How Much Does the Driving Test Cost in Texas?

Quick Answer: 

• Texas does not charge a standalone fee for the driving test. The cost is bundled into the license application fee.
• Adults 18 to 24 can expect to pay a minimum of $33 for the license application plus the cost of a required driver's ed course.
• Teens under 18 will also pay for a learner's permit, bringing the total cost higher.

If you are getting ready to take the driving test in Texas, the good news is that the state does not charge a separate testing fee. But that does not mean the process is free. Between the license application, required drivers ed, and a learner's permit for teens, the total cost depends on your age and which course you choose.

Here is a full breakdown of what you will actually pay to take the driving testHow Many Times Can You Take Driving Test Texas Trending and get your Texas driver license.

What Does a Texas Driver License Application Cost?

Before you can sit for the driving test, you need to pay the Texas driver license application fee. According to the Texas DPS fee scheduleDriver License Driver License Fees SectionDriver License Driver License Fees Section, the cost depends on your age.

The $33 application fee for adults covers the license itself, a vision exam, and up to three attempts at both the written knowledge test and the driving skills test within 90 days. There is no additional charge per attempt during that window.

How Much Does Required Drivers Ed Cost in Texas?

Texas law requires new drivers under 25 to complete a state-approved drivers ed courseDrivers Ed TexasDrivers Ed TexasDrivers Ed Texas before they can take the driving test. The type of course depends on your age.

Teens (14 to 17): Must complete a full drivers ed program, which includes classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training. Teens can choose between a teen drivers ed courseTeen Drivers Ed Texas through a licensed school or a Parent-Taught Drivers Ed (PTDE) program. Course fees vary by provider and format.

Adults (18 to 24): Must complete a six-hour adult drivers ed courseAdult Drivers Ed Texas. These are available online and are typically shorter and less expensive than teen programs.

Adults 25 and older: Are not required to complete drivers ed, though it is recommended. Drivers in this age group can go directly to a DPS office or a Third Party Skills TestingDriver License Third Party Skills Testing Program SectionDriver License Third Party Skills Testing Program SectionDriver License Third Party Skills Testing Program Section provider to take the test.

Course prices change over time, so check with your provider for the most current rates. Choosing a state-approved course ensures your certificate will be accepted by the DPS.

How Much Does a Texas Learner's Permit Cost?

Teens under 18 must obtain a Texas learner's permit (also called a learner license) before they can practice driving and eventually take the driving test. The permit costs $16 according to the Texas DPSDriver License Driver License Fees SectionDriver License Driver License Fees Section. This fee covers the permit application, the written knowledge test, and a vision exam. The permit remains valid until the teen's 18th birthday.

What Is the Total Cost to Take the Driving Test in Texas?

Your total out-of-pocket cost depends on your age and the driver's ed course you select. Here is how the math works for the most common scenarios.

Teens under 18: $16 (learner's permit) + driver's ed course fee + $16 (provisional license upgrade when they pass). The total varies based on which course you choose.

Adults 18 to 24: $33 (license application) + a six-hour adult driver's ed course fee.

Adults 25 and older: $33 (license application). No driver's ed fee is required, though a voluntary course is a smart investment in safe driving skillsPreparing Your Teen Driver For The Road TrendingPreparing Your Teen Driver For The Road Trending.

Do You Have to Pay to Retake the Driving Test in Texas?

If you do not pass the driving test, you can retake it within your 90-day application window. The Texas DPS allows up to three attempts during this period. Individual retest fees at DPS or third-party testing sites may apply, so check with your testing location for specifics.

If all three attempts are unsuccessful or the 90-day window expires, you will need to submit a new application and pay the application fee again to restart the process.

Are There Any Other Costs to Know About?

A few additional expenses may arise during the licensing process, depending on your situation.

