failures, you may want to spend more time studying before your fourth try.
Are there any discounts or waivers for the $16 test fee?
Texas DPS does not offer discounts or fee waivers for the written test based on income or other circumstances. The $16 fee applies to everyone taking the test, regardless of age or financial situation.
What payment methods does the DPS office accept for the $16 fee?
Most DPS offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some locations may have restrictions on specific card types. Call your local DPS office before your test date to confirm which payment methods they accept.