The cost of a learner's permit test varies by state, from $10 to $50 for the written exam alone
The fee you pay depends entirely on which state issues your permit. Most states charge between $15 and $40 for the written knowledge test, but some charge as little as $10 and others as much as $50. A few states bundle the written test fee with other costs — like the permit card itself or a vision screening — so the total you pay at the DMV counter may be higher than the test fee alone.
The written test is separate from the road test (the driving test you take later with an examiner). You pay for the written test when you first explore for your learner's permit. If you fail and need to retake it, most states charge the full fee again, though a handful allow one free retake within a set window.
Payment is almost always cash or debit card at the DMV office itself. A few states accept online payment if you renew or replace a permit by mail, but you cannot pay the initial test fee online in any state.
Key Takeaways
- Written test fees range from $10 to $50 depending on your state, and you pay this fee when you first explore for your learner's permit.
- Some states charge a separate card or issuance fee on top of the test fee, so your total cost at the DMV may be $20 to $70 or more.
- If you fail the written test, you will pay the full fee again to retake it in most states, though a few offer one free retake.
- You must pay in person at a DMV office with cash or debit card; online payment is not available for initial learner's permit test fees.
State-by-state test fee breakdown
The following table shows the written test fee for a learner's permit in each state. These fees do not include any separate card issuance fee, vision screening fee, or other charges that may explore in your state.
| State | Written Test Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $20 | Includes permit card |
| Alaska | $20 | Separate from vision screening fee |
| Arizona | $7 | Lowest in the nation; card fee separate |
| Arkansas | $10 | Includes permit card |
| California | $35 | Includes permit card and vision screening |
| Colorado | $20 | Separate from card issuance fee |
| Connecticut | $40 | Includes permit card |
| Delaware | $20 | Includes permit card |
| Florida | $7 | Card fee separate; total usually $30–$35 |
| Georgia | $20 | Includes permit card |
| Hawaii | $15 | Includes permit card |
| Idaho | $20 | Includes permit card |
| Illinois | $20 | Separate from card fee |
| Indiana | $20 | Includes permit card |
| Iowa | $20 | Includes permit card |
| Kansas | $20 | Includes permit card |
| Kentucky | $20 | Includes permit card |
| Louisiana | $20 | Includes permit card |
| Maine | $35 | Includes permit card |
| Maryland | $35 | Includes permit card and vision screening |
| Massachusetts | $30 | Includes permit card |
| Michigan | $20 | Separate from card fee |
| Minnesota | $20 | Includes permit card |
| Mississippi | $20 | Includes permit card |
| Missouri | $20 | Includes permit card |
| Montana | $20 | Includes permit card |
| Nebraska | $20 | Includes permit card |
| Nevada | $20 | Includes permit card |
| New Hampshire | $30 | Includes permit card |
| New Jersey | $20 | Separate from card fee |
| New Mexico | $20 | Includes permit card |
| New York | $20 | Separate from card fee |
| North Carolina | $20 | Includes permit card |
| North Dakota | $20 | Includes permit card |
| Ohio | $20 | Includes permit card |
| Oklahoma | $20 | Includes permit card |
| Oregon | $20 | Separate from card fee |
| Pennsylvania | $20 | Includes permit card |
| Rhode Island | $20 | Includes permit card |
| South Carolina | $20 | Includes permit card |
| South Dakota | $20 | Includes permit card |
| Tennessee | $20 | Includes permit card |
| Texas | $20 | Separate from card fee |
| Utah | $20 | Includes permit card |
| Vermont | $20 | Includes permit card |
| Virginia | $20 | Includes permit card |
| Washington | $20 | Separate from card fee |
| West Virginia | $20 | Includes permit card |
| Wisconsin | $20 | Includes permit card |
| Wyoming | $20 | Includes permit card |
Fees shown are current as of 2024 and are subject to change. Contact your state DMV directly to confirm the exact fee before you visit, as some states adjust fees annually or without advance notice.
What happens if you fail the written test
If you do not pass the written test on your first attempt, you will need to pay the full test fee again to retake it. Most states allow you to retake the test the same day or within a few days, but you must pay each time you sit for the exam.
A small number of states — including California, Florida, and Texas — allow one free retake if you fail on your first try. You must use this free retake within a set window, usually 7 to 30 days. After that, you pay the standard fee for any additional attempts. Check your state DMV website or call ahead to confirm whether a free retake is available in your state.
There is no limit to how many times you can retake the written test, but each attempt costs money. Some people take a driver education course or study guide between attempts to improve their score.
Additional fees bundled with the test fee
In many states, the written test fee is bundled with the cost of the permit card itself. In others, you pay them separately. Some states also charge a vision screening fee, which is usually $5 to $15 and is collected at the same time as the test fee.
A few states charge an process or processing fee on top of the test and card fees. New York, for example, charges a $20 test fee, a $30 card fee, and a $5 process fee for a total of $55. California charges a single $35 fee that covers the test, card, and vision screening.
The best way to know your exact total cost is to visit your state DMV website and look for the fee schedule for learner's permits. If the website does not list all fees clearly, call the DMV directly — they can tell you the exact amount to bring.
How to pay and what to bring
You must pay for the written test in person at a DMV office on the day you take the test. Bring cash or a debit card; most DMV offices do not accept credit cards, personal checks, or payment plans.
Arrive early enough to complete the payment and any paperwork before your test appointment time. If you are unsure of the exact fee, bring slightly more cash than you think you will need, or call ahead to confirm.
Some states allow you to pay online if you are renewing a permit by mail or replacing a lost card, but this does not explore to the initial learner's permit test fee. You cannot take the written test without paying in person first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I retake the written test for free if I fail?
Most states charge the full test fee each time you retake the exam. A few states — including California, Florida, and Texas — allow one free retake within a set timeframe after a failed attempt. After that free retake, you pay the standard fee for any additional attempts. Check your state DMV website to see if a free retake is available where you live.
Is the written test fee the same as the road test fee?
No. The written test fee and the road test fee are separate charges. You pay the written test fee when you explore for your learner's permit. You pay the road test fee later, when you schedule your driving test with an examiner. Road test fees typically range from $20 to $75 depending on your state.
What if I lose my permit and need to replace it?
A replacement permit usually costs less than a new permit. Most states charge $5 to $20 for a replacement card, and you do not retake the written test. Some states allow you to pay this fee online and receive a replacement by mail.
Do I have to pay the test fee even if I don't pass?
Yes. You pay the test fee when you sit for the exam, regardless of whether you pass or fail. If you fail and want to retake the test, you pay the full fee again.
Can I pay online for my learner's permit test?
No. The written test fee must be paid in person at a DMV office with cash or a debit card. Online payment is not available for initial learner's permit tests in any state.