FirstTryEn españolTexas permit test study guide
The Texas knowledge test is written from the Texas Driver Handbook. Format: practice format 30 questions, 21 right; the real test needs 70% (source). This guide lists what the handbook tests, the numbers people forget and four sample questions, each with its handbook section.
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What the test covers
FirstTry's Texas bank has 150 questions written from the handbook. The biggest topics, by how many questions the handbook supports:
- Signs, signals and pavement markings: 24 questions
- Sharing the road: 20 questions
- Alcohol and drugs: 15 questions
- Right-of-way: 14 questions
- Turns and lanes: 14 questions
- Safe driving: 14 questions
- Speed limits: 10 questions
- Graduated license rules: 10 questions
Numbers to know
Each line is in our words; the link opens the handbook section it comes from, so you can check it.
- The handbook's speed table sets 30 mph for urban districts. Local governments can set other limits, so posted signs come first. handbook section
- Alleys have a 15 mph limit in the handbook's speed table. handbook section
- Based on traffic studies, limits on many limited-access highways run from 75 up to 85 mph. Always drive by the posted sign. handbook section
- Unless an officer directs you otherwise, either move out of the lane next to the stopped vehicle or drop to 20 mph or more below the limit when the limit is 25 mph or higher. handbook section
- Where the limit is below 25 mph, the move-over rule requires you to creep past at less than 5 mph unless an officer directs otherwise. handbook section
- Adults are legally intoxicated at a BAC of 0.08 or more. A lower BAC can still count if alcohol has taken away the normal use of your mind or body. handbook section
- For alcohol laws, a minor is anyone under 21, and a minor may not buy, try to buy, drink, or have alcohol. handbook section
- An open container in the passenger area is illegal whether the vehicle is moving, stopped, or parked, and the fine can reach $500. handbook section
- By driving in Texas you give implied consent to testing. A first refusal costs 180 days of driving privilege, and later refusals up to 730 days. handbook section
- Failing the test can bring a 90-day suspension the first time, and as long as 365 days for later offenses. handbook section
- For drivers under 21, any detectable alcohol leads to a suspension: 60 days the first time, 120 days the second, and 180 days after that. handbook section
- A first DWI can bring up to a $2,000 fine, 72 hours to 180 days in jail, and a 90 to 365 day license suspension. handbook section
How to study in four days
- Day 1: read the handbook chapters on rules of the road and signs. Do not skim the sign pages; shapes and colors are tested.
- Day 2: read speed limits, right-of-way, parking and the alcohol chapter. Write down every number.
- Day 3: take a full practice test in the real format. Open the handbook section on every question you miss.
- Day 4: take another test. If you pass with room to spare twice in a row, you are ready.
Sample questions
Right-of-way
You come to a single-lane roundabout. Who has the right-of-way?
- Vehicles entering from your right
- Vehicles already circulating in the roundabout
- You, as the vehicle entering
- The largest vehicle
Show the answer
Vehicles already circulating in the roundabout. Wait for traffic inside the circle to pass, enter when there is a safe gap, and go around counterclockwise.
From the handbook: Chapter 9: Some Special Driving Situations > Roundabouts: Single-lane roundabout (PDF page 56)
Speed limits
In Texas, what range of criminal penalties can a street racing conviction carry?
- Only a warning for a first offense
- From a Class B misdemeanor up to a second-degree felony
- Only a Class C misdemeanor
- A fine of no more than $200
Show the answer
From a Class B misdemeanor up to a second-degree felony. Street racing on public roads is illegal. Penalties start at a Class B misdemeanor and can go as high as a second-degree felony.
From the handbook: Chapter 8: Speed and Speed Limits > Street Racing (PDF page 52)
Signs, signals and pavement markings
At a pedestrian hybrid beacon at a marked crosswalk, the lights facing you flash red, alternating side to side. What should you do?
- Speed up to clear the crosswalk
- Stop, then go if the crosswalk is clear
- Stay stopped until the beacon goes dark
- Slow down but do not stop
Show the answer
Stop, then go if the crosswalk is clear. These beacons are used only at marked crosswalks. When they alternate flashing red, stop and continue only if no one is crossing.
From the handbook: Chapter 4: Right-of-Way > Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons (PDF page 30)
Alcohol and drugs
Can an adult be legally intoxicated in Texas with a BAC under 0.08?
- Yes, if alcohol has taken away the normal use of their mind or body
- Only if they have also taken drugs
- No, never
- Only if they cause a crash
Show the answer
Yes, if alcohol has taken away the normal use of their mind or body. Texas uses two tests: a BAC of 0.08 or more, or any amount that impairs normal mental or physical abilities. Food, medicine, and health all change how alcohol affects you.
From the handbook: Chapter 10: Alcohol and Drug Impact on the Driving Ability > Know Your Legal Limit (PDF page 64)