The Texas permit test is the knowledge exam for a learner license from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and you need a score of 70 percent or better to pass. DPS does not publish how many questions are on the test. Practice sites usually say 30, but that is unofficial, so study the whole Texas Driver Handbook.
Texas uses its own words. The permit is called a learner license, and many teens never take the test at a DPS office, because it is usually given during the classroom part of driver education.
Texas permit test at a glance
| Detail | What to know |
|---|---|
| Agency | Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Driver License Division (dps.texas.gov) |
| Minimum age | 15 for the learner license |
| Questions | Not published by DPS. Practice sites say 30, which is unofficial |
| Pass mark | 70 percent or better (Texas Driver Handbook) |
| Where | Usually during driver education. If not, at a DPS driver license office |
| Online test | DPS has no online test of its own. Some approved driver ed courses include the exam |
| Fee | $16 for a learner license under 18 (includes a $1 administrative fee) |
| Retakes | Application held 90 days. After 90 days or three failed exams, a new application and fee |
| Languages | Not listed in the handbook. CDL knowledge tests are English only since June 1, 2026 |
How many questions are on the Texas permit test?
DPS does not state a question count in the Texas Driver Handbook or on its learner license page. Practice sites usually say 30 questions. The handbook does give the passing score: "You must score a grade of 70 percent or better to pass any knowledge exam." If the test has 30 questions, 70% means 21 correct, so you could miss 9. Some sites quote a higher number to pass, so do not plan on missing many.
Is the Texas permit test hard?
Most students find it manageable with study. The 70% pass mark is lower than in many states, but the handbook is long, and questions on alcohol laws for drivers under 21, right of way and signs catch people who skimmed. Aim for 85% or higher on practice tests before test day.
What's on the test
Questions come from the Texas Driver Handbook (Form DL-7). Expect traffic signs, signals and markings, right of way, speed, passing and parking rules, and alcohol and drug laws.
- Road signs: shape, color and meaning.
- Zero tolerance: drivers under 21 can lose their license for any detectable amount of alcohol.
- Learner license rules: a licensed adult 21 or older must sit in the front passenger seat.
- Phones: learner license holders may not use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except in an emergency.
- Safe following distance, lane changes and freeway driving.
Texas terms you will hear
- Learner license: the Texas name for a learner permit. It expires on your 18th birthday, and you hold it at least six months.
- VOE: a Verification of Enrollment and Attendance form from your school, needed if you are under 18 and still in school.
- ITTD and ITAD: Impact Texas Teen Drivers (a 2-hour video for teens) and Impact Texas Adult Drivers (a 1-hour video). You need the certificate before the driving test, not the permit test. It is valid for 90 days.
- Adult driver education: applicants 18 to 24 must complete an approved driver education course, usually a 6-hour adult course.
Adults: the handbook says applicants who complete certain driver education courses may not have to take the Class C knowledge exam at a DPS office. Ask your course provider whether yours includes it.
How to study for the Texas permit test
- Read the Texas Driver Handbook one chapter at a time. It is long, so plan about two weeks.
- Learn road signs by shape and color, then by meaning.
- Make a one-page list of every number: distances, ages, BAC rules and penalties.
- Take Texas permit practice tests and explain every wrong answer out loud.
- Review your weakest chapter the night before and get some sleep.
What to bring and how to book
Teens apply for the learner license in person at a DPS driver license office. Book through the DPS Driver License appointment system linked on dps.texas.gov. DPS lists:
- Application for a Texas Driver License (DL-14B).
- A Texas Driver Education Certificate (DE-964 or DE-964E) showing you completed the classroom hours.
- A VOE form from your school, a high school diploma or a GED.
- Proof of identity, U.S. citizenship or lawful presence, and Texas residency. DPS verifies your Social Security number electronically.
- A parent or guardian with you, or a notarized application signed by them.
- The $16 fee.
You get a temporary permit the same day, and the card usually arrives by mail in two to three weeks.
Can you take the Texas permit test online?
Not through DPS. There is no DPS online knowledge test. However, DPS says teens usually take the knowledge test during the classroom portion of driver education, and some approved courses deliver it online. If you did not test in your course, you take it at a DPS office.
What happens if you fail the Texas permit test?
The handbook says that if you fail on your first try, your application is held for 90 days. After 90 days or three failed exams, you need a new application and fee. Study the sections you missed and try again within that window.
Texas permit test FAQ
How many questions are on the Texas permit test?
DPS does not publish the number. Practice sites usually say 30, which is unofficial. You need 70 percent or better to pass.
Is the Texas permit test hard?
It is manageable if you study the handbook. Most misses are on alcohol laws, right of way and road signs.
How much is the permit test in Texas?
DPS lists $16 for a learner license if you are under 18, which includes a $1 administrative fee. Driver education courses charge their own prices.
Do adults need a permit test in Texas?
Adults still pass a knowledge exam. Applicants 18 to 24 must complete an approved adult driver education course, and some courses include the knowledge exam.
Is the Texas CDL test in English only?
Yes. Since June 1, 2026, DPS gives CDL and commercial learner permit knowledge tests in English only. That rule is for commercial tests, not the regular learner license.
