The Class C knowledge exam
This is the written exam for an original applicant. You must score 70 percent or better to pass. State rule says 70 percent correct, or better, on each test. The handbook and the knowledge-exam rule both say this.
The exam is offered in English and in Spanish only. An oral exam is given when you actually need one. You must understand road signs written in English. Literacy by itself is not required. That is the same rule and the languages page.
DPS does not print how many questions are on the office exam. The adult course that can waive the sign and traffic-law parts uses at least 30 questions. Those questions are split evenly between highway signs and traffic laws. You need 70 percent on each part. See the online adult-course rule and the in-person adult-course rule.
The handbook lists one Class C knowledge exam for all original applicants. It does not list a separate exam for teens. That line is in the handbook.
Where you can take it
- At a driver license office — if you did not already pass it in class.
- During driver education — bring proof if you passed it in the classroom portion.
The teen page tells you to bring that proof, or to test at the office.
Some courses for people under 25 mean you do not take the Class C exam at the office. The adult-course rule says a passed course can waive the highway-sign part and the traffic-law part. The handbook and the adult-course rule say this.
A driving test in Spanish is not available at every office. A translator may help only before and after a test, not during it. If you need an ASL interpreter, ask at least four business days ahead. All of that is on the languages page.
Our practice test is shaped like the real one. It has 30 questions, with 8 misses allowed. You still need 70 percent on each half. The question count follows the adult course rule. Practice that test here, free.
If you do not pass the knowledge exam and the driving exam on the first try, DPS holds the application for 90 days. After 90 days, or after three failed exams, you need a new application and a new fee. DPS does not print a separate price for a knowledge retest. The hold rule is in the handbook.