Texas permit test: alcohol, drugs and driving

Effects of alcohol and drugs, open containers, zero tolerance for minors, implied consent and intoxication penalties. 21 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.

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Rules to remember10 key alcohol, drugs and driving rulesShow the rules

Many over-the-counter drugs, such as antihistamines and cold medicines, cause drowsiness. (p. 61, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
For drivers 21 and over, Texas sets the intoxication line at a BAC of 0.08 or higher. (p. 61, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
For alcohol laws, Texas defines a minor as anyone under 21, not 18. (p. 62, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
An open alcohol container in the passenger area on a public highway can bring a fine of up to $500. (p. 62, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
Anyone who buys, furnishes or sells alcohol to a minor can be fined up to $4,000, jailed up to one year, or both. (p. 62, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
Your body removes about one drink's worth of alcohol per hour. (p. 62, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
Cold showers, black coffee and exercise don't sober anyone up. (p. 62, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
A first refusal brings 180 days; a second or later refusal brings a 2-year suspension. (p. 63, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
A 12-ounce beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine and a mixed drink with 1.5 ounces of liquor each contain about the same amount of alcohol. (p. 64, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
A first adult DWI carries a fine up to $2,000, 72 hours to 180 days in jail, and a 90- to 365-day suspension. (p. 64, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))

Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.

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Sample alcohol, drugs and driving questions

1.Under the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, who is a minor?
- AAnyone under 19
- BAnyone under 16
- CAnyone under 21
- DAnyone under 18
Show the answer
✓ C. Anyone under 21
For alcohol laws, Texas defines a minor as anyone under 21, not 18. Minors may not buy, try to buy, drink or possess alcohol.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7) (Revised January 2026), page 62
2.A 19-year-old drinks one beer and drives. A test shows a small amount of alcohol, well under 0.08. Has the driver broken the law?
- AOnly if the driver was also speeding
- BYes, any detectable amount is an offense for a minor
- CNo, one drink is allowed for drivers under 21
- DNo, only a BAC of 0.08 or more is illegal
Show the answer
✓ B. Yes, any detectable amount is an offense for a minor
Under Texas zero tolerance, a minor (under 21) commits Driving Under the Influence by a Minor with any detectable alcohol in their system, even if not legally intoxicated.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7) (Revised January 2026), page 62
3.An officer asks an 18-year-old driver to take a breath test, and the driver refuses for the first time. What follows?
- ANothing; testing is optional
- BA 180-day suspension
- COnly a written warning
- DA 30-day suspension
Show the answer
✓ B. A 180-day suspension
Minors give implied consent to a breath or blood test. A first refusal suspends the license, or denies the privilege, for 180 days.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7) (Revised January 2026), page 63
4.A 20-year-old driver fails a breath test with alcohol below 0.08. It is the first offense. How long is the license suspended?
- A30 days
- B60 days
- C180 days
- D120 days
Show the answer
✓ B. 60 days
When a minor driver's test shows detectable alcohol below 0.08, a first offense brings a 60-day suspension; a second brings 120 days and a third or later 180 days.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7) (Revised January 2026), page 63