Texas permit test: learner license, gdl and license penalties
Learner and provisional license rules, GDL restrictions, driving without a license, suspensions and revocations, DWLI and liability insurance. 21 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key learner license, gdl and license penalties rulesShow the rules
- Your supervising driver must be at least 21, have at least one year of driving experience, and sit in the seat beside you. (p. 7, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
- A learner license issued to someone under 18 expires on the holder's 18th birthday. (p. 7, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
- Phase One requires drivers under 18 to hold a learner or hardship license for at least six months before a provisional license is issued. (p. 8, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
- During Phase Two you may not drive with more than one passenger under 21 who is not a family member. (p. 9, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
- Drivers under 18 may not use a wireless communication device while driving, even a hands-free one, except in an emergency. (p. 9, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
- A change of address must be reported to DPS within 30 days, which you can often do online. (p. 15, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
- A first conviction for driving without a license can bring a fine of up to $200. (p. 15, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
- A Texas driver license must be renewed every eight years. (p. 16, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
- Under the Zero Tolerance law, a minor's first non-driving alcohol offense brings a fine, community service, an alcohol awareness course, and a 30-day license suspension. (p. 19, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
- Texas minimum liability insurance is $30,000 for injury or death of one person, $60,000 for two or more people, and $25,000 for property damage. (p. 24, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample learner license, gdl and license penalties questions
1.What is the minimum age for a Texas provisional license?
- A16
- B15
- C17
- D18
Show the answer
✓ A. 16
A provisional license is issued to drivers 16 to 18 who have finished driver education, passed the exams, and held a learner or hardship license for at least six months.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7) (Revised January 2026), page 9
2.A first conviction for driving without a license can bring a fine of up to how much?
- A$100
- B$200
- C$500
- D$4,000
Show the answer
✓ B. $200
A first conviction for driving without a license can bring a fine of up to $200. Additional suspensions may also apply.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7) (Revised January 2026), page 15
3.You are 17. You are convicted of two separate traffic violations within 10 months. What can DPS do after a hearing?
- AOnly add points with no other action
- BNothing until you have four convictions
- CSuspend or revoke your license
- DOnly require a defensive driving course
Show the answer
✓ C. Suspend or revoke your license
For drivers under 18, two or more separate traffic convictions within any 12-month period can lead DPS to suspend or revoke the license after a hearing.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7) (Revised January 2026), page 18
4.An adult driver keeps getting tickets. DPS may suspend the license for how many separate traffic convictions within any 12-month period?
- ATwo or more
- BFour or more
- CSeven or more
- DThree or more
Show the answer
✓ B. Four or more
DPS may suspend a license after a hearing for four or more traffic convictions within any 12 months, or seven or more within any 24 months.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7) (Revised January 2026), page 17