Texas Driver's Handbook and Study Guide
Last verified: 2026-03
Here is everything you need to study the Texas Driver Handbook in Texas. This guide links to the official handbook and breaks down the chapters and most-tested topics so you can prepare for your permit test.
Most-Tested Topics for Your Permit Test
Focus your study time on these topics. They appear most often on the Texas permit knowledge test.
- Traffic signs and signals
- Right-of-way rules
- Speed limits
- Parking rules
- DUI/DWI laws
What Is in the Texas Driver Handbook
Traffic Signs and Signals
Covers the meaning of regulatory, warning, and guide signs, plus traffic signal rules and flashing light procedures.
Right-of-Way Rules
Explains who goes first at intersections, crosswalks, roundabouts, and when merging onto highways.
Safe Driving Practices
Covers following distance, lane changes, passing, scanning for hazards, and driving in bad weather.
Parking Rules
Describes legal and illegal parking situations, parallel parking steps, and curb color meanings.
Alcohol and Drug Laws
Explains Texas DWI laws, BAC limits, implied consent, and penalties for impaired driving.
Sharing the Road
Addresses safe driving around pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcycles, large trucks, and school buses.
Highway and Freeway Driving
Covers high-speed highway driving, frontage road rules, and navigating Texas interchange designs.
Texas-Specific Information
Texas's knowledge test has 30 questions and requires a 21-correct (70%) passing score. Texas uses the term DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) instead of DUI. Texas requires all new drivers under 25 to complete an approved driver education course. The handbook covers Texas-specific frontage road driving rules and the state's high maximum speed limit of 85 mph on certain toll roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can read the Texas Driver Handbook online. A PDF version is also available for download.
- Traffic signs and signals
- Right-of-way rules
- Speed limits
- Parking rules
- DUI/DWI laws
The Texas Driver Handbook covers 7 chapters, from traffic signs and right-of-way rules to safe driving practices and state-specific laws.
Ready to Apply for Your Learner's Permit?
Once you have studied the handbook, the next step is applying for your permit at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
View Texas learner's permit requirementsPrefer to learn online?
Complete a state-approved driving course from home on your own schedule. Same certifications, same insurance discounts.
View Online CoursesThis information is based on Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) guidelines. Handbook content can change. Visit the official Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website for the most current driver's handbook.