The Texas permit test has 30 questions, and you need to answer at least 21 correctly to pass

The Texas written permit test consists of 30 multiple-choice questions drawn from the Texas Driver Handbook. You must score at least 70 percent — meaning 21 correct answers — to pass. The test covers traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and what to do in emergencies. You have 30 minutes to complete it, though most people finish in 10 to 15 minutes.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) administers the test at every driver license office across the state. You take it on a computer at the office on the day of your appointment. If you fail, you can retake it the same day, though some offices may charge a retest fee (typically $7 to $10, depending on your county).

Key Takeaways

  • The Texas permit test contains 30 questions, and passing requires a score of at least 70 percent (21 correct answers).
  • Questions come from the Texas Driver Handbook and cover traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and emergency procedures.
  • You have 30 minutes to complete the test, and it is administered on a computer at your local DPS driver license office.
  • If you fail, you can retake the test the same day, though a retest fee may explore depending on your county.

What topics the 30 questions cover

The questions are not evenly distributed across topics. The test focuses heavily on road signs and their meanings, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You will see multiple questions about speed limits, passing other vehicles, parking, and how to handle intersections. A smaller number of questions address vehicle equipment, licensing laws, and what to do after an accident.

The Texas Driver Handbook is the official source for all test content. Every question on the permit test comes directly from material in that handbook. You can read it free from the DPS website or pick up a printed copy at any driver license office. Reading through the handbook is the most direct way to prepare, since the test does not include trick questions or material outside the handbook.

Questions about pedestrians, bicycles, and motorcycles also appear, as do questions about driving in bad weather and at night. The test assumes you have never driven before, so it covers the basics thoroughly rather than testing advanced driving knowledge.

How the computer test works

When you arrive at the driver license office for your appointment, you will check in and be directed to a computer terminal. The test is presented one question at a time on the screen. Each question shows four answer choices. You click the answer you believe is correct and move to the next question. You cannot go back to review or change previous answers once you move forward.

The computer displays a timer showing how much time you have remaining. Because 30 minutes is generous for 30 questions, time pressure is rarely an issue. The main reason people run out of time is if they are unsure about many questions and spend a long time on each one.

When you finish or time runs out, the computer when ready scores your test and displays your result on the screen. If you passed, you receive a permit receipt that day. If you failed, you are told your score and can schedule a retest before leaving the office.

Retaking the test if you fail

If you score below 21 correct answers, you have not passed. You can retake the test the same day at most offices. The retest fee varies by county — some offices charge $7, others charge $10. You will need to pay this fee before retaking the test. There is no waiting period between your first attempt and a retest on the same day.

If you fail multiple times, you may want to spend more time studying the Texas Driver Handbook before your next attempt. Many people who fail on the first try pass on the second or third attempt after reviewing the material more carefully. Some driver license offices offer study materials or practice tests, though these are not official DPS resources.

How to prepare for the 30 questions

The most effective preparation is reading the Texas Driver Handbook from start to finish. The handbook is organized by topic — traffic signs, right-of-way, speed limits, parking, and so on. Reading it in order gives you context for why rules exist, which makes the answers stick better than memorizing isolated facts.

Pay special attention to the road signs section. A large portion of the test focuses on recognizing signs and understanding what they mean. The handbook includes images of every sign you need to know, along with explanations of when you will see each one and what action it requires.

Some people use online practice tests or study apps, which can be helpful for identifying weak areas. However, these are not official materials, and the questions on them may not match the actual test exactly. Use them as a supplement to the handbook, not a replacement for it.

What happens after you pass

Once you pass the written test, you receive a learner permit (also called a learner license). This permit allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. In Texas, you must hold your learner permit for at least 30 days before you can take the driving test. During this time, you practice the skills you will be tested on — parking, lane changes, turns, and handling different road conditions.

Your learner permit is valid for two years. If you do not pass the driving test within that time, you will need to retake the written test before you can get a new permit. Most people pass the driving test within a few months of getting their permit, so this is rarely an issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my phone or notes during the test?

No. The test is proctored, and you are not allowed to use any materials, phones, or notes during the 30 minutes. You must answer based on what you know from studying the Texas Driver Handbook beforehand.

What if I do not pass 21 questions on my first try?

You can retake the test the same day for a retest fee (usually $7 to $10). There is no waiting period. Many people pass on their second or third attempt after reviewing the handbook more carefully before retesting.

Are the 30 questions always the same?

No. The questions are drawn from a larger pool of questions based on the Texas Driver Handbook. Each test is different, but all questions cover the same topics and come from the same official handbook material.

How long does the test take?

You have 30 minutes total, but most people finish in 10 to 15 minutes. The time limit is not usually a problem unless you spend a long time on questions you are unsure about.

Do I need to pass the written test before I can take the driving test?

Yes. You must pass the written permit test first to receive your learner permit. You then practice driving for at least 30 days before you are allowed to take the behind-the-wheel driving test.