TABC Practice Test

Getting TABC certified to serve or sell alcohol in Texas? This free practice test has 35 questions on the topics every TABC-approved seller-server course covers: minors and checking IDs, how alcohol affects the body, spotting and refusing intoxicated customers, Texas hours of sale, and safe harbor. Every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the part of our TABC Certification: How to Get Your Texas Seller-Server Certificate that covers it.

TABC questions and answers

Take the test first: this section gives the answers away. Here is every question in the bank, grouped by topic, with the rule behind each answer.

TABC certification

1. 1How long is a TABC seller-server certificate valid?

   1. Two years from the date it is issued
   2. One year
   3. Five years
   4. Three years

   Answer: A. Two years from the date it is issued

   Certificates are valid for two years from the issue date, with no grace period. To renew, you take an approved course again. Review this in the TABC certification guide

2. 2Does Texas law require every individual server to hold TABC certification?

   1. Only in cities over 100,000 people
   2. No, but most employers require it because it protects the business
   3. Yes, before the first shift
   4. Only bartenders need it

   Answer: B. No, but most employers require it because it protects the business

   State law does not require individual certification, but most employers make it a condition of the job because certified staff are part of the safe harbor defense. Review this in the TABC certification guide

3. 3For an employer to keep safe harbor, employees who sell or serve alcohol, and their immediate managers, must be certified within:

   1. 30 days of their hire date
   2. One year of their hire date
   3. 60 days of their hire date
   4. 90 days of their hire date

   Answer: A. 30 days of their hire date

   TABC rules require employees who sell, serve, or deliver alcohol, and their immediate managers, to be certified within 30 days of hire. Review this in the TABC certification guide

4. 4Which of these is NOT one of the safe harbor conditions in section 106.14?

   1. The employee has worked there for at least a year
   2. The employer requires TABC-approved seller training
   3. The employer did not encourage the employee to break the law
   4. The employee actually attended the training

   Answer: A. The employee has worked there for at least a year

   Safe harbor has three conditions: the employer requires approved training, the employee attended it, and the employer did not directly or indirectly encourage the violation. Length of employment is not one of them. Review this in the TABC certification guide

5. 5Safe harbor protects whom?

   1. The server, from arrest
   2. The business, from penalties for an employee's illegal sale
   3. Everyone involved, from any lawsuit
   4. The customer, from being cited

   Answer: B. The business, from penalties for an employee's illegal sale

   Safe harbor protects the permit holder. The server who makes an illegal sale can still be cited or arrested. Review this in the TABC certification guide

6. 6Which course counts for TABC certification?

   1. A food handler course
   2. A talk from your manager on your first day
   3. Any alcohol course from any state
   4. A course from a TABC-approved seller training school

   Answer: D. A course from a TABC-approved seller training school

   Only courses from schools on the TABC's approved list count. Most are online, and many are offered in Spanish. Review this in the TABC certification guide

7. 7What is the minimum age to serve alcohol in a Texas restaurant?

   1. 16
   2. 18
   3. 21
   4. 19

   Answer: B. 18

   You must be at least 18 to sell, prepare, or serve alcohol in a bar or restaurant. Younger workers can do other jobs there, such as hosting or bussing. Review this in the TABC certification guide

8. 8Who must take the TABC's free opioid-related drug overdose course every year?

   1. Every food handler in Texas
   2. Only bar owners in cities over 100,000 people
   3. No one: the course is optional for everyone
   4. Certified staff at bars and private clubs that are not restaurants, and the permit holder

   Answer: D. Certified staff at bars and private clubs that are not restaurants, and the permit holder

   Under Alcoholic Beverage Code section 28.21, mixed beverage and private club permit holders that are not restaurants, and the employees they require to hold seller-server certification, must take the free TABC course each year. Restaurants are exempt. Review this in the TABC certification guide

Minors and IDs

9. 9Under the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, a minor is anyone under:

   1. 20
   2. 18
   3. 19
   4. 21

   Answer: D. 21

   For alcohol purposes, a minor is anyone under 21, the legal age to buy alcohol. Review this in the TABC certification guide

10. 10How can you recognize a Texas driver's license issued to someone under 21?

