What the Texas written test covers and how it works

The Texas written test is called the Knowledge Test, and you take it at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The test has 30 multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass — that is a score of 70 percent.

The test is given on a computer at the DPS office. You read each question on the screen, choose your answer from four options, and move to the next question. You cannot go back to change an answer once you move forward. The whole test takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete.

You can take the test in English or Spanish. If English is not your first language, you may also request an interpreter at no extra cost — call your local DPS office ahead of time to arrange this.

Key Takeaways

  • The Texas Knowledge Test has 30 questions, all multiple-choice, and you must score at least 21 correct to pass.
  • The test covers traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices from the Texas Driver Handbook.
  • You take the test on a computer at a DPS office, and it takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
  • You can retake the test the same day if you fail, but you must wait at least one day between attempts.

What topics appear on the Texas Knowledge Test

The Texas Knowledge Test pulls questions from the Texas Driver Handbook, a free guide published by DPS. About one-third of the questions cover road signs and what they mean. Another third cover traffic laws — speed limits, right-of-way, parking rules, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs. The final third covers safe driving practices, such as how to handle bad weather, what to do if your brakes fail, and how alcohol affects your ability to drive.

You will also see questions about seat belts, child safety seats, and distracted driving. A few questions test your knowledge of what to do in an emergency — for example, if your steering fails or if you see a school bus with its lights flashing.

The handbook is available free online at the DPS website, and you can also pick up a printed copy at any DPS office. Reading the handbook cover to cover is the most direct way to prepare, because the test questions come straight from it.

How to get the Texas Driver Handbook and study materials

The Texas Driver Handbook is the official study guide for the Knowledge Test. You can read it as a PDF from the DPS website at dps.texas.gov, or you can request a printed copy in person at any DPS office. The handbook is free either way.

The handbook is organized by topic — one section on road signs, one on traffic laws, one on safe driving, and so on. Read through each section and pay attention to the details. The test questions are specific: they ask about exact speed limits in school zones, the meaning of particular sign colors, and the rules for specific situations.

Some people study the handbook on their own. Others use online practice tests, which are available through various websites and apps. These practice tests are not official DPS materials, but they follow the same format and topics as the real test. Taking a few practice tests can help you get used to the computer format and identify topics you need to review.

Scheduling your test at a DPS office

To schedule your Knowledge Test, you must visit a DPS office in person or call ahead. You cannot schedule online. Find your local DPS office by entering your city or zip code on the DPS website.

When you arrive at the DPS office, bring your learner permit (also called a learner license) and a valid form of identification, such as a passport or birth certificate. You will also need to bring proof of your Social Security number. If you do not have a learner permit yet, you must take the Knowledge Test to get one before you can take the road test.

Some DPS offices are busier than others, and wait times vary. Arriving early in the morning or on a weekday morning usually means a shorter wait. Call your local office to ask about typical wait times before you go.

What happens on test day

When you arrive at the DPS office, check in at the front desk and tell them you are there to take the Knowledge Test. A staff member will verify your identification and learner permit, then direct you to a computer station. You will sit at the computer, read the instructions on the screen, and begin the test.

You have one hour to complete the 30 questions, though most people finish in 10 to 15 minutes. Read each question carefully. If you are not sure of an answer, make your best guess — there is no penalty for guessing. Remember that you cannot go back to change an answer once you move forward, so take a moment to think before you click.

When you finish, the computer will show you your score right away. If you pass, you will receive a printed score report. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at most DPS offices, but you must wait at least one day between attempts. Some offices allow you to retake it when ready; others require you to come back another day. Ask the staff member what the policy is at your office.

What to do if you fail the test

If you do not pass on your first try, you can retake it. There is no limit to how many times you can take the Knowledge Test in Texas. Each time you take it, you pay the test fee again — the cost varies by office but is typically around $10 to $20.

After you fail, review the topics you found difficult. Go back to the Texas Driver Handbook and read those sections again. If you used a practice test, take another one and focus on the areas where you scored lowest. Many people pass on their second or third attempt after spending a few more days studying.

If you are struggling with the material, consider asking a parent, teacher, or friend to quiz you on the handbook. Explaining the rules out loud to someone else can help you remember them better than reading alone.

After you pass the Knowledge Test

Once you pass the Knowledge Test, you will receive a learner permit (or learner license). This permit allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. In Texas, you must hold a learner permit for at least 30 days before you can take the road test.

During this 30-day waiting period, practice driving as much as you can. Drive in different conditions — daytime and nighttime, light traffic and heavy traffic, highways and residential streets. The more you practice, the more confident you will be when you take the road test.

After 30 days, you can schedule your road test at a DPS office. The road test is where a DPS examiner watches you drive and scores your ability to handle the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. Passing the road test is the final step to getting your full driver license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the Knowledge Test without a learner permit?

No. You must have a learner permit to take the road test, but the Knowledge Test is how you get the learner permit in the first place. If you do not have a learner permit yet, the Knowledge Test is your first step.

What happens if I fail the Knowledge Test three times?

There is no limit to how many times you can retake the Knowledge Test in Texas. You can keep trying until you pass. Each attempt costs a fee, and you must wait at least one day between attempts at most offices.

Can I use my phone or notes during the test?

No. The Knowledge Test is proctored, meaning a DPS staff member watches while you take it. You cannot use your phone, notes, or any other materials. You must answer the questions from memory based on what you have studied.

Is the test the same if I am under 18?

The Knowledge Test is the same for all ages. However, drivers under 18 must follow additional rules during the learner permit period, such as restrictions on nighttime driving and the number of passengers allowed. These rules are explained in the Texas Driver Handbook.

What if I need the test in a language other than English or Spanish?

Texas offers the Knowledge Test in English and Spanish. If you need the test in another language, contact your local DPS office to ask about interpreter services. You may be able to bring an interpreter or request other accommodations.