Texas Permit Test: Rules of the Road

Which Texas applicants are required to complete an approved driver education course?

Applicants younger than 25, unless they hold a valid license from another state

The handbook says individuals younger than 25 must complete an approved driver education course. Transportation Code 521.1601 exempts a person who holds a valid license issued by another state.

What happens to the six-month holding period if a Texas learner license is suspended during Phase One?

It is extended by the days suspended

The handbook says the six-month period is extended by the number of days of the suspension because the license is invalid during it.

How long must a Texas driver under 18 hold a learner or hardship license before a provisional license can be issued?

At least six months

The handbook's Phase One requires a minimum of six months holding a valid learner, hardship or combination license.

How many school days in the prior fall or spring semester must a Texas student have attended for a Verification of Enrollment and Attendance form?

At least 80 days

The handbook says an enrolled student must have attended school for at least 80 days in the fall or spring semester preceding the application.

What is the minimum age for a Texas provisional license?

16

The handbook says an applicant for a provisional license must be at least 16 and not more than 18.

How many passengers under 21 who are not family may a Texas Phase Two driver have in the vehicle?

No more than one

Under Phase Two, the handbook bars driving with more than one passenger under 21 who is not a family member. Transportation Code 545.424 lifts this limit while a licensed adult who meets the learner supervisor rules rides beside the driver.

During which hours may a Texas Phase Two driver generally not drive?

Midnight to 5:00 a.m.

The handbook restricts Phase Two drivers from driving between midnight and 5:00 a.m., with limited exceptions.

What three reasons does the Texas handbook give for a Phase Two driver to drive between midnight and 5:00 a.m.?

Work, a school activity, or a medical emergency

The handbook allows night driving when needed for work, to attend or join a school-related activity, or due to a medical emergency. Transportation Code 545.424 also lifts the night limit while a licensed adult who meets the learner supervisor rules rides beside the driver.

May a Texas driver under 18 use a hands-free phone while driving, outside of an emergency?

No

The handbook restricts all drivers under 18 from using a wireless communication device, including hands-free devices, except in an emergency.

How many hours of behind-the-wheel practice does DPS list for a Texas teen provisional license, and how many must be at night?

30 hours, at least 10 at night

The DPS teen provisional license page lists 30 hours of behind-the-wheel practice, at least 10 of them at night, with a licensed driver 21 or older.

Within how many days of the driving test must a Texas teen complete the Impact Texas Teen Driver program?

90 days

The DPS teen provisional license page says the Impact Texas Teen Driver program must be completed within 90 days of the driving test.

How soon must a Texas license holder report a change of address to DPS?

Within 30 days

The handbook says a change of address must be reported to DPS within 30 days.

At an intersection with no signs or signals, a two-lane road meets a road with three or more lanes. Which driver must yield?

The driver on the two-lane road

The handbook says a driver on a single or two-lane road must yield to vehicles on a divided road or a road with three or more lanes.

An unpaved road meets a paved road at an intersection with no signs. Which driver must yield?

The driver on the unpaved road

The handbook says a driver on an unpaved road must yield to vehicles on the paved road.

At an intersection with no signs, signals, multi-lane roads or pavement change, which vehicle must you yield to?

Any vehicle on your right

The handbook says to yield to any vehicle that has entered or is approaching the intersection on your right.

When turning left at a Texas intersection, which vehicles must you yield to?

Vehicles coming straight from the other direction

The handbook says a driver turning left yields to any vehicle coming straight through from the other direction. Transportation Code 545.152 applies this to oncoming vehicles in the intersection or close enough to be an immediate hazard.

Entering a Texas road from a private driveway or alley, where must you first stop?

Before the sidewalk

The handbook says to stop prior to the sidewalk and yield to all approaching vehicles and pedestrians.

At a T-intersection, what must a driver on the street that ends do?

Stop and yield to through-street traffic

The handbook says a driver on the street that ends must stop and yield to vehicles on the through street.

On a road with three or more lanes moving the same way, two vehicles enter the same lane from opposite sides. Which vehicle must yield?