    1. It is stamped MINOR in the corner
    2. It looks exactly like an adult license
    3. It is horizontal with a red border
    4. It is vertical and shows the date the holder turns 21

    Answer: D. It is vertical and shows the date the holder turns 21

    Texas issues vertical cards to people under 21, with the date they turn 21. Both the older design and the 2025 redesign use the vertical format. Review this in the TABC certification guide

11. 11Selling alcohol to a minor with criminal negligence in Texas is:

    1. Legal if the minor is 20
    2. A Class A misdemeanor: up to a $4,000 fine, a year in jail, or both
    3. Only a violation for the business, not the server
    4. A Class C misdemeanor with a small fine only

    Answer: B. A Class A misdemeanor: up to a $4,000 fine, a year in jail, or both

    Sale to a minor is a Class A misdemeanor under section 106.03, punishable by a fine of up to $4,000, up to a year in county jail, or both. Review this in the TABC certification guide

12. 12You serve two beers to a 30-year-old and see him hand one to his 19-year-old friend. What should you do?

    1. Nothing, because the buyer is over 21
    2. Nothing, as long as the friend stays at the table
    3. Stop the service: buying for or giving alcohol to a minor is illegal
    4. Serve the friend a lighter beer instead

    Answer: C. Stop the service: buying for or giving alcohol to a minor is illegal

    It is illegal for an adult to buy alcohol for a minor or give alcohol to one, unless the adult is the minor's parent, guardian, or spouse. Take the drink back and involve your manager. Review this in the TABC certification guide

13. 13When may a minor legally drink alcohol in Texas?

    1. With any friend who is over 21
    2. Never, under any circumstances
    3. After 10 p.m. on weekends
    4. In the visible presence of an adult parent, guardian, or spouse

    Answer: D. In the visible presence of an adult parent, guardian, or spouse

    Texas law has a narrow exception for a minor drinking in the visible presence of an adult parent, guardian, or spouse. Your business is not required to serve them, and many won't. Review this in the TABC certification guide

14. 14Which of these is a government-issued photo ID the TABC points to as acceptable?

    1. A credit card with a photo
    2. A college student ID
    3. A U.S. passport
    4. A photocopy of a driver's license

    Answer: C. A U.S. passport

    Texas law does not require any particular ID, but the TABC lists a driver's license or ID card from any state, a U.S. passport, a military ID, or any other ID issued by a state or the federal government. Your employer's policy may be stricter. Review this in the TABC certification guide

15. 15What is the right way to check an ID?

    1. Accept any ID if the customer looks over 30
    2. Only check people who look under 18
    3. Glance at it through the wallet window
    4. Hold it, compare the photo and description, and check the birth and expiration dates

    Answer: D. Hold it, compare the photo and description, and check the birth and expiration dates

    Take the ID in your hand, compare the photo and physical description with the person, do the math on the birth date, check the expiration date, and feel for tampering. Review this in the TABC certification guide

16. 16The redesigned Texas license, issued since August 2025, includes which security feature?

    1. A see-through Texas-shaped window with a small photo and a UV feature
    2. A paper photo glued to the front
    3. A magnetic stripe that shows the age
    4. No security features beyond the photo

    Answer: A. A see-through Texas-shaped window with a small photo and a UV feature

    The 2025 cards have a black laser-engraved star, a tactile surface, and a see-through Texas-shaped window with a small second photo and an ultraviolet feature. Older cards, with a gold star, stay valid until they expire. Review this in the TABC certification guide

17. 17Under SB 650, which took effect September 1, 2025, what must a seller at most stores do when selling alcohol to go?

    1. Ask for two forms of ID
    2. Check ID only if the buyer looks under 30
    3. Photocopy every ID and keep it for a year
    4. Visually inspect the ID and also scan it, or enter it into an electronic reader

    Answer: D. Visually inspect the ID and also scan it, or enter it into an electronic reader

    SB 650 (Alcoholic Beverage Code section 109.61) requires sellers at most off-premises retailers to visually inspect and scan the buyer's ID. There are exceptions, and the TABC can discipline license and permit holders for violations starting September 1, 2027. Review this in the TABC certification guide

18. 18A 19-year-old shows you a real-looking, unexpired Texas license that says she is 23, and the photo and description match her. You serve her. Are you protected?

