Yes, you can take the written test in Spanish, but the road test is English-only

Texas offers the written knowledge test in Spanish, and you can request it when you schedule your appointment at the Department of Public Safety (DPS). However, the road test — where an examiner watches you drive — is conducted in English only. If you need an interpreter for the road test, you must bring your own; DPS does not provide one.

This matters because the examiner will give you verbal instructions during the drive, and you need to understand commands like "turn left at the next light" or "pull over safely." If you do not speak English well enough to follow these instructions, you will not pass, even if you are an excellent driver.

Key Takeaways

  • The written test is available in Spanish at any DPS office, but you must request it when you book your appointment.
  • The road test is given only in English, and the examiner will not slow down or simplify their speech.
  • You can bring a translator to the road test if you pay for them yourself, but DPS does not provide one.
  • If you fail the road test because you did not understand instructions, you will have to retake it and pay the fee again.

How to request the Spanish written test

When you call or go online to schedule your DPS appointment, tell the staff member that you want to take the written test in Spanish. You can schedule through the DPS website or by calling your local DPS office. Write down the confirmation that you requested Spanish — do not assume they will remember.

Bring your confirmation number and all required documents (proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number) to your appointment. The written test itself will be in Spanish, and you will have the same time limit as English-speaking test-takers.

What the Spanish written test covers

The Spanish version tests the same material as the English version: Texas traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and what to do in emergencies. The questions are translated directly, so a stop sign means the same thing whether you read "ALTO" or "STOP."

You need to score at least 70 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake it, but you will have to pay the test fee again and schedule another appointment.

The road test is English only — what you need to know

During the road test, the examiner will sit in your car and give you instructions in English. They might say things like "merge onto the highway," "make a three-point turn," or "show me how you would handle a skid." You must understand these instructions quickly and follow them safely.

If you ask the examiner to repeat themselves or speak more slowly, they will do so once or twice, but they are not required to. If you do not understand an instruction and do not follow it, or if you ask too many times, the examiner may end the test and mark it as a failure.

Bringing your own interpreter to the road test

You are allowed to bring a translator to the road test if you want to, but DPS will not pay for one and the examiner is not required to use them. The examiner still gives the instructions — the interpreter is there only to help you understand. This means the examiner will speak to you in English, you will ask your interpreter what they said, and then you will perform the task. This takes extra time and can make you seem less confident.

If you bring an interpreter, they must sit in the back seat and cannot touch anything or distract the examiner. Some DPS offices may have rules about who can serve as an interpreter (for example, some require them to be certified), so call ahead and ask.

What happens if you fail the road test

If you do not pass the road test, you will receive a notice explaining what you did wrong. Common reasons include not understanding instructions, making unsafe turns, or not checking mirrors. You can retake the test, but you will have to pay the fee again and schedule a new appointment.

If language was the reason you failed, spending time with an English-speaking friend or family member who can give you driving instructions in English before your next attempt may help. Practice hearing commands like "turn right," "slow down," and "park here" so they become automatic.

Preparing for the road test in English

Start practicing with someone who speaks English and can sit in the passenger seat while you drive. Ask them to give you instructions the way a DPS examiner might: clearly, but not slowly or simplified. Listen to English-language podcasts or videos about driving while you commute, so your ear gets used to hearing driving vocabulary.

If you are not confident in your English, consider waiting a few months and taking an English class before scheduling your road test. The cost of a class is usually less than the cost of retaking the road test multiple times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take both the written test and the road test in Spanish?

No. Only the written test is available in Spanish. The road test is English only, no matter what language you speak at home or what language you requested for the written test.

What if I do not understand an instruction during the road test?

You can ask the examiner to repeat it, and they will usually do so. However, if you ask repeatedly or seem confused, the examiner may end the test. It is better to practice English driving vocabulary before your test so you understand the first time.

Do I need to pass the written test in Spanish before I can take the road test?

Yes. You must pass the written test first, whether you take it in Spanish or English. Once you pass, you can schedule the road test. The road test language does not change based on which language you used for the written test.

Can DPS provide a certified interpreter for the road test?

No. DPS does not provide interpreters. If you want one, you must hire and pay for them yourself. Call your local DPS office before your test to ask if they have any rules about who can serve as an interpreter.

What if I pass the written test in Spanish but fail the road test?

You will need to retake only the road test, not the written test. Your written test score stays on record. You can schedule a new road test appointment and pay the road test fee again.