How much is the permit test in Texas? If you are under 18, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) charges $16 for a learner license, and that fee already includes a $1 administrative fee. DPS does not list a separate charge for the knowledge test itself, but your driver education course has its own price, set by the school, not the state. Adults usually apply straight for a Class C license, which DPS lists at $33 for ages 18 to 84.
How much is the permit test in Texas, by age?
The DPS driver license fees page at dps.texas.gov is the official source for these numbers. The amounts below include the $1 administrative fee, which DPS does not charge on mail-in transactions.
| Who | DPS fee | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Under 18, learner license | $16 | Learner license that expires on your 18th birthday |
| Under 18, first provisional license | $16 | License that expires on your 18th birthday |
| Age 18 to 84, first Class C license | $33 | License that expires after eight years, on your birthday |
| Age 85 and older, first license | $9 | License that expires after two years |
| Knowledge test | No separate fee listed | Covered by your application fee |
Two things are not on that list. First, driver education: teens must finish the classroom part of a course before applying, and applicants 18 to 24 must take a six-hour adult course. Schools set those prices, so compare a few. Second, the DPS fee page does not list a separate adult learner license fee, so if you are 18 or older and want a learner license rather than going straight to a license, ask DPS what you will pay.
Does the fee cover retakes?
Partly. The Texas Driver Handbook says you must score 70 percent or better to pass any knowledge exam. If you do not pass on your first attempt, your application is held for 90 days. After 90 days or three failed exams, the handbook says a new application and fee will be required. So one fee covers up to three tries, as long as they fall inside that 90-day window.
Texas permit test requirements
For a teen learner license, DPS lists these requirements on its Texas Learners License as a Teen page:
- Finish the classroom part of driver education: 6 hours with the concurrent method or 24 hours with the block method.
- A Texas Driver Education Certificate: DE-964 or DEE-964 from a driving school or parent-taught course, or DE-964E from a public school.
- A high school diploma, a GED, or a Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE) form. A VOE is valid for 30 days, or 90 days if issued June through August.
- A completed application, form DL-14B.
- Proof of identity, Texas residency, and U.S. citizenship or lawful presence. DPS verifies your Social Security number electronically.
- A parent or legal guardian with you, or a notarized application signed by one.
- Evidence that you passed the knowledge exam. If you did not take it during driver education, you take it at the driver license office.
- A vision exam, thumbprints, signature and photo at the office.
Adults use form DL-14A and bring the same kinds of identity, residency and lawful presence proofs, plus vehicle registration and insurance for any vehicle they own, or a statement that they do not own one. Applicants 18 to 24 also need the six-hour adult driver education certificate. DPS says there is no driver education requirement at 25 and older.
How to book a Texas permit test appointment
DPS books driver license office visits through its online scheduler at txdpsscheduler.com. These are the rules DPS lists on its appointments page:
- Book online. DPS says appointments may be scheduled up to six months in advance.
- Choose your service type. If you do not see the right one, the scheduler offers a Service Not Listed option.
- Add an email or phone number for reminders. DPS recommends email.
- Need to change the date? Book the new appointment first. The old one is cancelled for you.
- Arrive no more than 30 minutes early. If you are more than 30 minutes late, the appointment is cancelled.
No appointment? Most offices have a limited number of same-day slots, and DPS says you can use the self-service kiosk in the office to book one if any are left that day. They fill quickly, so do not count on it.
What you will pay in total
A simple way to budget: add the DPS fee for your age to the price of the driver education course you choose. For teens, that is $16 plus the course. For adults 18 to 24, it is $33 plus the six-hour adult course. Adults 25 and older pay the $33 license fee without a required course. If you fail three times or let 90 days pass, plan for a second application fee.
Later in the process you will also need an Impact Texas Drivers certificate before the driving test. It is valid for 90 days, so do not take it too early.
FAQ
How much is the permit test in Texas?
DPS charges $16 for a learner license if you are under 18, including a $1 administrative fee. There is no separate knowledge test fee on the DPS fee list. Driver education courses charge their own prices.
What are the Texas permit test requirements?
For teens: the classroom part of driver education, a DE-964 or DE-964E certificate, a VOE form or diploma, form DL-14B, proof of identity, residency and lawful presence, your Social Security number, a parent or notarized application, and a vision exam.
How do I make a Texas permit test appointment?
Use the DPS scheduler at txdpsscheduler.com. You can book up to six months ahead, and changing to a new slot cancels the old one.
Do I pay again if I fail the Texas permit test?
Not right away. The handbook says your application is held for 90 days. After 90 days or three failed exams, you need a new application and fee.
Is the Texas permit test cheaper for adults?
No. Adults 18 to 84 pay $33 for a first Class C license, and applicants 18 to 24 also pay for a six-hour adult driver education course.
