The Texas written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) written test is a 50-question multiple-choice exam that you must pass to get your driver license. You need to answer at least 40 questions correctly — that is an 80 percent score. The test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You take it at a DPS office on a computer, and you get your score when ready after you finish.

The test is the same whether you are 16, 18, or 65. There is no separate "straightforward" version for older drivers or a harder version for younger ones. You can take the test in English or Spanish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at most DPS offices, though some locations may require you to wait a few hours or return another day.

Key Takeaways

  • You must score at least 40 out of 50 questions correctly to pass the Texas written test.
  • The test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices from the Texas Driver Handbook.
  • You take the test on a computer at a DPS office and receive your score when ready.
  • If you fail, you can usually retake the test the same day, though some offices have waiting periods.
  • The test is available in English and Spanish at all DPS locations.

What the test covers and where to study

The Texas Driver Handbook is the official source for all test content. You can read it free on the DPS website or pick up a printed copy at any DPS office. The handbook covers traffic signs and their meanings, speed limits and when they change, right-of-way rules at intersections and roundabouts, parking rules, seat belt and child safety seat laws, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs.

The test also includes questions about impaired driving, distracted driving, sharing the road with motorcycles and large trucks, and what to do if you are pulled over by police. A smaller portion covers vehicle maintenance basics — checking tire pressure, understanding dashboard warning lights, and when to replace windshield wipers. The handbook is about 80 pages and takes most people two to four hours to read thoroughly.

How to schedule your test at a DPS office

You schedule your written test when you visit a DPS office in person. You cannot book it online or by phone. Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address), and a valid form of ID. If you are under 18, you also need a parent or guardian present.

Wait times at DPS offices vary widely by location and time of day. Urban offices like those in Dallas, Houston, and Austin often have longer waits, especially on weekday mornings and afternoons. Rural offices typically move faster. Many DPS offices now use an online check-in system where you reserve a time slot a few days in advance, though walk-ins are still accepted. Check your local DPS office website to see if your location offers online scheduling.

What happens on test day

You arrive at the DPS office and check in at the front desk. A staff member will verify your documents and take your photo for the system. You will then be called to a testing station where you sit at a computer. The test administrator will explain how to use the computer, show you how to select answers, and tell you that you have 30 minutes to complete all 50 questions. You can go back and change your answers before you submit.

Once you submit your test, the computer scores it when ready and displays your result on the screen. If you pass, the DPS office will schedule you for your driving test (the road test) at that same visit or a later date, depending on office procedures. If you fail, you can ask to retake the test. Some offices let you do it right away; others ask you to come back later the same day or on another day.

Common reasons people fail and how to avoid them

The most common mistakes are misunderstanding right-of-way rules at four-way stops and uncontrolled intersections, confusing speed limit signs with other regulatory signs, and getting wrong-way questions about what to do when you see a yellow light. Many test-takers also miss questions about when you must yield to pedestrians and cyclists, and about the rules for passing on two-lane roads.

The best way to avoid these mistakes is to read the Texas Driver Handbook twice — once all the way through, and a second time focusing on the sections that confuse you. Pay special attention to the diagrams showing right-of-way at intersections and the photos of road signs. Some DPS offices offer free practice tests on their website or at the office itself; ask when you arrive. Taking a practice test under timed conditions helps you get used to the computer format and the pace.

What to bring and what not to bring

Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, and a valid ID. If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian. You do not need to bring the Texas Driver Handbook or any study materials — you cannot use them during the test anyway. Do not bring your phone into the testing area; most DPS offices require you to leave it in your car or at the front desk.

Wear something comfortable. The testing area is usually climate-controlled, but you may wait in the office for a while before your test. Bring a bottle of water if the office allows it. Do not eat a large meal right before the test, but do not test on an empty stomach either — low blood sugar can make it harder to focus on 50 questions.

If you fail and need to retake the test

Failing the written test does not affect your driving record or your ability to get a license later. You can retake it as many times as you need. Most people who fail pass on their second or third attempt after studying the handbook more carefully or taking a practice test.

When you retake the test, focus on the types of questions you got wrong. If you missed a lot of sign questions, spend extra time on the sign section of the handbook. If you missed right-of-way questions, draw diagrams of intersections and practice deciding who goes first. Some people find it helpful to take notes while reading the handbook, or to have someone quiz them on the material. The DPS office staff can tell you which sections of the handbook cover the topics you struggled with.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to pass the written test after I turn 16?

Texas does not set a important date for passing the written test once you are may be able to access. However, if you are under 18, you must hold a learner permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test. The written test itself has no expiration — you can take it whenever you are ready.

Can I use a translator or interpreter during the test?

The test is available in English and Spanish. If you need an interpreter for a language other than Spanish, contact your local DPS office ahead of time to ask about accommodations. Some offices can arrange an interpreter, but you may need to provide one yourself or schedule your test at a larger office that has staff available.

What if I pass the written test but fail the driving test?

Your written test score stays valid. You do not have to retake the written test when you retake the driving test. You can schedule another driving test appointment as soon as you are ready, usually within a few days or weeks depending on office availability.

Is the written test the same in every Texas county?

Yes. The DPS administers the same test statewide. The questions, passing score, and format are identical whether you test in El Paso, Dallas, or Beaumont. The only difference is the language — you can take it in English or Spanish at any location.

How much does the written test cost?

The written test itself is free. However, you pay a fee when you explore for your driver license at the DPS office. That fee covers the written test, the driving test, and the license itself. The total cost varies by age and license type, but is typically between $16 and $60.