20 questions from the Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7). Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. What is the correct procedure when a law enforcement officer is directing traffic?
Answer: Obey the officer even if their instructions contradict standard traffic signals. The handbook mandates that drivers must obey law enforcement officers directing traffic, overriding standard signal rules.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 31: “You must obey a law enforcement officer at all times when they are directing traffic even if he/she is telling you to do something which is ordinarily considered against the law.”
2. What is the recommended action if you cannot get into the proper lane within one-half block before turning?
Answer: Do not turn, and continue straight ahead. The handbook advises continuing straight ahead if the driver fails to enter the correct lane within the specified distance before the turn.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 45: “If you cannot get into the proper lane within one-half block before turning, do not turn, and continue straight ahead.”
3. What should a driver do if they encounter a railroad crossing signal problem?
Answer: Call the Texas Department of Public Safety Communications Center. The handbook directs drivers to call the Texas Department of Public Safety Communications Center or local authorities when encountering signal problems.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 28: “If you encounter a railroad grade crossing signal problem, call the Texas Department of Public Safety Communications Center at (800) 772-7677 or call your local police department or county sheriff’s office.”
4. What does a flashing yellow arrow indicate for a driver making a left turn?
Answer: The driver may turn left but must yield to oncoming traffic. The handbook states that a flashing yellow arrow permits a left turn provided the driver yields to oncoming traffic.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 31: “A flashing yellow arrow allows a driver to turn left, but the driver must yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic.”
5. What action should a driver take when seeing a green arrow on a lane-use control signal?
Answer: Drive in the lane over which the arrow signal is located. The handbook defines the green arrow signal as permission for the driver to use the lane beneath it.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 38: “A steady downward green arrow means a driver is permitted to drive in the lane over which the arrow signal is located.”
6. When being passed by another vehicle on the left in lanes that are not marked, what action should you take?
Answer: Safely move as far to the right as you can. The handbook instructs drivers to move safely to the right when being passed on the left in unmarked lanes to facilitate the passing maneuver.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 45: “Safely move as far to the right as you can when being passed on the left and the lanes are not marked.”
7. How should a driver navigate a modern roundabout?
Answer: Yield to traffic already in the circle and travel counter-clockwise. The handbook states that drivers must yield to existing traffic and move counter-clockwise, while noting that lane changes inside the circle are discouraged and emergency vehicles should be cleared first.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 56: “To drive in a modern roundabout, follow these simple steps: slow down as you approach the intersection, yield to traffic already in the circle, enter the circle and follow the loop in a counter clockwise direction”
8. Why should you avoid passing a truck on the right if there is a possibility it might turn?
Answer: Because trucks make wide right turns and may leave space on the right. The handbook advises against passing on the right because trucks swing wide for turns, potentially occupying the space where a passing car would be.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 57: “Trucks make wide, right turns and sometimes leave an open space to the right just before the turn. To avoid a crash, don’t pass a truck on the right if there is a possibility the truck might make a right turn.”
9. According to the handbook, what effect does two feet of rushing water have on vehicles?
Answer: It carries away pick-up trucks, SUVs, and most other vehicles. The handbook states that two feet of rushing water is sufficient to carry away larger vehicles like pick-up trucks and SUVs.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 56: “Two feet of rushing water will carry away pick-up trucks, SUVs, and most other vehicles.”
10. What does a solid yellow line on your side of the road indicate?
Answer: It marks a 'no-passing zone.'. The handbook defines a solid yellow line on the driver's side as a designation for a no-passing zone.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 40: “A solid yellow line on your side of the road marks a “no-passing zone.””
11. Which lane should a driver use if they are traveling faster than other traffic or passing other vehicles?
Answer: The middle or left lane. The handbook instructs drivers to utilize the middle or left lanes for passing or traveling at higher speeds, reserving the right lane for slower traffic.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 53: “Use the middle or left lane if you are traveling faster than other traffic or passing other vehicles.”
12. What should you do if you are stopped behind a truck on an upgrade?
Answer: Leave space in case the truck drifts back. The handbook recommends leaving extra space behind a stopped truck on a hill to accommodate the truck rolling backward slightly when starting.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 57: “If you are stopped behind a truck on an upgrade, leave space in case the truck drifts back when it starts to move.”
13. Which of the following is a valid exception allowing a slower-moving bicyclist to ride away from the right curb?
Answer: The person is preparing for a left turn at an intersection. Preparing for a left turn is listed as an exception to the rule of riding near the right curb.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 68: “The person is preparing for a left turn at an intersection or onto a private road or driveway”
14. What is the maximum speed a moped can attain in one mile according to the definition provided?
Answer: Exactly 30 mph. The definition states a moped cannot attain a speed of more than 30 mph, implying the limit is 30 mph.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 79: “moped – a motor-driven cycle that cannot attain a speed in one mile of more than 30 mph”
15. When turning left from a one-way street onto a two-way street, which lane should you enter?
Answer: The right lane. The handbook specifies that when turning left from a one-way street onto a two-way street, you must enter the right lane.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 46: “If you are turning left from a one-way street you should turn from the left lane into the right lane, moving in the same direction.”
16. According to the handbook, how many seconds does it take for the average person to think, react, and apply the brakes?
Answer: 1-1/2 seconds. The handbook states that the average reaction time for thinking, reacting, and braking is 1.5 seconds.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 51: “It takes the average person 1-1/2 seconds to think, react and apply the brakes.”
17. When turning left at an intersection, whom must you yield to?
Answer: Any vehicle coming straight through from the other direction. Left-turning drivers must yield to oncoming traffic that is proceeding straight through the intersection.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 26: “When turning left, always yield the right-of-way to any vehicle coming straight through from the other direction.”
18. How should a driver manage their position relative to another driver's blind spot while passing?
Answer: Either pass the other driver or slow down so you are not in their blind spot. Drivers are instructed to avoid lingering in blind spots by either completing the pass or slowing down to exit the blind spot area.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 45: “Either pass the other driver or slow down so you are not in another driver’s blind spot.”
19. When driving at speeds above 30 mph under good road conditions, what is the recommended minimum following distance?
Answer: 4 seconds. The handbook states that a 4-second gap is required for speeds exceeding 30 mph in good conditions.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 51: “For speeds above 30 mph, maintain a 4 second gap between cars during good road conditions.”
20. Why is it important to increase following distance during winter driving conditions?
Answer: Because snow tires slide on ice or packed snow, requiring space to stop. The handbook links increased following distance directly to the sliding nature of tires on ice and snow, ensuring enough space to stop safely.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 55: “Many rear-end collisions occur on icy streets because drivers don’t leave space to stop. Snow tires will slide on ice or packed snow. To keep safe, you must keep your distance.”