Summary of Texas (TX) DPS Handbook 2026

Driving in Texas is a privilege, not a right. Texas residents must hold a valid Texas driver license. New residents from out of state have 90 days to exchange their valid out-of-state license for a Texas license.

Types of Texas Driver Licenses

• Learner License (Instruction Permit): For applicants aged 15–17. Requires completing the classroom portion of driver education, a vision exam, and knowledge exam. Expires on the minor's 18th birthday. Fee: $16. A licensed driver age 21+ must accompany you at all times.
• Hardship License: May be issued to minors 15–17 with a proven need to drive due to economic hardship, illness, or vocational enrollment. Requires full driver education completion and parent/guardian application.
• Provisional License: Issued to persons 16–17 after holding a learner license for at least 6 months. Marked "PROVISIONAL"; expires on 18th birthday.
• Class C License: Standard license for most drivers (non-commercial vehicles under 26,001 lbs). Valid for 8 years; costs $33 for applicants 18+. Applicants 18–24 must complete an approved driver education course.
• Class M License: Required to operate a motorcycle. Must pass a state-approved motorcycle operator training course (16 hours). Minimum age: 16.

Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program

License Renewal

• Texas driver licenses must be renewed every 8 years.
• You must appear in person at least once every 16 years for a vision exam, photo, and fingerprint update.
• Eligible drivers may renew online, by mail, or by phone at 1-866-DL-RENEW.
• Drivers 79 and older, CDL holders, provisional/learner license holders, and non-U.S. citizens must renew in person.

Applications must be made in person at any Texas DPS driver license office. All applicants younger than 25 must complete an approved driver education course. All applicants must complete the Impact Texas Drivers (ITD) course before taking the driving exam.

Required Documents

• Full legal name, proof of Texas residency, date of birth, and place of birth.
• Identification documents.
• Social Security number (verified electronically).
• Thumb or index fingerprints.
• Answer medical status and history questions.
• Surrender any valid out-of-state driver license.
• U.S. citizenship status or proof of lawful presence.

The Knowledge Exam

• Must score 70% or better to pass.
• If you fail, your application is held for 90 days. After 90 days or 3 failed attempts, you must reapply and pay new fees.
• Applicants 18+ who surrender a valid out-of-state license are exempt from the knowledge and driving exams.
• Applicants younger than 25 who complete certain approved driver education courses may be exempt from the written exam at the DPS office.

The Vision Examination

Your vision is tested at the driver license office. If you wear corrective lenses, your license will carry a restriction. Inconclusive results may require a referral to your doctor.

Driving Exam

All new driver license applicants must pass a driving exam at a DPS office or authorized testing facility. After passing all exams, you'll receive a temporary license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.

Vehicle Inspection

All motor vehicles operated in Texas must pass an annual safety inspection. Proof of financial responsibility (insurance) is required at the time of inspection.

Minimum Insurance Requirements

• You must carry proof of financial responsibility (insurance) at all times while driving.
• You must provide it to a law enforcement officer upon request or to another driver involved in a crash.
• 1st conviction for driving without insurance: fine of $175–$350. 2nd conviction: license suspension, fine of $350–$1,000, and vehicle impounded for 180 days.
• Your license may also be suspended if a crash judgment is unsatisfied within 60 days, or if you are involved in a crash while uninsured.

Required Vehicle Equipment

Right-of-way is something given, not taken. Even if you legally have the right-of-way, yield if the other driver does not. Failure to yield causing bodily injury results in fines of $500–$4,000.

Intersection Rules

Railroad Crossings

• Stop between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail if a signal warns of an approaching train, a gate is lowered, a train is within ~1,500 feet, or a traffic-control device requires it.
• Never try to beat a train. The railroad crossbuck sign is posted at every grade crossing.

Emergency Vehicles

• Yield to all emergency vehicles using sirens or flashing lights.
• Pull to the right and stop until the emergency vehicle passes.
• Move Over law: When approaching a stationary emergency, law enforcement, or TxDOT vehicle with flashing lights, move over one lane if safe — or slow down significantly.

