Is the Texas DPS Exam Open Book
The Texas DPS exam is taken online at home without a proctor, so there are no restrictions on referring to your notes or the Texas Driver Handbook while taking it. However, the exam is not designed to require a reference — students who engage with the course content are well-prepared to answer the questions from knowledge.
What This Means in Practice
Because the exam is self-administered online, you can reference your notes or the Texas Driver Handbook if you need to. That said, looking up every answer is not an efficient strategy — the 30 questions draw from broad content areas and are designed to test understanding, not recall of obscure details.
The most effective approach is to complete the course content thoroughly, then take the exam from your own knowledge. Use references only for questions where you are genuinely uncertain.
The Texas Driver Handbook
The official Texas Driver Handbook is the source document for all DPS exam content. It is available free online at the Texas DPS website. The course content is aligned with the handbook, so completing the course is the most direct way to prepare.
Quick Facts
Detail | Information |
Proctored | No — taken online at home |
Reference materials permitted | No restrictions |
Recommended approach | Complete course content, then test from knowledge |
Official reference | Texas Driver Handbook — free at Texas DPS website |
Exam basis | Texas Driver Handbook content |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be monitored during the exam? No. The exam is self-administered online. There is no live proctor or webcam requirement.
Should I have the Texas Driver Handbook open while I take the exam? It is available if you need it, but students who complete the course are generally well-prepared to answer the questions from knowledge. The course content is built around the handbook.
Where can I find the Texas Driver Handbook? It is available free on the Texas Department of Public Safety website at dps.texas.gov. A digital version is accessible on any device.
Is the exam designed to trick students? No. The questions test practical knowledge of Texas traffic laws and road signs — the same content covered throughout the course. Students who read the lesson material carefully are well-prepared.
Can I pause and return to the exam later? Check your course dashboard for the specific behavior. If you need to step away, do not close the exam window until you have confirmed your progress will be saved.