Cost Overview
| Applicant Path | Testing Venue | Base Test Fee | State License Fee | Card Update Fee | Total Out-of-Pocket |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teen (Under 18) | DPS Office | Included | $16 (Learner License) | $16 (Provisional License) | $32 |
| Teen (Under 18) | Driving School | $75 – $100 | $16 | $16 | $107 – $132 |
| Adult (18–84) Direct Road Test | DPS Office | Included | $33 (Full DL) | $0 | $33 |
Adult with Permit (Tested < 90 Days) | DPS Office | Included | $0 | $11 | $44 |
| Adult with Permit (Tested > 90 Days) | DPS Office | Included | $33 (Full DL) | $0 | $33 |
| Adult (18–84) | Driving School (TPST) | $75 – $120 | $33 (B-Restricted DL) | $11 | $119 – $164 |
How Much is the Driving Test in Texas?
The overall cost for a Texas road test depends entirely on where you choose to take it. Drivers can take the road skills exam at either a state-operated Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) licensing office or an authorized commercial driving school.
Taking the driving test at a DPS office is the most cost-effective option, since your license application fee includes up to three road test attempts within a 90-day window. However, DPS appointment wait times can stretch from several weeks to months at busier locations.
If you opt for a certified private driving school to bypass the DPS line, you pay a separate drivers test fee set by that provider—typically between $75 and $100—on top of mandatory state licensing fees. The main benefits of testing at a driving school are fast scheduling and flexible hours.
DPS Driving Test Fee
There is no separate Texas DPS driving test fee when you take the road test at a state licensing office. Instead, the Texas drivers test is included in your driver license application fee, along with administrative processing and the required vision screening.
The current DPS fee schedule is:
- Teens (Under 18): $16 (provisional license, expires on the 18th birthday).
- Adults (Ages 18–84): $33 (standard license, valid for eight years).
- Seniors (Ages 85+): $9 (senior license, valid for two years).
- Replacement card fee: $11 (updated card with restrictions removed)
You can schedule a driving test appointment at the DPS using the online Texas Scheduler portal.
The 90-Day Application Window and Adult B-Restriction Removal
New adult drivers typically obtain a B-restricted license to practice driving on public roads before taking their road test. An initial $33 B-restricted license application fee covers three road test attempts in 90 days.
If you pass within 90 days, you do not pay another full application fee. You simply pay an $11 license replacement fee to process your test results and remove the ‘B’ restriction from your card. If you wait longer than 90 days, your initial application expires. You must submit a new application to take the road test and receive a full, unrestricted driver license.
Turning 18 With a Learner’s Permit
For minors with a learner’s permit, turning 18 immediately voids your teen permit and waives the mandatory 6-month holding period. Texas teen driver education course hours completed under age 18 remain valid, but because adult licensing rules now apply, your expired teen permit cannot simply be renewed for $16. Instead, you must apply at the DPS for an adult license, which costs $33. Note that if you choose to take your road test at a third-party driving school after turning 18, they will require an active Texas driving permit; you must visit the DPS first to issue an adult B-restricted license for $33 before the school can test you.
If you have not completed your teen driver education course hours, you may decide to enroll in a streamlined Texas 6-hour adult driver education program instead.
Driving School Test Fees
To bypass long state wait times, Texas authorizes commercial driving schools to administer official road tests. Private schools set their own prices, typically following these operational tiers:
- Base driving test fee ($75–$120): Road testing fees vary by region across Texas. Driving schools in major metropolitan areas—such as Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, and Austin—typically charge $90–$120, while schools in suburban and rural areas often charge $50–$75.
- Tiered adult rates: Some providers charge a lower rate for teens ($75) and scale up for adult applicants ($100+)
- Expedited testing: Urgent, same-day, or weekend slots often run $120+.
- Cancellation and late fees: Schools frequently charge $25–$50 if you cancel late or are missing required documents.
- Retest fees: Driving schools generally treat retakes as independent transactions, charging $30–$75 per attempt.
Must-Have Documents Checklist to Avoid Retest Fees
Missing paperwork is the leading cause of drivers license applicants being turned away, which can mean rescheduling fees at a driving school or another long wait for a DPS appointment. On the day of your Texas driving test, ensure you have:
- Printed Impact Texas Drivers (ITD) certificate, dated within 90 days
- Driver Education certificate (Form DE-964 for teens or ADE-1317 for adults ages 18–24)
- 30-Hour Behind-the-Wheel Log (if under 18)
- Proof of registration and auto insurance for the test vehicle
How Test Results Are Submitted After Passing at a Private School
After passing your Texas driving test at a commercial school, you must update your DPS record to receive your unrestricted card. Eligible drivers whose school offers digital processing can complete this online by logging into their Texas by Texas (TxT) account, selecting “Upgrade DL,” and paying the mandatory $11 state replacement fee ($16 for teen provisional upgrades). Be aware that some private schools charge an optional $10 to $40 convenience fee to handle this digital upload on their end, which is separate from and does not replace the state's required $11 fee.
Temporary visa holders, international students, and non-U.S. citizens are ineligible for TxT digital processing. If you belong to this group—or if your school does not offer digital filing—you must schedule an in-person “Change/Update License” appointment at a DPS office, present your unopened test results envelope alongside your unexpired immigration documents, and pay the $11 state fee directly at the counter.
DPS vs. Driving School Costs
Deciding where to test comes down to two main factors:
- Go to the DPS office if you want the lowest possible out-of-pocket cost and have a flexible schedule. Your initial application fee covers up to three attempts with $0 in extra fees.
- Go to a driving school if you need your license immediately, require evening or weekend testing slots, or need to rent a test-compliant vehicle on-site. Expect to pay $75–$120 for the test itself, plus a $30–$75 fee per retake if you do not pass on the first attempt.
Vehicle Rental Costs for the Driving Test
Regardless of venue, you must present a safe, roadworthy passenger vehicle with valid insurance and registration. Using your own vehicle costs $0 extra at both DPS and driving schools, provided it passes a mandatory safety inspection. If you do not have access to a compliant car, most private testing centers offer dual-control school vehicles for an optional rental fee of $25 to $75.
Commercial rental cars are allowed only if the test-taker is explicitly listed as an authorized driver on the rental agreement and the insurance policy covers road driving exams.
