Texas Permit Test Sample Questions
Real, Texas-specific sample questions from our practice question bank, with the correct answer, a full explanation, and a source reference for each. See our national sample questions for topics that apply to every state, or take the full Texas permit practice test to test yourself instead of just reading the answers.
Distracted Driving
1. Does Texas law ban all drivers from texting while driving?
Texas has a statewide law that bans reading, writing, or sending text messages while operating a vehicle, applying to all drivers.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, Distracted Driving Laws
2. In Texas, may a licensed adult driver legally talk on a handheld phone while driving outside of school zones?
Unlike the statewide texting ban, Texas does not have a full statewide ban on adults holding a phone to talk while driving outside of specific restricted areas such as school zones; local ordinances may add further restrictions.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, Distracted Driving Laws
3. Are Texas drivers under 18 allowed to use a cell phone while driving, including hands-free?
Texas prohibits all drivers under 18 from using a wireless communication device, including hands-free, while driving — except in a true emergency. The restriction is tied to age, not a temporary post-licensing window; it doesn't expire after a set number of months.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, Distracted Driving Laws
4. Is handheld phone use banned for all drivers within an active school crossing zone?
Texas law prohibits using a handheld wireless device in a posted school crossing zone while children are present, for all drivers.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, Distracted Driving Laws
5. What should a school bus driver do regarding phone use while minors are on board?
Texas law prohibits a school bus operator from using a wireless communication device while the bus is in operation with a minor on board.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, Distracted Driving Laws
6. What should you do with pets that are not restrained in the vehicle?
An unrestrained pet can distract the driver by moving around the cabin and can become a dangerous projectile in a sudden stop or crash.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, Distracted Driving Laws
Dui Alcohol Drugs
7. What is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers age 21 and over operating a regular passenger vehicle in Texas?
For drivers 21 and older operating a non-commercial vehicle, the legal BAC limit is 0.08%; driving at or above this level is Driving While Intoxicated (DWI).
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, DWI and DUI Laws
8. What term does Texas law use for an adult driving with a BAC at or above the legal limit, and what term applies to a minor with any detectable alcohol?
Texas uses DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) for adult offenses at or above the legal BAC limit, while DUI (Driving Under the Influence) specifically refers to the zero-tolerance offense for drivers under 21 with any detectable amount of alcohol.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, DWI and DUI Laws
9. Under Texas's zero-tolerance law, how much alcohol can a driver under 21 legally have in their system while driving?
Texas has a zero-tolerance law for drivers under 21: any detectable amount of alcohol while driving is illegal under the DUI-by-a-minor offense.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, DWI and DUI Laws
10. What is Texas's 'implied consent' law?
Implied consent means that by driving in Texas, you have already agreed to submit to chemical testing if lawfully arrested on suspicion of DWI; refusing can lead to license suspension.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, DWI and DUI Laws
11. Can a driver be arrested for DWI due to prescription or over-the-counter medication, even if legally obtained?
Any substance, including legally prescribed or over-the-counter medication, that impairs your ability to drive safely can result in a DWI arrest.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, DWI and DUI Laws
12. If convicted of a first DWI offense, which consequence is typical in Texas?
A first DWI conviction typically results in license suspension, fines, possible required education programs, and the possibility of jail time.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, DWI and DUI Laws
13. Is it illegal to have an open container of alcohol in the passenger area of your vehicle on a public highway?
Texas law generally prohibits open containers of alcohol in the passenger compartment of a vehicle on a public highway, regardless of who is drinking.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, DWI and DUI Laws
14. What happens to a driver's license if they refuse a chemical test after a lawful DWI arrest?
Refusing a chemical test after a lawful DWI arrest results in an automatic license suspension under Texas's implied consent law, separate from any DWI conviction.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, DWI and DUI Laws
15. Is driving while impaired by marijuana illegal in Texas?
Driving while impaired by marijuana or any other drug, legal or not, can result in a DWI charge in Texas, just as with alcohol impairment.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, DWI and DUI Laws
16. A DWI that results in injury to another person is generally charged as what?
A DWI that causes injury to another person, known as intoxication assault, is treated much more seriously and can be charged as a felony.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, DWI and DUI Laws
Licensing Provisional Rules
17. What is the minimum age to apply for a learner license (instruction permit) in Texas?
Teens in Texas may apply for a learner license starting at 15 years old, after meeting driver education requirements.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, Graduated Licensing Rules
18. How long must a Texas learner license generally be held before a minor can apply for a provisional license?
A Texas learner license must generally be held for at least 6 months before a minor can apply for a provisional license.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, Graduated Licensing Rules
19. Until when does a Texas provisional (GDL Phase Two) driver's midnight-to-5-a.m. driving restriction generally last?
Texas's GDL Phase Two restricts a provisional driver from driving between midnight and 5 a.m. until their 18th birthday — not a fixed 12-month period — unless a specific exception applies, such as work, a school activity, or an emergency.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, Graduated Licensing Rules
20. Until when does a Texas provisional (GDL Phase Two) driver's passenger restriction generally last, and how many passengers under 21 who are not family members may ride along?