School Buses

• When a school bus displays flashing red lights, all traffic from both directions must stop and remain stopped until the lights stop flashing and the bus resumes motion or the driver signals you to proceed.
• Exception: You do not need to stop if you are on a divided highway separated by a median and approaching from the opposite direction.

Pedestrians

• Yield to pedestrians in any marked or unmarked crosswalk.
• Do not pass a vehicle that is stopped at a crosswalk — a pedestrian may be crossing.
• State law signs reading "YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS" are placed at crosswalks.

Traffic Signals

Traffic Signs by Shape & Color

• Octagon (Stop Sign): Come to a complete stop before the crosswalk or stop line. Proceed when safe.
• Triangle (Yield Sign): Slow down; yield to traffic and pedestrians.
• Diamond (Warning Signs): Yellow or orange. Warn of hazards ahead — curves, hills, crossings, rough roads.
• Rectangle (Regulatory Signs): White with black text. Inform drivers of traffic laws (speed limits, turn restrictions, one-way, etc.).
• Pentagon (School Zone): Yellow-green. Slow down near schools. Watch for children in crosswalks.
• Railroad Crossbuck: X-shaped sign at every grade crossing. Slow down, look, listen, and be prepared to yield to trains.
• Construction Signs: Orange background. Fines are doubled for violations in construction zones where workers are present.

Pavement Markings

When to Signal

• Always signal when changing lanes, making a turn, pulling away from or into a parking space, slowing down or stopping, entering or leaving a highway, or pulling to the side of the road.
• Signal continuously for at least 100 feet before turning or stopping.
• Turn your signal off after completing the maneuver — an unintended signal still communicates a turn to other drivers.
• Hand signals are permitted: Left arm up = right turn; left arm horizontal = left turn; left arm down = stop.

Passing Rules

• Never pass: when pavement markings or signs prohibit it, within 100 feet of an intersection or railroad crossing, on a hill or curve with limited vision, or within 100 feet of a bridge, viaduct, or tunnel.
• When passing on a two-lane road: signal left, ensure at least 200 feet of clear space before an oncoming car, pass on the left, wait until the passed car is visible in your rearview mirror, then signal right and return to your lane.
• Pass on the right only on a road with two or more lanes in each direction, on a one-way road, or on a paved shoulder when the vehicle ahead is stopped or making a left turn.
• Do not linger in another driver's blind spot. When being passed, do not increase speed — stay in your lane.

Making a Right Turn

• Move to the far right lane well before the turn.
• Signal at least 100 feet before the corner.
• Look both ways, keep close to the right edge of the road, and turn using both hands.
• Complete the turn in the right lane.

Making a Left Turn

• Move into the center or left-turn lane well before the turn.
• Signal at least 100 feet before the corner.
• Yield to all oncoming traffic and pedestrians before turning.
• Enter the road to the right of the center line in the lane interfering least with other traffic.

Texas Speed Limits

• Drive at the posted speed limit or slower if conditions (weather, visibility, traffic) require it.
• Street racing is illegal and results in license suspension and criminal penalties.
• Move over or slow down significantly when approaching a stationary vehicle with flashing lights on the shoulder (law enforcement, emergency, or TxDOT vehicles).

Where You Must NOT Park, Stop, or Stand

• On a sidewalk or crosswalk; within an intersection; on a railroad track.
• On the road-side of any stopped or parked vehicle (double-parking).
• On a bridge, elevated structure, or inside a highway tunnel.
• At any place where an official sign prohibits stopping.

Where You Must NOT Park or Stand

• Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
• Within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.
• Within 30 feet of a flashing signal, stop sign, yield sign, or traffic control signal.
• Within 20 feet of a fire station driveway (and within 75 feet on the opposite side).
• In front of a public or private driveway.
• Within 50 feet of a railroad crossing (no parking only).

