Texas permit test
Texas learner-license knowledge-test format
You pass the Texas knowledge exam with 70 percent or better (Texas Driver Handbook), and DPS gives it in English or Spanish. Teens take it during approved driver education or at a driver license office. DPS publishes no fixed number of questions.
- 70%passing mark
- English / Spanishtest languages
- 90 daysapplication window, up to 3 tries
Option 1: knowledge exam during approved driver education
The completion/certificate paperwork serves as evidence when the course administered the test.
Option 2: knowledge exam at DPS
If you did not take it during driver education, complete it at the driver license office.
DPS publishes no fixed question count
Neither the handbook nor the DPS teen pages give a number of questions or answer choices, so study every chapter of the current Texas Driver Handbook, road signs included, rather than aiming at a count.
Three tries within 90 days
Failing once does not end the application: it stays open for 90 days. The third failed attempt, or the end of the 90 days, means a new application and a new fee.
Driver education is required under 25
Texas requires an approved driver-education course for every applicant younger than 25. Some approved courses give the Class C knowledge exam themselves, so the driver license office does not repeat it.
Vision is a separate licensing requirement
The learner-license visit also includes a vision exam after the document/education steps.
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.
Failed exams can end the current application
The Texas handbook says an application is held for 90 days. After three failed examinations, or when the 90-day application period expires, a new application and fee are required.
Related Road to Permit guides
Official sources
- Texas DPS — Teen Learner License
- Texas DPS — Teen Provisional License
- Texas DPS — Graduated Driver License
- Texas DPS — Choosing Driver Education
- Texas DPS — Apply for a Texas Driver License
- Texas DPS — Driver License Fees
- Texas DPS — Third Party Skills Testing
- Texas DPS — Schedule Driving Test
- Impact Texas Teen Drivers
- Texas DPS — Driver Handbook DL-7
- Texas DPS — Testing in Other Languages
Independent study resource. Road to Permit is not affiliated with or endorsed by any DMV, DPS, FLHSMV or other government agency. Official state sources control if information changes.