    1. Only if she was drinking beer, not liquor
    2. Yes: an apparently valid government ID that matches the customer is a defense
    3. No: selling to a minor is never excusable
    4. Only if a manager also checked the ID

    Answer: B. Yes: an apparently valid government ID that matches the customer is a defense

    Under section 106.03(b), a seller does not commit an offense if the minor showed an apparently valid, government-issued ID with a matching photo and description that shows them as 21 or older. Review this in the TABC certification guide

Alcohol and the body

19. 19Which of these is one standard drink?

    1. 5 ounces of liquor
    2. 12 ounces of wine
    3. 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor
    4. A pint of strong craft beer

    Answer: C. 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor

    One standard drink is 12 ounces of regular beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor. Each holds about the same amount of pure alcohol. Review this in the TABC certification guide

20. 20Roughly how much alcohol does the liver clear per hour?

    1. About one standard drink
    2. About three standard drinks
    3. Half a bottle of wine
    4. Any amount, if the person drinks water

    Answer: A. About one standard drink

    The liver clears roughly one standard drink per hour. Drinks served faster than that build up in the blood. Review this in the TABC certification guide

21. 21What lowers a person's blood alcohol content (BAC)?

    1. A cold shower
    2. Black coffee
    3. Only time
    4. Fresh air and exercise

    Answer: C. Only time

    Only time lowers BAC, as the liver clears the alcohol. Coffee and cold water can make someone more alert, but not less intoxicated. Review this in the TABC certification guide

22. 22Which of these makes BAC rise faster?

    1. Eating a full meal
    2. Drinking slowly
    3. Drinking on an empty stomach
    4. Alternating drinks with water

    Answer: C. Drinking on an empty stomach

    Food slows the absorption of alcohol. Drinking on an empty stomach, drinking quickly, and strong mixed drinks all raise BAC faster. Review this in the TABC certification guide

Intoxication

23. 23Under Texas law, a person is intoxicated when they:

    1. Lack normal use of their mental or physical faculties because of alcohol, or have a BAC of 0.08 or more
    2. Have had more than three drinks
    3. Are unable to stand up
    4. Fail a breath test given by the server

    Answer: A. Lack normal use of their mental or physical faculties because of alcohol, or have a BAC of 0.08 or more

    The Penal Code defines intoxicated as not having the normal use of mental or physical faculties because of alcohol, or a BAC of 0.08 or higher. Servers judge by behavior. Review this in the TABC certification guide

24. 24Selling alcohol to an intoxicated person with criminal negligence is punishable by:

    1. A fine for the customer only
    2. A fine of $100 to $500, up to a year in jail, or both
    3. Nothing, if the business has safe harbor
    4. A written warning only

    Answer: B. A fine of $100 to $500, up to a year in jail, or both

    Under section 101.63, it is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $100 to $500, up to a year in jail, or both, with higher fines for repeat offenders. Review this in the TABC certification guide

25. 25A guest who was quiet is now loud, overly friendly, and telling strangers personal stories. This is a sign of:

    1. Slowed reactions
    2. Loss of coordination
    3. Lowered inhibitions
    4. Normal behavior that needs no attention

    Answer: C. Lowered inhibitions

    Lowered inhibitions are usually the first sign of intoxication, followed by impaired judgment, slowed reactions, and loss of coordination. Review this in the TABC certification guide

26. 26Which of these is a sign of loss of coordination?

    1. Ordering an appetizer
    2. Laughing at a joke
    3. Stumbling, swaying, or spilling drinks
    4. Paying with a card

    Answer: C. Stumbling, swaying, or spilling drinks

    Stumbling, swaying, spilling, and dropping things are signs of lost coordination, one of the later and more serious signs of intoxication. Review this in the TABC certification guide

27. 27What is the best way to refuse service to an intoxicated guest?

    1. Serve a weaker drink instead
    2. Announce it loudly so the table understands
    3. Ignore their order until they leave
    4. Politely and privately, offering water or food, and telling your manager

    Answer: D. Politely and privately, offering water or food, and telling your manager

    Cut off service politely, privately, and without accusing. Offer water or food, bring in your manager, offer to call a ride, and never hand keys back to an intoxicated guest. Review this in the TABC certification guide

Hours of sale

28. 28In a standard-hours area, bars and restaurants may sell alcohol Monday through Friday from:

    1. Noon to midnight
    2. 7 a.m. to midnight
    3. 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.
    4. 6 a.m. to 1 a.m.

