Texas DMV written test
Texas DMV Cheat Sheet
The Texas knowledge test facts in one place, checked against Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) sources and last verified November 2026.
The numbers
Texas DMV test numbers to memorize
The Texas knowledge test has 30 questions and you need 21 correct, which is 70 percent. You can miss 9. The test is given by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
30
Questions on the test
21
70% to pass
Correct answers needed
9
Questions you can miss
15
Minimum age
- Time limit
- The agency does not publish a time limit for the knowledge test, so we do not state one.
- Test fee on record
- $16. The agency's fee page decides exactly what this covers, so confirm it before you go.
- Format
- Computer-based at DPS office or online through approved driver education course
- Online test
- Available. Texas allows online knowledge testing through approved Parent-Taught Driver Education (PTDE) courses. Students who pass the online exam receive a certificate to present at DPS.
- Appointment
- Required. Appointments are required for most DPS offices and can be scheduled online. Some offices accept walk-ins with limited availability.
Before you go
Documents to bring in Texas
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) asks for these documents for the permit test. Check the agency's current list before you go, because requirements change.
0 of 6 done
- Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
- Social Security card
- Proof of Texas residency (2 documents)
- Proof of vehicle insurance
- Parental consent (if under 18)
- Driver education certificate (if under 25)
If you fail
If you fail: Texas retake rules
Texas DPS does not publish a waiting period between attempts or a retest fee: exams are covered by the application fee. Attempts are limited, though: after your first failure the application stays active for 90 days, and after 3 failed exams or 90 days, whichever comes first, it is void and you must reapply and pay again. The same 3-attempt, 90-day rule applies to CDL applicants.
- Attempt limit: 3.
- Retest fee: the agency does not publish a per-attempt retest fee that we could confirm.
- Application is voided; applicant must submit a new application, pay the application fee again, and retest.
- CDL application is voided; a new application, associated fees, and retesting are required.
Some retake details for Texas are not published by the agency (Agency does not publish: retake fee, wait period), so confirm them with DPS before you rely on them.
Who can test
Age and permit rules in Texas
- Under 18
- Must be at least 15 with driver education enrollment. Must have parental consent. Must hold learner license for 6 months. Must complete 30 hours classroom and 44 hours behind-the-wheel training. Nighttime and passenger restrictions until 18.
- Permit versus license
- A learner license (Phase 1) allows supervised driving with a licensed adult 21+ in the front seat. After 6 months and completing all requirements, eligible for provisional license (Phase 2) with nighttime and passenger restrictions.
- Where the test is given
- In-person at any Texas DPS driver license office. Online testing available through approved PTDE courses.
- How you get results
- Immediate. Pass/fail displayed on screen after completing the test.
Study material
Languages and handbook
Our record of exam languages for Texas: English and Spanish.
The study source is the Texas Driver Handbook (January 2026 edition). The agency also publishes a Spanish version of the driver manual.
From learner data
Most missed Texas practice questions
These free Texas questions have the lowest correct rates among learners on DMV IQ. Percentages are rounded to the nearest 5 and only questions with enough answers are listed. Each one shows the right answer, so read the reasoning in the handbook, not just the answer.
- 1
If you double your speed, your braking distance increases by about:
Four times
About 30% get it right
- 2
What is the minimum age to obtain a learner permit in Texas?
15
About 35% get it right
- 3
What are the minimum liability insurance requirements in Texas (bodily injury per person / per accident / property damage)?
$30,000 / $60,000 / $25,000
About 40% get it right
- 4
Safety authorities recommend that children ride in the back seat until they are at least:
13 years old
About 50% get it right
- 5
A hand signal with the left arm extended downward means:
Slowing down or stopping
About 50% get it right
- 6
If the road is wet, you should reduce your speed by:
5-10 mph or more
About 50% get it right
Your plan
Free Texas study checklist
Work through the free practice runs and topic cards, and tick each one off. Your ticks stay on this device.
Test yourself on the Texas questions
Free practice tests and topic cards, each question with a hint and an explanation from the driver manual.
Start free practice test 1