Key Texas facts: Alcohol & Drugs
A Texas driver under 21 commits an offense with any detectable amount of alcohol while driving in a public place. Chapter 10, Texas Tough Alcohol-Related Laws for Minors, pp. 56-57 Under the Texas Alcohol Beverage Code, a minor is anyone under 21. Chapter 10, Texas Tough Alcohol-Related Laws for Minors, pp. 56-57 A Texas adult who refuses a breath or blood specimen faces a 180-day suspension, or up to 730 days for later offenses. Chapter 10, Texas Alcohol-Related Laws for Adults, p. 58 A Texas specimen showing 0.08 or more can bring a 90-day suspension, or up to 365 days for later offenses. Chapter 10, Texas Alcohol-Related Laws for Adults, p. 58 A first Texas adult DWI brings a fine of up to $2,000 and 72 hours to 180 days in jail. Chapter 10, Texas Alcohol-Related Laws for Adults, p. 58 Sample Alcohol & Drugs questions
Your car is parked on a public Texas highway with an open container in the passenger area. Is that an offense?
No, only if it is your drink Yes, even though it is parked No, only if the engine is on Show the answer
Yes, even though it is parked
It doesn't matter whether the car is moving, stopped or parked. Conviction can bring a fine of up to $500.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7, revised January 2026), Chapter 10, Open Container, p. 56
Under Texas alcohol law, who counts as a minor?
Anyone under 21 Anyone under 18 Anyone under 16 Show the answer
Anyone under 21
Texas bars minors from buying, trying to buy, drinking or possessing alcohol.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7, revised January 2026), Chapter 10, Texas Tough Alcohol-Related Laws for Minors, pp. 56-57
Which place is outside the passenger area under the Texas open container law?
A locked glove compartment An unlocked center console Under the front seat Show the answer
A locked glove compartment
Texas also excludes the trunk and, where there is no trunk, the area behind the last upright seat.
Source: Texas Penal Code, Chapter 49, Sec. 49.031, Possession of Alcoholic Beverage in Motor Vehicle
Which of these actually helps a person become sober, according to the Texas handbook?
A cold shower Black coffee Time Show the answer
Time
Coffee, cold showers and exercise do not work. If someone has been drinking, a person who hasn't should drive.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7, revised January 2026), Chapter 10, Myths about Drinking Alcohol, p. 56
How long is the license suspension for a Texas adult's first refusal of a breath or blood specimen?
Show the answer
180 days
Refusal brings a 180-day suspension, and up to 730 days for later offenses.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7, revised January 2026), Chapter 10, Texas Alcohol-Related Laws for Adults, p. 58
In the Texas handbook's table, a 12-ounce can of beer has about the same alcohol as which drink?
A 5-ounce glass of liquor A 12-ounce glass of wine A 5-ounce glass of wine Show the answer
A 5-ounce glass of wine
A cocktail with 1.5 ounces of liquor holds about the same amount.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7, revised January 2026), Chapter 10, Texas Alcohol-Related Laws for Adults, p. 58
A breath test shows 0.08 or more. How long may a Texas adult's first suspension be?
Show the answer
90 days
A result of 0.08 or more may bring a 90-day suspension, and up to 365 days for later offenses.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7, revised January 2026), Chapter 10, Texas Alcohol-Related Laws for Adults, p. 58
What level of offense is a Texas DWI committed in a school crossing zone while the reduced limit applies?
A Class C misdemeanor A state jail felony A traffic warning Show the answer
A state jail felony
Texas law raises the offense when it happens during the time the reduced speed limit applies.
Source: Texas Penal Code, Chapter 49, Sec. 49.04, Driving While Intoxicated
About how long does the body take to rid itself of each drink, according to the Texas handbook?
About 6 hours About 1 hour About 10 minutes Show the answer
About 1 hour
Only time works, and it depends on your weight, how much you drank and what you ate.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7, revised January 2026), Chapter 10, Myths about Drinking Alcohol, p. 56
What is the maximum fine for a first-offense DWI for a Texas adult?
Show the answer
$2,000
A first offense also carries 72 hours to 180 days in jail and a 90 to 365-day suspension.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7, revised January 2026), Chapter 10, Texas Alcohol-Related Laws for Adults, p. 58
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About these questions
We wrote these practice questions from the facts in the Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7) (Revised January 2026 edition) and from official sources on road signs. Every answer links to its source, so you can check it and read more.
DMV Decoded is an independent guide, not a government agency. This practice test is not connected to the Texas Department of Public Safety, and your actual test will have different questions. Study the handbook, and check the agency's website for current rules.
