Texas does not offer the written knowledge test online
You cannot take the Texas written drivers license test from your computer or phone. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires all applicants to take the test in person at a DPS office or an approved testing location. This applies whether you are seeking your first license, renewing after expiration, or upgrading from a learner permit to a full license.
The test must be administered by a DPS examiner or an authorized third-party testing site. These locations have security measures in place — including identity verification and proctoring — that cannot be replicated online. Texas has not announced plans to move the written test to an online format.
If you were directed to a website claiming to offer the Texas written test online, that site is not affiliated with DPS and cannot issue a valid license or test result. Only DPS and its authorized partners can administer the official test.
Key Takeaways
- The Texas written knowledge test must be taken in person at a DPS office or an approved third-party testing location; no online option exists.
- You will need to bring a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to the testing location.
- You can schedule a test appointment online through the DPS website, but you must appear in person to take the actual exam.
- The test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices from the Texas Driver Handbook, and you have 45 minutes to complete it.
- If you fail the test, you must wait at least one day before retaking it, and you can retake it at the same location or a different DPS office.
Where to take the test in Texas
DPS operates driver license offices across all 254 Texas counties. You can take the written test at any DPS office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, with limited Saturday hours at some locations. Hours vary by office, so check the DPS website or call ahead before you go.
Texas also uses third-party testing locations — private businesses authorized by DPS to administer the written test. These include some driving schools and testing centers. Third-party locations may have different hours and may charge a small fee in addition to the DPS test fee. You can find authorized third-party locations through the DPS website by searching your county or city.
Walk-ins are accepted at most DPS offices, but wait times can be long, especially during peak hours (mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays). Scheduling an appointment online through the DPS website reduces your wait time significantly. Appointments are free and can be booked up to 60 days in advance.
How to schedule your test appointment online
Go to the Texas DPS website and select the "Appointment Scheduling" option. You will need to enter your county, choose a DPS office or third-party location, and select an available date and time. The system shows you real-time availability, so you can see which slots are open.
You will be asked to provide your name, date of birth, and contact information. After you confirm your appointment, you will receive a confirmation number via email or text, depending on how you set up your account. Save this number — you will need it when you arrive at the testing location.
If you need to cancel or reschedule, you can do so through the same online system up to 24 hours before your appointment. If you miss an appointment without canceling, you may have to wait longer to book the next one, depending on the office's policy.
What to bring to the test
Bring a valid form of primary identification. Acceptable documents include a current passport, a U.S. military ID, a state ID from another state, or a tribal ID. If you do not have a primary ID, you can bring two forms of secondary identification, such as a birth certificate and a Social Security card, along with a document showing your current address.
You must also bring proof of residency — a document dated within the last 90 days showing your current Texas address. Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, and bank statements all count. If you live with someone else, a letter from that person on their letterhead, along with a copy of their ID and proof of residency, can serve as your proof.
Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized. You will need it to register for the test. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.
What the test covers and how it is scored
The Texas written test has 30 multiple-choice questions drawn from the Texas Driver Handbook. Questions cover traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, safe driving practices, and vehicle equipment. You have 45 minutes to complete the test, though most people finish in 20 to 30 minutes.
You must answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass — a score of 70 percent. Your score is displayed when ready after you finish. If you pass, the examiner will tell you what happens next (usually scheduling a road test or paying fees for your license). If you fail, you will receive a printed score report showing which topics you missed.
The test is offered in English and Spanish. You can request the Spanish version when you schedule your appointment or when you arrive at the testing location. Some locations also offer the test in other languages; call ahead to confirm.
Retaking the test if you fail
If you do not pass, you must wait at least one day before retaking the test. There is no limit on how many times you can retake it. Each attempt costs the same test fee (currently $10 for a written test, though this may vary). You do not have to return to the same location — you can retake the test at any DPS office or authorized third-party location.
Between attempts, review the Texas Driver Handbook and focus on the topics where you scored lowest. The handbook is free and available on the DPS website as a PDF or in print at any DPS office. Many people find it helpful to take practice tests online (through unofficial third-party websites) to build confidence, though these are not official and may not match the real test exactly.
If you fail the test three times, DPS may require you to complete a driver education course before you can retake it again. This requirement depends on your age and license type, so ask the examiner or call your local DPS office if you have questions after your third failure.
Preparing for the test without an online version
Since you cannot take a practice test online through an official DPS source, use the Texas Driver Handbook as your primary study material. The handbook covers everything on the test and is organized by topic, making it straightforward to study one section at a time. Read it cover to cover at least once, then focus on sections you find confusing.
Unofficial practice test websites exist and can help you get used to the multiple-choice format, but they are not endorsed by DPS and may not be 100 percent accurate. Use them as a supplement, not a replacement, for studying the handbook. Some driving schools also offer in-person or online practice sessions; these can be useful if you prefer guided instruction.
Take the practice tests under timed conditions — set a 45-minute timer and answer all 30 questions without stopping. This builds the stamina and focus you will need on test day. If you score below 70 percent on practice tests, spend more time with the handbook before scheduling your real test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the Texas written test online if I am renewing my license?
No. If your license expired more than two years ago or if you are renewing after a suspension, you must retake the written test in person. Renewals that do not require a new test can be done online through the DPS website, but a new written test always requires an in-person visit.
What happens if I fail the test at a third-party location instead of a DPS office?
The result is the same either way — your score is recorded in the DPS system, and you can retake the test at any DPS office or authorized third-party location. There is no difference in how the test is scored or how many times you can retake it based on where you took it.
Is there a way to take the test from home if I have a disability or medical condition?
DPS does not offer remote testing, but you may be able to request accommodations at a testing location. Contact your local DPS office or call the DPS main line to discuss your situation. Accommodations might include extra time, a reader, or a quiet testing room, but the test itself must still be taken in person.
How long does the written test take, and when will I know if I passed?
The test itself takes 45 minutes, though most people finish in 20 to 30 minutes. Your score appears on the screen when ready after you submit your answers. You will know right away whether you passed or failed and what your next step is.
Can I use my phone or any notes during the test?
No. You cannot bring any study materials, phones, or electronic devices into the testing room. The testing location will provide scratch paper if you need it. Attempting to use unauthorized materials will result in an automatic failure and may affect your ability to retake the test.