Texas permit test facts
The format of the DPS knowledge test and where each fact comes from.
| Fact | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Official test | Class C knowledge exam | dps.texas.gov Commonly reported · DL-7 Ch. 1, Part 1: The Knowledge exam (PDF p. 13, printed p. 7): 70% to pass any knowledge exam; 37 TAC §15.52; count from third-party reporting · checked November 1, 2026 |
| Number of questions | 30 questions (commonly reported; not published by the state) | Same source as above |
| Passing score | 70% correct (21 of 30 on a 30-question test) | Same source as above |
| About the pass rule | Texas DPS requires a score of 70% or better on the knowledge exam. It does not publish how many questions the test has; 30 is the length most often reported. | dps.texas.gov Official handbook · DL-7 Ch. 1, Part 1: The Knowledge exam (PDF p. 13, printed p. 7) · checked November 1, 2026 |
| Minimum age for a permit | You must be at least 15 to apply for a Texas learner license. Driver education classroom instruction can start at 14. | dps.texas.gov Agency website · Texas DPS 'Choosing a Driver Education Course', NOTE under Driver Education Options · checked November 1, 2026 |
| Permit fee | A Texas learner license for applicants under 18 costs $16, including a $1 administrative fee. It expires on your 18th birthday. | dps.texas.gov Agency website · Texas DPS 'Driver License Fees' page, Driver License Fees table · checked November 1, 2026 |
| What to bring | Bring the application, proof of identity, Texas residency and U.S. citizenship or lawful presence, and your SSN. Teens also need a driver education certificate, a diploma/GED or VOE form, and a parent or guardian (or their notarized signature). | dps.texas.gov Agency website · Texas DPS 'Texas Learners License as a Teen', How to apply for your Learner License · checked November 1, 2026 |
| Test languages | Texas offers the driver license knowledge test in English or Spanish. You must understand road signs written in English to pass. | dps.texas.gov Agency website · Texas DPS 'Testing in Other Languages', Foreign Languages · checked November 1, 2026 |
| Attempts allowed | After a first failed attempt, your application is held for 90 days. After 90 days or three failed exams, you must submit a new application and pay the fee again. | dps.texas.gov Official handbook · PDF p. 13 (printed p. 7), Chapter 1: Your License to Drive > Examinations · checked November 1, 2026 |
| Handbook to study | Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), downloaded November 1, 2026 | dps.texas.gov Official handbook · checked November 1, 2026 |
DPS does not publish how many questions its test has. Our practice tests use the length most often reported, marked "Commonly reported" above.
Questions people ask
How many questions are on the Texas permit test?
Texas DPS requires a score of 70% or better on the knowledge exam. It does not publish how many questions the test has; 30 is the length most often reported.
What score do you need to pass the Texas permit test?
70% correct (21 of 30 on a 30-question test).
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Texas?
You must be at least 15 to apply for a Texas learner license. Driver education classroom instruction can start at 14.
How much does a Texas learner's permit cost?
A Texas learner license for applicants under 18 costs $16, including a $1 administrative fee. It expires on your 18th birthday.
What do you need to bring for the Texas permit test?
Bring the application, proof of identity, Texas residency and U.S. citizenship or lawful presence, and your SSN. Teens also need a driver education certificate, a diploma/GED or VOE form, and a parent or guardian (or their notarized signature).
What languages can you take the Texas permit test in?
Texas offers the driver license knowledge test in English or Spanish. You must understand road signs written in English to pass.
Which handbook should you study for the Texas permit test?
The Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7) (downloaded November 1, 2026), published by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Fees and document rules change more often than the test itself. Check the DPS website before you go.
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Facts checked November 1, 2026. See how we check.