What Is the DPS Exam in the Texas Adult Driver Education Course (ADE)
The DPS exam in the Texas Adult Driver Education Course is the official Texas Department of Public Safety Highway Sign and Traffic Law Examination. It is the same written knowledge exam that new drivers would otherwise take at a DPS driver license office. Because it is integrated into the course, you complete it online from home — and do not need to take the written test again at the DPS.
What the Exam Covers
The exam tests your knowledge of Texas traffic laws, road signs, traffic signals, pavement markings, and safe driving practices. All content on the exam is drawn from the Texas Driver Handbook, which is also the basis for all course content. The course prepares you directly for the exam.
Exam Structure
30 multiple-choice questions
Passing score: 70% — at least 21 of 30 correct
Not timed — take as long as you need
Retakes: Available if you do not pass on the first attempt
Where It Appears in the Course
The DPS exam is the final assessment in the course. It unlocks only after you have completed all prior lessons and passed all lesson quizzes. Once you pass the exam, your ADE-1317 certificate is generated immediately.
Why This Matters
Because the DPS exam is built into the course, your ADE-1317 certificate serves as proof you passed the official written knowledge test. When you visit the DPS driver license office, you present your certificate and skip the written test entirely. You still need to pass the vision test and road test at the DPS.
Quick Facts
Detail | Information |
Exam name | Texas DPS Highway Sign and Traffic Law Examination |
Questions | 30 multiple-choice |
Passing score | 70% — at least 21 of 30 correct |
Timed | No |
Retakes | Yes — see fail exam article for details |
Unlocks after | Completing all prior lessons |
Skips DPS written test | Yes — ADE-1317 certificate serves as proof |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the same exam I would take at the DPS office? Yes. It is the official Texas DPS written knowledge examination, administered online through the course. Passing it means you have already completed the written test requirement and do not need to take it again at the DPS.
What happens after I pass the DPS exam? Your ADE-1317 certificate is generated and emailed to you automatically. You can then complete the ITAD program and schedule your DPS appointment to finalize your license.
Can I take the DPS exam before finishing all the lessons? No. The DPS exam only unlocks after you complete all prior lessons and pass all lesson quizzes.
Do I need to study separately for the exam? The course content is built around the Texas Driver Handbook, which is the basis for the exam. Students who engage with the course material are well-prepared. Reviewing the lesson content before taking the exam is recommended.
How many times can I take the exam if I fail? See the fail exam article for full details on retakes and what to expect.