All the key numbers from the Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7, January 2026). Memorize these before your test.
| Situation | Limit / Rule |
|---|---|
| BAC limit — drivers 21+ | 0.08% |
| BAC limit — drivers under 21 | Any detectable amount Zero Tolerance |
| Minor DUI (DUI by a Minor) | Any detectable amount — Class C misdemeanor |
| Open container fine | Up to $500 |
| ALR suspension — fail breath/blood test (1st) | 90–365 days |
| ALR suspension — refuse test (1st) | 180 days |
| ALR suspension — refuse test (subsequent) | 730 days |
| ALR reinstatement fee | $125 |
| Offense | Fine | Jail | Suspension |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st DWI | Up to $2,000 | 72 hrs–180 days | 90–365 days |
| 2nd DWI | Up to $4,000 | 30 days–1 year | 180 days–2 yrs |
| 3rd+ DWI | Up to $10,000 | 2–10 years TDCJ | 180 days–2 yrs |
| DWI with child under 15 | Up to $10,000 | 180 days–2 yrs (state jail) | 90 days–2 yrs |
| Intoxication assault | Up to $10,000 | 2–10 years TDCJ | 90 days–2 yrs |
| Intoxication manslaughter | Up to $10,000 | 2–20 years TDCJ | 180 days–2 yrs |
| Road Type | Speed Limit |
|---|---|
| Urban district | 30 mph |
| Alley | 15 mph |
| Beaches & county roads adjacent to public beach | 15 mph |
| Numbered TX or US highway outside urban district (passenger cars) | 70 mph |
| Unnumbered highway outside urban district (passenger cars) | 60 mph |
| Many limited-access highways | 75–85 mph (posted) |
| Situation | Distance |
|---|---|
| Signal before turn/stop | 100 feet |
| Following distance (≤30 mph) | 2 seconds |
| Following distance (>30 mph) | 4 seconds |
| Parallel park — curb distance | Within 18 inches |
| Fire hydrant | 15 feet |
| Crosswalk at intersection | 20 feet |
| Stop sign / traffic signal / flashing signal / yield sign | 30 feet |
| Railroad crossing | 50 feet |
| Fire station driveway (same side) | 20 feet |
| Fire station (opposite side) | 75 feet |
| Do not follow fire truck / ambulance (lights on) | 500 feet |
| Dim headlights (oncoming vehicle) | 500 feet |
| Dim headlights (following vehicle) | 300 feet |
| Low beam visibility trigger | < 1,000 feet |
| Headlights on — after sunset / before sunrise | 30 minutes |
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Learner License (Phase 1) minimum age | 15 (with driver education) |
| Learner License fee | $16 |
| Learner License expiration | 18th birthday |
| Phase 1 minimum hold period | 6 months |
| Supervisor requirement | Licensed driver, 21+, at least 1 year experience, in front seat |
| Provisional License (Phase 2) age range | 16–18 |
| Phase 2 passenger restriction | Max 1 non-family passenger under 21 |
| Phase 2 nighttime curfew | Midnight–5:00 AM (exceptions: work, school activity, medical emergency) |
| Wireless device restriction | No wireless devices (including hands-free) for ALL under-18 drivers |
| Full unrestricted license | Age 18 |
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Child safety seat required | Under 8 years old (unless over 4'9" tall) |
| Safety belt required | All passengers, any age, in any seat equipped with a belt |
| Fine — no safety belt (driver) | $25–$50 |
| Fine — unsecured child under 8 / under 4'9" | $25–$250 |
| Fine — passengers under 17 without belt (assessed to driver) | $100–$200 |
| Coverage | Minimum Required |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury — per person | $30,000 |
| Bodily injury — per occurrence (2+ people) | $60,000 |
| Property damage | $25,000 |
| 1st conviction — no insurance fine | $175–$350 |
| 2nd conviction — no insurance | $350–$1,000 + suspension + possible impoundment 180 days |
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Class C license (ages 18–84) | $33 (includes $1 admin fee) — valid 8 years |
| Class C license (under 18 with driver ed) | $16 — expires 18th birthday |
| Hardship license (age 15) | $6 — expires next birthday |
| Replacement/duplicate license | $11 |
| License renewal frequency | Every 8 years |
| In-person visit required (vision/photo) | At least once every 16 years |
| Address change deadline | Within 30 days (notify DPS) |
| Failed exam — application held | 90 days (or after 3 failures, new application + fee required) |
| Organ donor registry | DonateLifeTexas.org |
| Work zone fines | Doubled when workers are present |
Free, no signup · Questions verified against the official state driver manual