Free Texas DPS Practice Permit Test - Practice Test 3 2026

What's on the Texas Practice Test 3

The DPS does not publish how many questions are on the real Texas knowledge test, and to pass you need 70% correct. Practice Test 3 is a 25-question set drawn from 51 questions, scored against a practice target of 70%.

Topics in this test's question pool

• Road signs 16
• Traffic laws 14
• Safe driving 7
• Alcohol & drugs 4
• Vehicle equipment 3
• Emergencies 3
• Right of way 2
• Parking 2

51 questions in the pool, 8 of them written specifically for Texas. Each attempt shows 25 in a new order.

Sample questions from this test, with answers

Want to test yourself first? Take the test above before reading these. Every answer below is checked against the source shown.

1. 1. In Texas, how close to the nearest rail of a railroad crossing may you park?

   • A. No closer than 50 feet (correct)
   • B. No closer than 15 feet
   • C. No closer than 25 feet
   • D. No closer than 100 feet

   Why: Texas bans parking a vehicle, whether anyone is in it or not, within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing. You may never stop or park on the tracks themselves.

   Source: official Texas driver handbook, p.42 (PDF p.48), Do Not Park a Vehicle

2. 2. First-offense DWI in Texas (adult, BAC 0.08%+) can result in a jail sentence of:

   • A. No jail for first offense
   • B. Up to 72 hours
   • C. 72 hours to 180 days (correct)
   • D. Up to 2 years

   Why: A first-offense DWI in Texas carries 72 hours to 180 days in jail, a fine of up to $2,000, and a 90- to 365-day license suspension. Under Transportation Code 709.001, a conviction also brings an additional state traffic fine of $3,000 (or $6,000 if the BAC was 0.15 or more).

   Source: official Texas driver handbook, p.58 (PDF p.64), Ch. 10, Table 31

3. 3. A pentagon (5-sided) shaped sign is associated with:

   • A. Hospital zones
   • B. School zones (correct)
   • C. Construction areas
   • D. No-passing zones

   Why: Pentagon-shaped signs (pointing up or down) are used for school zones and school crossings. They are yellow-green in color and alert drivers that children may be present.

   Source: official Texas driver handbook

4. 4. Which lane position helps other drivers see you and gives you the best view of the road ahead?

   • A. Ride beside other cars so they always see you
   • B. Keep space around you and stay out of blind spots (correct)
   • C. Stay close behind a larger vehicle to block the wind
   • D. Keep to the far left edge of your lane

   Why: Maintain a space cushion around your vehicle and avoid lingering in others' blind spots. This keeps you visible, gives you escape routes, and improves your view of developing hazards.

   Source: official Texas driver handbook

5. 5. What does this sign mean?

   • A. Left lane closed ahead
   • B. Left turns are not allowed (correct)
   • C. Turn left only
   • D. Left turn on green arrow only

   Why: A red circle with a slash across a symbol means the action shown is not allowed. Here, the arrow shows a left turn, so you may not turn left.

   Source: PDF p.60, Prohibition signs

6. 6. What does a 'MERGE' warning sign (two lines coming together) mean?

   • A. Traffic will merge into your lane (correct)
   • B. Your lane ends - you must merge
   • C. Two roads cross just ahead
   • D. The road divides into two routes

   Why: A Merge sign warns that traffic from another roadway (such as an entrance ramp) will be joining your lane ahead. Watch for merging vehicles and adjust your speed and position so they can blend in smoothly. A lane that is ending has its own 'Lane Ends' sign.

   Source: Federal MUTCD 11th ed. (Dec 2023) 2C.45 Paragraph 01

More Texas facts, the full requirements table and the printable PDF are on the Texas permit practice test page.