Whether you need to take a written test for your Texas driver’s license depends on your age, licensing situation, and whether you complete an approved driver education course. This guide provides clear answers about written test requirements for teens, adults, new Texas residents, and license renewals.
Understanding written test requirements helps you prepare properly and avoid surprises during your DPS visit. Many Texans don’t realize they can complete their written test online through approved courses, eliminating the need to visit crowded DPS offices.
Virtual Drive of Texas has been helping Texans navigate driver’s license requirements since 2004. Our TDLR-approved courses include the written knowledge test, allowing thousands of students to skip this step entirely at DPS.
This guide clarifies when you must take the written test, who qualifies for exemptions, and how completing an approved online course simplifies the licensing process.
What Is the Written Test for a Texas Driver’s License?
The Texas written test, also called the knowledge test, evaluates your understanding of state traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. This examination ensures that all drivers possess the essential knowledge required to operate vehicles on Texas roadways.
The test covers topics including speed limits, parking regulations, traffic signals, pedestrian safety, sharing the road with other vehicles, and Texas-specific driving laws. Questions assess your ability to recognize common road signs, understand their meanings, and apply traffic regulations to real-world driving scenarios.
Passing the written test is required before the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will issue your learner’s permit or driver’s license. The test demonstrates that you understand the rules governing safe, legal vehicle operation in Texas.
However, you don’t always need to take this test at a DPS office. TDLR-approved driver education courses, such as those offered by Virtual Drive of Texas, include the written test as an integrated component. When you complete an approved course, you satisfy the written test requirement and receive a certificate proving completion.
This certificate—the DE-964 for teens or ADE-1317 for adults—allows you to skip the written test entirely when visiting DPS. You’ll still complete vision screening, provide required documentation, take your photo, and complete the road test, but the written knowledge test is already satisfied through your driver’s ed course.
Taking the written test through an approved online course offers significant advantages, including testing in a comfortable environment, taking the exam at your own pace, and avoiding the stress of crowded DPS testing centers.
Do Teens (14–17) Have to Take a Written Test?
Yes, Texas teens must take a written test, but they complete it as part of their required driver education course rather than separately at DPS. The written test is included in both parent-taught and instructor-led driver’s ed programs approved by TDLR.
Teens aged 14-17 must complete 32 hours of driver education before applying for their learner’s permit. Virtual Drive’s teen courses integrate the written knowledge test into the curriculum, typically administered after students complete the instructional material covering all test topics.
When teens finish their driver’s ed course and pass the included written test, they receive the DE-964 certificate. This official document proves completion of both the classroom instruction requirement and the written knowledge test. Present this certificate at DPS along with other required documentation, and you’ll skip the written test entirely.
The process follows these steps: Complete your 32-hour online coursework through Virtual Drive’s parent-taught or instructor-led program, pass the integrated written test, receive your DE-964 certificate immediately through instant download, complete the required Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) video course, and visit DPS at age 15 or older to apply for your learner’s permit.
At your DPS visit, you’ll present your DE-964 certificate, complete vision screening, provide required documentation, including proof of identity and Texas residency, take your photo, and receive your learner’s permit. You will not take a separate written test at DPS because you’ve already satisfied this requirement through your approved driver’s ed course.
This approach allows teens to take their written test at home in a comfortable, distraction-free environment. You can take your time reading questions carefully without feeling rushed by long lines or crowded testing rooms. If you don’t pass on your first attempt, Virtual Drive courses include three test attempts, giving you multiple opportunities to demonstrate your knowledge.
Do Adults (18–24) and New Drivers (25+) Have to Take a Written Test?
Adults Aged 18-24: Yes, adults in this age group must take a written test, but like teens, they can complete it through an approved Adult Driver Education (ADE) course rather than at DPS. Texas law requires all first-time drivers aged 18-24 to complete a 6-hour TDLR-approved driver’s ed course before obtaining their license.
Virtual Drive’s Adult Driver’s Ed course includes the written knowledge test as an integrated component. Upon completing the 6-hour curriculum and passing the included test, you receive the ADE-1317 certificate. This certificate proves you’ve satisfied both the driver education requirement and the written test requirements.
When you visit DPS with your ADE-1317 certificate, you’ll complete vision screening, provide required documentation, take your photo, and schedule or complete your road test. You will not take the written test at DPS because you’ve already passed it through your approved course.
This streamlined approach saves significant time during your DPS visit. Rather than waiting in line for the written test, completing it under time pressure, and potentially needing to return if you don’t pass, you handle the knowledge test at home on your schedule.
Adults 25 and Older: The answer for adults 25+ is more nuanced. Texas law doesn’t require driver education for adults 25 and older, meaning the written test requirement depends on your specific situation.
If you’re a first-time driver aged 25 or older applying for your initial Texas license, you must take the written test. However, you have two options: take the test at a DPS office during your licensing visit, or complete an Adult Driver Education course through Virtual Drive that includes the written test.
While not legally required for your age group, taking the ADE course offers several advantages. You receive comprehensive preparation about Texas traffic laws and safe driving practices, take your written test in a comfortable home environment without DPS office stress, and demonstrate your commitment to safe driving, which may benefit insurance rates.
