What the Texas written test covers and how to prepare
The Texas written test has two parts: a knowledge section with 30 questions about traffic laws and road signs, and a vision screening. You need to answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. The test covers things you'll actually encounter on Texas roads — speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, and how to handle other drivers and pedestrians.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) publishes the official study material free online. You can read the Texas Driver Handbook, which contains every topic the test draws from. Many people also use the practice tests available through the DPS website, which show you the exact format and difficulty of the real exam.
You take the written test at a DPS office or an approved testing location. Bring your process paperwork, proof of identity, and proof of residency. The test itself takes about 10 to 15 minutes once you're called. You'll sit at a computer or paper test station, answer the questions, and get your score before you leave.
Key Takeaways
- The Texas written test has 30 questions about traffic laws and road signs, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass.
- The Texas Driver Handbook, published free by the Department of Public Safety, contains all the material the test covers.
- Practice tests available through the DPS website show you the exact format and types of questions you'll see on test day.
- You take the test at a DPS office or approved testing location and receive your score before you leave.
- The test is offered in multiple languages, including Spanish, Vietnamese, and others, depending on the location.
Road signs and what they mean
Road signs fall into three main categories: regulatory signs (which tell you what you must or must not do), warning signs (which alert you to hazards ahead), and informational signs (which give you directions or other useful information). The test asks you to identify signs by their shape and color, and to know what action each one requires.
Red signs mean stop or do not enter. Yellow signs warn you of curves, intersections, pedestrians, or other hazards. Green signs give directions or tell you which lane to use. White signs show speed limits and other rules. Blue signs point you toward services like rest areas or hospitals. The test will show you a sign and ask what it means, or describe a situation and ask which sign applies.
A good strategy is to study the sign section of the Texas Driver Handbook and then use the practice tests to see which signs trip you up. Most people find warning signs harder than regulatory signs because there are more of them and their meanings are less obvious.
Right-of-way rules and traffic laws
Right-of-way questions make up a large chunk of the test because they directly affect safety. The basic rule is that you yield to anyone already in the intersection or on the road ahead of you. At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to arrive goes first; if two arrive at the same time, the one on the right goes first. At a yield sign, you slow down and let other traffic pass before you proceed.
The test also covers pedestrians and cyclists. You must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk, even if there is no traffic light. You must not pass a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing. When turning, you must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians in your path. These rules are tested because they prevent the most common and serious crashes.
Speed limits in Texas are 70 mph on rural interstate highways, 65 mph on urban interstate highways, and 55 mph on other highways unless posted otherwise. In school zones, the limit is 20 mph when children are present. The test will ask you to identify the correct speed for different road types and conditions.
Parking, turns, and lane changes
The test includes questions about where you can and cannot park, how to make safe turns, and when you can change lanes. You cannot park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, in a no-parking zone, or in a handicapped space without the proper permit. You cannot park on the wrong side of the street at night in a residential area.
When turning, you must signal at least 100 feet before the turn, check your mirrors and blind spots, and yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic. When changing lanes, you must signal, check your mirrors, look over your shoulder, and make sure the lane is clear. The test asks these questions because improper turns and lane changes cause many collisions.
The test also covers what to do at railroad crossings (never shift gears while crossing, keep at least 15 feet away from the tracks), how to handle emergency vehicles (pull to the right and stop), and what to do if your brakes fail (downshift and look for a safe place to stop).
Alcohol, drugs, and distracted driving
Texas has strict rules about driving under the influence. You cannot drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher if you are 21 or older, or 0.02 percent or higher if you are under 21. The test covers how alcohol affects your ability to drive, what happens if you refuse a breath or blood test, and the penalties for a DUI conviction.
The test also covers drug impairment, including prescription medications that can make you drowsy or impair judgment. You are responsible for knowing whether your medications affect your driving. Distracted driving — texting, eating, adjusting the radio — is illegal in school zones and can result in a fine. The test asks about these topics because impairment and distraction are major causes of crashes.
Texas law requires that you keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel. You cannot use a handheld cell phone while driving in a school zone. Drivers under 18 cannot use a cell phone at all while driving, even with a hands-free device.
How to use practice tests effectively
The DPS website offers free practice tests that mimic the real exam. Take a practice test under test conditions: sit at a computer or with paper, set a timer, and do not look at the handbook or answers until you are done. This shows you what you actually know versus what you think you know.
After you finish, review every question you missed, not just the ones you got wrong. Read the explanation in the handbook for each topic. If you missed a question about yield signs, for example, go back to the yield sign section and read it carefully. Many people miss the same types of questions repeatedly because they do not study the explanation, only the answer.
Take the practice test multiple times. Your score should improve each time. If you are still missing more than nine questions after three attempts, spend extra time on the sections where you are weakest. Most people pass after studying the handbook for two to four hours and taking two or three practice tests.
What happens on test day
Arrive at the DPS office 10 to 15 minutes early. Bring your process paperwork, a valid form of ID (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), and proof that you live in Texas (utility bill, lease, or bank statement). You will check in at the front desk and wait to be called for your test.
When you are called, you will go to a testing station. The examiner will verify your identity and explain the test rules. You will sit at a computer or receive a paper test. You have no time limit, but most people finish in 10 to 15 minutes. Once you submit your answers, you will see your score when ready. If you pass, you will move on to the driving test. If you fail, you can retake the written test, usually the same day or within a few days.
If you fail, do not be discouraged. You can retake it as many times as you need. Most people who fail the first time pass on the second or third attempt after studying the questions they missed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the test in a language other than English?
Yes. The DPS offers the written test in Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, and several other languages. When you schedule your test or arrive at the office, tell the staff which language you need. Not all testing locations offer all languages, so call ahead to confirm.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake it when ready or schedule another appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts. You pay the test fee again each time you take it. Most people who study the questions they missed pass on the next attempt.
How long is the written test valid if I pass?
Your passing score is valid for 12 months. You must pass the driving test and complete the rest of the licensing process within that year, or you will need to retake the written test.
Do I need to study the entire handbook or just the practice tests?
The practice tests cover the main topics, but reading the handbook gives you context and helps you understand the "why" behind the rules. Most people do best by reading the handbook once, then using practice tests to find weak areas, then reviewing those sections in the handbook again.
What if I have a learning disability or need testing accommodations?
Contact your local DPS office before your test date. The DPS can provide extra time, a reader, or other accommodations if you have documentation of a disability. Call ahead so they can arrange this for you.