The Texas written test has 30 questions, and you need to answer at least 21 correctly to pass

The Texas Department of Public Safety gives you 30 multiple-choice questions on the written knowledge test. Each question has four possible answers. You must get at least 21 right — that's a 70 percent score — to pass and move forward to the road test.

The test covers everything in the Texas Driver Handbook: road signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, what to do at traffic lights, how to handle bad weather, and what different road markings mean. The questions are not trick questions. They test whether you understand the actual rules you'll follow when you drive.

You get one attempt per visit to the Department of Public Safety office. If you don't pass, you can return and take the test again, but you'll have to pay the test fee each time.

Key Takeaways

  • The Texas written test contains exactly 30 multiple-choice questions, with four answer choices for each question.
  • You must answer at least 21 questions correctly (70 percent) to pass and move on to the road test.
  • All questions come from material in the official Texas Driver Handbook, which you can read free online before your test.
  • You get one test attempt per visit to the DPS office, and you pay a fee each time you retake it.
  • The test is given on a computer at the DPS office, and you receive your score when ready after finishing.

What the questions actually test

The 30 questions are divided across several topics that matter for safe driving. You'll see questions about traffic signs and what they mean, rules for turning and changing lanes, speed limits in different areas, right-of-way situations, parking rules, and how to handle emergencies like brake failure or a skid.

Other questions cover weather and road conditions — how to drive in rain, fog, or ice — and what to do if you hit an animal or see an accident. You'll also answer questions about vehicle maintenance basics, like checking your tires and lights, and the rules for towing a trailer.

The test does not ask you to memorize specific numbers from the handbook unless those numbers are actual laws. For example, you might see a question about the speed limit in a school zone, but you won't be asked to recite a statute number.

How the test is delivered and scored

You take the test on a computer at your local Department of Public Safety office. The questions appear one at a time on the screen. You select your answer and move to the next question. You cannot go back and change an answer once you've moved forward, so read each question carefully before you click.

The computer scores your test when ready after you finish. You'll see your score right away and learn whether you passed. If you passed, you can schedule your road test at the same office. If you didn't pass, you'll need to schedule another written test appointment and pay the fee again.

The entire test usually takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete, depending on how quickly you read and answer.

How to prepare for the 30 questions

The Texas Driver Handbook is free and available online from the Department of Public Safety website. Read through the whole handbook at least once before your test. It's written in plain language and covers everything the test will ask about.

Many people find it helpful to read the handbook twice: once all the way through to get the big picture, and a second time to focus on sections they found confusing. Pay special attention to traffic signs, right-of-way rules, and speed limits, because these topics show up frequently on the test.

You can also take practice tests online. The DPS website offers a sample test that shows you the format and the kinds of questions you'll see. Taking a practice test helps you get used to the computer format and shows you which topics you need to study more.

What happens if you don't pass

If you score below 21 correct answers, you do not pass. You'll receive a score report that tells you how many questions you got right and which topics gave you trouble. Use that information to study the handbook again before your next attempt.

There is no waiting period between test attempts in Texas. You can take the test again as soon as you schedule another appointment at the DPS office. However, each test attempt costs money, so most people spend a few days studying the handbook again before they retake it.

You can take the written test as many times as you need to pass. There's no limit on the number of attempts, but each one requires a new appointment and a new fee.

Test accommodations if you need them

If you have a disability or a language barrier, the Department of Public Safety offers accommodations. You can request a test in a language other than English — Spanish, Vietnamese, and several other languages are available. You can also request extra time to complete the test, a reader to read questions aloud to you, or a separate testing room.

To request an accommodation, contact your local DPS office before your test appointment and explain what you need. They will work with you to arrange it. Bring any documentation that supports your request, such as a letter from a doctor or a school.

The difference between the written test and the road test

The written test checks whether you know the rules. The road test checks whether you can actually drive safely and follow those rules in real traffic. You must pass the written test before you can take the road test, but passing the written test does not mean you'll automatically pass the road test.

The road test is longer and more demanding. You'll drive for about 20 to 25 minutes with an examiner in the car, and they'll ask you to perform specific maneuvers like parallel parking, three-point turns, and lane changes. They're watching how you handle the vehicle, how you respond to traffic, and whether you follow the rules you just learned on the written test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a calculator or notes during the written test?

No. You cannot bring any materials into the testing room except your ID. The test is designed to measure what you know from studying the handbook, not your ability to look things up. The computer provides everything you need to answer the questions.

What if I fail the written test three times?

There is no three-strike rule in Texas. You can retake the written test as many times as you need. Each attempt requires a new appointment and a new fee, but there is no limit on how many times you can try.

Are the 30 questions always the same?

No. The Department of Public Safety has a large pool of questions, and the computer selects 30 of them randomly for your test. This means two people taking the test on the same day will see different questions, but all questions cover the same topics and come from the same handbook.

How long do I have to pass the written test before my learner permit expires?

Your learner permit is valid for two years from the date it was issued. You can take the written test anytime during that period. If your permit expires before you pass, you'll need to renew it and pay the fee again.

What if I pass the written test but then fail the road test?

You do not have to retake the written test. Your passing score stays on record. You only need to schedule another road test appointment and try again. You can retake the road test as many times as you need.