Texas DPS practice test
Prepare for your Texas DPS knowledge test with practice questions based on the 2026 Texas Driver Handbook. Covers road signs, traffic laws, speed limits, and Texas-specific regulations.
AutoviaTest.comTexas knowledge test format
Computer-based test at any DPS office
The Texas DPS knowledge test consists of 30 multiple-choice questions covering road signs and traffic laws. You must score 70% or higher to pass — that's 21 out of 30 correct. The test takes approximately 30 minutes per section. It's available in English and Spanish and is taken on a computer at any DPS office. You get 3 attempts within a 90-day window. The test fee is included in the application fee ($16 for learners, $33 for adult Class C). A driver education course may waive the written test entirely.
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30Road signs + traffic lawsPass mark
70%21 of 30 correctTime limit
~30 minPer sectionFee
$33Included in applicationTexas-specific driving rules
Texting ban (HB 62)
No reading, writing, or sending messages while driving. Hands-free calls are OK. $25–$99 first offense, $100–$200 subsequent. Up to $4,000 + jail if texting causes death. Under 18: no phone use at all except 911.
Move over/slow down (SB 305)
Must move over or slow to 20 mph below posted speed for emergency vehicles, TxDOT, tow trucks, utility, and animal control vehicles. Up to $1,250 first offense, $4,000 + jail if injury. Expanded Sep 2025.
No vehicle inspection (HB 3297)
As of January 2025, non-commercial vehicles are exempt from annual safety inspections. A $7.50 fee is added at registration instead. Emissions testing still required in designated counties.
Permitless carry (HB 1927)
Since 2021, Texans 21 and older may carry handguns openly or concealed without a permit. Certain locations remain off-limits.
HOV lanes (Houston/Dallas)
2+ occupants required in HOV lanes. Motorcycles are exempt. Available on major freeways in Houston and Dallas metro areas.
School bus stop law
Must stop in all directions when a school bus displays flashing red lights — unless on a divided highway with a physical barrier. $500–$1,250 first offense, up to $2,000 repeat.
Turn around, don't drown
Texas is highly prone to flash flooding statewide, especially in Hill Country. Never drive through flooded roadways — most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
SH 130: 85 mph speed limit
State Highway 130 toll road near Austin has the highest posted speed limit in the United States at 85 mph. Speed cameras are banned statewide (HB 1631, 2019).
Texas DPS fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Class C adult (8-year) | $33 |
| Learner permit (under 18) | $16 |
| Provisional license (under 18) | $16 |
| Renewal (8-year) | $33 |
| Motorcycle endorsement (new) | $15 |
| Commercial CDL | ~$97 |
| Duplicate (lost/stolen) | $11 |
| Inspection replacement fee (at registration) | $7.50 |
Knowledge test fee is included in the application fee. 3 attempts allowed within a 90-day window.
Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL)
Restrictions for drivers under 18
- Learner permit at age 15 with driver education course enrollment
- Licensed adult 21+ must be in front seat at all times with learner
- 30 hours supervised practice driving (10 hours at night)
- Must hold learner permit for 6 months before provisional license
- No driving 12am–5am (exceptions: work, school, emergency, or accompanied by adult 21+)
- Max 1 non-family passenger under 21; no wireless device use at all (except 911); restrictions lift at 18
Texas speed limits
SH 130 toll road near Austin is posted at 85 mph — the highest in the US. Fines are doubled in construction zones.
Top traffic fines
Representative fines (Harris County), including court costs
| Violation | Base fine | Total (est.) | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speeding 1–5 mph over | — | $224 | 2 |
| Speeding 10–14 mph over | — | $259 | 2 |
| Speeding 20–29 mph over | — | $309 | 2 |
| Running red light / stop sign | — | $155 | 2 |
| No seatbelt | — | $125 | 0 |
| No insurance | — | $315 | 0 |
| Passing school bus | — | $1,080 | 2 |
| Unrestrained child | — | $185 | 0 |
Fines vary by county. School zone and construction zone fines are significantly higher. Speed cameras are banned statewide.
Texas DWI laws
1st offense: Class B misdemeanor, up to $2,000 fine, 3–180 days jail, up to 1-year suspension. 2nd: up to $4,000, 30 days–1 year jail. 3rd: 3rd degree felony, up to $10,000, 2–10 years prison. Implied consent: refusing a test = 180-day suspension (1st), 2 years (subsequent). Court-imposed civil fines of $3,000–$6,000 may also apply.
DWI with a child under 15 is a state jail felony with up to $10,000 additional fine. Under 21: zero tolerance for any detectable amount of alcohol.
Texas points system
- Driver Responsibility Program (DRP) repealed September 1, 2019 (HB 3842)
- 2 points per moving violation conviction
- 3 points for crash-related violations
- DRP surcharges eliminated — no annual surcharges for points since 2019
- Points are tracked but no automatic suspension threshold like some states
- Defensive driving course can dismiss 1 ticket (once per 12 months)
Insurance requirements
Minimum liability coverage (30/60/25):
Proof of insurance required at all times. Driving without insurance: up to $315 fine first offense, up to $1,000 and license suspension for repeat.
Texas road hazards
Hurricanes
Gulf Coast risk June through November, storm surge and high winds can close coastal highways
Tornadoes
North and Central Texas, primarily spring season, seek shelter immediately — never try to outrun in a vehicle
Flash flooding
Statewide risk, especially Hill Country — most flood deaths in Texas occur in vehicles; Turn Around, Don't Drown
Extreme heat
100°F+ summers across much of the state, risk of tire blowouts and engine overheating
Ice storms
North Texas and Panhandle, bridges and overpasses freeze first; Winter Storm Uri (2021) showed statewide vulnerability
Dust storms
West Texas, reduce visibility to near zero — pull off road completely, turn off lights, wait it out
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the Texas DPS knowledge test?
30 multiple-choice questions covering road signs and traffic laws. You need 70% correct to pass (21/30). The test is computer-based at DPS offices and takes approximately 30 minutes per section.
How much does a Texas driver's license cost?
An adult Class C license costs $33 for 8 years. The learner permit is $16. The knowledge test fee is included in the application. You get 3 attempts within a 90-day window. A driver education course may waive the written test.
What are the GDL restrictions for teen drivers in Texas?
Provisional license holders (16-17) cannot drive between 12am and 5am (exceptions for work, school, or emergency), are limited to 1 non-family passenger under 21, and cannot use any wireless device except for 911. A learner permit requires a licensed adult 21+ in the front seat.
What are the DWI penalties in Texas?
1st offense: up to $2,000 fine and 3–180 days jail. 2nd: up to $4,000 and 30 days–1 year jail. 3rd: felony with up to $10,000 and 2–10 years prison. Under 21 has zero tolerance. DWI with a child under 15 is a state jail felony.
What is the highest speed limit in Texas?
85 mph on State Highway 130 toll road near Austin — the highest posted speed limit in the United States. Most state and US highways are 70 mph. Speed cameras are banned statewide since 2019.
When must I stop for a school bus in Texas?
You must stop in all directions when a school bus displays flashing red lights, unless you are on a divided highway separated by a physical barrier. The fine is $500–$1,250 for a first offense and up to $2,000 for repeat violations.
Do I still need a vehicle inspection in Texas?
No. As of January 2025 (HB 3297), non-commercial vehicles are exempt from annual safety inspections. A $7.50 fee is added at registration instead. Emissions testing is still required in designated counties.
What are Texas's minimum insurance requirements?
30/60/25 — $30,000 bodily injury per person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 property damage. Proof of insurance is required at all times. Driving without insurance can result in fines up to $315 and license suspension.
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