Most states now offer online permit tests, but availability depends on where you live and which test vendor your DMV uses
The shift to online permit testing that began during the pandemic has stuck around, but it is not universal. Some states have made online testing permanent; others have returned to in-person only; still others offer both. Your state's DMV website will tell you which option is available to you right now, because the answer changes by state and sometimes by county.
The online tests that exist are real DMV exams — the same questions, the same passing score, the same weight as an in-person test. Taking it online does not make it easier or harder. What changes is where you sit when you answer, who watches you, and how you schedule it.
Key Takeaways
- Online permit tests are available in most states, but you must check your specific state DMV website to confirm whether your state offers them and whether you meet the requirements.
- Online tests require a computer with a webcam, a quiet private space, and a government-issued ID; you will be monitored by a proctor through video during the exam.
- Some states allow online testing only for first-time permit applicants, while others restrict it by age or require you to pass a written test online before scheduling an in-person driving test.
- In-person testing at a DMV office or testing center remains the standard in several states and is always an option if online testing fails or is not available in your area.
- Scheduling an online test typically takes one to three weeks; in-person appointments may have longer wait times depending on your local DMV's backlog.
States where online permit testing is currently available
As of 2024, online permit testing is offered in roughly 30 states, though the exact number shifts as states adjust their programs. States that have permanent or ongoing online testing programs include California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. This list is not exhaustive and changes; your state's DMV website is the only source that will tell you whether your state is currently accepting online test appointments.
States that have returned to in-person-only testing or never adopted online testing include Alabama, Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Again, this can shift. If your state is not listed as offering online testing on your DMV's official website, assume in-person is your only route unless you see an announcement otherwise.
What you need to take an online permit test
An online permit test requires a private, quiet space where you will not be interrupted for 30 to 60 minutes. You need a computer or tablet with a working webcam, a microphone, and a stable internet connection. A smartphone is usually not acceptable because the screen is too small and the camera angle is difficult to control.
You must have a government-issued photo ID present during the test — a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. The proctor will ask you to hold it up to the camera so they can verify your identity before the test begins. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or anything that obscures your face. Some states require you to show your testing space on camera before you start, so the proctor can confirm you are alone and have no materials visible.
Your internet connection must be stable enough to stream video without dropping. If your connection fails during the test, the test ends and you may have to reschedule. Test from a location where you know the Wi-Fi is reliable, not from a coffee shop or a moving vehicle.
How to schedule an online permit test in your state
Go to your state's DMV website and look for "permit test," "written test," or "knowledge test" in the navigation menu. Most states have a dedicated section for scheduling tests online. You will create an account, enter your personal information, and select a date and time from available slots. Some states use their own scheduling system; others contract with third-party testing vendors like Pearson VUE or PSI.
You will usually pay a test fee at the time of scheduling — this ranges from $5 to $30 depending on the state. The fee is separate from your permit process fee. After you schedule, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to log in to the test on the day of your appointment. Log in 10 to 15 minutes early so the proctor can verify your identity and check your space.
If your state does not offer online scheduling, call your local DMV office to ask whether in-person testing is available and how far out appointments are booked. Some offices have walk-in testing; others require an appointment weeks in advance.
Restrictions and requirements that vary by state
Some states allow online testing only for applicants under a certain age — typically 18 or 21. Others restrict online testing to first-time permit applicants and require retakes to happen in person. A few states require you to pass the written test online before you can schedule an in-person driving test, while others let you do both in person.
A handful of states require you to complete a driver education course or hold a learner's permit for a set number of days before you can take the written test at all, whether online or in person. Check your state's specific rules on the DMV website under "permit requirements" or "knowledge test requirements" before you schedule.
If you fail the online test, most states let you retake it after a waiting period — usually 24 hours to 7 days. Some states charge a fee for each retake; others do not. Your state's DMV website will specify the retake policy and any associated costs.
What happens after you pass the online permit test
Passing the online written test does not give you a permit yet. You still have to explore for the permit itself, which usually means visiting a DMV office in person with your documents — proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and a completed process form. Some states mail your permit after you pass the test; others require you to pick it up at an office.
Once you have your permit, you can schedule a behind-the-wheel driving test. In most states, the driving test must be taken in person at a DMV office or contracted testing center. A few states now offer online proctoring for the driving test as well, but this is rare. Your state's DMV website will tell you whether in-person driving tests are required in your area.
In-person permit testing if online is not available or you prefer it
If your state does not offer online testing, or if you prefer to test in person, visit your local DMV office or a contracted testing center. Many states operate dedicated testing centers separate from DMV offices, and these often have shorter wait times. Search your state's DMV website for "testing locations" or "test centers" to find the nearest one.
In-person testing typically requires an appointment, though some offices accept walk-ins during certain hours. Call ahead or check online to confirm hours and whether you need to book a slot. Bring the same documents you would need for an online test — government-issued photo ID and any other documents your state requires for permit applicants. The in-person test is administered by a DMV employee or testing center staff member, and you will sit at a computer terminal in an office to take it.
Wait times for in-person appointments vary widely. Some DMV offices have slots available within a week; others are booked out a month or more. If your local office is heavily backlogged, check whether a testing center in a nearby county has earlier availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the permit test online if I am under 18?
It depends on your state. Some states allow online testing for all ages; others restrict it to applicants 18 or older. A few states allow online testing only for applicants 16 and up. Check your state's DMV website under "permit test requirements" or call your local DMV office to confirm the age rule in your state.
What happens if my internet cuts out during the online test?
The test will end when ready. You will not be able to resume it. You will have to reschedule and take the test again, usually after a waiting period of 24 hours to 7 days. Some states charge a fee for each retake. Make sure you are testing from a location with a stable, reliable connection.
Do I have to pass the written test before I can take the driving test?
Yes. In every state, you must pass the written knowledge test before you can schedule a behind-the-wheel driving test. The written test can be taken online or in person depending on your state; the driving test is almost always in person.
Can I retake the permit test if I fail it online?
Yes. Most states allow retakes after a waiting period, usually 24 hours to 7 days. Some states charge a fee for each retake; others do not. Your state's DMV website will list the retake policy and any costs.
Is the online permit test the same as the in-person test?
Yes. The questions, the passing score, and the weight of the test are identical whether you take it online or in person. The only difference is the location and who monitors you. Online tests are proctored by a remote proctor via webcam; in-person tests are proctored by a DMV employee or testing center staff member.