How the Texas learner's permit test works

Texas requires you to pass a written test before you can get a learner's permit. The test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices specific to Texas. You take it at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, and you must pass with a score of at least 70 percent to move forward.

The test has 30 multiple-choice questions. You have 30 minutes to complete it. The questions come from the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free and available online at the DPS website. You can take the test in English or Spanish.

You do not need to schedule an appointment at most DPS offices — you can walk in during business hours. However, some offices in larger cities may require you to book a time slot online. Check your local DPS office website before you go.

Key Takeaways

  • The Texas learner's permit test is 30 multiple-choice questions, and you need a score of 70 percent or higher to pass.
  • You take the test at a Texas DPS office in person, and most offices accept walk-ins, though some require online scheduling.
  • The test covers material from the Texas Driver Handbook, which you can read for free on the DPS website before you test.
  • You must be at least 15 years old and bring a valid form of identification and proof of residency to the DPS office.
  • If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts.

What documents you need to bring

Bring a valid form of identification. This can be a passport, a birth certificate, a consular report of birth, or a certificate of naturalization. If you are under 18, a school ID or report card also works.

You also need proof of residency — a document showing your current Texas address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you live with a parent or guardian, their utility bill or lease with your name on it counts.

Bring your Social Security number or a document that shows it, such as a Social Security card 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.

Age requirements and parental consent

You must be at least 15 years old to take the learner's permit test in Texas. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present when you explore for the permit at the DPS office. They will need to sign consent forms.

If you are 18 or older, you do not need parental consent. You can take the test and explore for the permit on your own.

How to prepare for the test

Read the Texas Driver Handbook from start to finish. It covers everything the test asks about: traffic signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, and safe driving in different conditions. The handbook is available as a free PDF on the DPS website, and you can also request a printed copy at any DPS office.

Take practice tests online. The DPS website offers a free practice test that mimics the real test format. Other websites and apps also offer Texas-specific practice questions. Use these to find the topics you need to study more.

Focus on areas that trip up most test-takers: right-of-way at intersections, what different road signs mean, and what to do in bad weather or at night. Read those sections of the handbook twice if you struggle with them.

What happens if you fail the test

If you score below 70 percent, you do not pass. You can retake the test when ready at the same DPS office on the same day, or you can come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts, and there is no limit to how many times you can retake it.

Each time you retake the test, you pay the test fee again. The fee varies by county but is typically between $10 and $20. Ask the DPS staff what the fee is before you retake the test.

After you pass: next steps toward a learner's permit

Passing the written test is the first step. Once you pass, you will take a vision screening at the same DPS office. You must be able to read a chart from 20 feet away. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the screening.

After you pass the vision test, you will have your photo taken and pay the permit fee. The fee is set by the state and is the same across Texas. Your learner's permit will be issued on the spot or mailed to you within a few days, depending on the office.

With your learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front seat next to you. You cannot drive alone. The permit is valid for two years.

Restrictions that come with a Texas learner's permit

As a learner's permit holder, you must follow several rules. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free. You must wear a seat belt, and all passengers must wear seat belts.

You cannot drive on interstate highways unless the licensed adult in the car is 21 or older and has been driving for at least one year. On other roads, the adult just needs to be 21 or older.

You must obey all traffic laws and speed limits. If you get a ticket or are in an accident while driving on your learner's permit, it will affect your record and may delay when you can take the road test for your full license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the learner's permit test online from home?

No. Texas requires you to take the test in person at a DPS office. The test is proctored, meaning a DPS employee watches you take it to prevent cheating. You cannot take it remotely or at a third-party testing center.

What if I fail the vision test after passing the written test?

If you fail the vision screening, you will not get a permit that day. You can come back after you have seen an eye doctor and have a corrected vision prescription if you need one. Bring your glasses or contacts when you return, or bring a letter from your eye doctor stating your corrected vision meets the requirement.

Do I have to take the test in English?

No. The test is offered in Spanish as well as English. Tell the DPS staff which language you prefer when you arrive. Some offices may also offer the test in other languages — ask when you call or visit.

How long is the learner's permit valid?

A Texas learner's permit is valid for two years from the date it is issued. After two years, it expires and you must retake the test if you still need a permit. If you pass your road test and get a full license before the permit expires, the permit is no longer needed.

What if I move to another state after I get my Texas learner's permit?

Your Texas learner's permit is only valid in Texas. If you move to another state, you will need to take that state's learner's permit test and follow that state's rules. Some states may give you credit for your Texas permit, but you should contact the new state's DMV or equivalent agency to find out.