• Impact Texas Drivers video: Required before the driving test. This is free and available online through the Texas DPSDriver License Impact Texas Drivers SectionDriver License Impact Texas Drivers Section.
• Third-party testing fees: If you take the driving test at a DPS-authorized driving schoolDriver License Third Party Skills Testing Program SectionDriver License Third Party Skills Testing Program SectionDriver License Third Party Skills Testing Program Section instead of a DPS office, the school may charge its own testing fee. These vary by provider.
• Replacement or duplicate license: $11 if you need to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license after it has been issued.

Get Ready to Pass on the First Try

The best way to keep costs down is to pass your driving test the first time. DriversEd.com offers Texas DPS-approved online coursesDrivers Ed TexasDrivers Ed TexasDrivers Ed Texas for both teens and adults, plus permit test prepPermit Test Prep CoursesPermit Test Prep Courses to help you walk into the testing room confident. Complete your course, practice your skills, and take the test knowing you are prepared.

What Is the Total Cost to Take the Driving Test in Texas?

Your total out-of-pocket cost depends on your age and the driver's ed course you select. Here is how the math works for the most common scenarios.

Teens under 18: $16 (learner's permit) + driver's ed course fee + $16 (provisional license upgrade when they pass). The total varies based on which course you choose.

Adults 18 to 24: $33 (license application) + a six-hour adult driver's ed course fee.

Adults 25 and older: $33 (license application). No driver's ed fee is required, though a voluntary course is a smart investment in safe driving skillsPreparing Your Teen Driver For The Road TrendingPreparing Your Teen Driver For The Road Trending.

Do You Have to Pay to Retake the Driving Test in Texas?

If you do not pass the driving test, you can retake it within your 90-day application window. The Texas DPS allows up to three attempts during this period. Individual retest fees at DPS or third-party testing sites may apply, so check with your testing location for specifics.

If all three attempts are unsuccessful or the 90-day window expires, you will need to submit a new application and pay the application fee again to restart the process.

Are There Any Other Costs to Know About?

A few additional expenses may arise during the licensing process, depending on your situation.

• Impact Texas Drivers video: Required before the driving test. This is free and available online through the Texas DPSDriver License Impact Texas Drivers SectionDriver License Impact Texas Drivers Section.
• Third-party testing fees: If you take the driving test at a DPS-authorized driving schoolDriver License Third Party Skills Testing Program SectionDriver License Third Party Skills Testing Program SectionDriver License Third Party Skills Testing Program Section instead of a DPS office, the school may charge its own testing fee. These vary by provider.
• Replacement or duplicate license: $11 if you need to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license after it has been issued.

Get Ready to Pass on the First Try

The best way to keep costs down is to pass your driving test the first time. DriversEd.com offers Texas DPS-approved online coursesDrivers Ed TexasDrivers Ed TexasDrivers Ed Texas for both teens and adults, plus permit test prepPermit Test Prep CoursesPermit Test Prep Courses to help you walk into the testing room confident. Complete your course, practice your skills, and take the test knowing you are prepared.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Texas charge a separate fee for the driving test?

No. Texas does not charge a standalone fee for the driving skills test. It is included in your driver license application fee, which covers up to three test attempts within a 90-day window.

How much does it cost to retake the driving test in Texas?

If you do not pass, you can retake the test at no additional DPS charge within your 90-day application window, up to three attempts. Some third-party testing providers may charge their own retest fee, so check with your specific testing location.

Do I have to take drivers ed before the driving test in Texas?

It depends on your age. Drivers under 25 must complete a state-approved drivers ed course before testing. Teens take a full course with behind-the-wheel training, and adults 18 to 24 take a six-hour adult course. Drivers 25 and older are not required to take a course, though it is recommended.

How much is a Texas learner's permit?

A Texas learner's permit costs $16. This covers the permit application, the written knowledge test, and a vision exam, and it remains valid until the teen's 18th birthday.

What is the cheapest way to get a Texas driver license?

Drivers 25 and older have the lowest total cost since they only pay the $33 license application fee with no required course. Teens and adults under 25 pay the application or permit fee plus a drivers ed course, so total cost depends on which course provider they choose.