Texas General Well Driller License Practice Test: Exam Guide, Code References, and Study Plan | 2025

This guide delivers the only comprehensive, state-specific prep for the Texas General Well Driller License exam: a realistic practice test with answer explanations, a detailed exam content breakdown, official codebook references, and a week-by-week study plan. You’ll also get printable checklists and tables to organize your application and experience documentation—so you can study and submit with confidence.

If you’re ready to drill into exam content the way a Texas regulator expects, start with our state-aligned Texas General Well Driller Practice Test. Most of our tests include 1,500 to 2,500 questions with detailed explanations and “reference locators” to the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) and other official sources.

Eligibility & Application Overview

Texas regulates water well drillers under the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and the rules in 16 TAC Chapter 76. The legal authority for licensing is in Texas Occupations Code Chapters 1901 (Drillers) and 1902 (Pump Installers). For accurate eligibility details, always use the official sources—do not rely on summaries or third-party charts. According to TDLR (2024), applicants must follow the steps, forms, and exam instructions provided by the program’s official pages and the exam provider’s Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB) [1][2][3][4][5].

Printable Documentation Checklist (use during prep)

• Personal identification that matches your PSI appointment record (name, spelling) [4].
• Up-to-date contact information for TDLR and PSI correspondence [2][4].
• Any TDLR-required forms for experience and/or well activity documentation (e.g., well reports, plugging reports), as applicable to your path [2].
• Confirmation emails for exam scheduling, rescheduling, or accommodation approvals [4][6].
• Study references: Texas Administrative Code Title 16, Chapter 76; Texas Occupations Code Chapters 1901 and 1902; any current TDLR guidance or PSI CIB [1][3][4][5].

Fees & Key Dates

Study Plan & Required References

Everything on your exam ties back to the Texas rules and statutes. Build your study around the exact sources regulators use. According to TDLR and the Texas Administrative Code, the controlling rules are in Title 16, Chapter 76; the legal authority is in Occupations Code Chapters 1901 and 1902; and exam logistics are published by PSI in the CIB and scheduling portal [1][2][3][4][5].

Required References (use the latest versions)

• Texas Administrative Code, Title 16, Part 4, Chapter 76: Water Well Drillers and Pump Installers Rules [1].
• Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1901: Water Well Drillers [3].
• Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1902: Water Well Pump Installers (cross-referenced by the program and rules) [4].
• TDLR program webpage and forms/FAQs for official guidance [2].
• PSI TDLR Candidate Information resources (exam scheduling, ID, test-day rules) [4][5].

4–6 Week Study Plan

• ☐ Obtain required codebooks/reference materials
• ☐ Follow a weekly study plan (4–6 weeks)
• ☐ Complete timed practice exams

Week 1: Read the scope and definitions of 16 TAC Chapter 76. Flag every section on construction standards, sanitary protection, plugging of abandoned wells, and reporting. Capture rule citations in your notes [1].

Week 2: Study administrative requirements that affect drillers: compliance responsibilities, records, forms, and any enforcement-related sections. Skim Occupations Code Chapters 1901 and 1902 to understand legal authority and terminology [3][4].

Week 3: Start mixed-topic drills using our Texas General Well Driller Practice Test. After each session, review explanations and follow the reference locators back to TAC sections. Build a personalized index of “high-frequency” rules.

Week 4: Run two to three timed practice blocks. Aim for accuracy under time pressure. Note any code sections you hesitate on (plugging procedures, annular seals, disinfection, setbacks, reporting). Re-read those sections in TAC 76 the same day [1].

Week 5: Re-test weak areas only. Create flashcards for definitions and prohibited practices that often appear on closed-book or rules-based exams. Confirm PSI test-day policies (ID, arrival time, calculator rules if applicable) [4][5].

Week 6 (Exam Week): Complete one full-length practice test, then a light rules review. Print your documentation checklist and PSI confirmation. Verify the test center location and parking the day before [4].

Documentation Table: What to keep at your fingertips

Exam Format, Scoring, and Retakes

TDLR exams are delivered by PSI as computer-based tests at authorized test centers statewide. According to PSI and TDLR (2024), candidates schedule online, follow the Candidate Information Bulletin for ID and site rules, and receive results per PSI procedures [4][6]. Retakes are permitted; fees and policies are set by PSI/TDLR and are detailed in the current CIB and program pages [4][5]. If you need test-day changes, use PSI’s reschedule/cancel options within the published deadline to avoid forfeiting fees [4].

