How to Schedule Your Nevada DMV Knowledge Test
Most Nevada DMV offices accept walk-ins for the knowledge test, though appointments are typically faster. Below is what's required and what fees to expect.
Test format
- Passing Score Pct
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Nevada passes you at 80 percent or better. On a 25-question test that means 20 correct answers.
- Num Questions
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The Class C non-commercial knowledge test is drawn from a 25-question pool, but you will often answer fewer than 25. The test stops the moment you reach 20 correct or 6 incorrect, so it can end early either way.
- Num To Pass
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You need 20 correct. Nevada stops the test as soon as you hit that number, so a clean run ends before you see every question. It also stops at 6 wrong, which is the fail line.
- Time Limit Minutes
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There is no time limit on the knowledge test at a DMV office, so the clock is not something to plan around on the standard path. The only cap applies if you test at home through the state online proctor, which allows 60 minutes.
- Test format
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Nevada administers the knowledge test on automated testing equipment at the DMV, but a paper version is also available. If you have trouble reading or understanding the written test, you can request an oral examination instead, and the Basic Class C and motorcycle tests are offered in Spanish as well as English.
- Retake Wait Days
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Fail and you can test again the next day. If you are disqualified partway through an online attempt rather than simply failing it, the wait is 24 hours. Every retest carries a $10 fee.
- Passing Question Categories
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Nevada sets no per-section minimums. Nothing requires you to clear a separate bar on sign questions or right-of-way questions on their own. Only the running total matters, and the test ends the moment it reaches 20 correct or 6 incorrect.
Fees
- Learner permit fee
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The instruction permit is $22.50. Completing the permit, meaning converting it once you pass the drive test, is another $22.50.
- Knowledge test fee
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Nevada charges one $25 testing fee that covers your knowledge test and your drive test together, not $25 each. It is charged once for any combination of license classes or endorsements paid for at the same time. Every retest after that is $10. Taking the knowledge test at home through the state online proctor adds a separate $6.75 vendor charge per attempt, and it does not replace the $25.
- Skills (road) test fee
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There is no separate drive-test fee in Nevada. The single $25 testing fee covers both the knowledge test and the drive test, so budget $25 total for testing rather than $25 twice. Retests are $10 each.
- First-time license fee
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An original 8-year non-commercial license is $41.50. A 4-year Driver Authorization Card or limited-term license is $22.50 instead.
- Renewal fee
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Renewing the 8-year non-commercial license is $41.50. The 4-year Driver Authorization Card or limited-term renewal is $22.50.
- Non-driver ID card fee
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A standard adult (18 to 64) identification card is $21.50 for an original or an 8-year renewal, or $12.50 for the 4-year version. Ages 10 to 17 pay $9.50. At 65 or older it drops to $11.50 for an original 8-year card and $3.50 for any renewal.
- Retake fee
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Every retest is $10, whether it is the knowledge test or the drive test. If you retake the written test online instead, the $6.75 vendor charge applies to that attempt as well.
Source: Nevada DMV, Driver License Fees schedule, Testing Fees table ("Each Retest $10")
Documents you'll need
- Acceptable identity documents
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Present one unexpired original or certified copy of: a state-issued birth certificate, a valid U.S. Passport or Passport Card, a Nevada Department of Corrections identification card (not valid for Real ID), a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240), or a driver license, instruction permit, or identification card from another state bearing a Real ID marking. If born outside the U.S., a Certificate of Naturalization (N-550) or Certificate of Citizenship (N-560) is acceptable. Permanent Residents may use a Permanent Resident Card (I-551) or a valid foreign passport with an I-94 stamped 'Processed for I-551' (expired I-94 requires a Notice of Action I-797 showing an approved extension). Limited-term residents may use an Employment Authorization Card (I-766) or a valid foreign passport with an unexpired U.S. visa and an I-94 (with I-797 if the I-94 is expired); cards issued from limited-term documents will be marked 'Limited Term.' Hospital-issued birth certificates, out-of-state licenses without Real ID marking, foreign birth certificates, border crossing cards, and consular identification cards are not accepted as proof of name and age.
- Acceptable residency documents
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Present two documents reflecting a Nevada residential address. Dated within 60 days: rent or lease receipts, a residence lease showing you as lessee, public utility records, bank or credit card statements, employment check stubs, court documents, bills or receipts requesting payment, Nevada educational institution records or student IDs, hotel/motel/RV park/campground records showing 30 or more consecutive days of residency, voter registration cards issued under NRS 293.517, public-assistance documentation, military Leave and Earnings Statements (for deployed members), or notarized statements from a residence owner. Last-issued versions accepted: insurance agency documents (card, binder, or bill), tax records other than property taxes, property tax records, deed of trust or mortgage documentation, or Confidential Address Program documents under NRS 217.462-.471. Department-approved forms DMV 005 (Certification of Nevada Residency), DMV 115 (Relief Agency or Shelter Certification), and DMV 116 (Property Owner Residency Affidavit) are also accepted. A parent or guardian of an applicant under 18 may sign a DMV-approved form verifying that the applicant lives at their address.
- SSN proof requirements
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Present one original document showing your full Social Security Number: your Social Security Card, a W-2 with the full SSN, an IRS Form 1099, or a paystub with your full legal name. Handwritten paystubs are not accepted. Alternative documents may be approved by the Department with supervisory approval but are not allowed for Real ID issuance.
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