Permit Practice & Driver’s License Tests – Texas 2026
#1. What distance should you keep when following a fire truck answering an emergency call?
You are not allowed to follow within 500 feet of a fire truck answering an alarm or an ambulance when the flashing red lights are on.
#2. When entering or crossing a street from an alley:
When entering or crossing a road, street, or highway from a private road, alley, building, or driveway after stopping prior to the sidewalk, you must yield the right-of-way to all approaching vehicles and pedestrians.
#3. The two-second rule refers to how you should:
The two-second rule refers to a following distance. The faster you drive the greater the distance you should keep from the car ahead of you. For speeds under 30 mph, the minimum time with good road conditions is two seconds. For speeds above 30 mph, maintain four seconds (more for adverse conditions) of following time. Developing a four-second following interval is the best practice for a beginning or less experienced driver.
The two-second rule does not mean that you are able to stop within two seconds.
#4. A sign with this shape means:
The octagon (eight-sided) shape is exclusively used for stop signs.
#5. You may never drive faster than is safe and prudent for existing conditions. This law is generally known as the:
Texas has a Basic Speed Law. This law means that you may not drive faster than is safe and prudent for existing conditions, regardless of posted speed limits.
#6. If a school bus with flashing red lights has stopped on the opposite side of a two-lane roadway with a center turning lane, you must:
If you approach a school bus from either direction and the bus is displaying alternately flashing red lights, you must stop. 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 and pedestrians are not permitted to cross.
#7. In which situation is it advisable not to use your horn?
Remember, you may use your horn when it is reasonably necessary to ensure safe operation. Avoid honking your horn around bicyclists. Bicyclists can usually hear an approaching vehicle and loud noises can startle bicyclists, causing a crash.
This question asked when you should NOT use your horn.
#8. You may always continue carefully against a yellow light if:
A steady yellow traffic light means caution. The yellow light warns drivers to use caution and to alert them a red light is coming up. You must stop before entering the nearest crosswalk at the intersection if you can do so safely. If a stop cannot be made safely, then you may proceed cautiously through the intersection before the light changes to red.
Remember, it is a common mistake to think that you do not need to stop (if you can do so safely)!
#9. What is true about safety belts?
Safety belts are life belts and help to keep you:
- From being thrown from your car (your chances of being killed are five times greater if you are thrown from your car).
- From hitting the dashboard too hard.
- Better control of your car.
#10. What does this road sign mean?
Expect two curves and cross traffic ahead.
| This Texas DPS Practice Test | |
|---|---|
| Questions on each test: | 10 |
| Question pool: | 500+ |
| Type of test: | Random multiple-choice |
| The Official Texas Written Knowledge Test | |
|---|---|
| Questions on real exam: | 30 questions |
| Passing score: | 70 percent |
| Correct answers to pass: | 21 |
| Allotted time to complete test: | No limit |
| Wait time before retest: | – |
How to Use the Learner Practice Tests
Most of us prefer to read something other than a driver’s manual. It takes too long, and we will give up before finishing it. That is why you searched for a website like this. You want quick answers without putting too much effort into it.
Right?
Each TX sample test on this website has ten random questions picked from a database with more than 500 questions. We guarantee that you will cover everything you need to know for the final DPS exam.
But practice tests will only help if you use them correctly.
Be active. Compare questions and answers in the test with information in the Texas Driver Handbook . It is a good idea to keep the handbook handy and use it to look up questions and answers when you are uncertain.
While these practice tests give you all the answers you need, memorizing them does not guarantee success on the Texas licensing test. Suppose you put isolated phrases or pieces of information in the wrong context. In that case, you will likely get facts mixed up or even wrong.
Stop and think for a second or two after each question when taking a practice test. Is this familiar? Would it share a hashtag with something else? Take a second look at the incorrect choices.
Knowing what is wrong is just as important as knowing what is right.
When is the Texas Knowledge Test Required?
If you apply for your first original Texas license or learner’s permit, you must always pass a knowledge test.
