Mastering the Texas DPS Written Test: 12 Key Questions Explained

The Texas DPS written test is a crucial milestone on your journey to obtaining a driver’s license in the Lone Star State. This knowledge assessment ensures that new drivers understand the rules of the road before they take the wheel independently

The Texas DPS Written Test

The exam consists of two 30-minute sections with 30 multiple-choice questions divided into two distinct sections:

• The Highway Signs Examination (15 questions)
• The Traffic Laws Examination (15 questions).

You’ll have approximately 30 minutes per section to demonstrate your knowledge of road rules, traffic signals, safe driving practices, and legal requirements.

To pass, you must correctly answer at least 21 questions and achieve a minimum 70% score. The state allows up to three attempts before requiring you to repurchase the exam, making proper test preparation essential.

Understanding these common test questions isn’t just about passing an exam. It’s about becoming a safe, responsible driver who can confidently navigate Texas roads.

Let’s explore the 12 most frequently asked questions to help you ace your test on the first try.

🎓 12 Most Common Texas DPS Test Questions Explained

The Texas DPS written test evaluates your knowledge of road rules, signs, and safe driving practices. To help you prepare effectively, we’ve compiled the 12 most asked questions on the test.

Understanding these fundamental concepts will significantly increase your chances of passing the first attempt. These are divided into different categories found in the Texas Driver’s Manual.

Find the questions with discussions below:
See whether you can answer them before looking at the answers.

1. What does a flashing red traffic light mean?

Answer: Treat it like a stop sign.
Explanation: Come to a complete stop, check for traffic and pedestrians, and proceed when it’s safe.

2. When should you yield the right-of-way?

Answer: When entering from a driveway, alley, or if someone else stops before you at a 4-way stop.
Explanation: Yielding prevents collisions and confusion—always give way to vehicles already on the road.

3. What does a solid yellow line on your side of the road mean?

Answer: No passing allowed.
Explanation: A solid yellow line means it’s unsafe to pass because of oncoming traffic or visibility issues.

4. What should you do when approaching a school bus with flashing red lights?

Answer: Stop from either direction.
Explanation: Remain stopped until the bus moves or the lights stop flashing—unless you’re on a divided highway with a median.

5. What is the legal BAC limit for drivers over 21 in Texas?

Answer: 0.08%
Explanation: Anything higher is considered legally intoxicated, though lower levels can still lead to a DUI if you’re impaired.

6. When are you required to use your headlights?

Answer: From 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, or when visibility is under 1,000 feet.
Explanation: Headlights ensure other drivers can see you, especially in darkness or bad weather.

7. What does a broken white line mean?

Answer: Lane changes allowed.
Explanation: You may switch lanes carefully, as traffic is moving in the same direction.

8. What is the penalty for not wearing a seatbelt in Texas?

Answer: Fines up to $200 (more for minors).
Explanation: All occupants must be buckled up, no matter where they’re sitting.

9. What does a diamond-shaped traffic sign indicate?

Answer: Warning sign.
Explanation: Be alert—these signs warn you of upcoming road hazards like curves or construction.

10. How far should you park from a fire hydrant?

Answer: At least 15 feet.
Explanation: Blocking a hydrant can delay firefighters in emergencies—and get you fined or towed.

11. When should you signal before turning?

Answer: At least 100 feet before the turn.
Explanation: Always signal early to give others time to react to your move.

12. What should you do if your vehicle starts to skid?

Answer: Steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go.
Explanation: Ease off the gas and steer gently—don’t slam the brakes or overcorrect.

These 12 questions aren’t typical; they’re essential to being a competent, safe driver. Practice regularly, understand the rules’ reasoning, and read the Texas Driver Handbook.

Traffic Signals and Signs

These questions test your understanding of how to respond to various traffic controls:

Flashing Red Light: Treat it like a stop sign: come to a complete stop, check for traffic, and proceed when safe.