Texas's GDL Phase Two restricts a provisional driver to no more than one passenger under 21 who isn't a family member, lasting until the driver's 18th birthday — not a fixed 12-month window.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, Graduated Licensing Rules
21. While driving with a learner license, who must be seated next to the learner?
A learner license holder must practice with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old, seated close enough to take control if needed.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, Graduated Licensing Rules
22. About how many hours of behind-the-wheel supervised practice, including nighttime hours, are commonly required before a Texas minor can complete driver education requirements?
Texas driver education requirements commonly call for about 30 hours of behind-the-wheel practice with a licensed adult, including at least 10 hours at night, logged before completing the course.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, Graduated Licensing Rules
23. What score is generally required to pass the Texas DPS written knowledge test?
The Texas DPS written knowledge test generally requires a score of at least 70% correct to pass.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, Graduated Licensing Rules
24. What program addressing common causes of teen crashes must Texas provisional license applicants generally complete?
Texas requires provisional license applicants to complete the Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) program, which addresses leading causes of teen crashes such as distraction and impaired driving.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, Graduated Licensing Rules
Speed Limits
25. Unless otherwise posted, what is a common speed limit in an urban business or residential district in Texas?
Unless a different limit is posted, 30 mph is a common default speed limit in urban districts in Texas.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, Speed Laws
26. What is notable about speed limits on some rural Texas interstates and toll roads compared to many other states?
Texas posts some of the highest speed limits in the country on certain rural interstates and toll roads, with select segments posted up to 75-85 mph.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, Speed Laws
27. Unless posted otherwise, what speed should drivers generally travel when passing a school with a marked crosswalk during arrival or dismissal times?
School zones post their own reduced speed limits, often active only during specific times, and drivers must follow the posted school zone speed.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, Speed Laws
28. What is the maximum speed for a vehicle towing a trailer on a Texas highway numbered by the state or U.S., outside an urban district?
Texas's official speed limit table does not set a separate, lower cap for vehicles towing a trailer — a passenger car or light truck towing a trailer shares the same posted limit (e.g. 70 mph on a numbered highway outside an urban district) as other passenger-car traffic on that road.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, Speed Laws
29. When approaching a lower speed limit sign transitioning from a rural highway into a small town, what should a driver do?
Drivers should reduce speed in advance of a lower posted limit so they are already at the new legal speed when they reach the sign.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, Speed Laws
More Questions
30. In Texas, a crash generally must be reported to police if it involves injury, death, or apparent property damage of at least what amount?
Texas generally requires crashes involving injury, death, or apparent property damage of $1,000 or more to be reported to police.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, Crash Reporting Requirements
31. Does Texas have a single statewide law requiring drivers to leave a specific number of feet when passing a bicyclist?
Texas does not have one uniform statewide safe-passing-distance law for bicyclists; instead, many individual cities and counties have adopted their own local ordinances, so drivers should check local rules and always pass with as much clearance as possible.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, Sharing the Road with Bicyclists
32. Which state agency issues driver licenses and learner permits in Texas?
Unlike many states, Texas splits these duties between two agencies: the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) issues driver licenses and learner permits, while vehicle registration and titling are handled separately by TxDMV.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, Insurance and Registration Requirements
33. Which state agency handles vehicle registration and titling in Texas?
Vehicle registration and titling in Texas are handled by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV), separate from TxDPS, which issues driver licenses.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, Insurance and Registration Requirements
34. What can happen if you are caught driving without proof of financial responsibility in Texas?
Driving without proof of financial responsibility can result in fines and can lead to suspension of vehicle registration or driving privileges.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, Insurance and Registration Requirements
35. Why should a driver never attempt to cross a low water crossing that is covered by moving water, even if it looks shallow?
As little as a foot or two of moving water can float and sweep away a vehicle, and pavement may be damaged or washed out beneath the surface, so low water crossings covered by water should never be entered.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, Low Water Crossings
36. What should you do if you encounter barricades placed across a flooded low water crossing?
Barricades across a flooded crossing are placed there because the road is unsafe; drivers should never move or drive around them and should find another route.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, Low Water Crossings
37. During heavy rain in flood-prone parts of Texas, what is a safe practice before driving a familiar rural route?
Low water crossings can flood rapidly during heavy rain, sometimes with little warning, so checking current conditions before traveling a flood-prone route is an important safety practice.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, Low Water Crossings
38. If your vehicle stalls in rising water at a low water crossing, what should you do?
If a vehicle stalls in rising floodwater, occupants should abandon it and move to higher ground immediately, since vehicles can be swept away or become submerged quickly.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, Low Water Crossings
39. Texas's 'Move Over/Slow Down' law requires drivers to do what when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights on the shoulder?
