The cost of a Texas learner's permit

A Texas learner's permit costs $16 for a five-year permit. This is the only fee you pay to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) when you pass your written test and receive your permit. You do not pay extra fees for retakes if you fail the written exam on your first attempt — you only pay once, when you pass.

The $16 covers the physical permit card itself and the five-year validity period. Some testing locations, usually third-party exam centers, may charge an additional testing fee of $5 to $10 to administer the written test, but this goes to the testing site, not to DPS. If you test at a DPS office directly, you typically avoid this extra charge.

Keep in mind that the $16 fee is current as of this writing, but DPS fees can change. If you are planning to get your permit soon, confirm the current fee on the official Texas DPS website before you go to your appointment.

Key Takeaways

  • The Texas DPS charges $16 for a five-year learner's permit once you pass your written test.
  • Some third-party testing locations add a $5 to $10 testing fee on top of the DPS fee, but DPS offices do not.
  • You pay the $16 fee only once, even if you fail the written test and retake it.
  • Bring cash, a debit card, or a credit card to your appointment, as payment methods vary by location.

Where the $16 goes and what it covers

The $16 fee covers the cost of producing and issuing your physical learner's permit card. This card is what you carry with you while you drive under supervision. It includes your photo, your name, your date of birth, your signature, and the expiration date — five years from the date it is issued.

The fee also covers the administrative cost of recording your permit in the Texas DPS database. This record is what law enforcement officers see when they run your name during a traffic stop, and it is what insurance companies check when you are added to a parent's or guardian's policy.

You do not pay extra for the five-year duration. Whether your permit is valid for one year or five years, the fee remains $16.

Testing fees at third-party locations versus DPS offices

If you take your written test at a DPS office, you pay only the $16 permit fee. DPS offices are run by the state and do not charge a separate testing fee.

If you test at a third-party location — such as a driving school, a testing center, or a private exam facility — that location may charge $5 to $15 to administer the test. This fee is separate from the $16 DPS fee and goes directly to the testing site, not to the state. Before you schedule a test at a third-party location, ask whether they charge a testing fee and what the total cost will be.

Some third-party locations bundle the testing fee into a package that includes driver education classes or other services. If you are already paying for a driver education course, the testing fee may be included in that cost, so ask your course provider before you assume you will pay extra.

Payment methods and what to bring

DPS offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some locations may accept checks, but this varies. Call ahead to confirm what payment methods your local DPS office takes.

Third-party testing locations have their own payment policies. Most accept cash and cards, but some may have different rules. When you schedule your test, ask what forms of payment they take so you arrive prepared.

Bring your learner's permit process (Form DL-44), your proof of identity, your proof of residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. You will also need to bring proof that you have completed a driver education course if you are under 18. Have these documents ready before you arrive, because you cannot complete your transaction without them.

What happens if you fail the written test

If you do not pass the written test on your first try, you do not pay the $16 fee again. You only pay the fee once, when you pass and receive your permit.

You can retake the written test as many times as you need. Each retake may have a testing fee if you are at a third-party location, but the DPS permit fee itself is paid only once. Between attempts, you can study the Texas Driver Handbook and take practice tests online at no cost.

Most people pass the written test on their first or second attempt. The test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, safe driving practices, and Texas traffic laws. You need to answer at least 70 out of 100 questions correctly to pass.

Renewing your permit before it expires

Your learner's permit is valid for five years. When it is about to expire, you can renew it by taking the written test again and paying another $16 fee. You do not have to renew if you have already passed your road test and received your driver's license — your license replaces your permit.

If your permit expires before you are ready to take your road test, renewing it is straightforward. You take the written test again, pay $16, and receive a new permit valid for another five years. Some people renew their permit multiple times before they take and pass the road test, and that is normal.

You can renew your permit at any DPS office or at a third-party testing location, just as you did when you first received it. The process and the fee are the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I change my mind about getting a learner's permit?

No. Once you pass the written test and pay the $16 fee, the permit is issued and the fee is not refundable. If you decide not to drive, you can straightforward let your permit expire without renewing it.

Do I have to pay the $16 fee every time I retake the written test?

No. You pay the $16 fee only once, when you pass the test. If you fail and retake it, you do not pay the DPS fee again. You may pay a testing fee at a third-party location each time you test, but that is separate from the $16 state fee.

What if I lose my permit card before it expires?

You can request a replacement permit card from DPS. There is a replacement fee, which is typically $10 to $20, though this amount can vary. Contact your local DPS office or check the Texas DPS website for the current replacement fee and how to request a new card.

Is the $16 fee the same in every Texas county?

Yes. The $16 fee is set by the state and is the same across all of Texas. However, third-party testing locations may charge different testing fees depending on where you are, so costs can vary if you do not test at a DPS office.

Can I pay online, or do I have to pay in person?

You must pay in person when you take your written test and receive your permit. You cannot pay online in advance. Bring your payment method with you to your appointment.