Free Texas DPS Permit Practice Test 2026

Get ready to pass your Texas DPS written test on the first try. Our free Texas permit practice tests are based directly on the official Texas Driver's Handbook and contain the same types of questions you will see on test day. Each test covers traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, safe driving techniques, and Texas-specific regulations. With 21 correct answers required out of 30 questions (70% passing score), preparation is essential. Start practicing today - unlimited attempts, instant feedback, detailed explanations.

30
Questions on test
21 correct
Required to pass
70%
Passing score
15 years old
Minimum age

Take the Texas DPS Permit Practice Test Now

25 questions drawn from the Texas driver handbook, 70% to pass, with an explanation after every answer. Free, no sign-up - press Start when you are ready. More Texas tests are listed below.

Texas DPS Practice Test 1

Questions are shuffled every time and drawn from the Texas driver handbook. Nothing starts - and no clock runs - until you press the button.

  • 25 questions
  • 70% to pass (18 correct)
  • About 15 minutes
  • Explanation after every answer
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Texas Permit Test: Quick Facts

Verified against Department of Public Safety publications - last reviewed September 2026.

Official permit nameLearner License
Questions on the test30
Passing score70% (21 correct)
Wrong answers allowed9
Minimum age15 years old
Online testingPartially - online testing is available only in some cases (see the official site).
Driver's educationRequired for applicants under 18.
Supervised practice30 hours behind the wheel (10 at night) with a licensed adult 21+ (parent-monitored), in addition to the 7 hours behind-the-wheel and 7 hours in-car observation of the driver education course
Permit holding period6 months (unless you turn 18 first) before applying for the provisional license
Testing agencyDepartment of Public Safety (DPS)

More Texas Practice Tests

Official Texas Driver's Handbook

The DPS writes every real exam question from this manual - read it alongside your practice tests.

Read the Handbook ↗

Texas Permit Practice Test PDF (2026)

Free printable version: 80+ Texas questions with an answer key and explanations, plus the DPS test facts on the cover. All state PDFs →

Download PDF ⬇

Sample Texas Permit Test Questions

Three of the Texas-specific questions from our bank, with the answer and the rule behind it. The full tests above contain hundreds more.

  1. 1. What is the maximum speed limit on Texas rural interstate highways during the day?

    • A. 65 mph
    • B. 70 mph
    • C. 75 mph (correct)
    • D. 80 mph

    Why: Texas rural interstates have a maximum daytime speed of 75 mph (some sections are posted 80 mph). Nighttime limits may be lower. Always obey posted signs.

  2. 2. Under Texas's Minor Alcohol Law (MLDA), drivers under 21 driving with any detectable amount of alcohol:

    • A. Receive a warning for the first offense
    • B. Face a license suspension of 60-180 days and a fine (correct)
    • C. Are charged with full DWI immediately
    • D. Only face penalties if their BAC exceeds 0.04%

    Why: Texas's Minor Alcohol Law means ANY detectable BAC is illegal for drivers under 21. Penalties include 60-180 day license suspension, a $500 fine, and community service.

  3. 3. In Texas, when must you use vehicle headlights?

    • A. Only after midnight
    • B. From sunset to sunrise and when visibility is less than 1,000 feet (correct)
    • C. Only in rain or fog heavier than light drizzle
    • D. Headlights are only required on highways

    Why: Texas law requires headlights from sunset to sunrise and whenever visibility is reduced to 1,000 feet or less due to weather conditions.

Texas Permit Test Study Guide (2026)

A free Texas DPS written test study guide - updated for 2026, verified against the official Department of Public Safety handbook.

Reviewed by Chad HenryAfter 25 years of teaching driver educationLast reviewed September 2026

On Texas roads you'll meet some of the highest speed limits in the country and sprawling metros from Houston to Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin - and the DPS written exam expects the laws that go with them: the Move Over law, "Turn Around, Don't Drown" flood safety, and the state's strict DWI penalties. Our Texas practice permit test pulls straight from the official Texas Driver Handbook so you reach your DPS office genuinely ready.

What to Expect on the Texas Permit Test

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires every new driver to pass a written knowledge test before being issued a learner's permit. In Texas the exam has 30 multiple-choice questions, you need 21 correct to reach the 70% passing score, and you must be at least 15 years old to apply. Every question is drawn from the official Texas driver's handbook, so the topics on our practice tests match exactly what the DPS asks.

Topics Covered on the TX Written Test

  • Traffic Laws (Rules of the Road): State-specific rules of the road, including right-of-way, lane changing, and intersection rules
  • Road Signs: Recognition and meaning of all standard road signs - warning, regulatory, and informational
  • Speed Limits: Default speed limits, school zones, work zones, and highway speeds
  • Safe Driving: Following distance, blind spots, defensive driving, and weather conditions
  • Alcohol & Drugs: DUI laws, BAC limits, and consequences of impaired driving
  • Parking Rules: Legal and illegal parking situations, curb colors, and distances

How to Prepare for the Texas Permit Test

The strongest preparation pairs a read-through of the official Texas Driver's Handbook with repeated practice tests that surface your weak spots. Because the DPS draws all 30 questions from that handbook, Texas drivers who consistently clear 70% on our practice tests - and review the explanation on every miss - usually pass the real exam on their first attempt. Aim for 21 or more correct, every time, before you book your appointment.

Official Texas DPS Information

For official test requirements, locations, and fees, visit the Department of Public Safety website. You can also read the official Texasdriver's handbook free of charge - every question on our practice tests traces back to it.

Texas Permit Test - Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the Texas DPS written test?

The Texas DPS written knowledge test has 30 questions. You must answer at least 21 correctly (70% passing score) to pass.

What topics are covered on the Texas permit test?

The Texas permit test covers traffic laws and regulations, road signs and their meanings, right-of-way rules, speed limits, safe driving practices, parking regulations, and TX-specific driving laws.

How old do you have to be to get a permit in Texas?

In Texas, you must be at least 15 years old to apply for a learner's permit. You will need to pass the written knowledge test and a vision screening at the Department of Public Safety.

Where can I find the official Texas driver's handbook?

The official Texas driver's handbook is available free on the Department of Public Safety website. Our practice tests are based on this handbook, so studying both together gives you the best preparation.

How many questions can you miss on the Texas permit test?

You can miss up to 9 of the 30 questions and still pass. The minimum is 21 correct answers (70%).

What is the Texas learner's permit officially called?

Texas issues the Learner License. It is the first stage of the state's licensing process for new drivers.

Can I take the Texas permit test online?

Partially - online testing is available only in some cases (see the official site).

Is driver's education required for a Texas permit?

Required for applicants under 18.

How long do I have to hold my Texas permit?

Minimum holding period: 6 months (unless you turn 18 first) before applying for the provisional license. Required supervised practice: 30 hours behind the wheel (10 at night) with a licensed adult 21+ (parent-monitored), in addition to the 7 hours behind-the-wheel and 7 hours in-car observation of the driver education course.

Sources & Methodology

Every Texas question on this page is written from the official Texas driver handbook, and the facts in the table above are checked against Department of Public Safety publications. Last reviewed: September 2026.

Chad Henry Reviewer

After 25 years of teaching driver education

Chad Henry has taught driver education for 25 years and reviews every state's practice questions, quick facts and study guides against the official driver handbook and agency publications before they are published.

Last reviewed: September 2026

Practice Permit Tests in Other States

Studying in more than one state, or planning a move from Texas? Jump straight to another state's free DPS-style practice tests below, or browse all 50 states.

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