The actual questions on the Texas written test come from the Texas Driver Handbook, and the test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, and safe driving practices.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) pulls every question directly from material in the official handbook. You will not see trick questions or material that is not in that handbook. The test is 30 questions long, and you need to answer at least 21 correctly to pass. Each question is multiple choice with four answer options.

The questions are not randomized in the same way for every test-taker — the DPS uses a question bank, and different people may see different subsets of questions from that bank. This means you cannot memorize one specific test. Instead, you study the handbook categories: traffic signs, road markings, right-of-way, speed and distance, parking, and safe driving in different conditions.

Key Takeaways

  • All 30 questions come directly from the Texas Driver Handbook, so studying that handbook is the only preparation you need.
  • You must score at least 21 out of 30 to pass; there is no partial credit, and one wrong answer on a sign or rule question counts the same as any other.
  • Questions cover traffic signs (what they mean and what you must do), right-of-way rules (who goes first at intersections and on roads), and safe driving practices in rain, fog, and night conditions.
  • The test is given on a computer at the DPS office, and you have a set time limit to complete it — usually 30 to 45 minutes depending on your location.

Traffic Sign Questions and What They Test

About one-third of the test focuses on traffic signs. You will see a picture of a sign and be asked what it means or what you must do when you see it. The signs tested include regulatory signs (red and white rectangles like Stop and Yield), warning signs (yellow diamonds), information signs (green rectangles for directions and distances), and special signs like school zone and construction zone markers.

For each sign, you need to know not just what it says but what action it requires. For example, a Yield sign means you must slow down and let other traffic pass; you do not have to stop unless traffic is coming. A Stop sign means you must come to a complete stop. A yellow diamond warning sign alerts you to a hazard ahead — like a curve or pedestrian crossing — but does not require you to stop unless the hazard is present.

The handbook includes a full section with pictures of every sign you might encounter. Study that section by covering the description and testing yourself on what each sign means. Pay special attention to signs that look similar but have different meanings, like the difference between a Yield sign and a Do Not Enter sign.

Right-of-Way and Intersection Questions

Right-of-way questions make up a large portion of the test because they are critical to safe driving. You will see scenarios like: "You are at a four-way stop with another car. Who has the right of way?" or "You are turning left at a traffic light. What must you do?" The test assumes you know the basic rule: at an intersection with no traffic control, the car on the right has the right of way.

Common scenarios include two cars arriving at a stop sign at the same time (the one on the right goes first), a car turning left across oncoming traffic (oncoming traffic has the right of way), and a car entering a highway from a ramp (traffic already on the highway has the right of way). You will also see questions about pedestrians and bicycles — pedestrians in a crosswalk always have the right of way over turning vehicles, even if the vehicle has a green light.

The handbook breaks down right-of-way rules by situation: at intersections with traffic lights, at intersections with stop signs, on roads with no traffic control, and in special situations like school buses and emergency vehicles. Read each scenario carefully and explore the basic rule: yield to traffic on your right, to oncoming traffic if you are turning left, and to pedestrians in crosswalks.

Speed, Distance, and Safe Driving Practice Questions

The test includes questions about speed limits, following distance, and how to drive safely in different weather and lighting conditions. You will see questions like: "What is the speed limit in a residential area?" (25 mph unless posted otherwise) and "How far behind another car should you stay?" (at least one car length for every 10 mph of speed, or the two-second rule).

Safe driving questions test your knowledge of how to handle rain, fog, ice, and night driving. For example: "Your headlights are on, but you still cannot see ahead clearly. What should you do?" The answer is to slow down or pull off the road, because you cannot drive safely if you cannot see. Questions about hydroplaning (when your tires lose grip on wet pavement) ask what you should do — ease off the gas and avoid braking hard.

The handbook includes a section on driving in hazardous conditions. Study the specific information for each: rain (increase following distance, use headlights, avoid sudden braking), fog (use low-beam headlights, reduce speed, increase following distance), and ice (reduce speed before entering icy areas, avoid sudden acceleration or braking, increase following distance to at least eight to ten seconds).

Parking, Lane Use, and Special Situations

A smaller portion of the test covers where you can and cannot park, how to use lanes correctly, and how to handle special situations. You will see questions about parking near fire hydrants (you cannot park within 15 feet), parking on hills (turn your wheels toward the curb), and parking in spaces marked for people with disabilities (you must have a valid permit).

Lane use questions ask about passing on the right (you can do it on a multi-lane road if the car ahead is turning left), staying in the right lane on a highway (slower traffic keeps right), and using turn signals (you must signal at least 100 feet before turning). Special situations include what to do when an emergency vehicle approaches (pull to the right and stop) and how to handle a school bus with red lights flashing (stop at least 20 feet away, do not pass).

How the Test Is Administered and Time Limits

You take the test on a computer at a DPS office or an approved testing location. The test is proctored, meaning a staff member watches to may support you are not using notes or other materials. You cannot use your phone, the handbook, or any other reference during the test.

The time limit varies by location but is typically 30 to 45 minutes for the written test. This is enough time to read each question carefully and review your answers if you finish early. If you do not finish within the time limit, your test ends and you receive a score based on the questions you answered. You cannot go back to previous questions once you move forward.

If you fail the test, you can retake it. Most DPS offices allow you to retake the test the same day or within a few days, though you may have to pay the test fee again. Check with your local DPS office for their specific retake policy.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common mistake is not reading the question carefully. A question might ask "What must you do?" and you might answer what you "can" do — these are different. For example, you can pass on the right in certain situations, but you must pass on the left in most situations. Read the exact wording of the question before you choose your answer.

Another common mistake is confusing similar signs or rules. A Yield sign and a Do Not Enter sign look different, but test-takers sometimes mix them up. A yellow warning sign and a white regulatory sign serve different purposes. Study the handbook's sign section by category and test yourself repeatedly on signs that look similar.

A third mistake is not knowing the specific numbers the test asks about. For example, the handbook states that you must signal at least 100 feet before turning, that you cannot park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, and that the speed limit in a residential area is 25 mph unless posted otherwise. These numbers appear on the test. Write them down while you study and review them the night before your test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Texas Driver Handbook during the test?

No. The test is proctored, and you cannot use any reference materials, notes, or electronic devices during the test. You must study the handbook before you arrive at the DPS office. You can bring the handbook with you to study in the waiting area before your test, but you cannot use it during the test itself.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test. Most DPS offices allow you to retake it the same day or within a few days, though you may have to pay the test fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but you must pass before you can move on to the driving test.

Are the questions the same every time I take the test?

No. The DPS uses a question bank, and different test-takers see different questions from that bank. All questions come from the Texas Driver Handbook, so studying the handbook thoroughly is the best way to prepare, rather than trying to memorize one specific test.

How much time do I have to answer all 30 questions?

The time limit is usually 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your DPS office location. This gives you about one to two minutes per question, which is enough time to read carefully and review your answers. If you finish early, you can review your answers before submitting the test.

What score do I need to pass the Texas written test?

You must answer at least 21 out of 30 questions correctly to pass. That is a score of 70 percent. There is no partial credit — each question is either right or wrong. You cannot pass with 20 correct answers.