Many adults 25+ choose Virtual Drive’s Adult Driver’s Ed course specifically to avoid taking the written test at DPS. The 6-hour course provides thorough preparation, while the included written test satisfies DPS requirements. Upon completion, your ADE-1317 certificate allows you to skip the written test at your DPS visit.
For adults 25+ who already hold a valid driver’s license from another state and are transferring to Texas, you typically don’t need to take the written test at all. Texas recognizes valid out-of-state licenses and generally waives the knowledge test for licensed drivers establishing Texas residency.
Do You Have to Take the Written Test If You’re Moving to Texas or Renewing a License?
Moving to Texas from Another U.S. State: If you hold a valid, unexpired driver’s license from another U.S. state, you generally don’t need to take the written test when transferring to a Texas license. Texas DPS recognizes valid licenses from other states and waives the knowledge test requirement for licensed drivers.
The transfer process involves visiting a DPS office, surrendering your out-of-state license, providing proof of Texas residency and identity, completing vision screening, and paying applicable fees. You’ll receive your Texas license without taking either the written or road test, assuming your previous license remains valid.
However, if your out-of-state license has expired for more than two years, Texas considers you a first-time driver and requires both written and road tests. In this situation, completing Virtual Drive’s Adult Driver’s Ed course lets you take the written test at home rather than at DPS.
Moving to Texas from Another Country: International license holders and new U.S. residents face different requirements. If you hold a valid license from another country, Texas may require both a written and a road test, depending on your country of origin and the validity of your license.
Some countries have reciprocal agreements with Texas that allow license transfers without testing. However, many international drivers must complete the full testing process, including the written knowledge test. Check with DPS to confirm your country’s agreement status.
International drivers who must take the written test benefit significantly from completing an Adult Driver’s Ed course first. The course familiarizes you with U.S. traffic laws, Texas-specific regulations, and American road signs that may differ significantly from those in your home country. The included written test lets you satisfy this requirement before visiting DPS.
Renewing Your Texas License: Standard license renewals don’t require retaking the written test. If you renew your license before it expires or within two years of expiration, you simply complete the renewal process through DPS without any testing.
However, if your Texas license has expired for more than two years, DPS treats your application as a new license rather than a renewal. This requires retaking both the written knowledge test and the road test, regardless of your previous driving experience.
Drivers who haven’t driven in several years while their license remained expired benefit from taking a refresher driver’s ed course. Virtual Drive’s Adult Driver’s Ed provides updated information about current traffic laws, reviews essential driving knowledge, and includes the written test, ensuring you’re thoroughly prepared for your DPS visit.
Expired Licenses and Special Circumstances: Certain situations require additional testing even for previously licensed drivers. If your license was suspended, revoked, or canceled, reinstatement requirements may include retaking the written and road tests.
Military personnel and their families may have different requirements based on deployment status and state of legal residence. Medical conditions that affect driving ability may trigger additional testing or documentation requirements beyond the standard written test.
Conclusion
Whether you must take a written test for your Texas driver’s license depends primarily on your age and licensing situation. Teens aged 14-17 and adults aged 18-24 must take the written test, but can complete it through TDLR-approved driver education courses. Adults 25 and older may need to take the test, depending on whether they’re first-time drivers or transferring an existing license.
The most convenient and stress-free approach is completing your written test through Virtual Drive of Texas’s approved online courses. You’ll test at home in a comfortable environment, take your time with questions, and receive your certificate immediately upon passing. This certificate allows you to skip the written test entirely when you visit DPS.
Understanding these requirements helps you prepare properly and avoid surprises during the licensing process. Whether you’re a teen earning your first license, an adult getting licensed for the first time, or a new Texas resident, Virtual Drive provides the TDLR-approved courses you need to succeed.
Ready to satisfy your written test requirement and start your path to licensing? Choose the course that fits your situation and begin today.
Get Started with Virtual Drive of Texas
Teens Ages 14-17:
Enroll in Parent-Taught Driver’s Ed – Complete your 32-hour course with an integrated written test, receive your DE-964 certificate, and skip the written test at DPS. Just $59.95 (regularly $99.95).
Adults Ages 18-24 (Required):
Enroll in Adult Driver’s Education – Complete your mandatory 6-hour course with a written test included, receive your ADE-1317 certificate, and skip the DPS written test. Available in English and Spanish. Just $38.00 (regularly $78.00).
Adults 25+ (Optional but Recommended):
Take Adult Driver’s Ed – Optional preparation that includes the written test, letting you skip testing at DPS while gaining confidence and comprehensive knowledge.
Already Completed Driver’s Ed? Need More Information:
- Learn About Taking the Written Test Online
- Take Our Free DPS Practice Test
- Understanding Texas Driver’s License Test Requirements
- Texas Driver Education Requirements by Age
- Texas Learner’s Permit Guide
- Download the Texas Driver’s Handbook
- Find Your Local DPS Office
Questions About Your Written Test Requirements? Contact our Texas-based support team at (833) 3-VDRIVE. We’ll clarify your specific situation, recommend the right course, and guide you through the licensing process from start to finish.
