2026 Texas DMV (DPS) Permit Test,

The official Texas knowledge exam consists of 30 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 21 correctly (70%) to pass.

🤠 Texas DPS 2026: Top 50 Questions & Answers
New 2026 & 2025 Texas Laws
Q: What is the 2026 penalty for a DWI in a school crossing zone?

A: It is now a State Jail Felony (elevated from a misdemeanor).

Q: What is the new requirement for Driver Ed courses starting Sept 1, 2026?

A: Courses must include specific instruction on driving in construction and maintenance work zones.

Q: What is the "Move Over" law in Texas?

A: You must move out of the lane closest to stopped emergency vehicles, tow trucks, or utility vehicles. If you can’t change lanes, you must slow to 20 mph below the posted limit.

Q: What is the law regarding school bus seat belts in 2026?

A: All Texas school buses are now required to be equipped with three-point seat belts.

Q: What is the "Impact Texas Drivers" (ITD) requirement?

A: A mandatory video-based safety course (ITTD for teens, ITAD for adults) that must be completed before taking the road test.

Q: How long is a "Serious Traffic Violation" disqualification for CDL holders?

A: 60 days for two violations within three years.

Q: What is the penalty for undocumented immigrants convicted of Intoxication Manslaughter in 2026?

A: The mandatory minimum prison sentence has increased to 10 years.

Q: Can you use a handheld device in a school zone?

A: No, it is strictly prohibited and carries higher fines in Texas.

Q: What is the "Texas by Texas" (TxT) platform used for?

A: It is the official digital platform for license renewals and vehicle registration.

Q: Do you need a vehicle safety inspection in 2026?

A: No. As of 2025/2026, Texas has abolished the safety inspection requirement for non-commercial vehicles (though emissions testing still applies in 17 major counties).

Right-of-Way & Intersections
Q: At an uncontrolled intersection, who yields?

A: The driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.

Q: When turning left, who do you yield to?

A: All oncoming traffic.

Q: What should you do at a flashing red light?

A: Stop completely and proceed when safe (treat it like a Stop sign).

Q: Who has the right-of-way on a frontage/access road?

A: Traffic exiting the freeway has the right-of-way over traffic on the frontage road.

Q: At a 4-way stop, who goes first?

A: The vehicle that arrived first. If two arrive at once, the driver on the right goes first.

Speed & Lane Control
Q: What is the maximum speed limit on Texas highways (unless posted)?

A: 70 mph (though some rural segments allow 75, 80, or 85 mph).

Q: What is the speed limit in an urban district/residential area?

A: 30 mph.

Q: What is the speed limit in an alley?

A: 15 mph.

Q: What do double solid yellow lines mean?

A: No passing in either direction.

Q: When can you pass on the right?

A: When the vehicle ahead is turning left and there is a paved shoulder or lane to the right.

Alcohol, Drugs & Safety
Q: What is the legal BAC limit for drivers 21+?

A: 0.08%.

Q: What is the "Zero Tolerance" policy for minors?

A: Any detectable amount of alcohol (0.01% or higher) is a violation.

Q: What is the fine for a first-offense DWI?

A: Up to $2,000, plus possible jail time and license suspension.

Q: How far away should you park from a fire hydrant?

A: 15 feet.

Q: At what distance should you signal before a turn?

A: At least 100 feet.

Q: When must you use your headlights?

A: From 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, or whenever visibility is less than 1,000 feet.

Q: How much space should you leave between you and the car in front?

A: The "Two-Second Rule" (increase to 4 seconds in bad weather).

Q: What should you do if your car starts to skid?

A: Take your foot off the gas and steer in the direction of the skid.

Q: When must you stop for a school bus?

A: Whenever its red lights are flashing, unless you are on the opposite side of a divided highway.

Q: What is the penalty for "Open Container" in the passenger area?

A: It is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $500.

Road Signs & Signals
Q: What does an orange diamond-shaped sign mean?

A: Construction or maintenance warning.

Q: What does a yellow pennant-shaped sign mean?

A: No Passing Zone (placed on the left side of the road).

Q: What does a red-and-white inverted triangle mean?

A: Yield.

Q: What does a round yellow sign with an "X" mean?

A: Railroad crossing ahead.

Q: What do you do at a steady yellow light?

A: Slow down and stop if you can do so safely; the light is about to turn red.

CDL & Heavy Vehicles (Class A/B)
Q: What is the "Special Requirements" test?

A: A Texas-specific test (Section 14) for all CDL applicants.

Q: What is the minimum tread depth for front tires on a CMV?

A: 4/32 inch.

Q: How often must you check your cargo securement?

A: Within the first 50 miles, and then every 150 miles or 3 hours.

Q: What is the "Bridge Formula"?

A: A weight-to-length ratio used to prevent heavy loads from damaging bridges.

Q: What happens if a CDL holder refuses a breathalyzer?

A: 1-year disqualification of their commercial license.

Miscellaneous
Q: How many feet from a crosswalk must you park?

A: 20 feet.

Q: When are you allowed to drive on the shoulder?

A: To stop/park, to accelerate before entering traffic, or to slow down for a turn.

Q: What is the "Hand-over-Hand" steering recommendation?

A: Used for sharp turns or recovering from a skid.

Q: What should you do if you miss your exit on a highway?

A: Continue to the next exit; never back up.

Q: What is a "Blind Spot"?

A: The area around your vehicle that you cannot see in your mirrors.

Q: What is the penalty for racing on a public road?

A: It is a Class B misdemeanor and your license will be suspended.

Q: How long is a Texas Learner’s License valid?

A: Until the applicant's next birthday plus 6 years (or until age 18 for minors).

Q: What should you do if you hit a parked car and can't find the owner?

A: Leave a note with your name, address, and an explanation of what happened.

Q: What does a "Soft Shoulder" sign mean?

A: The dirt on the side of the road is soft; do not drive on it unless necessary.

Q: What is the proper way to enter a curve?

A: Slow down before entering the curve; do not brake while in the curve.

Pro Texas Study Tip:
The Texas DPS focuses heavily on Right-of-Way (Chapter 4) and Signs (Chapter 5). Minors should pay extra attention to the Graduated Driver License (GDL) restrictions, as these are frequent "trap" questions.