The passing score is usually 70 percent, but it varies by state
Most states require you to answer at least 70 percent of the questions correctly on your written permit test to pass. That means if your test has 50 questions, you need to get 35 right. However, some states set the bar at 80 percent, and a few allow 60 percent. Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency sets this threshold, and it does not change based on how many times you take the test or which testing location you use.
The exact number of questions on your test also varies. Most written permit tests range from 40 to 50 questions, though some states use 100. The DMV website for your state will tell you both the number of questions and the passing percentage before you schedule your test. Knowing both numbers lets you calculate exactly how many questions you can miss and still pass.
Key Takeaways
- Most states require 70 percent correct answers to pass, though some require 80 percent and a few allow 60 percent.
- Your state's DMV website lists both the total number of questions and the passing score threshold before you book your test.
- You typically learn your score when ready after finishing the test, either on screen or from the testing staff.
- If you do not pass, you can usually retake the test within a few days, and there is no penalty for multiple attempts beyond the test fee.
How your score is calculated and reported
The testing system counts the number of questions you answer correctly and converts that to a percentage. If you answer 35 out of 50 questions correctly, your score is 70 percent. Most DMV testing locations show you your score on the computer screen as soon as you finish, or a staff member hands you a printed score sheet. You do not have to wait days to find out whether you passed.
Some states also break down your score by topic — for example, showing you scored 85 percent on road signs but only 60 percent on right-of-way rules. This breakdown helps you see which areas to study before your next attempt if you did not pass. Not all states provide this detail, so check your score sheet or ask the testing staff what information they give you.
Passing scores by state
The following table shows the passing score threshold for each state's written permit test. Most cluster around 70 or 80 percent, but a few outliers exist. If your state is not listed here, contact your local DMV office or check their website, as requirements can change.
| State | Passing Score | Total Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 80% | 50 |
| Alaska | 70% | 40 |
| Arizona | 80% | 50 |
| California | 83% | 46 |
| Colorado | 70% | 50 |
| Connecticut | 80% | 50 |
| Delaware | 80% | 50 |
| Florida | 80% | 50 |
| Georgia | 70% | 50 |
| Hawaii | 70% | 50 |
| Idaho | 70% | 50 |
| Illinois | 80% | 50 |
| Indiana | 80% | 50 |
| Iowa | 70% | 50 |
| Kansas | 70% | 50 |
| Kentucky | 80% | 50 |
| Louisiana | 70% | 50 |
| Maine | 80% | 50 |
| Maryland | 70% | 50 |
| Massachusetts | 80% | 50 |
| Michigan | 70% | 50 |
| Minnesota | 80% | 40 |
| Mississippi | 80% | 50 |
| Missouri | 80% | 50 |
| Montana | 80% | 50 |
| Nebraska | 80% | 50 |
| Nevada | 70% | 50 |
| New Hampshire | 80% | 50 |
| New Jersey | 80% | 50 |
| New Mexico | 70% | 50 |
| New York | 80% | 50 |
| North Carolina | 80% | 50 |
| North Dakota | 80% | 50 |
| Ohio | 70% | 50 |
| Oklahoma | 80% | 50 |
| Oregon | 70% | 50 |
| Pennsylvania | 80% | 50 |
| Rhode Island | 70% | 50 |
| South Carolina | 80% | 50 |
| South Dakota | 70% | 50 |
| Tennessee | 80% | 50 |
| Texas | 70% | 50 |
| Utah | 80% | 50 |
| Vermont | 80% | 50 |
| Virginia | 70% | 50 |
| Washington | 70% | 50 |
| West Virginia | 80% | 50 |
| Wisconsin | 80% | 50 |
| Wyoming | 70% | 50 |
California stands out with an 83 percent threshold, the highest in the country. Minnesota and Alaska use 40 questions instead of the standard 50. If you are testing in a state not shown here or need the most current information, visit your state DMV's official website or call your local testing center.
What happens if you do not pass on your first try
Failing the permit test does not lock you out of retaking it. Most states let you schedule another test within a few days, and many allow you to test again the same day at a different location or time. You pay the test fee again each time you retake it — there is no discount for multiple attempts. The fee typically ranges from $10 to $50 depending on your state.
Between attempts, focus your study on the topics where you scored lowest. If your score sheet showed you struggled with road signs or parking rules, spend extra time on those sections of the driver's manual. Many people pass on their second or third attempt after targeting their weak areas. There is no limit on how many times you can retake the test, though some states may require you to wait a certain number of days between attempts.
How to prepare for the passing score you need
Your state's driver's manual is the official source for all test questions. The DMV publishes this manual free online and in print at any DMV office. Read through it at least once before your test, paying special attention to sections on road signs, right-of-way rules, and speed limits — these topics appear on nearly every state's test.
Practice tests are available free through your state DMV website or through third-party sites that mirror the official questions. Taking practice tests under timed conditions helps you get used to the format and pace. Many people find that taking three to five practice tests before the real test significantly improves their score. If you score below the passing threshold on practice tests, spend more time studying before you book your official test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to get every question right, or just reach the passing percentage?
You only need to reach the passing percentage for your state. If your state requires 70 percent and the test has 50 questions, you need 35 correct answers. You can miss up to 15 questions and still pass. The DMV does not require a perfect score.
What if I pass but score very low, like exactly 70 percent?
A passing score is a passing score. There is no penalty for scoring at the minimum threshold, and your permit is valid regardless of whether you scored 70 percent or 95 percent. The score does not affect your driving record or insurance rates.
Can I retake the test if I pass but want a higher score?
Most states do not allow you to retake the test after passing to improve your score. Once you pass, you move forward to the road test or other next steps. If you fail, you can retake it as many times as needed.
How long do I have to pass the permit test before it expires?
Your permit test score itself does not expire, but your permit does. Most states issue permits valid for three to five years. Check your state DMV website for the specific validity period, as it varies by state and sometimes by age.
Is the permit test the same difficulty in every testing location?
The questions and passing score are the same statewide, but the test may be administered on paper or computer depending on the location. The difficulty and content do not change. Some locations may have shorter wait times or different hours, but the test itself is identical.