Texas Permit Practice Test

How does the Texas DPS written test work?

The Texas DPS written test (the “knowledge test”) checks that you can identify highway signs and that you know the state’s traffic laws, drawn from the Texas Driver Handbook published by the Texas Department of Public Safety. This free Texas permit practice test rehearses that same road-sign and traffic-law material so the format feels familiar before your visit.

Texas DPS does not publish a fixed public question count, time limit, or retake schedule for the in-office knowledge test, so we do not state those numbers as fact. What is consistent is the subject matter (signs + traffic laws). Our practice rounds give you 20 questions pulled at random from a 103-question bank, and you can retake as many times as you like.

What does the Texas written knowledge test cover?

The knowledge test covers two subjects: identifying Texas highway signs, and knowing Texas traffic laws. This practice test mirrors both, mixing road-sign image questions with traffic-law and right-of-way scenarios. After every answer you get a short explanation, so you learn the rule behind each question instead of just memorizing the answer.

• Road signs — regulatory, warning, and guide signs by shape, color, and meaning.
• Right of way — intersections, yielding, merging, and pedestrians.
• Traffic-control devices — signals, lane markings, and signs that direct traffic.
• Speed, following distance, and safe driving — controlling and cooperating with traffic.
• Alcohol and risk — impaired-driving laws and managing driving risk.

Does the 6-hour adult course cover the written test?

Yes, for the written portion. The course teaches Texas road signs and traffic laws and includes the in-course written exam. Once you pass and earn the ADE-1317, you do not retake that written test at DPS. The vision and road tests are still taken at DPS.

That makes this practice test useful in two ways: it is great prep for the in-course final exam (30 questions, 70% to pass) inside the Texas adult driver education course, and it is solid study for anyone choosing to test directly at DPS. If you are 25 or older, driver education isn’t required to get your first Texas license — but if you take the 6-hour course voluntarily, pass the in-course written exam, and bring your ADE-1317, you normally do not retake the written test at DPS. As at any age, use the certificate within two years; the vision and road tests are still taken at DPS.

Which DPS tests does the course cover, and which do you still take?

Texas DPS administers three tests when you apply for a first license. The 6-hour course affects only the written (knowledge) test; the vision and road tests are always taken at DPS.

How to use this practice test to study

Take a full round, then read the explanation under each answer — that’s where the learning happens. Retake until you score above 70% on several rounds in a row, and pay extra attention to the road-sign image questions, which trip up the most people. When you are ready to learn the full curriculum, pass the in-course written exam, and earn the certificate you bring to DPS, the Texas adult driver education course walks you through every topic on this test.