The vehicle entering from the right

The handbook says a vehicle entering a lane from the right must yield to a vehicle entering the same lane from the left.

When entering a Texas highway, which vehicles must you yield to?

Vehicles already on the highway

The handbook says you must yield the right-of-way to vehicles already on the highway when entering.

How far from the nearest rail must you stop when a warning requires a stop at a Texas railroad grade crossing?

Between 15 and 50 feet

The handbook says to stop between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail.

You must stop at a Texas railroad crossing if a train sounding an audible signal is an immediate hazard and within about how many feet of the crossing?

About 1,500 feet

The handbook lists a train within about 1,500 feet that produces an audible signal as one of the situations that requires a stop. Transportation Code 545.251 requires both the audible signal and an immediate hazard.

Your car stalls on railroad tracks and a train is coming. Which direction does the Texas handbook tell you to run?

Toward the train, to the side of the tracks

The handbook says to run toward the approaching train, to the side of the tracks, to avoid flying debris.

How close may you follow a fire truck answering an alarm in Texas?

No closer than 500 feet

The handbook says you are not allowed to follow within 500 feet of a fire truck answering an alarm.

You stay in the lane next to a stopped police car with lights on, and the posted limit is 45 mph. What speed does the Texas handbook call for?

25 mph

The handbook says to slow to 20 mph below the posted limit when the limit is 25 mph or more, if you do not leave that lane.

You stay in the lane next to a stopped emergency vehicle with its lights on, and the posted limit is 20 mph. What is the fastest you may go in Texas?

5 mph

Transportation Code 545.157 says not to exceed 5 mph when the posted limit is below 25 mph if you do not vacate that lane. The handbook words this as less than 5 mph.

On a road with no median or barrier, you approach a school bus from the opposite direction and it is flashing alternating red lights. What must you do?

Stop

The handbook says you must stop when approaching from either direction, until the bus moves, the driver signals you, or the lights stop. You need not stop for a bus on a separate roadway, or on a controlled-access highway when the bus is in a loading zone where pedestrians cannot cross. A center turn lane does not make separate roadways.

What is the fine range for a first conviction of failing to yield to a Texas school bus with flashing lights?

$500 to $1,250

Table 15 of the handbook lists a fine of $500 to $1,250 for a first conviction.

A traffic light changes after a pedestrian has already entered the crosswalk. Who has the right of way?

The pedestrian

The handbook says to still give the pedestrian the right-of-way if the light changes after they enter the crosswalk.

At an all-way stop, two vehicles arrive at the same time. Which vehicle should you yield to?

The vehicle on your right

The handbook says that if two vehicles arrive at the same time at an all-way stop, yield to the vehicle on your right.

When entering a modern roundabout in Texas, which traffic do you yield to?

Traffic already in the circle

The handbook says to slow down as you approach and yield to traffic already in the circle.

An emergency vehicle approaches while you are inside a Texas roundabout circle. What should you do?

Clear the circle, then pull over

The handbook says do not stop in the roundabout circle for an emergency vehicle. Clear the circle first and then pull over.

What is the maximum speed limit in a Texas urban district under the handbook's speed table?

30 mph

Table 22 lists 30 mph for an urban district. Cities and counties can change limits, so always obey the posted limit.

What is the maximum speed limit in an alley in Texas under the handbook's speed table?

15 mph

Table 22 of the handbook lists 15 mph for an alley.

What is the speed limit on a Texas beach?

15 mph

Transportation Code 545.352 sets 15 mph on a beach. The same limit applies to a county road next to a public beach if the commissioners court declares it, and Table 22 of the handbook lists both together.

Under the handbook's speed table, what is the maximum speed for passenger cars on a highway numbered by Texas or the U.S. outside an urban district?

70 mph

Table 22 lists 70 mph for passenger cars on numbered highways outside an urban district, including Farm to Market roads. Posted limits can differ, and some limited access highways are posted at 75 up to 85 mph, so always obey the posted limit.

Under the handbook's speed table, what is the maximum speed for passenger cars on a highway not numbered by Texas or the U.S., outside an urban district?

