The Texas permit test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) administers a 30-question written test for the learner permit. You need a score of 70 percent or higher, which means 21 correct answers out of 30. The test covers traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and rules specific to Texas roads. You have 45 minutes to complete it.
The questions are multiple-choice with four answer options each. They draw from the Texas Driver Handbook, which is the official study material. The handbook is free and available online through the DPS website, and many testing locations have printed copies available.
Key Takeaways
- The Texas permit test contains exactly 30 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass.
- You have 45 minutes to complete the test, and questions cover traffic laws, road signs, and Texas-specific driving rules from the official Driver Handbook.
- The test is offered in English and Spanish, and some testing locations offer it in other languages upon request.
- You can retake the test if you fail, though waiting periods and retake fees vary by location.
What the 30 questions cover
The questions are divided across several topic areas. Roughly one-third focus on road signs and what they mean. Another section covers traffic laws and right-of-way rules. A third area tests knowledge of safe driving practices, including speed limits, following distance, and how to handle different road conditions.
The remaining questions address Texas-specific rules and situations. These include rules about school buses, construction zones, and how to respond to emergency vehicles. Some questions test your understanding of what to do if you are stopped by police or involved in a minor accident.
The exact distribution of questions can shift slightly from test to test, but the DPS publishes a study guide that covers all possible topics. Studying that guide is the most direct way to prepare, because every question on the actual test comes from material in it.
How the test is scored and what happens if you fail
Your score is calculated when ready after you finish. The testing location gives you a printed result showing how many questions you answered correctly. If you scored 21 or higher, you pass and receive your learner permit on the spot (assuming you also passed the vision screening and brought required documents).
If you scored 20 or lower, you do not pass. You can retake the test, but most DPS locations require you to wait at least one day before your next attempt. Some locations allow you to retake it the same day; others require a longer wait. There is usually a retake fee, which varies by location but is typically between $7 and $10.
You can retake the test as many times as needed. There is no limit on the number of attempts, though each retake costs money and requires you to return to the testing location.
Where the test is offered and what to bring
The permit test is offered at DPS driver license offices across Texas. You can find the office nearest you and check their hours on the DPS website. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require an appointment. Call ahead or check online to confirm the process at your location.
You must bring a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number (or a letter from Social Security if you do not have a number). Acceptable IDs include a passport, birth certificate, or consular ID. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address.
You do not need to bring study materials to the test. The test is administered on a computer at the testing location, and you are not allowed to use notes, phones, or other aids during the test.
Languages the test is offered in
The permit test is available in English and Spanish at all DPS driver license offices. If you need the test in another language, contact your local DPS office in advance. Some locations can arrange tests in languages including Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, and others, but you typically need to request this at least a few days ahead of time.
The test content is identical regardless of language. You answer the same 30 questions and need the same score to pass, whether you take it in English, Spanish, or another language.
How to prepare for the 30-question test
The Texas Driver Handbook is the official study material, and it is the source of every question on the test. You can read it free from the DPS website or pick up a printed copy at any driver license office. Reading through the handbook once gives you a solid foundation.
Many people also use practice tests to get familiar with the format and types of questions. Practice tests are available online through various websites and apps, though not all of them are equally accurate. The DPS does not publish an official practice test, but many third-party sites base their questions directly on the handbook.
Studying the handbook and taking a few practice tests usually takes 5 to 10 hours spread over a week or two. Most people who study the handbook and review practice tests pass on their first attempt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the permit test online from home?
No. The Texas permit test must be taken in person at a DPS driver license office. You cannot take it remotely or online. You must visit a physical location, bring your documents, and take the test on a computer at that office.
What happens if I run out of time before answering all 30 questions?
You have 45 minutes to answer all 30 questions. If time runs out before you finish, your test ends and you are scored on the questions you answered. Any unanswered questions count as incorrect. Most people finish well before the 45-minute limit, so this is rarely a problem if you have studied.
Do I have to answer the questions in order, or can I skip around?
The computer allows you to move forward and backward through the questions. You can skip a question, answer others, and return to it later. This can be helpful if you are unsure about a question — answer the ones you know first, then go back to the harder ones.
Is the permit test the same as the driver license test?
No. The permit test is 30 questions and tests knowledge only. The driver license test (taken after you have held your permit for a certain time) includes both a written portion and a driving portion where an examiner watches you drive. The written portion of the driver license test is longer and more detailed than the permit test.
What if I fail the permit test three times?
Texas does not impose a limit on retakes. You can retake the test as many times as you need. However, after multiple failures, you may want to spend more time studying the handbook or using practice tests to identify which topics are giving you trouble.