Important: Do not assume the exam is open-book or that certain materials are allowed. PSI’s CIB controls which references (if any) are permitted in the test room. Always verify the latest policy in the CIB before exam day [4][5].

Accommodations & Special Cases

PSI provides reasonable testing accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. According to PSI (2024), candidates must submit accommodation requests with supporting documentation in advance; certain accommodations may require TDLR approval [4][5]. If you need to test outside your immediate area or require special arrangements, contact PSI as early as possible to secure a suitable test slot. Keep copies of all approvals and bring any required documentation on exam day [4].

Texas Well Driller Exam Content Breakdown

The content below mirrors the structure used by Texas rules and the exam’s focus on regulatory compliance. For each category, master the definitions, responsibilities, and rule-based procedures. Where the exact exam weighting is not publicly stated, study as if each category could be tested heavily. Cross-check each topic in 16 TAC Chapter 76 and the Occupations Code chapters cited below [1][3][4].

• Program Authority and Definitions
  • Licensing authority and scope (TDLR; 16 TAC 76; Occupations Code 1901/1902) [1][3][4].
  • Terms used in well construction, plugging, and reporting.
• Construction Standards and Sanitary Protection
  • Casing, annular space, and seals; surface completion and contamination protection [1].
  • Prohibited practices; site sanitation; water protection concepts [1].
• Plugging and Abandonment
  • Definitions (e.g., “plugging” vs. “capping”) and required methods [1].
  • Documentation and reporting after plugging [1][2].
• Disinfection, Development, and Well Integrity
  • Basic procedures aligned with sanitary construction and protection rules [1].
• Records, Reporting, and Forms
  • Water well reports and plugging reports; timelines and recipients as required by TDLR rules and guidance [1][2].
  • Accuracy and retention responsibilities [1].
• Compliance and Enforcement
  • Duties of licensees; complaint and enforcement framework; consequences of noncompliance [1][2][3].
• Exam-Day Policies (PSI)
  • Scheduling, ID, admittance rules, personal items, and retakes [4][5].

Sample Practice Questions (Texas-focused)

These sample items reflect how the real exam tests rule comprehension and regulatory judgment. Use them to check your understanding, then review the answer key and explanations below.

1. Which chapter of the Texas Administrative Code contains the Water Well Drillers and Pump Installers rules used on the exam?
2. After completing a water well, who is responsible for submitting the official well report?
3. In Texas rules, what is the formal term for permanently sealing an abandoned well?
4. Which statute gives TDLR its authority to regulate water well drillers?
5. Where are official exam scheduling, ID requirements, and test-center rules published?
6. You are drilling near potential contamination sources. Which primary reference controls sanitary protection and construction standards for the exam?
7. When a well is taken out of service and must be permanently secured, which type of report documents the closure?
8. Which materials are recognized in Texas rules for forming the annular seal in regulated wells?
9. Which agency publishes the program rules and licensing guidance relied on by the exam?
10. How should candidates confirm whether any reference materials are allowed in the exam room?

Practice Test Answer Key and Explanations

How to Use Our Texas Practice Test Most Effectively

1. Start with 30–50 question sets to learn the exam’s patterns. Read every explanation and follow the citation back to TAC 76 or the statute.
2. Build a personal “rules index” of sections you had to look up more than once. Those are your high-risk misses on exam day.
3. Switch to timed blocks. Log your accuracy by topic: construction standards, plugging, sanitation, reporting, and compliance.
4. Use your final week for full-length simulations. Keep your timing strict and your review targeted to missed rule sections.

When you’re ready, get the full, state-specific practice system here: Texas General Well Driller Practice Test.

Printable Study Timeline (start today)

• Day 1: Download/print TAC 76 and bookmark the online version [1].
• Days 2–7: Read and outline the rules; flag plugging, seals, surface completion, sanitation, and reporting.
• Week 2: Start mixed-topic drills; create a rule citation index.
• Week 3: Timed blocks + targeted rule review.
• Week 4: Full-length simulation; confirm PSI logistics (ID, location) [4][5].
• Exam Week: Light review; sleep and arrive early with required ID [4].