You cannot take the full driver's license exam online in Texas
Texas does not offer an online version of the written knowledge test for a driver's license. You must go to a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person to take the written exam, answer questions on a computer or paper at the office, and then take your road test with an examiner.
However, Texas does offer one online option before you arrive: a practice test that you can take at home to prepare. This is not the real exam — it does not count toward your license — but it shows you the kinds of questions you will see and helps you study.
The real written test happens at the DPS office on the same day as your road test, or on a separate visit if you prefer. You schedule both through the DPS website or by phone.
Key Takeaways
- Texas offers a free online practice test on the DPS website to study before your exam, but the actual written test must be taken in person at a DPS office.
- You schedule your written test and road test appointment through the Texas DPS website or by calling your local DPS office.
- The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving rules from the Texas Driver Handbook, which you can read online for free.
- You must pass the written test before you can take the road test, or you can take both on the same day if you pass the written portion first.
Where to find the Texas DPS practice test
The Texas Department of Public Safety website has a free online practice test at dps.texas.gov. Look for the "Driver License" section and find the link to the practice exam. The practice test covers the same topics as the real exam: traffic signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, and safe driving habits.
The practice test is not timed the way the real exam is, so you can take as long as you need to answer each question. You can take it as many times as you want. After you finish, the website shows you which questions you missed so you can study those topics more.
Taking the practice test does not count as your real exam and does not go on your record. It is only for your own study.
How to schedule your written test at a DPS office
To take the real written exam, you must schedule an appointment at a Texas DPS office. You can book online at dps.texas.gov by selecting your county and choosing an available date and time. You can also call your local DPS office directly to schedule over the phone.
When you arrive for your appointment, bring your documents: a valid ID, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease in your name), your Social Security number, and proof of citizenship or legal residency. The office will tell you exactly what documents they need when you schedule.
The written test itself takes about 30 minutes. You answer 30 multiple-choice questions on a computer or on paper, depending on the office. You must score at least 70 percent to pass.
What the written test covers
The Texas written exam tests your knowledge of the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free to read online at dps.texas.gov. The test includes questions about traffic signs and what they mean, right-of-way rules at intersections, speed limits and when they change, parking rules, and safe driving practices like following distance and how to handle bad weather.
You will also see questions about driving under the influence, distracted driving, and what to do if you are pulled over by a police officer. The questions are written in plain language and test whether you understand the rules, not trick you with confusing wording.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it. Most offices let you schedule another appointment within a few days or weeks, depending on how busy they are.
Combining your written test and road test on the same day
Many people take both the written test and the road test at the same DPS office on the same day. If you do this, you take the written test first. If you pass, you then take the road test with an examiner in a vehicle.
If you fail the written test, you will not take the road test that day. You can schedule another appointment to retake the written test, and once you pass, you can schedule the road test separately or come back the same day if the office has an opening.
Scheduling both on the same day saves you a trip, but it also means you need to be ready for both exams. Make sure you study the handbook and practice with the online test before you go.
Studying with the Texas Driver Handbook
The Texas Driver Handbook is the official source for everything on the written test. You can read it online for free at dps.texas.gov, or you can pick up a printed copy at any DPS office. The handbook is organized by topic: traffic signs, speed limits, right-of-way, parking, and safe driving.
Many people study by reading the handbook once, then taking the online practice test to see which topics they need to review more. If you miss questions about a certain topic on the practice test, go back to that section of the handbook and read it again.
You do not have to memorize the handbook word for word. The test asks whether you understand the rules and can explore them to real driving situations.
What happens if you fail the written test
If you score below 70 percent on the written test, you do not pass. You can retake it, but you usually have to wait a few days and schedule a new appointment. Some offices let you retake it the same week; others have a waiting period. Call your local DPS office to find out how long you have to wait.
Each time you retake the test, you pay the exam fee again. The fee varies by office but is usually between $10 and $25. You do not lose any progress or have to start over — each test is separate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online from home instead of going to an office?
No. Texas requires you to take the written test in person at a DPS office. The online practice test is only for studying. You must visit an office to take the real exam.
How many questions are on the written test?
The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 21 correctly to score 70 percent and pass. The test covers traffic signs, road rules, and safe driving.
Can I use the online practice test to study in Spanish?
The practice test is available in English. When you take the real written test at the DPS office, you can request to take it in Spanish if that is your preference. Tell the office when you schedule your appointment.
How long does the written test take?
The written test usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You answer 30 questions at your own pace. There is no strict time limit, but the office will tell you how much time you have when you start.
What if I do not pass the written test on my first try?
You can retake the test by scheduling another appointment at a DPS office. You pay the exam fee again each time. Most people pass on the second or third attempt if they study the handbook and use the online practice test between tries.