Texas DPS Permit Test FAQ

70% or better is required to pass any Texas DPS knowledge exam. The handbook states: "You must score a grade of 70 percent or better to pass any knowledge exam." On a 30-question test that means 21 correct. This is unique to Texas — most states require 80%.

If you fail, your application is held for 90 days. After 90 days or three failed exams, you must submit a new application and pay the fee again. There is no limit on retakes — you can reschedule once your 90-day hold has passed or after passing the 3-failure threshold (Chapter 1).

You must be at least 15 years old and have completed the classroom phase of a driver education course to apply for a Texas Learner License. A hardship license may be issued at age 15 under special circumstances (illness, economic hardship, vocational enrollment, or court order). Applicants 18 and older who want to legally practice driving are issued a Class C license with learner restrictions (Chapter 1).

During Phase Two (Provisional License), drivers under 18 may not: (1) have more than 1 non-family passenger under age 21, or (2) drive between midnight and 5:00 AM unless driving is necessary for work, a school-related activity, or a medical emergency. All drivers under 18 are prohibited from using any wireless device including hands-free, except in emergencies (Chapter 1).

Texas law does not allow any detectable amount of alcohol for drivers under 21. Even if a minor is not legally "intoxicated" under the DWI statute, driving with any detectable alcohol is a criminal offense — "Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol by a Minor" (DUI by a Minor). The minor's license will be suspended and community service, fines, and alcohol awareness courses may be required (Chapter 10).

For drivers 21 and older, the legal BAC limit is 0.08%. A person is also considered legally intoxicated if they have lost the normal use of their mental or physical faculties due to alcohol or drugs, regardless of BAC. For drivers under 21, any detectable amount is illegal under Zero Tolerance (Chapter 10).

Urban district: 30 mph. Alley: 15 mph. Beaches and county roads adjacent to a public beach: 15 mph. Numbered TX or US highway outside urban district (passenger cars): 70 mph. Unnumbered highway outside urban district: 60 mph. Many limited-access highways are posted at 75–85 mph. Always obey the posted speed limit — local authorities can raise or lower limits based on traffic studies (Chapter 8).

Do not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. Other restricted distances: 20 feet from a crosswalk, 30 feet from a stop sign, traffic signal, flashing signal, or yield sign, 50 feet from a railroad crossing, 20 feet from a fire station driveway (same side), and 75 feet from a fire station on the opposite side of the street (Chapter 7).

1st DWI: fine up to $2,000, 72 hours to 180 days jail, 90–365 day suspension. 2nd DWI: fine up to $4,000, 30 days to 1 year jail, 180 days–2 years suspension. 3rd+ DWI: fine up to $10,000, 2–10 years in TDCJ, 180 days–2 years suspension. DWI with child under 15: state jail felony, up to $10,000, 180 days–2 years. All DWI convictions may also require SR-22 insurance filing (Chapter 10).

Texas requires minimum liability coverage of: $30,000 for injury or death of one person, $60,000 for injury or death of two or more individuals in one occurrence, and $25,000 for property damage. This is known as 30/60/25 coverage. You must be able to show proof of insurance upon request by law enforcement or after a crash (Chapter 3).

Yes — but only when turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street. After coming to a complete stop, you may turn left at a red light from a one-way onto a one-way, unless prohibited by a sign. You may always turn right on red (after stopping) unless a sign prohibits it. Yield to all pedestrians and traffic (Chapter 5).

A Texas driver license must be renewed every 8 years. You may renew online, by mail, or by phone at 1-866-DL-RENEW if eligible. All licensees must appear in person at a DPS office at least once every 16 years to update their photo, signature, and fingerprints. Notify DPS of any address change within 30 days (Chapter 1).

While holding a Learner License, a licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age with at least 1 year of driving experience must occupy the seat beside you. This person cannot be intoxicated, asleep, or otherwise unable to observe and respond to your driving (Chapter 1).