The Texas driver's license test costs $16 for a Class C license

The Department of Public Safety charges a flat fee of $16 for the written knowledge test and the road test combined when you take them on the same day. This is the standard fee for a Class C license, which covers most passenger vehicles. You pay this once, not separately for each test.

If you take the written test and road test on different days, you still pay $16 total — not $16 per test. The fee covers your entire license transaction at that visit. You cannot be charged twice for splitting the tests across appointments.

Payment is cash or card, depending on the testing location. Most DPS offices accept both, but call ahead to confirm what your local office takes. Some third-party testing locations (private driving schools licensed by DPS) may charge additional fees on top of the state fee — those fees vary by location and school.

Key Takeaways

  • The Texas DPS charges $16 for both the written and road test combined, regardless of whether you take them the same day or different days.
  • This $16 fee is set by the state and does not vary between DPS offices.
  • Third-party testing locations licensed by DPS may charge extra fees beyond the $16 state fee, so ask before you book.
  • You pay at the time of your test appointment, and most offices accept cash and card.

Where the $16 goes and what it covers

The $16 fee is a transaction fee charged by the Department of Public Safety. It covers the cost of administering both tests, processing your results, and issuing your license if you pass. It does not cover the physical license card itself — that is included in the fee, not an add-on.

If you fail either test, you do not get a refund. You will need to pay the $16 fee again when you retake the test. Most people wait a few days to a few weeks before retesting, so budget for a second $16 payment if you do not pass on your first attempt.

Testing at a DPS office versus a third-party location

DPS offices are run directly by the state and charge only the $16 fee. Third-party testing locations are private driving schools that the DPS has licensed to administer tests. These schools can charge an additional fee on top of the $16 state fee — typically $10 to $50 more, though the amount varies by school and location.

The advantage of a third-party location is usually shorter wait times and more flexible scheduling. The trade-off is the extra cost. If you go to a DPS office, you pay $16 and nothing more, but you may wait longer for an appointment or spend time at the office.

Ask the third-party school for their full fee before you book. Some schools bundle the test fee with a lesson package, so the total cost may be higher than the test alone.

Renewal and replacement fees are different

The $16 test fee applies only when you are taking the written and road tests for the first time or when you are retesting after a failure. If you already have a license and are renewing it, you do not take the road test again — you pay a renewal fee instead, which is separate and lower.

If you need to replace a lost or damaged license, that is also a different fee. Renewal and replacement fees change periodically, so check the DPS website or call your local office for current amounts.

What happens if you cannot pay on the day of your test

You must pay the $16 fee before you take either test. If you do not have the money when you arrive, you will not be able to test that day. You will need to reschedule and return with payment.

Some DPS offices may allow you to pay by card over the phone when you book your appointment, though this varies by location. Call ahead to ask if your office offers this option. If you are facing financial hardship, contact your local DPS office directly — they can tell you whether any payment plans or fee waivers are available in your area, though these are uncommon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the $16 fee if I fail the test?

Yes. If you fail the written test, the road test, or both, you do not get a refund. You will pay $16 again when you retake the test. There is no discount for retesting.

Can I take just the written test without the road test and pay less?

No. The $16 fee covers both tests as a package. You cannot pay for one test alone. If you take only the written test at one appointment and the road test later, you still pay $16 total, not $16 per test.

What if I use a third-party testing location instead of a DPS office?

You will pay the $16 state fee plus whatever additional fee the third-party school charges. This can range from $10 to $50 or more depending on the school. Ask for the full cost before you book your appointment.

Is the $16 fee the same in every Texas city?

Yes. The $16 fee is set by the state and is the same at every DPS office across Texas. Third-party locations may charge different additional fees, but the base state fee does not change.

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

You will need to pay $16 again to retake the road test. Passing one test does not reduce the fee for retesting the other. You pay the full $16 each time you test.