Texas DMV Cheat Sheet
A condensed study guide for the Texas DPS written knowledge test — test logistics, plus the Texas-specific rules most likely to differ from what you already know. This isn't a substitute for the official Texas driver's manual, or for practicing the real questions. Looking for the core rules and signs that apply everywhere, not just Texas? Check the general driving theory cheat sheet instead.
30Questions
70%To Pass
$16Fee
3Attempts
- Test length varies: 30 questions on the standard Class C knowledge exam; you must score 70% or better to pass.
- Fee: For a minor's learner license with driver education ($15 + $1 admin fee). An adult's original Class C license is $32 plus the $1 fee, valid 8 years.
- Documents required:
- Proof of identity
- A Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE) form, if under 18
- Evidence of financial responsibility (insurance), or a statement that you don't own a vehicle requiring it
- Proof of a completed driver education course, if under 25
- If you don't pass: Your application is held for 90 days after a failed knowledge or driving exam. After 90 days, or after 3 failed exams — whichever comes first — you must submit a new application and fee.
- Online testing: Applications and testing must be done in person at a driver license office or authorized testing facility — Texas has no online knowledge-test alternative.
Texas-Specific Rules
Minor & Provisional Licensing
- Learner license (GDL Phase One): minimum age 15.
- A learner license must generally be held at least 6 months before a minor is eligible for a provisional license (Phase Two).
- Provisional license (GDL Phase Two): issued to drivers ages 16 to 18.
- Phase Two's passenger and nighttime restrictions last until the driver's 18th birthday — not a fixed one-year period.
- During Phase Two, no more than one passenger under 21 who isn't a family member may generally ride along.
- The supervising licensed driver for learner-license practice must be at least 21 years old.
- A standard non-commercial license for an 18+ applicant is valid 8 years and costs $32.
- Provisional applicants must complete the Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) program.
- The Texas DPS written knowledge test requires 70% correct to pass.
- Licenses issued to anyone under 21 are marked "UNDER 21."
DUI Laws & Penalties
- Standard adult (21+) BAC threshold: 0.08%, charged as DWI.
- Zero-tolerance threshold for drivers under 21: any detectable amount of alcohol, charged as DUI — a distinct offense from adult DWI.
- Texas uses DWI for adults at or above the legal limit, and DUI specifically for the minors' zero-tolerance offense.
- An open alcohol container in the passenger area is illegal regardless of who's drinking.
- Reinstating a license suspended under Administrative License Revocation (ALR) requires a $125 fee.
Speed, Right-of-Way & Legal Rules
- Urban district default speed: 30 mph.
- Alley default speed: 15 mph.
- Beach or adjacent county road (if declared by the county): 15 mph.
- Numbered highway outside an urban district: 70 mph for passenger cars — including those towing a trailer, which share the same limit, not a separate lower cap.
- Unnumbered highway outside an urban district: 60 mph.
- School bus (passed commercial inspection) on a numbered highway: 60 mph.
- School bus (not inspected, or on an unnumbered highway): 50 mph.
- Some limited-access highways and toll roads post up to 85 mph, among the highest in the nation.
- The "basic speed law": never drive faster than is safe for current conditions, regardless of the posted limit.
- DPS issues driver licenses and learner permits; the separate TxDMV agency handles vehicle registration and titling.
- A crash causing injury, death, or at least $1,000 in property damage must be reported in writing to TxDOT within 10 days.
Parking Rules & Technique
- No parking within 30 feet of the approach to a stop sign, yield sign, or flashing signal.
- No parking within 30 feet of a curb opposite the end of a safety zone.
- Parallel parking: stay within about 18 inches of the curb.
Emergency Vehicles, School Buses & Work Zones
- Move Over/Slow Down law: slow to 20 mph below the posted limit, or change out of the lane closest to a stopped emergency, tow, utility, or TxDOT vehicle.
- The Move Over law covers EMS, police, fire, tow, utility, and TxDOT vehicles with activated lights.
- Stop for a school bus with alternately flashing red lights from either direction, unless separated by a physical median.
- You may proceed only once the bus resumes motion, its driver signals you on, or the red lights stop flashing.
- Exception: no stop required if the bus is in a loading zone on a controlled-access highway where pedestrians can't cross.
- First conviction for failing to yield to a stopped school bus: $500 to $1,250 fine.
- Second or later conviction within 5 years: $1,000-$2,000 fine, plus possible license suspension up to six months.
Defensive Driving
- The driver and all passengers, regardless of age, must wear a seatbelt in any seat equipped with one.
- A child must be in a child safety seat until age 8, or 4'9" tall, whichever comes first.
- First seatbelt violation fine: $25 to $50.
- A seatbelt citation can be issued to any passenger at least 15 years old.
- Texting while driving is banned statewide for all drivers.
- Drivers under 18 are banned from any wireless device, including hands-free, at all times — not just a post-licensing probationary period.
- Handheld phone use is banned for all drivers inside an active school crossing zone.
Weather & Road Surface Conditions
- If your vehicle stalls in floodwater, get out quickly and move to higher ground.
- The handbook's flood guidance: "Turn Around Don't Drown" — never drive into water covering the road.
- Nearly half of all flash-flood fatalities nationally are vehicle-related.
Rules and fees change — always confirm current details with Texas DPS before your exam. Cheat sheet v1.0, last checked 2026-07-17.