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The Nevada DMV knowledge test has 25 multiple-choice questions, and you need 80% (20 correct) to pass. You can take it at home online through KnowTo Drive Nevada or at a DMV office, then collect your instruction permit at the DMV from age 15½. This guide covers the test format, fees, what to bring and the rules once you hold a Nevada permit.
Key facts (Nevada DMV, checked November 2026)
- 25 questions, multiple choice, 80% pass mark.
- Online: 60 minutes. In person: no time limit.
- Languages: English and Spanish online; English, Spanish and audio in offices.
- Fail? You can retake the test the next day ($10 retest fee).
- Passing results stay valid for 1 year.
- Minimum age for a permit: 15½.
Nevada permit test format
| Online (KnowTo Drive Nevada) | At a DMV office | |
|---|---|---|
| Questions | 25 | 25 |
| Pass mark | 80% (20 correct) | 80% (20 correct) |
| Time limit | 60 minutes | None |
| Languages | English, Spanish, audio playback | English, Spanish, audio |
| Equipment | Desktop or laptop with a front-facing camera; no touch-screen devices | DMV touch-screen computers |
| Booking | No appointment, available 24/7 | Appointment; written testing closes 30 minutes to 1 hour before the office closes |
The questions come from the Nevada Driver’s Handbook: signs, pavement markings, traffic laws and safe driving practices. The handbook also says paper tests exist and you may ask for an oral exam if you have trouble reading the written test.
How to prepare for the Nevada knowledge test
- Read the Nevada Driver’s Handbook. The test is based on it.
- Take the DMV’s official practice quiz. It uses the same format: 25 questions, 80% to pass, with answers shown at the end.
- Focus on Nevada-specific rules: the 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. teen curfew, the 0.02% under-21 alcohol limit, the 3-foot cyclist passing rule, curb colors and the demerit point system.
- Learn the shapes and colors of signs. See US road signs by shape and color.
Retakes and disqualification
- Failed: retake the next day.
- Disqualified from the online test: retake after 24 hours.
- Each retest costs $10.
Interpreters
If you lack English or Spanish skills, you may use an interpreter for the written test. The interpreter:
- cannot be a family member
- must bring a letter of approval from a government agency, court, school or non-profit advocacy group
- must sign an attestation and an Affidavit of Oath (DLD 11) at each test
You pay any interpreter fees. Interpreters are not allowed on the drive test.
What to bring for a Nevada instruction permit
- Proof of identity, for example a certified US birth certificate (not needed if you already hold a Nevada ID card).
- Proof of your Social Security number.
- Two documents showing your Nevada home address. A parent can instead sign a DMV form confirming you live at their address.
- Certification of Attendance (DMV 301), signed by your school within the last 60 days, if you are under 18.
- Application for Driving Privileges or ID Card (DMV 002), in English, Spanish or Tagalog.
- A parent or guardian to co-sign and accept financial responsibility.
Most applicants should choose a Real ID: see REAL ID documents.
The DMV 301 school attendance form
- At high school: the principal or another school official completes Section 1.
- Home-schooled or excused for disability: a parent or guardian completes the first part of Section 2.
- Already finished high school: a parent or guardian completes the first part of Section 2, you complete the second part, and you bring your diploma or equivalency certificate.
Nevada permit fees (as of November 2026)
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Instruction permit (licensing fee) | $22.50 |
| Testing fee (written test plus your first skills test) | $25 |
| Each retest | $10 |
You also need 20/40 vision in at least one eye. If you need glasses or contacts to meet it, Restriction B goes on your permit. You leave with an interim paper permit, and the card arrives by mail within 10 business days.
Nevada instruction permit rules
- Carry the permit whenever you drive.
- A licensed driver aged 21 or older, with at least 1 year of licensed driving experience, must sit beside you.
- Start logging your 50 practice hours from day one. See driver’s ed and the 50 hour log.
- Under 18, hold the permit for at least 6 months before the license.
- No hand-held phone calls and no texting, for any driver.
Expiry, renewal and cancellation
- The permit is valid for 1 year. Renew in person; a parent or guardian signs a new Financial Responsibility Statement.
- If your permit has been expired for more than 30 days, you must retake the knowledge test.
- The parent or guardian who signed can cancel the permit at any time with form DP-38 at a DMV office, surrendering the permit.
- The DMV can require retesting, cancel the permit or refuse renewal after traffic violations or other listed offenses.
Common questions
How many questions are on the Nevada permit test?
25 multiple-choice questions. You need 20 correct (80%).
Can I take the Nevada permit test online?
Yes, through KnowTo Drive Nevada, using a computer with a front-facing camera. Results go to the DMV automatically, and you book an appointment to collect the permit.
Can I take it on my phone or tablet?
No. Touch-screen devices are not supported for the online test.
Is the Nevada permit test available in Spanish?
Yes, online and in DMV offices. Offices also offer an audio version.
Do I need driver’s ed before the permit?
No. Driver education is required for the license, not the permit.
How long are my test results valid?
1 year from the date you pass.
Back to the main guide: learning to drive in Nevada. Comparing states: US permit test by state.
Sources
- Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles, “Written Knowledge Test” (dmv.nv.gov)
- Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles, “Practice Nevada Class C Driver’s License Quiz” (dmv.nv.gov)
- Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles, “Get a Teen Instruction Permit” (dmv.nv.gov)
- Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles, “Nevada Driver’s Handbook, DMV 700 (March 2024)” (dmv.nv.gov)
- Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles, “Driver License/ID Fees and Exemptions” (dmv.nv.gov)
- KnowTo Drive, “Nevada: the official Nevada online driver exam” (knowtodrive.com)