About the Texas DPS written test
The Texas knowledge test (often searched as the Texas permit test or Texas DMV test) checks that new drivers understand road signs, traffic laws and safe driving habits before getting a learner's permit. The questions come from the official Texas driver handbook published by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Texas applicants must pass a vision exam and a knowledge test on traffic laws and safe driving before getting a license, and teens in a driver education course may take the knowledge exam during class. The questions here focus on Texas-specific distances, speed limits and penalties drawn from state law and the Texas Road Tips handbook.
Texas permit test quick facts
- Minimum permit age
- Texas offers a learner license to teen applicants in the 15 to 17 age range, and it expires on your 18th birthday.
- Vision screening
- A vision exam is required at the driver license office.
- Permit fee
- Original learner license under 18: $16; original driver license ages 18 to 84: $33 (each includes a $1 administrative fee).
- Adult BAC limit
- 0.08% for adults 21+; any detectable alcohol for drivers under 21; you can also be charged at any BAC if impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- Seat belt law
- Children under 8 must ride in a child safety seat or booster unless taller than 4 feet 9 inches; texting while driving is banned for all drivers.
Rules and fees change. Confirm current details with the Texas Department of Public Safety before you test.
What Texas drivers should know
- Learner license holders need a licensed adult 21 or older in the front passenger seat.
- Hold the learner license at least six months unless you turn 18 first.
- Drivers under 18 may not use a cell phone at all, even hands-free, except in an emergency.
- Move over a lane or slow to 20 mph below the limit for stopped emergency, tow and utility vehicles with lights flashing.
- Do not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or within 20 feet of an intersection crosswalk.
Topics covered in our Texas practice tests
- Road signs and signals: shapes, colors, pavement markings and traffic lights.
- Rules of the road: right-of-way, speed, turns, passing, parking and school zones.
- Safe driving: following distance, night and weather driving, distractions and emergencies.
- Alcohol and drugs: impaired driving, BAC and penalties.
- Sharing the road: pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles and large trucks.
How to pass the Texas permit test
- Read the official Texas driver handbook, paying close attention to numbers (distances, speeds, BAC limits).
- Take Practice Test 1 in study mode and read every explanation.
- Work through Tests 2 to 5, then the topic tests for your weakest areas.
- Use the Exam Simulator and aim for 80% or higher on several attempts in a row.
- Bring the documents your state requires and book your test with the DPS.