Permits, license classes, renewals and the testing process.
Question 1
What score do you need to pass a Texas knowledge exam?
Correct answer: 70 percent
You must score 70 percent or better to pass any Texas knowledge exam.
Source: Chapter 1: Your License to Drive – Part 1: The Knowledge exam
Question 2
Which first-time applicants must complete an approved driver education course in Texas?
Correct answer: Those younger than 25
Texas requires applicants younger than 25 to complete an approved driver education course.
Source: Chapter 1: Your License to Drive – Driver Education
Question 3
What must every Texas driver license applicant complete before taking the driving exam?
Correct answer: The Impact Texas Drivers (ITD) course for their age group
All applicants must complete the age-appropriate Impact Texas Drivers (ITD) course before the driving exam.
Source: Chapter 1: Your License to Drive – Impact Texas Drivers (ITD)
Question 4
After moving, how soon must you report your new address to DPS?
Correct answer: Within 30 days
Report a change of address to DPS within 30 days.
Source: Chapter 1: Your License to Drive – Replacement (Duplicate) or Change of Information
Question 5
How often must most adult Texas driver licenses be renewed?
Correct answer: Every 8 years
A Texas license is renewed every eight years, and you must appear in person at least once every 16 years for a vision exam and new photo.
Source: Chapter 1: Your License to Drive – Application for Renewal
Question 6
Starting at what age must Texas drivers renew in person instead of online, by phone, or by mail?
Correct answer: 79
Alternate renewal methods are not available to license holders 79 or older; they must renew in person.
Source: Chapter 1: Your License to Drive – Application for Renewal
Question 7
You move to Texas with a valid license from another state. How long do you have to get a Texas driver license?
Correct answer: 90 days
New residents exchanging a valid out-of-state license have 90 days to obtain a Texas license.
Source: Chapter 1: Your License to Drive – Who May Drive a Motor Vehicle in Texas?
Question 8
If you keep failing your Texas exams, when must you submit a new application and pay the fee again?
Correct answer: After 90 days or three failed exams
Your application is held for 90 days; after 90 days or three failed exams, you need a new application and fee.
Source: Chapter 1: Your License to Drive – Examinations
Question 9
After passing all your exams, you receive a temporary license. How long can you use it?
Correct answer: 45 days
The temporary license may be used for 45 days or until the permanent card arrives in the mail.
Source: Chapter 1: Your License to Drive – Examinations
Question 10
On the Texas driving exam, how many points can be deducted before you fail?
Correct answer: More than 30
You fail the driving exam if more than 30 points are deducted, or if you violate the law, refuse instructions, drive dangerously, or crash.
Source: Chapter 1: Your License to Drive – Description of the Driving Exam
Question 11
The Texas driving exam grades four basic skills: control, observation, positioning, and what else?
Correct answer: Signaling
Every driving exam grades control, observation, positioning, and signaling.
Source: Chapter 1: Your License to Drive – Description of the Driving Exam
Question 12
During the backing portion of the driving exam, about how far may you be asked to back up in a straight line?
Correct answer: 60 feet
You may be asked to back about 60 feet slowly and as straight and smooth as possible, looking back or using the backup camera and mirrors.
Source: Chapter 1: Your License to Drive – Description of the Driving Exam
Question 13
What is the smallest number of separate traffic convictions within any 12-month period that can lead DPS to suspend an adult driver's license?
Correct answer: 4 convictions
Repeated violations—four or more convictions in 12 months, or seven or more in 24 months—can lead to suspension after a hearing.
Source: Chapter 1: Your License to Drive – Administrative Suspensions and Revocations
Question 14
What is the basic penalty for driving while your license is suspended (Driving While License Invalid), with no aggravating factors?
Correct answer: Class C misdemeanor, fine up to $500
Driving while license invalid is a Class C misdemeanor with a fine up to $500; prior convictions, no insurance, or a DWI-related suspension raise the penalty.
Source: Chapter 1: Your License to Drive – Table 8: Penalties for Driving While License Invalid (DWLI)
Question 15
Your license has been suspended, but you need to drive to work. What special license might a court authorize?
Correct answer: An occupational (essential need) license
An occupational, or essential need, license is a restricted license for people whose license was suspended for certain offenses and who prove to a court they need to drive.
Source: Chapter 1: Your License to Drive – Occupational License (Essential Need License)