What the video test is and when you take it
A video test for your driver's license is a remote examination you complete on your own computer or phone instead of at a DMV office. You answer questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices while being recorded or monitored by the testing system. The state DMV or a contracted testing vendor watches to confirm you are the person taking the test and that you are not using outside materials.
Most states offer video testing as an alternative to in-person written exams, though not all states use it yet. Some states made video testing permanent after the pandemic; others still treat it as an option alongside office visits. A few states require you to take the written test in person no matter what, so check your state's DMV website first to see whether video testing is even available where you live.
You typically take a video test after you have studied the driver's manual and before you schedule your road test with an examiner. Some states let you take it before your road test appointment; others require you to pass the written test first, then book the driving exam separately.
Key Takeaways
- Video tests are proctored remotely through your computer or phone, and you must show a valid ID and clear your desk before starting.
- The test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving rules from your state's driver's manual, usually 30 to 50 questions depending on your state.
- You need a quiet space, a working camera and microphone, and a stable internet connection; the system will end the test if your connection drops.
- Passing scores vary by state but typically range from 70 to 80 percent; you usually get your results when ready or within a few hours.
- If you fail, most states let you retake the test within days or weeks, though some charge a fee for each attempt.
What you need to have ready before you start
Before you log in to take a video test, gather your valid government-issued ID — a passport, state ID card, or current driver's license. You will hold it up to your camera so the proctor can verify your identity. Have it within arm's reach and make sure the photo and name are clearly visible.
Clear your desk or testing area completely. Remove books, notes, phones, smartwatches, and any other devices except the one you are using to take the test. The camera will show your workspace, and the proctor will ask you to pan around the room to confirm nothing is there. Some systems also require you to show your hands before you begin.
Test your internet connection and your computer's camera and microphone beforehand. Most states recommend a wired connection rather than Wi-Fi to avoid dropouts. If your connection fails during the test, the session usually ends and you may have to retake it, so a stable connection matters.
How the test is structured and what topics appear
The written portion of a video test covers the same material as an in-person exam: traffic laws, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking rules, and what different road signs mean. Your state's driver's manual is the source for all questions, so studying that manual is the only real preparation you need.
Most states ask between 30 and 50 multiple-choice questions. You usually have a set amount of time — often 30 to 60 minutes — to finish. Some states let you flag questions and come back to them; others require you to answer each one before moving forward. The system will tell you the rules before the test starts.
A few states include a vision screening as part of the video test, where you read letters or numbers on the screen from a certain distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. If the vision portion shows you cannot meet the state's standard, you may be required to take an in-person vision test at the DMV before you can proceed.
The proctoring process and what the proctor watches for
When you log in, a proctor — either a live person or an automated system — will verify your identity using your ID and may ask you security questions only you would know, like your address or date of birth. They will watch your camera feed throughout the test to make sure you are the only person in the room and that you are not looking at notes or a second screen.
The proctor can see if you look away from the screen, move your eyes in a way that suggests you are reading something off-camera, or if someone else enters the room. If the system detects suspicious behavior, it may pause the test or flag your results for manual review. Repeated violations can result in a failed test or a requirement to retake it in person at the DMV.
Your camera and microphone must stay on for the entire test. If either one disconnects, the test will usually stop. Some systems allow you to reconnect and resume; others require you to start over. The rules vary by state, so read the instructions carefully before you begin.
Passing scores and what happens after you finish
Passing scores differ by state. Most states require 70 to 80 percent correct to pass — that means getting roughly 21 to 40 questions right out of 30 to 50, depending on how many questions are on your test. Your state's DMV website will state the exact passing score before you take the test.
You usually see your results when ready after you submit your final answer, or within a few hours if the test is being reviewed by a proctor. If you pass, you will receive a confirmation number or a digital pass that you can print or show on your phone. Some states email you a certificate; others let you check your status on the DMV website.
If you pass the written test, your next step is to schedule your road test with a licensed examiner. That is a separate appointment where you drive with an examiner in your own vehicle or a state-provided one, depending on your state's rules.
What to do if you fail and retake options
If you do not pass, most states let you retake the test within a few days to a few weeks. Some states charge a fee for each retake — often $5 to $15 — while others let you retake it free. Check your state's DMV website or your test confirmation email to see the retake policy and any associated costs.
Before you retake the test, go back to your state's driver's manual and focus on the topics you found hardest. Many states do not tell you which specific questions you missed, but they may tell you which categories — like right-of-way or parking — you scored lowest on. Use that feedback to study more carefully.
Some states have a limit on how many times you can retake the written test in a certain period — for example, three attempts in 12 months. If you reach that limit, you may have to wait before trying again or take the test in person at the DMV. Read your state's rules before your first attempt so you know what you are working with.
Differences between video tests and in-person office tests
The main difference is location and proctoring. An in-person test happens at a DMV office with an examiner in the room watching you; a video test happens at home with a remote proctor watching through your camera. The content of the test — the questions and passing score — is the same.
Video tests can be faster to schedule in some states because you do not have to wait for an appointment at a busy DMV office. However, you need reliable internet and a quiet space, which not everyone has. In-person tests require a trip to the DMV but do not depend on your home setup.
Some people find video testing less stressful because they are in a familiar environment; others find it more stressful because they worry about technical problems or feel watched by a camera. Both formats test the same knowledge, so choose whichever one your state offers and you feel most comfortable with.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my phone to take the video test?
Most states allow it, but a computer is usually better because the screen is larger and the camera angle is easier to control. If you use a phone, prop it up so the proctor can see your face and your desk clearly, and make sure your battery is fully charged or plugged in. Check your state's requirements before you start.
What happens if my internet cuts out during the test?
The test will usually pause or end. Some states let you log back in and resume where you left off; others make you start over. A few states count it as a failed attempt. Read your state's policy before you begin, and if possible, use a wired internet connection to reduce the risk of dropout.
Can someone help me study before I take the video test?
Yes. You can study with a friend, take a practice test, or use study guides before you log in. Once the test starts, you must be alone and cannot use any materials. Study as much as you want beforehand — that is the whole point of the driver's manual.
Do I have to pass the written test before I can take the road test?
In most states, yes. You must pass the written test first, then schedule a separate appointment for the driving exam. A few states let you take both on the same day if you pass the written test in the morning, but you cannot take the road test without passing the written test first.
What if I wear glasses or contacts?
Wear them during the test, just as you would during the road test. If your state includes a vision screening as part of the video test and you fail it, you may need an in-person vision test at the DMV or a letter from an eye doctor before you can proceed.