    Answer: B. 7 a.m. to midnight

    Standard on-premise hours are 7 a.m. to midnight Monday through Friday. On Saturday, sales run from 7 a.m. until 1 a.m. Sunday morning. Review this in the TABC certification guide

29. 29In a standard-hours area, a bar's Saturday night sales must stop at:

    1. 2 a.m. Sunday
    2. 1 a.m. Sunday
    3. Midnight
    4. 3 a.m. Sunday

    Answer: B. 1 a.m. Sunday

    On Saturday, standard on-premise sales run from 7 a.m. until 1 a.m. Sunday morning. A late-hours permit extends that to 2 a.m. Review this in the TABC certification guide

30. 30Can a restaurant serve alcohol at 10:30 a.m. on a Sunday?

    1. Only to hotel guests
    2. Yes, but only with food
    3. Yes, with no conditions
    4. No, never before noon

    Answer: B. Yes, but only with food

    On Sunday, on-premise sales may start at 10 a.m., but between 10 a.m. and noon alcohol may only be served with food. Review this in the TABC certification guide

31. 31With a late-hours permit in an area where late hours are legal, on-premise sales may continue until:

    1. 1 a.m.
    2. 3 a.m.
    3. 2 a.m.
    4. 4 a.m.

    Answer: C. 2 a.m.

    A late-hours permit in an extended-hours area allows on-premise sales until 2 a.m. any day. Review this in the TABC certification guide

32. 32After on-premise sales end, how long do customers have to finish their drinks?

    1. One hour
    2. Until closing
    3. 15 minutes
    4. 30 minutes

    Answer: C. 15 minutes

    Drinking in a public place is an offense starting 15 minutes after sales end, for example after 12:15 a.m. on a weeknight in a standard-hours area. Review this in the TABC certification guide

33. 33When can Texas grocery and convenience stores start selling beer and wine on Sunday?

    1. 10 a.m.
    2. Noon
    3. They can't sell on Sunday
    4. 7 a.m.

    Answer: A. 10 a.m.

    Since September 2021, stores with beer and wine permits can sell to go starting at 10 a.m. on Sunday. Liquor stores stay closed on Sundays. Review this in the TABC certification guide

Liability

34. 34Under the Texas dram shop law, a business can be liable for damages when it served a customer who was:

    1. A regular customer
    2. Drinking beer rather than liquor
    3. Obviously intoxicated to the extent of presenting a clear danger, and that intoxication caused the damages
    4. Over 21 and drove home afterward

    Answer: C. Obviously intoxicated to the extent of presenting a clear danger, and that intoxication caused the damages

    Section 2.02 requires proof that the customer was obviously intoxicated to the extent that he presented a clear danger to himself and others, and that the intoxication caused the damages. Review this in the TABC certification guide

35. 35Your employer meets every safe harbor condition, and you sell to a minor. Can you still be charged?

    1. Only if it happens twice
    2. No: safe harbor protects everyone on staff
    3. Yes: safe harbor protects the business, not the server
    4. Only if the minor was under 18

    Answer: C. Yes: safe harbor protects the business, not the server

    Safe harbor protects the permit holder from TABC penalties and can shield it in dram shop lawsuits. The server who made the sale can still be cited or arrested. Review this in the TABC certification guide

How the real TABC test works

There is no single state exam. Each TABC-approved school writes its own course and final test, usually a short multiple-choice test at the end of an online course that takes about two hours. The passing score is set by the school, often 70%. When you pass, you get your certificate right away, and it is valid for two years. Our TABC Certification: How to Get Your Texas Seller-Server Certificate covers who needs it, what it costs, and the 30-day safe harbor rule.

These are our own practice questions, written from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code and TABC guidance. FoodHandlerGear is not affiliated with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission or any approved school.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these the real TABC test questions?

No. Each TABC-approved school writes its own test, so no site can show you the real questions. These practice questions cover the same Texas laws and service skills every approved course teaches.

What score do I need to pass the TABC test?

It depends on the school, but 70% is common. Aim well above that on this practice test before you take the real one.

How long does TABC certification take?

Most online courses take about two hours, including the final test, and you get your certificate as soon as you pass.