The Texas written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices

The Texas written knowledge test has 30 questions. You need to answer at least 21 correctly to pass. The test covers three main areas: traffic signs and their meanings, rules of the road (like speed limits and right-of-way), and safe driving practices (like how to handle bad weather or mechanical failure).

The test is based on the Texas Driver Handbook, which the Department of Public Safety publishes free online. Every question on the test comes from material in that handbook. You won't see trick questions or material that isn't covered there. If you study the handbook thoroughly, you'll recognize the concepts on test day.

The test is offered in English and Spanish. You take it on a computer at a DPS office or an approved testing location. You have one hour to complete it, which is more than enough time for most people.

Key Takeaways

  • You must answer at least 21 of 30 questions correctly to pass the Texas written test.
  • Every question comes directly from the Texas Driver Handbook, which you can read free from the DPS website.
  • The test covers traffic signs, road rules, and safe driving practices — not trick questions or obscure material.
  • You have one hour to complete the test on a computer at a DPS office or approved testing location.
  • If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at most locations, though you may have to pay the fee again.

Traffic signs and what they mean

Texas uses standard road signs that appear throughout the United States. The test asks you to identify signs by shape and color and to know what each one tells you to do. Red signs mean stop or prohibition. Yellow signs warn of hazards ahead. Green signs give directions or information. White signs show regulations.

You need to know the difference between a stop sign (red octagon — you must come to a complete stop), a yield sign (red and white triangle — you must slow down and let other traffic pass), and a do-not-enter sign (red rectangle with white horizontal bar — you cannot go that way). You should also recognize warning signs like curves ahead, pedestrian crossing, school zone, and slippery when wet.

Speed limit signs are white rectangles with black numbers. Regulatory signs (like no parking or no left turn) are usually white with black or red symbols. The handbook includes a full chart of signs with pictures. Spend time looking at each one and saying aloud what it means — this helps you remember during the test.

Right-of-way rules and traffic laws

Right-of-way questions ask who has the legal right to go first at intersections, on highways, and in parking lots. At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to stop has the right to go first. If two vehicles stop at the same time, the one on the right goes first. When turning left, you must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. When entering a highway from a ramp, you must yield to traffic already on the highway.

The test also covers speed limits. In Texas, the default speed limit in a residential area is 30 mph unless posted otherwise. On a highway, it can be 55, 65, or 70 mph depending on the road and conditions. You must obey posted limits, and you can be cited for driving too slowly if you block traffic without a valid reason.

Other common questions cover parking rules (you cannot park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, for example), seat belt laws (driver and front-seat passengers must wear them), and child safety seat requirements (children under 8 or under 57 inches tall must use a car seat or booster seat). The handbook lists these rules clearly, and the test questions follow them exactly.

Safe driving practices and hazard response

This section tests what you should do in difficult situations. If your brakes fail, you should pump the brake pedal, downshift to a lower gear, and look for a safe place to stop — not jump out of the car. If you skid on ice, you should not slam on the brakes; instead, ease off the gas, steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go, and wait for traction to return.

The test asks about driving in rain, fog, and at night. In heavy rain, you should reduce speed, increase following distance, and use headlights. In fog, use low-beam headlights (high beams reflect off the fog and make it worse). At night, use headlights from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, and adjust your speed so you can stop within the distance your headlights illuminate.

You'll also see questions about distracted driving, impaired driving, and aggressive driving. You should not text, eat, or adjust the radio while driving. If you feel drowsy, pull over and rest. If you see an aggressive driver, do not engage — let them pass and report them if they're dangerous. The handbook covers all these scenarios with specific guidance.

How to study the Texas Driver Handbook

read the Texas Driver Handbook from the DPS website (dps.texas.gov). Read it section by section rather than skimming. The handbook is written in plain language and is not long — most people can read it in two to three hours. Take notes on anything that surprises you or seems important.

After you've read the handbook once, go back and focus on the sections that confused you. Read the traffic signs section again and look at the pictures. Read the right-of-way section and imagine yourself in each scenario. Many people find it helpful to read the handbook twice — once all the way through, then again more slowly with focus.

Some DPS offices and approved testing locations offer practice tests online or on paper. These are not official, but they follow the same format and cover the same topics as the real test. Taking a practice test helps you see which areas you need to study more and gets you used to the computer format.

What happens if you don't pass

If you answer fewer than 21 questions correctly, you fail. You can retake the test the same day at most DPS offices and testing locations. You will have to pay the test fee again. There is no waiting period between attempts on the same day, though some locations may have a short break between tests.

If you fail multiple times, take a step back and study the handbook more carefully. Many people who fail the first time pass easily on the second attempt after reviewing the material. If you're struggling with a particular topic — like right-of-way or safe driving practices — spend extra time on that section of the handbook before your next test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring the Texas Driver Handbook with me to the test?

No. The test is closed-book. You cannot bring the handbook, notes, or any other materials into the testing room. You must study beforehand and rely on what you've learned. This is why studying the handbook thoroughly before test day is so important.

What if I don't speak English well?

The test is offered in Spanish at most DPS offices. You can request a Spanish-language test when you schedule your appointment or when you arrive at the office. Some locations also offer the test in other languages — call ahead to ask what's available at your location.

How many times can I retake the test?

Texas law does not set a limit on how many times you can retake the written test. However, if you fail three times, you must wait 10 days before your fourth attempt. After that, you can retake it as often as you need to, though you pay the fee each time.

Is the test the same every time I take it?

No. The test is randomly generated from a large pool of questions, so each test is different. However, all questions come from the same Texas Driver Handbook, so if you study the handbook, you'll be prepared for any version of the test.

What score do I need to pass?

You need to answer at least 21 of 30 questions correctly, which is a score of 70 percent. There is no penalty for guessing, so if you're unsure about an answer, make your best guess rather than leaving it blank.