The Move Over/Slow Down law requires drivers to move over one lane away from a stopped emergency, tow, or TxDOT vehicle with flashing lights if safe, or slow down significantly if a lane change is not possible.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, Move Over Law
40. Why does the Move Over law also apply to tow trucks and TxDOT maintenance vehicles with amber flashing lights?
The Move Over law extends to tow trucks and highway maintenance vehicles with amber warning lights because workers near the roadway face similar risks from passing traffic.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, Move Over Law
41. Is it legal to park in a space reserved for disabled persons without displaying a valid placard or plate?
Parking in a disabled space without displaying a valid placard or plate is illegal regardless of how briefly the vehicle is left.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, Parking Rules
42. When parking downhill facing a curb, which direction should the front wheels point?
When parking downhill facing a curb, turn the front wheels toward the curb so the vehicle would roll into the curb rather than into traffic.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, Parking Rules
43. How close to a stop sign is parking typically prohibited, so the sign remains visible?
Parking too close to a stop sign or intersection can block visibility for other drivers, so local rules commonly prohibit parking within a set distance, often around 30 feet.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, Parking Rules
44. A traffic signal at an intersection is completely dark due to a power outage. How should drivers treat the intersection?
When a traffic signal is not working, drivers must treat the intersection as an all-way stop, taking turns based on arrival order.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, Right-of-Way Rules
45. On a narrow rural road, you meet another vehicle at a low-water crossing that is too narrow for both cars to pass safely. Who should yield?
On narrow crossings or bridges without signage, drivers should use judgment and courtesy, generally yielding to whichever vehicle is already closer to or on the crossing.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, Right-of-Way Rules
46. On a highway with a physical median separating opposing traffic, do vehicles traveling opposite a stopped school bus need to stop?
On a highway with a physical median or divider separating opposing traffic, only vehicles traveling in the same direction as the stopped school bus must stop.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, School Bus Laws
47. Who is required to wear a seatbelt while a vehicle is in motion in Texas?
Texas law requires the driver and all passengers, front and rear, to wear a properly fastened seatbelt while the vehicle is moving.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, Seatbelt and Child Passenger Laws
48. Until what age or height must a child generally be secured in a child safety seat system in Texas, whichever comes first?
Texas law generally requires children younger than 8 years old, or shorter than 4 feet 9 inches, to be secured in a child safety seat system, whichever condition applies first.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, Seatbelt and Child Passenger Laws
49. Are pregnant drivers and passengers required to wear seatbelts in Texas?
Pregnant occupants are still required and strongly advised to wear a seatbelt, with the lap portion positioned low, under the belly, across the hips.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, Seatbelt and Child Passenger Laws
50. What can happen to a driver who is stopped with an unbuckled child passenger in the vehicle?
The driver can be cited and fined for failing to properly restrain a child passenger as required by law.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, Seatbelt and Child Passenger Laws
51. When is turning right on a solid red light generally allowed in Texas?
Unless posted otherwise, drivers may turn right on red after a complete stop and yielding to pedestrians and cross traffic.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, Traffic Signal Rules
52. What does a 'LOW WATER CROSSING' sign warn drivers about?
Low water crossing signs mark dips in the road that can flood quickly during rain, and drivers should never attempt to cross moving or high water.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, Traffic Sign Shapes and Colors
53. What does the Texas 'Turn Around, Don't Drown' campaign warn drivers about?
This well-known Texas safety campaign warns drivers never to drive into flooded roads or low water crossings, since water depth and road conditions underneath are often impossible to judge and vehicles can be swept away quickly.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, Adverse Weather Driving
54. Why can bridges and overpasses ice over before the rest of the road during a Texas winter cold snap?
Bridges and overpasses are exposed to cold air both above and below the road surface, so they lose heat faster and can develop ice before nearby roads on solid ground.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, Adverse Weather Driving
55. The first few minutes of rain after a long dry spell can make roads especially slippery because of what?
Rain mixes with built-up oil and grime on dry pavement, creating a slick surface that is often more slippery than after sustained rainfall washes it away.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, Adverse Weather Driving
56. In Texas, fines for traffic violations in a marked construction zone with workers present are typically what compared to normal fines?
Texas law doubles fines for many traffic violations committed in a posted construction or maintenance zone when workers are present, to help protect them.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook, Work Zone Safety