How Long After Failing A Driving Test Can You Retake It?
I remember my first DMV road test in California as if it were yesterday. The wait time after failing felt like a cruel punishment, especially for a 16-year-old eager to taste the freedom of the road. I had turned when the traffic cleared instead of when the light turned green, and just like that, my dreams were put on a two-week hold. Looking back, I realize it was a lesson in patience and careful driving. So, for all the new drivers out there, my advice is simple: remember to breathe, take it slow, and think twice when given an instruction. Any traffic law infringement during your DMV Road test results in an instant failure. Don't risk it!
But what happens after that? How long must you wait before getting another shot at your driver's license test?
Let’s dive into the state-by-state rules:
Alabama
Wait one day before reapplying for your test. You will be given three chances in 90 days and must restart the licensing process.
Alaska
Drivers in Alaska have three chances within 90 days and must wait at least a week between attempts.
Arizona
Arizona drivers must wait at least ten days before retaking a driver's test.
California
You can retake your driving test after two weeks. It costs $7. A new driver's license application is required if you fail three times.
Colorado
Wait at least one day before trying again after failing the first time. You can try twice more before starting the process all over again.
Connecticut
Wait two weeks before trying again, and reapply if you fail three times in 90 days.
Delaware
If you fail a driving test in Delaware, you must wait ten days before reapplying and can try twice more in 90 days.
Florida
If you fail your first test, reschedule another on the same day and return to try again. It will cost you $20, and you're allowed three failed tests.
Georgia
There is a wait of just one day after your first failed attempt, increasing to 7 days after your second.
Hawaii
Hawaiian residents must wait for at least seven days before booking another driving test after failing their first attempt.
Idaho
You must wait at least three days before you can take another driving test in Idaho. Use this time to practice driving and ensure you are adequately prepared.
Illinois
There is a waiting period of 7 days, and you're allowed a total of three tests in a year.
Indiana
You can sit three driving tests in Indiana. If you fail all of them, you must wait for two months and may need to apply for your learner's permit again.
Iowa
You only need to wait for one day before you can retake your driving test in Iowa.
Kansas
Retakes require a wait of just one day, and you can take three of them on a single learner's permit.
Kentucky
There is a waiting period of 7 days for retakes in Kentucky.
Louisiana
Louisiana drivers who fail their first test can retake it twice more within 90 days. Each test incurs a reexamination fee. You must wait at least one day between these tests and will be required to restart the application process if you fail the driving test on your subsequent two attempts.
Maine
You can retake your driving test twice within 90 days of a failed test. These retakes must be one day apart; the application process will repeat if you still don't pass.
Maryland
Return the following day to retake your test and try again. If you fail, you must wait a week before taking your third driving test.
Massachusetts
There is a 2-week waiting period for test retakes, and you can't make more than six attempts within 12 months.
Michigan
You can attempt two further retakes within 90 days and must restart the process if both fail or those 90 days pass.
Minnesota
The state of Minnesota gives you four chances to pass your driving test. If you fail, you must complete a minimum of 6 hours with a licensed instructor.
In addition, all tests after the second will incur a $20 fee.
Mississippi
If you fail your driver's test in Mississippi, wait for a week, and you can retake it.
Missouri
Missouri allows you to take three attempts (no more than 1 test per day). After this, you can obtain a form from the examiner. Send this form to the Department of Revenue, and they will request that you complete additional behind-the-wheel training before attempting another test.
Montana
Retakes are allowed the following business day. After three fails, you must reapply for a license.
Nebraska
Retakes are not allowed on the same day. You can fail a total of three tests before you must reapply. You'll need to provide proof of a DMV-approved driver training course or have an LPD for at least 90 days.
Nevada
Retakes cost $10 in Nevada, and you can take 3 of these, with waits of at least one business day between them. You need additional behind-the-wheel training if you fail all three.
New Hampshire
If you fail your driving test in New Hampshire, wait ten days and try again. Your practice driving privileges will be revoked if you fail the third test, and you must attend an NH-DMV Hearing if you want to try for the fourth time.
New Jersey
If you fail your test, you must wait for at least two weeks before trying again. Fail more than twice, and you'll have a 6-month wait before you can try again.
New Mexico
You can take three driving tests within 90 days, providing at least one day between them. You may be charged a reexamination fee with each exam.
New York
If you fail a test in New York, wait for at least one day and try again. After your first two tries, you will be charged a small fee for all tests.
North Carolina
If you fail on your first try in NC, wait for a week. You can take a test three times in 90 days. You'll need to apply again if you don't pass within this timeframe.
North Dakota
If you fail on your first attempt, retake the test after at least one day. You may be charged a reexamination fee, and if you don't pass within 90 days or fail three times, you'll need to restart the application process.
Ohio
Ohio has a waiting period of 7 days for applicants who fail their test. If you fail the driving test four times, you must wait six months before you can try again.
Oklahoma
You only need to wait for one day before you can retake a driving test in Oklahoma. However, if you fail three times within 30 days of your first test, all subsequent tests require a 30-day wait.
Oregon
Drivers under 18 must wait for at least 28 days before a retake, while drivers aged 18 or older only need to wait seven days.
The waiting time increases to 14 days after the second attempt and 28 days after the third.
Pennsylvania
You can retake your driving test twice after failing on your first attempt. Under 18s must wait for at least one week.
If you fail all three tests, obtain a learner's permit extension, and try again.
Rhode Island
If you fail the first time you take your test, you'll need to wait 30 days before trying again. Fail the second time, and you'll need to wait for 90 days. A 180-day wait proceeds to a third failed test.
South Carolina
You can schedule another driving test shortly after failing the first time around. This is something that your examiner can help you with.
If you fail your driving test for the second time, you must wait for two weeks. Fail it a third time, and that wait increases to 60 days.
South Dakota
You can schedule another test after at least one day. You have three attempts in 90 days, after which you'll need to reapply and pay the application fee again.
Tennessee
You get three chances to complete your driving test in Tennessee. These must be taken within 90 days. If you fail, the process must be restarted.
Texas
If you fail a driver's license test in Texas, you can retake it up to three more times within 90 days. Each retake must proceed with a wait of at least two weeks, and you'll need to pay a $7 fee.
Utah
If you fail the test, wait at least one day before retaking. You get three chances and will then need to reapply.
Vermont
Vermont requires drivers to wait for at least one week before retaking a driver's test.
Virginia
You can retake your driving test after a wait of two days in Virginia. If you fail your test 3 times, you must complete an 8-hour reexamination class before you can try again.
Washington
Washington requires applicants to wait for one week before they make another attempt.
West Virginia
You can reschedule a driving test after a wait of just one day. Fail three times and be asked to complete a short driver's education course.
Wisconsin
The waiting period varies from 1 to 14 days, and you can make five attempts in a year.
Wyoming
You have three attempts in 90 days and must wait at least one day between attempts. You will need to apply for a new permit if you have not passed within this period.
Things to Ponder After a Failed Attempt
Should I Retake the Test Immediately?
Remember my two-week wait? Sometimes, the wait can be a blessing in disguise. Use this time to hone your skills and become even more familiar with the rules. Your future self will thank you!
How Do Errors Affect My Test Score?
Different states, different rules. For instance, in New York, accumulating over 30 points from various mistakes means you'll need to retake the test.
Why Do Most People Fail Their DMV Road Test?
Many test failures occur because of simple errors: Rolling Stops, Following Too Closely, Not Controlling Your Speed, and One-Handed Steering. Remember, everyone stumbles at some point or another. The key is to get back up, learn from the experience, and face it again with confidence and preparation. Safe driving, everyone!