DMV Texas · Fees, age, and practice test
Texas Permit Test: Cost, Age, and DMV Facts
Sourced procedural facts for Texas DMV, plus a free 180-question practice test with real sign images and audio.
How much does the Texas permit test cost?
No separate test fee stated; learner license fee ($16 for under 18) covers application, knowledge test, and card
- Learner permit / application fee: Learner license (under 18), new: $16 (expires on your 18th birthday)
- Knowledge (written) test fee: No separate test fee stated; learner license fee ($16 for under 18) covers application, knowledge test, and card
- Initial driver license fee: Driver license, new: $16 if under 18 (expires on your 18th birthday); $33 for age 18 to 84 (expires after eight years)
Source: Texas DPS - Driver License Division · Last verified 2026-07-06. Our 180-question Texas practice test is free and separate from these DMV fees.
Quick facts
Minimum permit age
15 years old, after starting an approved driver education course
Knowledge test fee
No separate test fee stated; learner license fee ($16 for under 18) covers application, knowledge test, and card
Permit fee
Learner license (under 18), new: $16 (expires on your 18th birthday)
Initial license fee
Driver license, new: $16 if under 18 (expires on your 18th birthday); $33 for age 18 to 84 (expires after eight years)
Passing score
You must score a grade of 70 percent or better to pass any knowledge exam
Retake fee
No charge for retakes within the application; after 90 days or three failed exams, a new application and fee are required
Supervised driving before road test
Must hold learner license 6 months and complete required behind-the-wheel practice via driver ed; DPS does not itemize a specific hour count outside the course
Documents to bring
Completed application, proof of citizenship/lawful presence, TX residency, identity, Social Security number, driver ed certificate, Impact Texas Driver certificate for road test
Find an office / appointment
Texas DPS provides a Driver License Office Locations search tool and Appointments page; all driver license/ID services are by appointment only via txdpsscheduler.com, though walk-ins can use an in-office kiosk to book same-day slots if available.
REAL ID status
REAL ID available; Texas began issuing REAL ID compliant cards (star in upper right) Oct 10, 2016. A DPS 'REAL ID Document Check' tool helps applicants prepare. Federal enforcement date May 7, 2025.
Motorcycle license
Endorsement at 15 (250cc or less restriction until 16, removed after skills test); requires TDLR-approved rider course completion certificate.
Commercial license (CDL)
Commercial Learner's Permit must be held 14 days before the skills exam.
Official source: Texas DPS - Driver License Division
Things like renewing registration, REAL ID, or a change of address are outside what this page covers -- go straight to the official Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) for licenses + Texas DMV for vehicle registration site.
How much is the Texas permit test?
Texas knowledge test fee: No separate test fee stated; learner license fee ($16 for under 18) covers application, knowledge test, and card (official source). Permit fee: Learner license (under 18), new: $16 (expires on your 18th birthday) (official source).
Texas DMV fees at a glance
| Fee | Official figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge test fee | No separate test fee stated; learner license fee ($16 for under 18) covers application, knowledge test, and card | source |
| Permit fee | Learner license (under 18), new: $16 (expires on your 18th birthday) | source |
| Initial license fee | Driver license, new: $16 if under 18 (expires on your 18th birthday); $33 for age 18 to 84 (expires after eight years) | source |
| Retake fee | No charge for retakes within the application; after 90 days or three failed exams, a new application and fee are required | source |
Studying for it? Take the free Texas DMV practice test (180 questions, instant explanations, no signup).
What a Texas driver license covers
Initial license fee: Driver license, new: $16 if under 18 (expires on your 18th birthday); $33 for age 18 to 84 (expires after eight years) (official source)
REAL ID status: REAL ID available; Texas began issuing REAL ID compliant cards (star in upper right) Oct 10, 2016. A DPS 'REAL ID Document Check' tool helps applicants prepare. Federal enforcement date May 7, 2025. (official source)
See a real Texas license sample on the official DMV site (Texas DPS - Driver License Division) →
The gold star marks a REAL ID compliant card. Many states hand you a paper interim license the day you pass and mail the physical card later; the interim paper generally works for driving but not for TSA airport ID. Check the official Texas DMV site for exact card timelines.
Getting a license in Texas
Getting your first permit
In Texas, the minimum permit age is 15 years old, after starting an approved driver education course. When you apply for a permit or license, bring: completed application, proof of citizenship/lawful presence, TX residency, identity, Social Security number, driver ed certificate, Impact Texas Driver certificate for road test. Texas DPS provides a Driver License Office Locations search tool and Appointments page; all driver license/ID services are by appointment only via txdpsscheduler.com, though walk-ins can use an in-office kiosk to book same-day slots if available.
Fees, retakes, and practice hours
No separate test fee stated; learner license fee ($16 for under 18) covers application, knowledge test, and card. Before the road test, the state requires must hold learner license 6 months and complete required behind-the-wheel practice via driver ed; DPS does not itemize a specific hour count outside the course.
REAL ID, motorcycle, and CDL
REAL ID available; Texas began issuing REAL ID compliant cards (star in upper right) Oct 10, 2016. A DPS 'REAL ID Document Check' tool helps applicants prepare. Federal enforcement date May 7, 2025. For a motorcycle license: endorsement at 15 (250cc or less restriction until 16, removed after skills test); requires TDLR-approved rider course completion certificate. For a commercial license (CDL): commercial Learner's Permit must be held 14 days before the skills exam.
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