The Texas written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices
The Texas written driving test is a multiple-choice exam administered by the Department of Public Safety (DPS). You answer 30 questions, and you need to score at least 21 correct (70 percent) to pass. The test draws from the Texas Driver Handbook, which DPS publishes free online and in print at any DPS office.
The test covers three main areas: traffic signs and their meanings, traffic laws and right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. Questions are not trick questions — they test whether you know what the law actually requires and what common road signs mean. You take the test on a computer at a DPS office, and results are available when ready after you finish.
You can retake the test the same day if you fail, though some offices may require you to wait a few hours. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but each attempt costs the standard test fee.
Key Takeaways
- You must answer at least 21 of 30 questions correctly to pass the Texas written test.
- All test content comes from the Texas Driver Handbook, which you can read free before you test.
- The test covers traffic signs, traffic laws, and safe driving — not trick questions or obscure rules.
- You receive your score when ready after finishing, and you can retake the test the same day if you do not pass.
- The test is administered on a computer at a DPS office, and you cannot bring notes, phones, or study materials into the testing room.
What traffic signs appear on the test
The test includes questions about standard road signs you will see while driving. You need to know what each sign means, what color it is, and what action it requires. Common signs include stop signs, yield signs, speed limit signs, and warning signs (like curves ahead or pedestrian crossing).
Regulatory signs are usually white with black text and tell you what you must or must not do — for example, a no-left-turn sign or a one-way sign. Warning signs are yellow with black symbols and alert you to hazards ahead, like school zones or slippery roads. You should be able to identify at least 15 to 20 different signs and explain what each one means.
The Texas Driver Handbook includes a full section with pictures of every sign that may appear on the test. Studying that section directly is the most efficient way to prepare, because the test questions match the handbook's descriptions closely.
Right-of-way and traffic law questions
A significant portion of the test covers who has the right of way in different situations. You will see questions about intersections with traffic lights, intersections with stop signs, roundabouts, and situations involving pedestrians or bicycles. The rules are consistent: at a four-way stop, the first vehicle to arrive goes first; if two arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right goes first.
Other common questions test your knowledge of speed limits, following distance, and when you must yield. Texas law requires you to maintain a safe following distance — the handbook recommends at least two seconds behind the vehicle ahead of you. You will also see questions about school zones, where speed limits drop to 20 miles per hour when children are present, and about passing other vehicles safely.
Questions about parking rules, turning, and lane changes also appear regularly. For example, you need to know that you must signal at least 100 feet before turning, and that you cannot park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. These are specific rules from Texas Transportation Code, and they are all in the Driver Handbook.
Safe driving practices and impairment questions
The test includes questions about how to drive safely in different conditions — rain, fog, night driving, and heavy traffic. You will see questions about what to do if your brakes fail, how to handle a skid, and when to use your headlights. The test also covers distracted driving: you cannot text, hold a phone, or eat while driving.
Questions about alcohol and drug impairment are common. Texas law is strict: you cannot drive with any amount of a controlled substance in your system, and driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal at any age for drivers under 21. The test asks about the signs of impairment, what to do if you are too tired to drive, and the penalties for DUI.
You will also see questions about seat belts, child safety seats, and motorcycle helmets. Texas requires all front-seat passengers to wear seat belts, and children under eight must be in a car seat or booster seat. These are not optional — they are legal requirements that appear on the test.
How the test is structured and scored
The test is computer-based and takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete. You sit at a terminal in a DPS office, and a proctor monitors the testing area. You cannot use notes, textbooks, phones, or any other materials during the test. You can request a test in Spanish if English is not your first language.
Each question is multiple choice with four options. You select your answer on the screen and move to the next question. You cannot go back to review or change previous answers on most DPS systems, so read each question carefully before you select.
Your score appears on the screen as soon as you finish. If you pass, you receive a passing notice that you take to the road test appointment. If you do not pass, you can retake the test, usually the same day or within a few hours, depending on the office's schedule.
How to study for the written test
The Texas Driver Handbook is the official source for all test content. You can read it as a PDF from the DPS website or pick up a printed copy at any DPS office, library, or high school driver education program. Reading the handbook cover to cover takes two to three hours, and that is the most direct way to prepare.
Focus on the sections titled "Traffic Signs," "Right of Way," "Safe Driving Practices," and "Alcohol and Drugs." These sections contain the material most heavily tested. Many people find it helpful to read a section, then write down the key points in their own words, then read the section again.
Some DPS offices offer practice tests online or on paper. These are not official tests, but they follow the same format and cover the same material. Taking a practice test helps you understand what the real test feels like and shows you which topics you need to study more.
Common reasons people fail the written test
The most common reason for failure is not reading the Texas Driver Handbook before the test. The test is designed to match the handbook exactly, so if you have not read it, you are guessing on most questions. Cramming the night before is less effective than reading the handbook once, waiting a day, then reading it again.
Another common mistake is misunderstanding right-of-way rules. Many people think they have the right of way when they actually do not. Read the right-of-way section of the handbook multiple times, because these questions appear on almost every test.
Some people fail because they rush through the test. You have plenty of time — 10 to 15 minutes is normal for 30 questions. Read each question twice before you answer, especially questions that use the word "not" or "except," because these reverse the logic of the answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring the Texas Driver Handbook into the testing room?
No. You cannot bring any materials, notes, phones, or study aids into the testing room. You must study before you arrive at the DPS office. The test is designed to measure what you have learned, not what you can look up.
What happens if I fail the written test?
You can retake the test the same day or within a few hours, depending on the DPS office's schedule. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Each attempt costs the standard test fee. You do not lose your road test appointment if you fail the written test — you straightforward cannot take the road test until you pass the written test.
Is the test offered in languages other than English?
Yes. You can request a test in Spanish or other languages at most DPS offices. Tell the office when you schedule your appointment, or ask when you arrive. The content is the same — only the language changes.
How long is the written test?
The test itself takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You answer 30 multiple-choice questions. The entire visit to the DPS office, including check-in and waiting, usually takes 30 to 45 minutes.
What score do I need to pass?
You need to answer at least 21 of 30 questions correctly, which is 70 percent. You see your score when ready after you finish the test on the computer screen.