If you are under 25, you must take a driver’s education course before applying for a learner’s license. This course includes the DPS-approved knowledge exam. If you pass this course, you don’t have to take any other knowledge test for your permit.
Learn more about Texas Graduated Driver’s License Program and all requirements for teenagers under 18 years here: Texas GDL Program.
Texas DPS does not require a written test if you are an adult holding and surrendering a valid, unexpired driver’s license from another US state or US territory. It also applies if you are 18 or older and hold a valid out-of-country license from Canada, France, South Korea, or Germany. All other citizens with an out-of-country driver’s license must pass the written knowledge exam.
If you are under 18 years with a license or permit from a country other than the US or Canada, you must always pass the knowledge test. If you are a minor, there is no exception if you hold a license from France, South Korea, or Germany.
What You Should Know about the DMV Written Test
TX DPS designs the official written knowledge test to test your:
- Ability to identify and understand highway signs in English that regulate, warn, or direct traffic.
- Knowledge of the traffic laws of this state.
- Understanding of motorists’ rights and responsibilities in relation to bicyclists.
- Knowledge of the effect of using a wireless communication device or engaging in other actions that may distract a driver.
DPS bases the questions on the written test of information in the Texas Driver Handbook. Make sure you read the handbook. Skipping the manual is a risky tactic!
Read more: Risky Study Tactics
The Texas Driver Handbook is available at your local DPS office or via the Department’s website.
At a DPS office, you take your test at a computerized test station. Read the instructions before you start. You can skip questions that you don’t know the answer to. They will appear again at the end of the rest unless you have already reached a passing score. The test will finish when you have passed.
You can also take the written test as part of a driving course at an approved driving school or through an authorized third-party tester. Nowadays, you can even take the Texas exam online from the comfort of your home.
If you fail a test, you cannot retake the test on the same day. It is a good idea to read the handbook and practice some more!
After 90 days or three failed attempts, you must apply for a license again and pay a new application fee.
How Many Questions are on the Texas DMV Written Test?
There are 30 questions on the Texas written knowledge test. The passing score is 70%. You must answer 21 out of 30 questions correctly.
Foreign Languages
Unlike many other states, the Texas knowledge test is only available in English and Spanish. You must also understand all road sign messages in English to pass the test.
You may bring a translator if you don’t speak English or Spanish, but the translator cannot help you during the test.
If you have trouble reading, you may ask for an oral test with a certified ASL interpreter. Contact your local driver’s license office at least four business days before you wish to take the exam.
What Documents Do You Need to Apply for a Texas Driver’s License?
You must have the following documents ready when you apply for a driver’s license or permit at a DPS service location:
Proof of Identity.
Your unexpired US Passport, US citizen Identification card, or Permanent Resident card is commonly accepted.
Proof of US Citizenship or Lawful Presence.
You can often use the same document as above. You usually need your foreign passport with visa, alien number, or I-94 number to show lawful presence.
Proof of Social Security Number.
Bring your SSN card. DPS also accepts a W-2, SSA-1099 Form, or a paystub with your name and SSN.
Proof of Residency in Texas.
Provide two documents that show you have lived in Texas for at least 30 days. Examples include utility bills, cable contracts, paychecks, or pay stubs dated within 90 days of the application date. DPS also accepts Texas high school, college, or university report cards or transcripts for the current school year.
Evidence of Texas Vehicle Registration and insurance.
Usually, you need to show proof of Insurance and evidence of Texas Vehicle Registration (new Residents surrendering an out-of-state driver’s license only) for each vehicle you own. If you do not own a vehicle, you will sign a statement affirming this.
If you aren’t sure if Texas DPS will accept your documents, you can download this brochure and this checklist to help you determine which documents you should bring.
DPS will only accept your application if you have all the documents needed.
Whats the difference between yellow and white speed limit signs?
The white speed limit sign is a regulatory sign, which means that you must obey the speed limit shown.
The yellow sign is a warning sign with an advisory (recommended) speed, which you should obey.
Read more: Advisory Speed Signs and Speed Limit Signs