60 mph

Table 22 lists 60 mph for passenger cars on highways not numbered by Texas or the U.S., outside an urban district. Posted limits can differ, so always obey the posted limit.

Can Texas cities and counties change the speed limits shown in the handbook's speed table?

Yes

The handbook says cities and counties have the authority to change these limits, so the posted limit is what you obey.

How long does the Texas handbook say the average person needs to think, react and apply the brakes?

1.5 seconds

The handbook says it takes the average person 1-1/2 seconds to think, react and apply the brakes.

Per the Texas handbook's stopping chart, how many feet does it take to stop from 20 mph with good brakes on dry level pavement?

63 feet

The handbook's Approximate Stopping Distances chart lists 63 feet at 20 mph. That covers 1-1/2 seconds of reaction plus skidding to a stop.

Per the Texas handbook's stopping chart, how many feet does it take to stop from 30 mph with good brakes on dry level pavement?

109 feet

The handbook's Approximate Stopping Distances chart lists 109 feet at 30 mph. That covers 1-1/2 seconds of reaction plus skidding to a stop.

Per the Texas handbook's stopping chart, how many feet does it take to stop from 40 mph with good brakes on dry level pavement?

164 feet

The handbook's Approximate Stopping Distances chart lists 164 feet at 40 mph. That covers 1-1/2 seconds of reaction plus skidding to a stop.

Per the Texas handbook's stopping chart, how many feet does it take to stop from 50 mph with good brakes on dry level pavement?

229 feet

The handbook's Approximate Stopping Distances chart lists 229 feet at 50 mph. That covers 1-1/2 seconds of reaction plus skidding to a stop.

Per the Texas handbook's stopping chart, how many feet does it take to stop from 60 mph with good brakes on dry level pavement?

303 feet

The handbook's Approximate Stopping Distances chart lists 303 feet at 60 mph. That covers 1-1/2 seconds of reaction plus skidding to a stop.

Per the Texas handbook's stopping chart, how many feet does it take to stop from 70 mph with good brakes on dry level pavement?

387 feet

The handbook's Approximate Stopping Distances chart lists 387 feet at 70 mph. That covers 1-1/2 seconds of reaction plus skidding to a stop.

In good road conditions at 30 mph or less, what is the minimum following time the Texas handbook gives?

2 seconds

The handbook gives 2 seconds as the minimum time behind the car ahead at 30 mph or less in good conditions.

What following interval does the Texas handbook call best practice for a beginning driver?

Four seconds

The handbook says a four-second following interval is the best practice for a beginning or less experienced driver.

How far before a turn must you signal continuously in Texas?

At least 100 feet

Transportation Code 545.104 requires a continuous signal for at least the last 100 feet before a turn. The handbook gives the same distance before stopping, but the statute on stop signals sets no distance.

Within how many feet of an intersection or railroad crossing does the Texas handbook say never to drive on the left side of the road?

100 feet

The handbook says never to drive on the left within 100 feet of or crossing an intersection or railroad crossing.

When passing on a two-lane road, you must be back in the right lane before an oncoming car comes within how many feet of you?

200 feet

The handbook says to allow time and space to return to the right lane before an approaching car comes within 200 feet of you.

In Texas, may you pass on the right by driving off the paved part of the highway?

No

The handbook says not to pass on the right by driving off the paved portion of the highway.

If you cannot get into the proper lane within one-half block before your turn, what should you do?

Do not turn, continue straight

The handbook says that if you cannot reach the proper lane within one-half block of the turn, do not turn and continue straight ahead.

From when to when must you use headlights in Texas each day?

30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise

The handbook says headlights are required from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise.

Within how many feet of an approaching vehicle must you use low beam headlights in Texas?

500 feet

The handbook says to use low beam headlights when within 500 feet of an approaching vehicle.

How close to a fire hydrant may you park in Texas?

No closer than 15 feet

The handbook says not to park or stand within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.

How close to a crosswalk at an intersection may you park in Texas?

