Texas does not offer the road test online, but you can take the written knowledge test from home
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) does not allow you to take the actual driving test — the part where you operate a vehicle in front of an examiner — online or remotely. That test must happen in person at a DPS office or an approved third-party testing location. However, you can take the written knowledge test (also called the permit test) online through an approved vendor, and some adults choose to do this before scheduling their road test.
If you are an adult explore for your first Texas driver's license or renewing after a long gap, you will need to pass both tests. The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. Taking it online at home means you avoid a trip to a DPS office for that portion, though you will still need to go in person for the road test itself.
Key Takeaways
- Texas allows the written knowledge test to be taken online through approved vendors, but the road test must happen in person at a DPS office or third-party testing site.
- You must have a valid Texas ID or passport and a Social Security number to take the online written test.
- The online written test costs money (vendor fees vary), and you will pay a separate fee when you schedule your road test at DPS.
- After passing the written test online, you still need to visit a DPS office in person to take the road test and receive your license.
- Third-party testing locations (private driving schools and some other businesses) can administer both the written and road tests in person if you prefer not to use DPS directly.
How to find and use an approved online testing vendor
The Texas DPS does not run the online written test itself. Instead, it approves private vendors who administer the test remotely. You will need to search for "Texas DPS approved online written test" or visit the DPS website to find the current list of vendors. Vendor names and fees change, so checking the official DPS site ensures you use a legitimate provider.
When you select a vendor, you will create an account, pay their fee, and take the test on your computer or mobile device. The test is proctored, meaning the vendor monitors you during the exam to prevent cheating — usually through your webcam and by tracking your screen. You will need a quiet space, a working camera, and a stable internet connection.
After you pass the online written test, the vendor sends your passing score to the Texas DPS. You will receive confirmation, which you can then use when you schedule your road test. Some vendors provide the score when ready; others take a few business days to report it.
What you need to bring and know before taking the online test
Have your valid Texas ID or passport and your Social Security number ready before you start. The vendor will ask you to verify your identity using these documents. You may need to photograph or scan your ID and upload it, or hold it up to your webcam during the test — the exact process depends on the vendor.
The written test itself covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. It is typically 30 to 50 questions, and you usually need to score 70% or higher to pass. You can study using the Texas DPS Driver's Handbook, which is free and available online. Many vendors also offer practice tests on their websites.
Make sure your internet connection is stable and your device is fully charged before you begin. If your connection drops during the test, you may have to restart or retake it, and you may lose your fee. Check the vendor's policy on technical failures before you pay.
The difference between the written test and the road test
The written test is what you can take online. It measures your knowledge of traffic laws and safe driving. The road test is the hands-on driving exam where you sit in a car with an examiner, follow their directions, and demonstrate that you can actually operate a vehicle safely. You cannot take the road test online.
You do not have to pass the written test before scheduling the road test — some people schedule both at the same time and take the written test at the DPS office on the same day. Others take the written test online first, then schedule the road test for a later date. Either way works, as long as you pass the written test before you take the road test.
Where to take your road test after passing the written exam
Once you have passed the written test, you will schedule your road test at a Texas DPS office or at a third-party testing location. DPS offices are run by the state; third-party locations are private businesses (often driving schools) that the DPS has authorized to administer tests. Both are valid, and which one you choose depends on availability and location.
To schedule at a DPS office, visit the DPS website or call your local office. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and the date you passed your written test. DPS offices often have wait times of several weeks, depending on the location and time of year. Third-party locations may have shorter wait times, but they charge a higher fee for the road test itself.
Bring your valid ID, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease) to your road test appointment. You will also need to bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the vehicle's lights, brakes, and wipers before the test begins.
What happens after you pass the road test
If you pass the road test, the examiner will tell you on the spot. You will then go to the DPS office (or the third-party location's office) to pay the license fee and have your photo taken. Your Texas driver's license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can request a temporary paper license to use while you wait for the card to arrive.
If you do not pass the road test, you can retake it. There is usually a waiting period of a few days before you can schedule another test, and you will pay the test fee again. You do not need to retake the written test — your passing score remains valid.
Costs and timeline for the online written test and road test
The online written test fee varies by vendor — it typically ranges from $10 to $30, but check the current vendor list on the DPS website for exact prices. The road test fee at a DPS office is set by the state. The license fee (paid after you pass the road test) is also set by the state and depends on how long you want your license to be valid.
Timeline: Taking the online written test takes about 30 minutes to an hour. You receive your score when ready or within a few business days. Scheduling the road test can take 2 to 8 weeks depending on your location and the testing site. The road test itself takes about 20 to 30 minutes. After you pass, your license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the road test online instead of in person?
No. Texas requires the road test to be taken in person at a DPS office or approved third-party location. You must sit in a vehicle with an examiner and demonstrate your driving skills. Only the written knowledge test can be taken online.
Do I have to take the written test online, or can I take it at a DPS office?
You can do either. Some people take the written test online at home, and others take it in person at a DPS office on the same day as their road test. Both are valid. Taking it online is optional and is useful only if you want to avoid an extra trip to the DPS office.
What if I fail the online written test?
You can retake it. Most vendors allow you to retake the test after a waiting period (usually 24 to 48 hours), and you will pay the vendor fee again. There is no limit on how many times you can retake the written test.
Do I need a Texas ID to take the online written test?
You need a valid form of ID (Texas ID, passport, or military ID) and your Social Security number. If you do not have a Texas ID yet, a passport or military ID works. The vendor will verify your identity using these documents before you take the test.
How long is the online written test score valid?
Your passing score is valid for a set period — check with the vendor or the DPS website for the exact timeframe, as it can vary. You should schedule your road test within a reasonable time after passing the written test to avoid any issues with score expiration.