Texas Permit Test: What Is Tested and Where to Take It

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The Texas learner license test (often called the Texas permit test) has three parts: a vision test, a highway sign test and a traffic law test. Teens can take it through their driver education provider or at a Texas DPS driver license office. This guide covers what is tested, where to take it, when you are eligible, what to bring and what happens if you fail.

Key facts

Minimum age for the learner license: 15.
Tested: vision, highway signs (in English), traffic laws, your duties toward cyclists, and how phones and other distractions affect driving.
Where: with a licensed driver education provider or at DPS.
Pass mark: 70 percent on any knowledge exam.
Attempts: one application fee covers three tries at each part.
Learner license fee in the Transportation Code: $15 (as of November 2026).

What is on the Texas permit test?

Section 521.161 of the Texas Transportation Code says the license exam must test your:

vision
ability to identify and understand highway signs in English that regulate, warn or direct traffic
knowledge of Texas traffic laws
knowledge of drivers’ rights and responsibilities toward bicyclists
knowledge of how using a wireless device, or other distractions, affects safe driving

Questions come from the Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7). Study the signs, right-of-way, speed, parking and alcohol sections closely.

How many questions are on the Texas permit test, and what is the passing score?

The DL-7 handbook (January 2026) says you must score 70 percent or better to pass any knowledge exam. It does not give a question count, so ask your provider or Texas DPS, and do not rely on figures from unofficial practice sites. For states that do publish their numbers, see permit test questions by state.

Where can you take the test: provider or DPS?

Who gives it	Parts they can give
In-person or online driver education provider	Vision, highway sign and traffic law tests
Parent-taught course provider	Highway sign and traffic law tests (vision is checked at DPS)
Texas DPS driver license office	All parts, for anyone who did not test with a provider

If you passed the written test during your course, it is waived at DPS. You still need the driving test later.

Can you take it in writing or in Spanish?

Yes. The law requires DPS to offer the sign and law parts in writing as well as by computer or other method. It also requires a Spanish version for applicants who cannot take the test in English. In the Spanish version the directions are in Spanish but sign text stays in English.

When are you eligible?

You are at least 15.
You have completed enough classroom instruction. That means the whole classroom phase (at least 24 hours) under the block method, or the first 6 hours under the concurrent method. One TDLR parent-taught page still says 32 hours for the block method, so check with your provider.
You have the DE-964 certificate of completion from your course provider.

What to bring to DPS for the learner license

Completed driver license application
Proof of US citizenship or lawful presence
Proof of Texas residency
Proof of identity
Social Security number
Proof of Texas vehicle registration and vehicle insurance (or a signed statement that you do not own a vehicle)
DE-964 certificate showing classroom completion
Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE) form, or a diploma or GED
Parent-taught students: the instructor designation receipt, and the parent instructor must come with you
The application fee

Book an appointment at a DPS driver license office first.

The VOE form

Under 18s without a diploma or GED need the VOE. A school official signs it (a stamped or computer-generated signature is fine). It is valid for 30 days, or 90 days if issued between June and August. You must be enrolled with at least 80 days of attendance (45 days in a high school equivalency program). Schools apply the 90% attendance rule for class credit.

What if you fail the Texas permit test?

One application and fee entitles you to three attempts at each part of the exam. If you have not passed after the third try, you submit a new application with a new fee. The DL-7 adds that an application is held for 90 days after a first failed attempt, and that after 90 days or three fails you need a new application and fee. Use the gap to work through the handbook section you struggled with.

Common questions

Can I take the Texas permit test online?

You can take the sign and law tests through a licensed online driver education provider as part of your course. Otherwise you test at DPS.

Is the vision test part of the permit test?

Yes. Classroom and online providers can give it. Parent-taught students take the vision test at DPS.

Do I need to pass the permit test again for my provisional license?

No. You pass the knowledge parts once. At the provisional stage you take the driving test.

How much does the Texas learner license cost?

The Transportation Code sets the learner license fee at $15 (as of November 2026). The DL-7 fee table shows $16 with the $1 administrative fee. Confirm the current amount on the Texas DPS fees page.

Can I start driving right after I pass?

Only once DPS has issued your learner license, and only with a licensed driver aged 21 or over, with at least one year of experience, in the front passenger seat.

I am 18 or over. Do I take the test at DPS?

Usually, yes. If you take the 24-hour course instead of the 6-hour adult course, TDLR says you may be able to do some testing with your provider. See adult driver ed in Texas.

Related Texas guides

Sources

Texas Department of Public Safety, “Texas Driver Handbook” (DL-7, revised January 2026), chapter 1, Examinations, and appendix D (dps.texas.gov)
Texas Legislature, “Transportation Code Chapter 521, Driver’s Licenses and Certificates”, sections 521.161, 521.162, 521.1655, 521.204, 521.222 and 521.421 (statutes.capitol.texas.gov)
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, “Getting the Learner License” (tdlr.texas.gov)
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, “Classroom Instruction” (tdlr.texas.gov)
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, “Getting a Provisional Driver’s License” (tdlr.texas.gov)
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, “Verification of Enrollment and Attendance” (tdlr.texas.gov)
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, “Do I Need to Take Driver Education in Texas?” (tdlr.texas.gov)

Texas Permit Test: What Is Tested, Where to Take It, Retakes