The knowledge test trips up many first-time applicants. Here's exactly what to study and how to walk in prepared.
The Mississippi DPS knowledge test (Class R) is approximately 30 questions. You must score at least 80% to pass — meaning you need at least 24 correct and can miss up to 6. Note: Mississippi requires 80% to pass — the same standard used by most states.
If you do not pass on your first attempt, you may reschedule at your local Mississippi DPS office. Contact the DPS at 601-987-1212 or visit www.dps.ms.gov (Mississippi Driver's Guide, Chapter 1).
The knowledge exam is taken at a Mississippi DPS driver license station. Visit www.dps.ms.gov for locations and information.
Beginning July 1, 2027, all applicants must provide documentation showing completion of a certified Driver's Education course. The Computerized Exam focuses on Mississippi traffic laws, safe driving rules, and license requirements from this manual.
The legal BAC limit in Mississippi is 0.08% for drivers 21 and older. Mississippi uses Zero Tolerance for minors — driving with a BAC of 0.02% or more under age 21 is a DUI offense. Mississippi Zero Tolerance law suspends driving privileges for 120 days on a first offense (Chapter 9).
1st DUI: $250–$1,000 fine, up to 48 hours jail, 120-day suspension. 2nd DUI (within 5 yrs): $600–$1,500 fine, 5 days–6 months jail, 1-year suspension. 3rd DUI (Felony, within 5 yrs): 1–5 years MDOC, $2,000–$5,000 fine, full sentence + 3-yr interlock. 4th+ DUI: 2–10 years MDOC, $3,000–$10,000 fine, full sentence + 10-yr interlock. Multiple DUI convictions escalate charges (Chapter 9).
Learner Permit: minimum age 15. Must hold for at least 1 year (or until age 17) before applying for a Class R License. Supervisor must be a licensed adult 21+ — seated beside you. No experience requirement. Mississippi does not specify passenger restrictions or a nighttime curfew in the manual. Class R at age 16 (after 1-yr permit) or at age 17 regardless (Chapter 1).
Mississippi uses the 1 car length per 10 mph rule at any speed. Watch the car ahead pass a fixed point — count "one-one-thousand, two-one-thousand, three-one-thousand." If you reach it first, drop back. Increase to 4 seconds in bad weather, wet pavement, low visibility, or when following a motorcycle (Chapter 5).
Maximum speed: 70 mph (interstates), 65 mph (4-lane state/US hwy), 55 mph (2-lane hwy), 50 mph (Natchez Trace). School zones: 15 mph. School buses: 45 mph on regular routes. Always obey posted signs (Chapter 6).
Signal continuously for at least 100 feet before turning or stopping. Signal also when changing lanes, pulling from a parking space, entering or leaving a highway, and pulling to the side of the road. You may turn right on red after a complete stop unless prohibited. A left turn on red is only allowed when turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street (Chapter 5, 6).
You must stop when approaching a school bus from either direction displaying alternately flashing red lights. Do not proceed until: (1) the bus has resumed motion, (2) you are signaled by the driver, or (3) the red lights are no longer flashing. Exception: if traveling in the opposite direction on a highway with 4+ lanes and at least 2 lanes in each direction, you may continue. Also no stop required if bus is in a designated loading zone where pedestrians cannot cross (Chapter 6).
Mississippi law requires headlights from sunset to sunrise and any time you cannot see clearly ahead for 500 feet. Dim to low beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle and within 500 feet when following. Also use low beams in fog, rain, sleet, snow, or dust (Chapter 5).
Do not park within 10 feet of a fire hydrant, 20 feet of a crosswalk, 30 feet of any traffic control device (stop sign, signal, yield sign, flashing beacon), 15 feet of a railroad crossing, or within 20 feet of a fire station driveway (same side) / 75 feet opposite. When parallel parking on a two-way road, your right-hand wheels must be within 12 inches of the curb (Chapter 5).
Mississippi child restraint law: children under 4 years old must be in a car seat. Ages 4 to under 7 who are under 4'9″ tall or under 65 lbs must use a booster seat. Children under 13 should ride in the rear seat when available. All drivers and passengers must use safety belts — primary enforcement (Chapter 4).
Mississippi requires 80% to pass — the same standard as most states. Aim for 85%+ on practice tests so test-day nerves don't drop you below the threshold.
Memorize BAC limits, distances, signal distance, following distances, suspension periods. These specific numbers appear on virtually every Mississippi test.
The Weak Spots mode saves every question you got wrong. Replay it until you're hitting 90%+ before going to DPS.
Download the Mississippi Driver's License Manual at www.dps.ms.gov. Every question comes directly from this manual.
Mississippi speed limits: interstates 70 mph, 4-lane state/US highways 65 mph, 2-lane highways 55 mph, Natchez Trace Parkway 50 mph. Speed limits in residential and business areas are posted — always obey the sign. Reduce speed in work zones and be prepared to stop suddenly.
Sign questions are visual — shape, color, and meaning all matter. Use the Road Signs Quiz mode to practice all signs before test day.
530+ questions based on the official Mississippi Driver's License Manual. Free, no signup required.
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