Texas driver license knowledge test

Texas knowledge test format and passing score

The DPS Driver Handbook says a score of at least 70% is needed on the knowledge test. The test can be taken through an approved driver education course or at a driver license office when required. Study the current handbook; question counts and test arrangements vary by route.

Texas requires 70% or better

The Driver Handbook lists three knowledge-exam categories and sets the passing standard at 70% or better. Class C is the knowledge exam associated with original noncommercial applicants when an exam is required.

Driver education can change where the test happens

Texas requires driver education for applicants younger than 25. The handbook explains that successful completion of certain approved courses can waive the Class C knowledge exam at the driver license office because the knowledge component was handled through the course.

Do not assume that means no knowledge requirement exists. It means the approved education route can satisfy that testing step differently.

The steps to a Texas driver license

Texas DPS separates the process into gathering documents, visiting a driver license office and completing the testing requirements. Age and prior-license history determine whether driver education is required.

1. Step 1. Read the Texas Driver Handbook and choose the driver education route that applies to your age.
2. Step 2. Gather the identity, lawful presence, Social Security and Texas residency documents listed by DPS, then make an appointment.
3. Step 3. At the driver license office, complete the application, fee, vision screening and any knowledge or driving tests DPS requires for your route.

Before you go: requirements and documents

Texas DPS document categories

Texas DPS lists proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence, Texas residency, identity and Social Security information as core first-license requirements. Depending on the applicant, evidence of vehicle registration, insurance, driver education or Impact Texas Driver completion can also apply.

• Citizenship or lawful presence: use the current DPS list for your status.
• Identity: DPS accepts one primary document or specified combinations of secondary/supporting documents.
• Texas residency: generally prepare two printed documents with your name and residential address.
• Social Security number: DPS verifies the number electronically.
• Name differences: bring the legal document that explains a name change.

Texas residency has its own rules

Texas DPS says first-time applicants generally need two printed residency documents. Both must contain the applicant's name and residential address, and at least one normally must show 30 days of Texas residency. The 30-day requirement is waived in specified cases such as surrendering a valid, unexpired out-of-state license or ID.

Because residency evidence has timing and formatting rules, use the current DPS list rather than assuming a bank statement or utility bill will qualify.

Fees

Texas DPS currently lists a new Class A, B or C driver license at $33 for applicants age 18 through 84. A new under-18 driver license or learner license is $16.

See the full Texas fee guide →

Texas learner license for teens

A Texas learner license is available from age 15 as part of the teen driver-education route. The applicant must complete the required classroom stage, meet the knowledge and vision requirements and provide the school-enrollment evidence that applies.

Driver education comes before or alongside the learner stage

Texas lets a teen begin the classroom portion of driver education before age 15, but a learner license cannot be issued until age 15. DPS describes both concurrent and block education methods, which determine whether the learner permit comes after the first classroom segment or after the full classroom phase.

Teen applicants have extra school documentation

In addition to the normal first-license identity and residency requirements, a teen applicant may need a Verification of Enrollment or qualifying school record. DPS publishes validity rules for the VOE, including a longer summer window.

• Texas documents checklist
• Texas first-license requirements

Learner-license restrictions and the six-month period

Texas requires a licensed adult age 21 or older in the front passenger seat while a teen learner drives. DPS also prohibits learner-license cell-phone use except for an emergency and requires the learner license to be held for at least six months unless the driver turns 18 sooner.

Before the skills test, the teen route also includes the applicable Impact Texas Teen Drivers step.

• Texas road-test guide
• Texas DPS Impact Texas Drivers

First Texas driver license for adults

Texas splits the adult first-license route by age. DPS requires a six-hour adult driver-education course for first-time applicants age 18 through 24, while applicants age 25 or older do not have that driver-education requirement.

Age 18 through 24

DPS requires a first-time applicant in this age group to complete a six-hour adult driver-education course unless a listed new-resident exception applies. The applicant still completes the normal identity, residency, vision and testing steps.

Age 25 or older

DPS says driver education is not required for a first Texas driver license at age 25 or older. You still need to complete the application requirements and pass the examinations that apply to your case.

Adults who need legal practice before the skills exam can receive a Class C credential carrying learner-style restrictions rather than the under-18 learner card.

Impact Texas Drivers still comes before the skills test

Texas requires the applicable Impact Texas Drivers completion before the driving-skills exam for adult first-time applicants. The certificate has a limited validity window, so complete it close enough to the scheduled road test.

• Texas road-test guide
• Texas appointment guide
• Texas DPS Impact Texas Drivers

Appointments and office visits

Texas DPS says in-office driver-license and ID services are handled by scheduled appointment. Use the Texas Scheduler, and check online options first because some transactions do not need an office visit.

Open the appointment guide →

Texas driver license office locations

Texas DPS operates driver license offices statewide, including larger Mega Centers. Driver-license and ID services are appointment-based, with limited same-day availability at many offices.

After the permit: prepare for the road test

Texas DPS requires the driving-test applicant to have the licensing record and test-day documents ready before scheduling. The test vehicle must also meet the state's safety and insurance requirements.

What Texas DPS tells applicants to bring

The current DPS checklist includes the learner license or applicable restricted license, the required fee or receipt, the Impact Texas Driver completion when required, driver-education proof for applicants who need it, current liability insurance and a qualifying test vehicle.

The vehicle is inspected before the test

DPS checks that the vehicle can be legally and safely used for the exam. Registration, license plates, insurance and basic safety equipment are part of that check. A mechanical problem can prevent the driving test from starting.

Schedule only after the application step is ready

Texas DPS says you must apply for the driver license before scheduling the road test, and the scheduler requires the assigned driver-license number for the testing applicant. DPS says road-test appointments can be booked up to 180 days ahead.

• Texas appointment guide
• Texas first-license requirements

Open the full road-test guide →

Practice for the Texas knowledge test

Try the first two Texas missions free as extra practice. Continue with Plus if you want the full course, and use the current DPS Driver Handbook to verify the rules.

Try Road to Permit free →

What to study

Use the official handbook as the source of truth, then practice the same subjects in short sessions. These are the major study areas covered across the official guide and Road to Permit resources.

1. 1Use the current DPS copy
2. 2How to study the Texas handbook
3. 3Turn the handbook into active practice
4. 4Use color to identify the sign family
5. 5Shape can identify a sign before you can read it
6. 6Turn recognition into a driving response
7. 7Texas requires 70% or better
8. 8Driver education can change where the test happens
9. 9Failed exams can end the current application

Texas permit test: questions and answers

Complete Texas driver guide

Open the exact part of the licensing process you need. Every page below is backed by official state sources.