No closer than 20 feet

The handbook says not to park or stand within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.

How close may you park when approaching a stop sign located at the side of a Texas road?

No closer than 30 feet

The handbook says not to park or stand within 30 feet on the approach to a flashing signal, stop sign, yield sign or other traffic control signal at the side of the road.

How close to the driveway entrance of a fire station may you park on the same side of a Texas street?

No closer than 20 feet

The handbook says not to park or stand within 20 feet of the driveway entrance to a fire station.

How close to the nearest rail of a railroad crossing may you park in Texas?

No closer than 50 feet

The handbook says not to park a vehicle within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing.

When parallel parking in Texas, how far from the curb may your wheels be at most?

18 inches

The handbook says not to park more than 18 inches from the curb or edge of the road.

When you leave a vehicle standing on a grade in Texas, what must you do with the front wheels?

Turn them to the curb or side of the road

The handbook says a vehicle left standing on a grade must have its front wheels turned to the curb or side of the road.

What is the first-offense fine range for illegally parking in a Texas disabled parking space?

$500 to $750

The handbook lists a misdemeanor fine of $500 to $750 for a first offense.

At what blood alcohol concentration is a Texas driver age 21 or over considered legally intoxicated?

0.08 or more

The handbook says a person age 21 and over is legally intoxicated at a BAC of 0.08 or more.

Under Texas zero tolerance, what amount of alcohol in a driver under 21 is an offense?

Any detectable amount

The handbook says any detectable amount of alcohol while operating a vehicle in a public place is an offense for a minor.

About how long does the Texas handbook say the body needs to clear each alcoholic drink?

About one hour

The handbook says it takes about one hour for the body to rid itself of each drink consumed.

What is the maximum fine for possessing an open container of alcohol in a vehicle passenger area on a Texas public highway?

$500

The handbook says an open container conviction is punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.

For a minor's first non-driving alcohol offense in Texas, how long is the license suspended?

30 days

The handbook's penalty table lists a 30-day suspension for a first non-driving alcohol offense by a minor.

For a first refusal by a minor to give a breath or blood specimen in Texas, how long is the license suspended?

180 days

Table 27 of the handbook lists a 180-day suspension for a minor's first refusal.

For a minor's first specimen confirming a detectable amount of alcohol below 0.08 in Texas, how long is the license suspended?

60 days

Table 28 of the handbook lists a 60-day suspension for a minor's first such failure.

What is the maximum fine for an adult's first DWI offense in Texas per the handbook?

$2,000

Table 31 of the handbook lists a fine of up to $2,000 for a first DWI offense by an adult. Under Penal Code 49.04, a first DWI with a BAC of 0.15 or more is a Class A misdemeanor, which carries a higher maximum fine.

What is the maximum fine for buying alcohol for or selling alcohol to a minor in Texas?

$4,000

The handbook lists a fine of up to $4,000, up to one year in jail, or both.

What are the Texas minimum liability insurance amounts?

$30,000 / $60,000 / $25,000

The handbook lists $30,000 for injury or death of one person, $60,000 for two or more individuals, and $25,000 for property damage.

What is the fine range for a first conviction of driving without evidence of financial responsibility in Texas?

$175 to $350

Table 13 of the handbook lists a fine of $175 to $350 for a first conviction.

Under the Texas handbook, may a driver read or send text messages on a portable device while driving?

No, it is against the law

The handbook says it is against the law to read, write or send messages on a portable wireless device. Contacting law enforcement or an emergency is allowed.

After a Texas crash that injures someone, what must the driver do first?

Stop at or near the scene immediately

The handbook says you must immediately stop at the scene or as close as possible, without blocking traffic more than necessary.

In Texas, which children must ride in a federally approved child car seat?

Under 8, unless taller than 4 feet 9 inches

The handbook says a child under 8 must be secured in a federally approved child car seat unless the child is more than 4 feet 9 inches tall.

What fine can a Texas driver receive when a passenger under 17 rides without a safety belt?

$100 to $200

Table 37 of the handbook lists a fine of $100 to $200, assessed to the driver.