What you need to know before you test
The Texas driver license test has two parts: a written exam covering traffic laws and road signs, and a behind-the-wheel driving test. You must pass both to get your license. The written test is 30 questions, and you need at least 21 correct answers. The road test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe driving decisions.
You cannot take either test until you have held a learner permit for a minimum waiting period. For applicants under 18, that waiting period is at least 14 days. For applicants 18 and older, there is no waiting period — you can take the road test as soon as you have the permit in hand. Both tests must be taken at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office.
Key Takeaways
- The written test covers 30 questions about Texas traffic laws and road signs, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass.
- Applicants under 18 must wait at least 14 days after receiving a learner permit before taking the road test; applicants 18 and older can test when ready.
- The road test is conducted by a DPS examiner and includes basic vehicle control, lane changes, turns, and responses to traffic situations.
- You must bring a valid learner permit, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Texas residency to your test appointment.
- Test fees vary by location but typically range from $16 to $25 for the written test and $16 to $25 for the road test.
The written test: content and how to prepare
The written test draws from the Texas Driver Handbook, which covers traffic signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking laws, and safe driving practices. Questions are multiple choice with four options each. You will see questions about what different road signs mean, when to yield, how to handle intersections, and what to do in bad weather or emergency situations.
The handbook is free and available on the DPS website. You can read it online or request a printed copy at any DPS office. Many people study the handbook for one to two weeks before testing. Some use practice tests available through third-party websites, though these are not official DPS materials and may not match the exact format of the real exam.
You will take the written test on a computer at a DPS office. You have 30 minutes to complete it. If you fail, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one day before your next attempt. Most offices allow you to schedule a retest when ready after failing.
The road test: what the examiner will watch for
The road test is a practical demonstration that you can operate a vehicle safely and follow traffic laws. The examiner sits in the passenger seat and observes your driving for about 20 to 30 minutes. The test route varies by location but typically includes residential streets, busier roads, and at least one turn or intersection where you must demonstrate specific skills.
The examiner will ask you to perform maneuvers such as starting the vehicle, turning left and right, changing lanes, parking (either parallel or in a lot), and stopping smoothly. You will also encounter traffic situations — a red light, a stop sign, or a yield sign — where the examiner watches how you respond. Common reasons for failing include failing to come to a complete stop, not checking mirrors or blind spots before changing lanes, speeding or driving too slowly, and not maintaining proper lane position.
You must bring the vehicle you will use for the test to your appointment. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will do a brief safety check before you start — checking that the brakes work, the horn sounds, the lights function, and the windshield wipers operate. If the vehicle fails this check, you cannot test that day.
Documents you must bring to your test appointment
Bring your learner permit, which is your proof that you have passed the written test and are authorized to drive with a licensed adult. You also need a valid form of identification — a passport, a state ID card, or a military ID. If your ID does not show your current address, bring a separate proof of Texas residency, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
You must also bring proof of your Social Security number. An original Social Security card works, but so does a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. 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.
Bring all documents in original form — photocopies are not accepted. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present at the DPS office, though they do not sit in the vehicle during the road test.
Scheduling your test and paying the fee
You schedule both the written and road tests through the DPS website or by calling your local DPS office. Many offices allow online scheduling, which lets you pick a date and time that works for you. Some offices still require you to call or visit in person to schedule. Check your local office's website to see which method they use.
Test fees are set by the state but can vary slightly by location. The written test typically costs between $16 and $25, and the road test costs between $16 and $25. Payment is due at the time of your test. Most offices accept cash, check, and card.
Appointment availability varies. In busy urban areas, you may have to wait several weeks for an opening. In smaller towns, you might get an appointment within days. If you fail either test, you can usually schedule a retest for a later date without leaving the office, though you will pay the fee again.
What happens if you fail and how to retake the test
If you fail the written test, you can retake it after waiting at least one day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Most people who study the handbook pass on their second or third attempt. If you fail the road test, you must also wait at least one day before retesting, and you will need to bring the vehicle again.
Common reasons for failing the road test include not coming to a complete stop at stop signs, not checking mirrors before changing lanes, hitting the curb during parking, speeding or driving too slowly, and not maintaining proper distance from other vehicles. If you fail, ask the examiner for feedback on what you did wrong. This information helps you know what to practice before your next attempt.
You can practice driving with your learner permit between test attempts. In Texas, a learner permit holder can drive with any licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat. Use this time to practice the specific skills the examiner noted as weak.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my phone or GPS during the road test?
No. You cannot use your phone, GPS, or any other electronic device during the test. The examiner will ask you to turn off your phone before you start driving. You must navigate using only the examiner's directions and your knowledge of the route.
What if I fail the written test multiple times?
You can retake the written test as many times as needed. There is no limit. Between attempts, study the Texas Driver Handbook again, focusing on the areas where you struggled. Many people find that reading the handbook a second time and taking practice tests helps them pass on the next try.
Do I have to take the road test in the same vehicle I will drive after getting my license?
No, but the vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. Many people borrow a vehicle for the test. The examiner does not care whose vehicle it is, only that it is safe and legal to drive.
What if I am nervous during the road test?
Nervousness is normal. The examiner expects it and is not looking for perfect driving — they are looking for safe, legal driving. Focus on following the examiner's instructions, checking your mirrors, coming to complete stops, and maintaining a safe speed. If you make a minor mistake, stay calm and continue driving safely.
How long is my learner permit valid while I wait to take the road test?
A learner permit is valid for two years from the date it is issued. If you do not pass the road test within that time, your permit expires and you must reapply and retake the written test to get a new one.