Parking on Hills

• Headed downhill with a curb: Turn wheels into the curb (right).
• Headed uphill with a curb: Turn wheels away from the curb (left); let the car roll back until the tire rests against the curb.
• No curb (uphill or downhill): Turn wheels to the right so the car rolls off the road, away from traffic.
• Always set the parking brake and remove the key.
• Do not park more than 18 inches from the curb.

Headlights

• Use headlights from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, and any time visibility is less than 1,000 feet.
• Dim high beams for oncoming traffic.
• In fog, use low beams — high beams reflect back and reduce visibility.

Highway Driving

• When entering a freeway, match the speed of traffic before merging.
• Stay in the right lane except to pass.
• Maintain safe following distance — use the 3-second rule (more in adverse conditions).
• Signal at least 100 feet before lane changes or exits.

Handling Emergencies

Sharing the Road

• Large Trucks: Avoid their blind spots (front, rear, and sides). Do not cut in front. Their braking distance at highway speed can exceed 400 feet. Never pass on the right of a turning truck.
• Motorcycles: Give motorcyclists a full lane width — never share a lane. Check mirrors and blind spots before lane changes. The most common crash is a car making a left turn in front of a motorcycle.
• Bicycles: Bicycles have the same rights as motor vehicles. Do not cut across their path when turning right. Give them a full lane.
• Distracted Driving: It is illegal to read, write, or send text messages while driving. Pull off the road safely if you must use your phone. A half-second of distraction can double crash risk.

Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, vision, coordination, and reaction time. Texas law applies to both alcohol and drugs — including prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Penalties for DWI (Adults 21+)

Penalties for DUI (Minors Under 21)

• 1st DUI: Fine up to $500; community service 20–40 hours; alcohol awareness course required.
• 2nd DUI: Fine up to $500; community service 40–60 hours.
• 3rd DUI (17–21): Class B misdemeanor; fine $500–$2,000; jail up to 180 days; license suspended 1 year.
• Minor with detectable alcohol (below 0.08): License suspended 60 days (1st), 120 days (2nd), 180 days (3rd).
• Refusal to provide breath/blood specimen: License suspended 180 days (1st), 2 years (subsequent).

Open Container Law

• It is illegal to possess an open container of alcohol in the passenger area of a motor vehicle on a public highway.
• Possession of an open container while DWI increases the minimum jail sentence.

What to Do After a Crash

• You must stop immediately — leaving the scene is a hit-and-run, which is a serious criminal offense.
• Call 911 immediately if there is an injury or fatality, vehicles cannot be moved, a driver left the scene, or a driver is intoxicated.
• Exchange: name, address, phone number, vehicle registration number, driver license number, and insurance information with all involved drivers.
• If the crash caused damage of $1,000 or more, injury, or death and is not investigated by law enforcement, you must file a written report with TxDOT within 10 days.
• If you hit an unattended vehicle, stop and leave a visible note with your name, address, and a description of the crash.

Penalties for Hit-and-Run

Safety Belts & Child Passengers

• All vehicle occupants must wear seat belts. Failure to comply is a traffic violation.
• The driver is responsible for ensuring all passengers under 17 are properly restrained.
• Children must be secured in an age- and size-appropriate child safety seat.
• Never place an infant in a rear-facing seat in front of an active air bag.

Defensive Driving

• Scan the road 10–15 seconds ahead. Keep a minimum 3-second following distance (increase in bad conditions).
• Check all mirrors regularly and check blind spots before lane changes.
• Anticipate the actions of other drivers — do not assume they will obey signals or signs.

Road Rage

• Do not engage with aggressive drivers. Avoid eye contact and do not gesture.
• If threatened, drive to a public place (police station, fire station) and call 911.
• Aggressive driving leading to road rage incidents is a criminal offense in Texas.

Carbon Monoxide

Never run your vehicle engine inside a closed garage. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless. Symptoms of poisoning include tiredness, yawning, dizziness, nausea, and headache.

When Stopped by Law Enforcement

• Acknowledge the officer, activate your right turn signal, and pull safely to the right.
• Turn off the engine, lower your window, and keep your hands visible.
• Remain in the vehicle unless instructed to exit.
• Provide your driver license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration upon request.