What's the Passing Score on the Texas Permit Test?
To pass the Texas DPS written knowledge exam, you generally need to answer at least 70% of the questions correctly.
How the score is calculated
A 70% passing score means you have some room for error, but missing more than about 3 in 10 questions means you'll need to retake the exam.
DPS sets and can change this threshold, so confirm the current passing score on the official Texas DPS website before your appointment.
Setting a practice target
Since 70% is the minimum, a reasonable practice goal is to consistently score 85% or higher across topic areas before your appointment, giving yourself a safety margin.
Our practice tests show your score as a percentage immediately after each 25-question set, along with a topic-by-topic breakdown so you know exactly which rules to review again.
Where most first-time test takers lose points
Right-of-way rules, traffic sign meanings, and Texas's DWI/DUI terminology (which distinguishes adult DWI from the minor-specific zero-tolerance DUI offense) are common areas where test takers lose points.
Reviewing the explanation after every practice question, not just the right answer, is the fastest way to close these gaps before test day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions can I miss on the Texas permit test?
With a 70% passing score, you can miss roughly 3 out of every 10 questions and still pass, though the exact number depends on the total question count used for your specific exam. Confirm current details with Texas DPS.
Is 70% an easy passing score to reach?
It's more forgiving than some other states' thresholds, but it's still important to study broadly rather than relying on guessing, since distractor answers are designed to be plausible.
Does the passing score differ for the CDL or motorcycle test?
Passing score requirements are set separately by test type and can differ from the standard permit test. Check the official Texas DPS website for the current requirement for the specific test you're taking.
Ready to put this into practice?
Start a free Texas permit practice testLast reviewed: 2026-07-06