Texas DPS Permit Practice Tests (2026)

A permit allows teens (aged 15 and older) to drive under supervision.

It depends on your age:

• If you are between 15 and 17, you must be enrolled in OR completed a Texas DPS-approved 32-hour driver education course, have parental consent, and pass a vision screening and a written knowledge test.
• If you are 18 years or older, you still have to take adult driver's education, but the course is only 6 hours (compared to the 32-hour course you have to take if you’re under 18). You will not need to have a learner’s permit.

To apply for your permit, go to the DPS with your parent or legal guardian and bring the following:

• Certificate of completed Texas Driver’s Education (DE-964).
• Completed DL-14A Driver’s License Application form with parent/guardian signature.
• Verification of enrollment in a Texas high school.
• Proof of Texas residency (2 copies).
• Proof of Social Security number.
• Pass written knowledge test and vision screening.

The most important rule is that you may only drive while accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and seated in the front passenger seat. You are also prohibited from using wireless communication devices while driving (even hands-free), unless in an emergency.

Yes. Texas law requires all teen drivers to complete a state-approved driver education course consisting of 32 hours of classroom instruction and 44 hours of behind-the-wheel training. Parent-taught driver's ed is also available (see below).

The parent-taught driver education program (PTDE) allows a parent or legal guardian to instruct their teen using approved materials.

Before you can apply for a provisional license, you must hold your permit for at least six months and be at least 16 years old. You will also need to complete certain driving requirements with a supervising driver (explained below).

A provisional driver’s license is issued to drivers at least 16 years old who have completed all required education and practice driving hours. It allows you to drive without a supervisor, with some restrictions.

To qualify for a provisional license, you must:

• Have held your learner's permit for at least six months.
• Completed parent-taught or instructor-taught driver's ed (7 hours in-car observation, 7 hours in-car demonstration).
• Completed 30 hours of driving practice with a licensed adult over 21.
• Completed the Impact Texas Teen Drivers program.
• Passed the driving skills test.

The driving test is meant to evaluate how you handle everyday driving situations. It is designed to evaluate four basic skills in every driver: Control, positioning, signaling, and observation. If you fail the test three times, you will be required to redo the application process.

You may not drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless for work, school, or a medical emergency. You may not carry more than one passenger under 21 (who is not a family member). Wireless communication devices are strictly prohibited when driving.

The Texas permit test consists of 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 questions correctly to get a passing score (70%).

The questions are based on the Texas Driver Handbook. Common questions include traffic laws, highway signs, driving safety, alcohol laws, sharing the road safely, and right-of-way rules.

While the Texas manual covers all you need to know, it can be overwhelming on its own. Zutobi makes studying easy and effective with bite-sized lessons, real-time progress tracking, and Texas-specific permit practice tests that are designed to mirror the actual exam. Our approach to learning helps you retain information faster and stay motivated so you're fully prepared to pass your test on the first try.