• Solid Yellow Line: No passing allowed: this line indicates it’s unsafe to pass due to oncoming traffic or poor visibility.
• Broken White Line: Lane changes are permitted. You may switch lanes carefully when traffic is moving in the same direction.
• Diamond-Shaped Signs: Warning signs – these alert you to upcoming road hazards like curves or construction.

Right-of-Way Rules

Knowing when to yield is crucial for preventing accidents:

• Yielding Right-of-Way: Required when entering from a driveway, alley, or private road, or when another driver arrives first at a 4-way stop.
• School Bus with Flashing Red Lights: Stop from either direction until the bus moves or lights stop flashing (unless on a divided highway with a median).

Safety Regulations

These questions focus on legal requirements and safety procedures:

• Legal BAC Limit: 0.08% for drivers over 21 – anything higher is considered legally intoxicated.
• Headlight Use is required from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise or when visibility is under 1,000 feet.
• Seatbelt Penalties: Fines up to $200 (more for minors) – all occupants must be buckled regardless of seating position.
• Fire Hydrant Parking: Must park at least 15 feet away to avoid blocking emergency access.
• Signaling Before Turning: Required at least 100 feet before turning to give other drivers time to react.
• Vehicle Skidding: Steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go, ease off the gas, and avoid slamming the brakes.

Best Test Preparation Strategies

With the right preparation strategy, you can confidently tackle the Texas DPS written test on your first attempt. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:

Create a Study Timeline

Develop a structured study plan at least two weeks before your test date. Break down the Texas Driver Handbook into manageable sections, focusing on a different category from the Texas DMV Driver’s Handbook daily. This approach prevents last-minute cramming and allows for better information retention.

Leverage Practice Tests

Practice tests are invaluable for Texas DPS written test prep, helping you become familiar with the question format and building confidence. Studies show that students who take multiple practice exams have significantly higher pass rates—up to 98% in some courses.

Focus on Key Concepts

• Road signs and their meanings
• Right-of-way rules at different intersections
• Speed limits in various zones (school, residential, highway)
• Safe following distances and braking procedures
• Penalties for driving under the influence

Understanding the reasoning behind rules rather than simply memorizing them will help you apply knowledge to various test scenarios.

Avoid Common Mistakes

Many test-takers struggle with questions about right-of-way, traffic signals, and parking regulations. Create flashcards for these topics and review them regularly. Additionally, don’t rush through questions—many errors occur simply because instructions weren’t read carefully.

Additional Resources and Practice Tests

Supplementing your study with quality resources can significantly boost your chances of passing the Texas DPS written test on your first attempt.

• The Texas Driver Handbook is the foundation of all test questions and should be your primary study tool.
• Quizziz.com offers numerous free resources and tests for driver’s education. You can do these in your own time and at your own level, and repeat to reinforce.

Practice tests are invaluable for test preparation, offering several benefits:

• Familiarizing yourself with actual question formats and the testing interface
• Identifying knowledge gaps that require additional study
• Building confidence through repeated success
• Reducing test anxiety through familiarity

For the most effective preparation, consider these trusted resources:

• The official Texas DPS website offers sample questions and testing information
  The Texas Driver’s Handbook contains the terminology to know under Appendix A and practice questions under Appendix C.
• DrivingQuest’s practice tests, which contribute to their impressive 98% passing rate
• Free mobile apps that provide question banks similar to the actual test

When using practice tests, simulate actual test conditions by timing yourself (30 minutes per section) and aiming for that critical 70% passing threshold. Track your progress across multiple practice sessions, focusing additional study time on consistently challenging areas.

Remember, the more you practice, the better your chances of success. Many drivers who failed their first attempt didn’t utilize enough practice tests beforehand. Make this investment in your preparation, and you’ll approach test day with confidence and readiness.

If you are ready to conquer the Texas DPS written test and earn your driver’s license, at Driving Quest, we provide the resources and expert guidance you need to succeed. Our comprehensive courses are designed to prepare you for every aspect of the test, from understanding traffic laws to mastering road signs. With our state-approved online courses in English and Spanish, you can study at your own pace and convenience. Don’t leave your success to chance—enroll today and take the first step towards driving independence. Visit Driving Quest to get started!