Is There a Driving Theory Test in the USA?
Yes. The US equivalent of a driving theory test is the driver's knowledge test — usually called the permit test, the written test, or the DMV test. Unlike the UK, there's no single national test: each of the 50 states and Washington, D.C. runs its own, with between 18 and 50 questions (mostly multiple-choice) and a passing score of 70% to 88%.
What the US driving theory test is called
If you're searching from outside the US, "theory test" won't match what Americans call it. The same exam goes by several names depending on the state and who you ask: the knowledge test, written test, permit test (because passing it gets you a learner's permit), or DMV test (after the Department of Motor Vehicles, the most common name for the agency that runs it).
Who runs the test in each state
Each state's own licensing agency runs its test, and not every state calls that agency the "DMV". For example:
- California: California Department of Motor Vehicles (CA DMV)
- Texas: Texas Department of Public Safety (Texas DPS)
- Ohio: Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (Ohio BMV)
- Arizona: Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division (Arizona MVD)
- Massachusetts: Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (Massachusetts RMV)
What's on the US knowledge test
The test checks that you know the rules of the road before you start practising: traffic laws, road signs and signals, right-of-way, safe-driving practices, and alcohol and drug laws, plus rules specific to your state. Questions are drawn from your state's official driver handbook. The length and pass mark vary — see permit test questions and passing scores by state for every state's figures.
How it differs from the UK theory test
- No national test. Each state sets its own questions, length, pass mark, and fee.
- No hazard perception section. US knowledge tests are question-based only; there's no separate video clip test like the UK's hazard perception part.
- It usually comes first. Passing it typically gets you a learner's permit. You then practise with a licensed driver and take a behind-the-wheel road test for your full license.
- Teen drivers follow graduated rules. Most states license young drivers in stages (permit, then a restricted license, then a full license), with rules that differ by state.
Moving to the US with a foreign license
Rules for converting a foreign license are set by each state, not nationally. Many new residents need to pass their new state's knowledge test, and often a road test too, to get a state license — check the official requirements for the state you're moving to. Each state's Resources page on this site links to its agency's new-resident guidance.
Common questions
Is there a driving theory test in the USA?
Yes. The US equivalent is the driver's knowledge test, usually called the permit test, written test, or DMV test. There is no single national test: each state and Washington, D.C. runs its own, with 18 to 50 questions (mostly multiple-choice) and a passing score of 70% to 88%.
Is the US driving theory test the same in every state?
No. Each state writes and runs its own knowledge test, so the number of questions, passing score, fees, and some of the rules tested differ. The core topics — traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way, and safe driving — are similar everywhere.
Does the US theory test include hazard perception?
US knowledge tests are question-based: you answer multiple-choice (and in some states true/false) questions about rules and signs. They don't include a separate hazard-perception video test like the UK theory test's second part.
What comes after the US theory test?
Passing the knowledge test usually gets you a learner's permit, not a full license. You then practise with a licensed driver and pass a behind-the-wheel road test before you're fully licensed.
How to prepare
Start with your state's official driver handbook, then practise with questions written for your state.Pick your state for its free practice test, cheat sheet, and FAQ, or try the general practice test to see what the questions are like.