How to pass the Texas permit test (DPS knowledge test)

In Texas the permit is called a learner license, and the test is the DPS knowledge test on Texas traffic laws and road signs. How you take it depends on your age: teens usually take it during driver education, adults at a DPS office or with a third-party provider.

What is on the test

• Multiple-choice questions on traffic laws, road signs and safe driving from the Texas Driver Handbook.
• The free Texas mock tests on PassDriveTest use 30 questions with 21 needed (70%). Check the current format with DPS or your driver education provider.
• See where to take the Texas permit test for teens and adults.

A study plan that works

1. Read the Texas Driver Handbook. It is free on the DPS website.
2. Learn the signs by shape and colour, then each sign on the Texas road signs tab.
3. Take a full mock test early to find your weak areas.
4. Review every wrong answer and find the rule in the handbook.
5. Learn the numbers: speed limits (30 mph in urban districts, 70 mph on many highways unless posted), following distances, parking distances from hydrants and crosswalks, and alcohol rules for drivers under 21 (any detectable amount is an offence).
6. Aim for 27 or more out of 30 on several different mock tests.

Topics that catch people out

• Learner license rules: drive only with a licensed adult aged 21 or older, with at least one year of driving experience, in the front passenger seat; no wireless phone use while driving under 18.
• School buses: stopping for flashing red lights, in both directions unless the road is divided.
• Move Over or Slow Down for stopped emergency, tow, TxDOT and utility vehicles with flashing lights.
• Right of way at four-way stops, when turning left, and at uncontrolled intersections.

The steps after the test

• Teens: get the learner license at 15, hold it at least 6 months, finish driver education and the 2-hour Impact Texas Teen Drivers course, then take the driving test for a provisional license.
• Adults 18 to 24: complete the 6-hour adult driver education course, the free Impact Texas Adult Drivers video (certificate valid 90 days), then the knowledge and driving tests.
• Adults 25 and over: no course needed; take the knowledge test, the Impact Texas Adult Drivers video and the driving test.

Take a free Texas mock test to see where you stand.

Checked against official sources on 17 October 2026.