Free Texas DPS Practice Permit Test - Practice Test 1 2026
This Practice Test 1 is modeled on the Department of Public Safety (DPS) written knowledge exam, whose length the agency does not publish; to pass you need 70% correct. These 25 questions rotate through traffic laws, road signs, and right-of-way - the core topics the DPS tests most heavily. Every question includes an explanation, so you learn the rule behind each answer - not just whether you got it right.
Traffic is backed up just past a railroad crossing. When should you start across the tracks?
What's on the Texas Practice Test 1
The DPS does not publish how many questions are on the real Texas knowledge test, and to pass you need 70% correct. Practice Test 1 is a 25-question set drawn from 58 questions, scored against a practice target of 70%.
Topics in this test's question pool
- Road signs 20
- Traffic laws 17
- Right of way 6
- Safe driving 6
- Speed limits 3
- Parking 3
- Alcohol & drugs 2
- Emergencies 1
58 questions in the pool, 16 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. What is the 'urban district' speed limit in Texas unless otherwise posted?
- A. 20 mph
- B. 25 mph
- C. 30 mph (correct)
- D. 35 mph
Why: The default speed limit in Texas urban districts (cities and towns) is 30 mph unless a different limit is posted. Always check for posted speed limit signs.
Source: official Texas driver handbook, p.46 (PDF p.52), Ch. 8 Speed Limits, Table 22
2. A crossing gate is down at a Texas railroad crossing. Where must you stop your vehicle?
- A. Between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail (correct)
- B. Between 5 and 10 feet from the nearest rail
- C. At least 100 feet from the nearest rail
- D. Between 50 and 100 feet from the nearest rail
Why: When a gate is lowered, a signal warns of a train, or a train is close, Texas requires you to stop no closer than 15 feet and no farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail. Stay stopped until it is safe to go.
Source: official Texas driver handbook, p.21 (PDF p.27), Railroad Grade Crossings
3. What does a yellow traffic light mean?
- A. Stop at once, no matter how close you are
- B. Stop if it is safe to do so (correct)
- C. The light is about to turn green
- D. Proceed normally
Why: A yellow (amber) light means the signal is about to turn red. You should stop if it is safe to do so. Only proceed if stopping would be unsafe (e.g., you are too close to the intersection).
Source: official Texas driver handbook
4. A yellow sign showing a bicycle means:
- A. Bicycles are not allowed ahead
- B. Bicyclists may be on the road (correct)
- C. Bicycles must use the sidewalk
- D. A bike rental station ahead
Why: A bicycle symbol warns that bicyclists may be on or crossing the roadway. Share the road, slow down, and give cyclists adequate space when passing.
5. A freeway lane is marked with a white diamond symbol and HOV signs. Who may drive in it?
- A. Any driver who wants to pass slow traffic
- B. Only trucks and other large commercial vehicles
- C. Only police and emergency vehicles on a call
- D. Vehicles carrying the posted number of people (correct)
Why: The diamond marks a high-occupancy vehicle (carpool) lane. The signs show how many people must be in the vehicle and when the rule applies.
Source: official Texas driver handbook
6. When driving in heavy rain, you should:
- A. Use high-beam headlights to see better
- B. Use low beams and leave more following distance (correct)
- C. Turn on hazard lights and drive at normal speed
- D. Use cruise control to keep a steady, safe speed
Why: In rain, use low-beam headlights (high beams reflect off rain), reduce speed, and increase following distance to at least 4-6 seconds. High beams can reduce visibility in rain.
Source: official Texas driver handbook
More Texas facts, the full requirements table and the printable PDF are on the Texas permit practice test page.
Texas DPS Test Info
- Questions on real test
- Not published by the DPS
- Passing score
- 70%
- Correct needed
- 70% correct
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Testing agency
- Department of Public Safety
More Texas Tests
Study Tip
Don't just aim to pass this Texas Practice Test 1 once - keep taking it until you score 70% or higher two or three times in a row. Read the explanation after every question, even the ones you get right, to lock in the rule before your DPS exam.