Nevada Road Signs & Driver Knowledge Test Exam Guide
At a glance
- Questions
- 25
- Passing score
- 80% (adaptive test stops once 20 correct or…
- Exam fee
- $0
- Governing body
- Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
The Nevada Road Signs & Driver Knowledge Test is the written exam every new applicant must pass to earn an instruction permit or driver's license in the state. It's administered by the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (Nevada DMV) and is required for both teen permit applicants and adult first-time drivers.
Overview
The knowledge test draws from the Nevada Driver's Handbook, with road signs, signals, and pavement markings covered in Chapter 3 alongside rules of the road and right-of-way. Rather than a standalone signs-only exam, sign-recognition questions are mixed in with the rest of the driving-safety material on one combined test.
- Traffic signs, signals, and pavement markings
- Rules of the road and right-of-way
- General safe-driving practices
Cost and registration
The Nevada DMV charges a $25 testing fee for a first-time knowledge and skills test, with $10 retest fees after that. Taking the exam online through the KnowToDrive Nevada system instead costs $6.75 per attempt. Permit applicants should also budget for the separate permit licensing fee listed on the DMV's fee schedule.
Exam format
The knowledge test consists of 25 multiple-choice questions. Online test-takers get 60 minutes to finish, while in-person testing on a DMV touch-screen terminal has no time limit. The test is adaptive and passing requires 80% or better, with the test ending as soon as you reach 20 correct or 6 incorrect answers.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the Nevada DMV knowledge test and how long do I have?
The test has 25 multiple-choice questions, and the online version gives you 60 minutes to finish; there's no time limit if you test in person on a DMV touch-screen terminal.
What is the passing score for the Nevada knowledge test?
You need 80% or better to pass. Because the test is adaptive, it actually ends as soon as you reach either 20 correct answers or 6 incorrect answers, whichever comes first.
How much does the Nevada knowledge test cost?
The Nevada DMV charges $25 for a first-time knowledge and skills test and $10 for retests. If you take the exam through the KnowToDrive Nevada online system instead, it charges $6.75 each time you sit for it.
What's the minimum age to apply for a Nevada instruction permit?
Nevada residents can apply for an instruction permit starting at age 15½. Applicants under 18 also need to submit proof they meet the state's minimum school attendance requirements.
How many hours of supervised driving are required before the road test?
Teen applicants must complete a minimum of 50 hours of supervised driving practice, and must hold their instruction permit for at least 6 months, before they can take the driving skills test at age 16 or older.
What happens if I fail the Nevada knowledge test? Can I retake it right away?
If you fail the written knowledge test, Nevada lets you retake it the very next day for a $10 retest fee. The road (driving skills) test works differently — a failed attempt there may mean waiting up to 30 days to retest.
Sources
- 1.Driver License Testing - Nevada DMV — Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (Nevada DMV) (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
- 2.Nevada Teen Driving - Take a Road Test for Teens - Nevada DMV — Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (Nevada DMV) (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
- 3.New Adult Drivers (18+) - Written Knowledge Test - Nevada DMV — Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (Nevada DMV) (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
- 4.Get a Teen Instruction Permit - Nevada Teen Driving - Nevada DMV — Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (Nevada DMV) (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
Official sources
Every exam fact on this page traces to a primary document published by the body that administers the exam.
- Driver License Testing - Nevada DMVNevada Department of Motor Vehicles (Nevada DMV)dmv.nv.gov
- Nevada Teen Driving - Take a Road Test for Teens - Nevada DMVNevada Department of Motor Vehicles (Nevada DMV)dmv.nv.gov
- Get a Teen Instruction Permit - Nevada Teen Driving - Nevada DMVNevada Department of Motor Vehicles (Nevada DMV)dmv.nv.gov
- New Adult Drivers (18+) - Written Knowledge Test - Nevada DMVNevada Department of Motor Vehicles (Nevada DMV)dmv.nv.gov
- Driver Handbooks - Nevada DMVNevada Department of Motor Vehicles (Nevada DMV)dmv.nv.gov
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