Permit test study sheet: signs, signals and Texas basics

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Start with your handbook

Every state writes its own test from its own handbook. Signs, signals and markings follow the national MUTCD, which every state adopts directly or through its own supplement or edition (FHWA: state MUTCD information). Your state’s handbook decides what your own test asks.

Sign shapes

An octagon means STOP; a downward triangle means YIELD; a pennant (sideways triangle) marks a no-passing zone; a diamond is a warning (MUTCD: sign shapes).

Sign colors

Red: stop or prohibition. Yellow: general warning.
Black and white: regulation. Orange: temporary traffic control such as work zones.
Green: direction guidance. Blue: road user services.
Brown: recreation and cultural interest.

Source: MUTCD, sign colors.

Road markings

Yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions. White lines separate lanes moving the same way. A solid yellow line on your side of the center means no passing (MUTCD: markings; no-passing markings).

Signals and yielding

Steady yellow means the signal is about to turn red. A steady green arrow lets you turn in that direction while yielding to pedestrians. A flashing yellow left-turn arrow lets you turn after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians (MUTCD: steady signal indications; flashing signal indications).

Railroad crossing with flashing red lights: stop before the tracks and wait until the lights stop and it is safe. UVC § 11-701(a) Obedience to signal indicating approach of train

Texas basics

A learner license is available from age 15 after the classroom phase of an approved driver education course (§ 521.222).
The DPS knowledge test pass mark is 70 percent. The Texas Driver Handbook, the Texas Administrative Code and the Transportation Code do not state how many questions the test has (Texas Driver Handbook).
The supervisor in the seat beside you must be at least 21 with at least one year of driving experience (§ 521.222(d)).
Under 18, no phone use while driving, even hands-free, except in an emergency (§ 545.424).
With a provisional license until 18 and without a qualified adult beside you, at most one passenger under 21 who is not a family member, and no driving between midnight and 5 a.m. unless for work, a school-related activity or a medical emergency (§ 545.424(a-1)).

Read the Texas learner license guide for the Texas rules together.

Practice next

The US web shows 45 of our 279 checked bank questions, with one free full mock and a 25-question all-states sample. The DriveQuiz app is coming soon with all 279 questions.

Try the permit practice test, Texas practice test and road signs quiz. Read about the permit test pass mark.

Checked against the MUTCD and Texas law on October 20, 2026.

Common questions

Does this sheet replace my state’s handbook?

No. Each state writes its own test from its own handbook. Your state’s handbook decides what your own test asks.

What do yellow and white lane lines separate?

Yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions. White lines separate lanes moving the same way.

What is the Texas knowledge test pass mark?

70 percent. The Texas Driver Handbook, the Texas Administrative Code and the Transportation Code do not state how many questions the test has.

Can a Texas driver under 18 use a hands-free phone?

No phone use while driving, even hands-free, except in an emergency.

Permit test study sheet