Key points
You must score 70 percent or better to pass any knowledge exam.
Source: Handbook p. 7
“You must score a grade of 70 percent or better to pass any knowledge exam.”
Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 7If you fail your first attempt, your application is held for 90 days. After 90 days or three failed exams you need a new application and fee.
Source: Handbook p. 7
“If you do not pass the knowledge and driving exams on your first attempt, your application will be held for 90 days. After 90 days or three failed exams, a new application and fee will be required.”
Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 7You fail the driving exam if you have more than 30 points deducted.
Source: Handbook p. 8
“Have more than 30 points deducted on the driving exam”
Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 8After passing, your temporary license is good for 45 days or until the permanent card arrives.
Source: Handbook p. 7
“you will be issued a temporary license, which you may use for 45 days or until you receive your permanent license in the mail.”
Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 7Report a change of address to DPS within 30 days.
Source: Handbook p. 9
“A change of address must be reported to DPS within 30 days.”
Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 9Liability insurance must be at least $30,000 for one person's injury or death, $60,000 for two or more, and $25,000 for property damage.
Source: Handbook p. 18
“$30,000 against injury or death of one person • $60,000 against injury or death of two or more individuals • $25,000 against property damage”
Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 18A first conviction for driving without proof of insurance is a fine of $175 to $350.
Source: Handbook p. 18
“1st conviction A fine of $175 to $350.”
Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 18On a second conviction the vehicle can be impounded for 180 days.
Source: Handbook p. 18
“The vehicle shall be impounded for 180 days.”
Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 18All vehicles registered in Texas must be inspected every year at an official inspection station.
Source: Handbook p. 15
“All motor vehicles registered in Texas must be inspected each year at an official motor vehicle inspection station.”
Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 15Tires need at least 2/32 of an inch of tread depth.
Source: Handbook p. 15
“Tires All vehicles are required to have tires in proper and safe condition with a minimum depth of 2/32 of an inch.”
Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 15
Numbers to know
| Number | What it means | Manual |
|---|---|---|
| 70 percent | passing score on any knowledge exam | Handbook p. 7 |
| 90 days | how long a failed application is held | Handbook p. 7 |
| 3 failed exams | after this many failures a new application is required | Handbook p. 7 |
| 30 points | more than this many deductions fails the driving exam | Handbook p. 8 |
| 45 days | how long the temporary license is valid | Handbook p. 7 |
| 30 days | to report a change of address | Handbook p. 9 |
| $30,000 | minimum coverage for one person | Handbook p. 18 |
| $60,000 | minimum coverage for two or more people | Handbook p. 18 |
| $25,000 | minimum property damage coverage | Handbook p. 18 |
| $175 to $350 | fine for a first no insurance conviction | Handbook p. 18 |
| 180 days | impound on a repeat no insurance conviction | Handbook p. 18 |
| 2/32 inch | minimum tire tread depth | Handbook p. 15 |
| 200 feet | minimum distance a horn must be heard | Handbook p. 15 |
3 questions from the Texas practice test
1. On the Texas driving exam, what point deduction causes automatic failure?
- More than 10 points deducted
- Any point deducted
- More than 30 points deducted
- More than 50 points deducted
Show answer
More than 30 points deducted. The Texas driving exam grades four basic skills: control, observation, positioning, and signaling. You fail automatically if you violate a traffic law, refuse to follow the examiner's instructions, drive dangerously or have a crash, or have more than 30 points deducted on the exam. Ten points is well within passing, a single deduction does not fail you, and 50 points is beyond the limit. Practice the graded maneuvers until each is smooth.
2. What must a Texas driver provide when applying for an original driver license if the driver owns a vehicle requiring financial responsibility?
- A vehicle sales receipt from the dealer
- Evidence of financial responsibility
- A school attendance certificate
- A completed parking citation
Show answer
Evidence of financial responsibility. For an original Texas driver license, an applicant who owns a vehicle that requires financial responsibility must provide evidence of that responsibility. The handbook also allows a statement that the applicant does not own such a motor vehicle. A sales receipt does not prove current coverage, and school or parking documents address unrelated matters. Before an original application, distinguish proof of insurance or qualifying responsibility from ownership paperwork. The key condition is ownership of a vehicle subject to the financial-responsibility requirement.
3. What does the Texas handbook say about sunscreen or window tinting on a vehicle?
- It is prohibited on all windows
- There are no rules
- It is allowed only on the rear window
- It must comply with the state regulations for your vehicle make and model
Show answer
It must comply with the state regulations for your vehicle make and model. If sunscreen or window tinting is used, it must comply with the appropriate state regulations for your vehicle make and model. Tint is neither banned outright nor unregulated; the permitted darkness depends on the window and the vehicle type. Illegal tint can fail the safety inspection and draw a citation. The handbook's equipment chapter also sets the mounting height for headlamps and other lights.
Practice this topic
Lock it in with laws and paperwork questions from the free Texas practice test. Every answer comes with a plain English explanation.
Source: the Texas Driver Handbook, Chapter 1: Your License to Drive. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.