Last Updated 9th of November, 2010

How many chances do I get to pass the driving test if I hold a permit?

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This varies by state.

For many states, it’s not as much how many chances you get to pass the driving test as it is how long you have to wait to take the test again. For other states, you have to recognize both a waiting period in between driving tests and a maximum number of tests you can take during a certain time period.

After a certain number of failures, some states require applicants to obtain additional driver training in order to gain more behind-the-wheel practice before testing again.

Of course, no matter how many tries you get, you really only have until your drivers permit expires to pass the test and obtain your drivers license. If the time for your permit to expire is drawing near, be sure to talk with your examiner or a clerk at your local DMV or driver licensing agency about the next step. Sometimes it’s as simple as filing for an extension; other times, you might have to start all over and obtain another learners permit.

Alabama You can take the driving test twice a day for $5 each time; after that, talk with your examiner.
Alaska You can take the driving test again in a week.
Arizona You can take the driving test again on the next business day; the $25 fee covers 3 tests in a 12-month period.
Arkansas You can try again in 30 days.
California You can try again in 7 days, but you must make another appointment and that could take longer than a week.
Colorado Generally you can take the test again after waiting a business day, but it's always up to the examiner.
Connecticut You must wait 14 days and pay $40 for each retake.
Delaware Each DMV has its own waiting time requirement; the examiner will tell you when you schedule the next appointment.
Florida The examiner will tell you when you can retake the test, and you must pay $20 for each retake.
Georgia If you fail once, retake it the next day; if you fail twice, retake it in 7 days; if you fail a third or subsequent time, retake it in 30 days.
Hawaii Could vary, depending on you and the examiner, but expect to wait a week.
Idaho You must wait 3 days and bring both the $3.50 receipt and $11.50 fee.
Illinois Your application fee covers 3 tests in a year.
Indiana You have 3 chances to pass and can take the test 2 weeks after you fail.
Iowa You must make an appointment for each new test, but there are no limits and each test is free.
Kansas You have 4 chances to pass, and you can retake each test on the next working day; after the 4th failure, you must wait 6 months.
Kentucky You can retake the test in a week.
Louisiana The examiner will tell you when you can retake the test.
Maine The examiner will tell you when you can retake the test.
Maryland You can retake the test on the next business day; after failing 3 times, you must wait a week to try again.
Massachusetts You can take the driving test 6 times in a 12-month period, paying $20 each time.
Michigan You can test again in 24 hours.
Minnesota The examiner will assign you a certain practice time you must complete before retaking the test. After 2 failed tests, you must pay another $20 for the 3rd and subsequent tests; after 4 failed tests, you'll have to have 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training with a certified instructor before you can test again.
Mississippi Typically you can take the test again the next available day, but it's always up to the examiner.
Missouri You can retake the next day, but if you fail three driving tests you must get written authorization from the DOR and show proof of completing additional behind-the-wheel training before you can take the test again.
Montana You can retake the next day (or next available appointment) and you have 3 chances to pass; after that, you must start the process (including fee payment) over again.
Nebraska The examiner will give you an Examiner Refusal Certificate telling you when you can take it again.
Nevada The examiner will tell you when you can retest, but it won't be the same day.
New Hampshire The examiner will tell you when you can make another appointment.
New Jersey You must wait 2 weeks to retake the test.
New Mexico The examiner will tell you when you can make another appointment.
New York The examiner will tell you when you can make another appointment; the first retest is free; after that, you must pay $10 for every 2 tries indefinitely.
North Carolina You can retest in 5 business days.
North Dakota It's up to the examiner; you could retest during the next available appointment or you could have to wait longer.
Ohio You can retest the part you failed in 7 days; after 4 tries, you have to start the entire process over (including obtaining a permit).
Oklahoma You can retest 3 times, with a week in between; after that, you must wait 30 days.
Oregon If you fail once, retest in 7 days; if you fail again, wait 14 days; if you fail a 3rd or 4th time, wait 28 days; if you fail 5 times, you must wait a year. (Applicants younger than 18 must wait 28 days between each retest until they fail a 4th time, when they have to wait a year.)
Pennsylvania Retest in 7 days. Permits are valid for 3 tries, after which you must file for an extension.
Rhode Island Retest in 30 days.
South Carolina Retest in a business day or when your examiner says you can.
South Dakota You must wait a business day; your fee covers 3 attempts in a 6-month period.
Tennessee It depends on your test scores; could be as early as the next day or as late as 30 days.
Texas Your examiner will tell you when you can retest.
Utah You can take the test once per day; after the 3rd try you must pay the fee again.
Vermont Wait a week to test again.
Virginia You can take the test once per business day and 3 times in a 3-month period.
Washington If you fail once, wait a week; if you fail twice, wait 1-3 weeks; if you fail 3 times you must wait 3 months.
West Virginia Your examiner will tell you when you can retest; you can only test once a week.
Wisconsin You can take the test 5 times during a year; after that, you must obtain permission.
Wyoming You can retest in 24 hours.
Washington DC You can retest in 7 days; if you fail 3 times, you must wait a year from the original test date to retest.




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Visitor Comments

  • Posted by Anonymous on May 26th, 2010

    In florida you get five chances to retake.For every retake you need to pay $20.If you fail five times you need to wait one year to retake.

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