Texas driver's license test fees in 2024

A Texas driver's license test costs $16 for a Class C license (the standard passenger vehicle license). This fee covers both the written knowledge test and the driving test, and you pay it once when you take both tests together at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office.

If you fail either test and need to retake it, you pay the $16 fee again. There is no separate charge for each component — the written test and the road test are bundled into one fee. If you pass the written test but fail the driving test, you still pay $16 to retake the driving test.

Texas does not charge a separate process or processing fee for the license itself beyond the $16 test fee. However, you will also need to pay for your actual license card once you pass both tests. The license card itself costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, depending on which you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • The written knowledge test and driving test together cost $16 at any Texas DPS office.
  • If you fail either test, you pay $16 again to retake whichever test you failed.
  • The $16 test fee is separate from the cost of the license card itself, which costs $16 or $32 depending on the validity period you choose.
  • You must bring your learner's permit, proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to take the test.
  • DPS offices do not accept walk-ins for road tests; you must schedule an appointment in advance through the Texas DPS website.

What documents and fees you need before test day

Before you pay the $16 test fee, you must already have a valid Texas learner's permit (Class C). The learner's permit itself costs $16 and is valid for two years. You cannot take the road test without it, and you cannot get a learner's permit without first passing the written knowledge test.

Bring these documents to your road test appointment: your learner's permit, a government-issued photo ID (such as a passport or state ID), proof of Texas residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If any of these are missing, DPS will not let you test and you will lose the $16 fee.

You will also need a vehicle to use for the road test. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, horn, and windshield wipers before the test begins. You cannot use a vehicle with a salvage title or one that is not street-legal.

How to schedule and pay for your road test

Texas DPS requires you to schedule your road test appointment online through the official DPS website (dps.texas.gov) or by calling your local DPS office. Walk-in road tests are not available. You will choose your preferred date and time from available slots, which vary by location.

When you arrive at your appointment, you will pay the $16 test fee in cash, check, or debit card — not all offices accept credit cards, so call ahead to confirm payment methods. You pay at the DPS office on the day of your test, not when you schedule. If you miss your appointment without canceling at least 24 hours in advance, you forfeit the $16 fee and must reschedule and pay again.

The road test itself takes about 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks such as parking, turning, stopping, and backing up. You will drive on local streets, not highways. If you pass, you will receive a passing certificate that day, and you can then pay for your license card at the same office.

Retake fees if you fail the test

If you fail the road test, you must pay $16 again to schedule and take another test. There is no discount for retakes, and you cannot retake the test the same day. Most DPS offices allow you to schedule your next attempt within a few days, but availability depends on how busy your local office is.

You are allowed to retake the test as many times as you need, but each attempt costs $16. There is no limit on the number of retakes, but your learner's permit must still be valid. If your learner's permit expires before you pass the road test, you will need to renew it (another $16) and take the written knowledge test again before you can retake the road test.

License card costs after you pass the test

Once you pass both the written test and the road test, you are not done paying. You must then purchase your actual driver's license card. A Class C license card costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. You choose which validity period you want when you pay.

The license card is issued on the spot at the DPS office. You can use it when ready for driving. If you lose it or it is damaged, a replacement card costs $11. If you need to renew it after it expires, the renewal fee is the same as the original ($16 or $32 depending on the term you choose).

Fees for other license classes and endorsements

The $16 test fee applies only to a Class C license. If you are testing for a motorcycle endorsement (Class M), the test fee is also $16, but you must already have a valid Class C license. If you are testing for a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fees are higher and vary by the type of CDL and endorsements you need.

If you need to add an endorsement to an existing license (such as a motorcycle or towing endorsement), you pay $16 to take the written test for that endorsement. If the endorsement requires a road test, you pay an additional $16 for the road test. These fees are in addition to any renewal or modification fees for your license card.

Payment methods and refund policy

DPS offices accept cash, checks, and debit cards for the $16 test fee. Not all locations accept credit cards, so contact your local office before your appointment to confirm what they take. You cannot pay online or by phone; payment is made in person on the day of your test.

If you cancel your appointment at least 24 hours in advance, you can reschedule without losing your fee. If you miss your appointment or cancel with less than 24 hours' notice, you forfeit the $16 and must pay again when you reschedule. DPS does not issue refunds for failed tests; you straightforward pay $16 again to retake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my road test the same day as my written test?

No. You must pass the written knowledge test first, usually at a DPS office or approved testing location. After you pass, you schedule a separate appointment for the road test, which must be on a different day. The $16 fee covers both tests, but they are scheduled separately.

What happens if I fail the road test twice?

You pay $16 each time you retake it. There is no limit on retakes, but each attempt requires a new $16 fee and a new appointment. Your learner's permit must remain valid throughout. If it expires, you must renew it and retake the written test before you can attempt the road test again.

Do I have to pay the $16 fee if I bring the wrong documents?

No. If you arrive without all required documents, DPS will not let you test and you will not be charged. However, if you are missing documents, cancel your appointment online or by phone at least 24 hours in advance so the slot opens for another person and you can reschedule when you have everything.

Is the $16 test fee the same at every DPS office in Texas?

Yes. The $16 fee is set by the state and is the same at all DPS offices across Texas. However, some offices may have longer wait times for appointments than others, so you may need to travel to a less busy location if you want an earlier test date.

What if I pass the road test but don't want to buy the license card right away?

You can wait to purchase your license card, but you cannot drive legally without it. Your passing certificate is not a valid driver's license. You must buy the card ($16 or $32) before you drive. The card is issued when ready at the DPS office, so most people purchase it the same day they pass the test.