Most Missed Questions on the Texas DPS Test 2026
The Texas DPS knowledge exam pulls from every chapter of the DL-7. The 12 topics below are the ones first-time test-takers most frequently miss — typically because the rule has a specific number, a less-common scenario, or a fine-print exception buried in the chapter. Each answer below comes directly from DL-7 with the chapter cited.
1. Following Distance — 2 vs 4 Seconds
Q: What's the minimum following time at 30 mph or less?
Answer (DL-7 Chapter 8): "For speeds 30 mph or less, the minimum time with good road conditions is 2 seconds. For speeds above 30 mph, maintain 4 seconds (more for adverse conditions) of following time." Many test-takers default to "3 seconds" — that's the rule in some other states, not Texas.
2. Headlight Visibility Rule
Q: When must you use your headlights?
Answer (DL-7 Chapter 9): "30 minutes after sunset and ending 30 minutes before sunrise, or anytime when individuals or vehicles cannot be seen clearly for at least 1,000 feet." The 1,000-foot trigger is what's missed — it applies in fog, rain, or any low-visibility condition, day or night.
3. Low Beam Distances — 500 / 300
Q: When must you switch from high beam to low beam?
Answer (DL-7 Chapter 9): Use low beams within 500 feet of an approaching vehicle and within 300 feet when following another vehicle. Both numbers are tested. The 500-foot rule is the more frequently missed.
4. Parallel Park — 18 Inches
Q: How close must your right wheels be to the curb when parked parallel?
Answer (DL-7 Chapter 7): "Do not park more than 18 inches from the curb." Test-takers often answer 6, 12, or 24 inches. The DL-7 rule is 18 inches.
5. Stopping Distances Near Railroad Crossings
Q: How far from the nearest rail must you stop at a railroad grade crossing?
Answer (DL-7 Chapter 4): "Stop within 15 feet to 50 feet of the nearest rail" when a crossing gate is lowered, a flagger signals, a railroad signal warns of an approaching train, or you can see one approaching. The "between 15 and 50" range is what's missed.
6. Following an Emergency Vehicle
Q: How far must you stay back from a fire truck answering an alarm?
Answer (DL-7 Chapter 4): "You are not allowed to follow within 500 feet of a fire truck answering an alarm or an ambulance." Many test-takers guess 100 or 200 feet.
7. Slow Down or Move Over Rule
Q: When must you slow down or move over for a stopped emergency vehicle?
Answer (DL-7 Chapter 8): When an emergency medical vehicle, law enforcement, fire truck, tow truck, utility service, or TxDOT vehicle is stopped with lights activated, you must either reduce speed to 20 mph below the posted limit, or move out of the lane closest to the stopped vehicle on a multi-lane road.
8. School Bus Stopping Rule — Both Directions
Q: When must you stop for a school bus with flashing red lights?
Answer (DL-7 Chapter 4): Stop in both directions on a public road when the bus displays alternately flashing red lights. Exception: "It is not necessary to stop when passing a school bus on a different road or when on a controlled-access highway where the bus is" stopped in a loading zone where pedestrians cannot cross. The exception is what's most often missed.
9. The 100-Foot Signal Rule
Q: How far before turning must you signal?
Answer (DL-7 Chapter 6): "Signal continuously for at least 100 feet before turning or stopping." This is universal — turn, lane change, or stopping at a curb. Cancel the signal after the maneuver.
10. Insurance Minimums — 30 / 60 / 25
Q: What are Texas's minimum liability insurance amounts?
Answer (DL-7 Chapter 2): "$30,000 against injury or death of one person; $60,000 against injury or death of two or more individuals; $25,000 against property damage." Memorize "30/60/25."
11. Adult DWI BAC and 1st-Offense Penalties
Q: What is the legal BAC limit for an adult Texas driver, and the 1st-offense DWI fine?
Answer (DL-7 Chapter 10, Table 31): 0.08 BAC for adults 21+. 1st DWI: fine up to $2,000, jail 72 hours to 180 days, license suspension 90 days to 365 days. The under-21 driver gets DUI (Driving Under the Influence) for ANY detectable amount of alcohol, with a different penalty schedule.
12. Phase 2 GDL — One Non-Family Passenger Under 21
Q: How many non-family passengers under 21 may a Provisional License holder have in the vehicle?
Answer (DL-7 Chapter 1): "With more than one passenger in the vehicle under the age of 21 who is not a family member" is prohibited. So a Provisional License holder may have at most ONE non-family passenger under 21. Family members under 21 are unlimited.
Bonus: 70% Passing Score
Q: What's the passing score on the Texas DPS knowledge exam?
Answer (DL-7 Chapter 1): "You must score a grade of 70 percent or better to pass any knowledge exam." Texas's 70% threshold is lower than many other states' 80%, but the questions are not easier — review every chapter of DL-7.