The knowledge test trips up many first-time applicants. Here's exactly what to study and how to walk in prepared.
The Texas DPS knowledge test (Class C) is approximately 30 questions. You must score at least 70% to pass — meaning you need at least 21 correct and can miss up to 9. Note: Texas uses 70%, not 80% like most states.
If you do not pass on your first attempt, your application is held for 90 days. After 90 days or three failed exams, a new application and fee will be required (Texas Driver Handbook, Chapter 1).
The knowledge exam is taken at a Texas DPS driver license office. All in-person services are by scheduled appointment. Book online at dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/appointments.htm.
All applicants younger than 25 years of age must complete an approved Impact Texas Drivers (ITD) course prior to taking the driving exam. Upon successful completion of certain driver ed courses, the written exam at the DPS office may be waived.
The legal BAC limit in Texas is 0.08% for drivers 21 and older. Texas uses Zero Tolerance for minors — driving with any detectable amount of alcohol under age 21 is a crime (DUI by a Minor), even if not legally "intoxicated." Know the difference between DUI (minor offense) and DWI (adult offense) (Chapter 10).
1st DWI: fine up to $2,000, 72 hours to 180 days jail, 90–365 day license suspension. 2nd DWI: up to $4,000, 30 days–1 year jail, 180 days–2 years suspension. 3rd+ DWI: up to $10,000, 2–10 years in TDCJ, 180 days–2 years suspension. DWI with passenger under 15 = state jail felony (Chapter 10).
Learner License (Phase 1): minimum age 15 (with driver education). Must hold for at least 6 months before applying for a Provisional License. Supervisor must be a licensed driver at least 21 years old with at least 1 year of driving experience, seated beside you. Provisional License (Phase 2): no more than 1 non-family passenger under 21; no driving midnight to 5:00 AM (except work, school activity, or medical emergency) (Chapter 1).
Texas uses a two-tier rule. For speeds 30 mph or less: maintain at least 2 seconds between you and the car ahead. For speeds above 30 mph: maintain at least 4 seconds. In poor road conditions, allow more time. A 4-second following interval is the best practice for beginning drivers (Chapter 8).
Urban district: 30 mph. Alley: 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 sign (Chapter 8).
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. You are not required to stop when the bus is on a different road or stopped in a loading zone on a controlled-access highway where pedestrians are not permitted to cross (Chapter 4).
Use headlights beginning 30 minutes after sunset and ending 30 minutes before sunrise, or anytime when people or vehicles cannot be seen clearly for at least 1,000 feet. Use low beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle, or when following closely within 300 feet of another vehicle. Also use low beams in fog, heavy rain, sleet, snow, or dust (Chapter 9).
Do not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, 20 feet of a crosswalk, 30 feet of a stop sign or traffic signal, 50 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 18 inches of the curb (Chapter 7).
Any child under 8 years old must be secured in a federally approved child safety seat — unless the child is more than 4'9" tall. All drivers and passengers, regardless of age, must use safety belts in any vehicle equipped with them. Fine for no safety belt: $25–$50. Fine for unsecured child under 8: $25–$250 (Chapter 14).
Texas passes at 70% — lower than most states. But don't get complacent. Aim for 85%+ on practice tests so test-day nerves don't drop you below.
Memorize BAC limits, distances, signal distance, following distances, suspension periods. These specific numbers appear on virtually every Texas test.
The Weak Spots mode saves every question you got wrong. Replay it until you're hitting 90%+ before going to DPS.
Download the Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7) at dps.texas.gov. Every question comes directly from this manual.
Texas speed limits are unique — 30 mph in urban districts (not 25), and up to 85 mph on some highways. Don't mix these up with other states.
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 Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7). Free, no signup required.
Start Practice Test →