20 questions from the Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7). Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. What is the maximum posted speed limit on a street or highway where a motor assisted scooter is permitted to operate?
Answer: 35 mph. The handbook specifies that motor assisted scooters are restricted to roads with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 73: “Both vehicles may only be operated on a street or highway when the posted speed limit is 45 mph or less for a neighborhood electronic vehicle and 35 mph or less for a motor assisted scooter.”
2. What is the minimum tread depth required for tires on all vehicles?
Answer: 2/32 of an inch. The handbook states that the minimum tire tread depth required is 2/32 of an inch.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 21: “All vehicles are required to have tires in proper and safe condition with a minimum depth of 2/32 of an inch.”
3. What caution is advised for motorcyclists regarding grooved pavement?
Answer: Use caution because the grooves lessen the possibility of slippery pavement in wet weather. The handbook notes that grooved pavement helps reduce slipperiness in wet weather but specifically advises motorcyclists to use caution.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 35: “The pavement has been grooved to lessen the possibility of slippery pavement in wet weather. Motorcyclists should use caution.”
4. How should a driver react to a flashing red light?
Answer: Stop completely, yield to traffic, and proceed when safe. A flashing red light functions like a stop sign, requiring a complete stop before proceeding.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 85: “How should you react to a flashing red light?”
5. According to the handbook, how far in advance should you signal before making a turn or stopping?
Answer: At least 100 feet. The handbook states that drivers must signal continuously for at least 100 feet prior to turning or stopping.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 44: “Signal continuously for at least 100 feet before turning or stopping, and be sure to turn off your signal lights once your turn is complete.”
6. What is the purpose of rumble strips on the roadway?
Answer: To alert drivers of approaching roadway construction, tollbooth plaza, or other traffic conditions. The handbook states that rumble strips are rough pavement sections designed to alert drivers to upcoming conditions like construction or toll booths.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 81: “rumble strips – sections of rough pavement intended to alert drivers of approaching roadway construction, tollbooth plaza, or other traffic conditions”
7. According to the handbook, how often should a driver stop to combat highway hypnosis?
Answer: Every two hours or every 100 miles. The handbook states the recommended interval for stopping is every two hours or every 100 miles.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 54: “Stop often. Even if you are feeling well, you should stop at least every two hours or every 100 miles.”
8. Where should a driver shift their eyes when avoiding glare from approaching headlights?
Answer: To the lower right side of your traffic lane. The handbook instructs drivers to look at the lower right side of their lane to avoid glare while maintaining lane position.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 53: “Avoid looking directly into the headlights of approaching vehicles; shift your eyes down to the lower right side of your traffic lane.”
9. What information do Emergency Notification System signs provide to help identify a location?
Answer: A U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) National Crossing Inventory Number. The handbook explains that the USDOT National Crossing Inventory Number is used to identify the exact location of the railroad crossing.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 38: “Posted on each sign are an emergency contact number and U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) National Crossing Inventory Number. The inventory number identifies the exact location of the crossing.”
10. What should a driver do regarding their turn signal after completing a lane change?
Answer: Turn it off after completing the lane change. The instructions clearly state that the turn signal should be deactivated immediately after the lane change is finished.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 72: “Turn your turn signal off after you complete your lane change.”
11. When approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with activated lights on a highway with two or more lanes traveling in the direction of the vehicle, what action must a driver take unless otherwise directed?
Answer: Vacate the lane closest to the emergency vehicle. The handbook states that drivers must vacate the lane closest to the emergency vehicle when multiple lanes are available in that direction.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 29: “Vacate the lane closest to the emergency vehicle if the highway has two or more lanes traveling in the direction of the emergency vehicle”
12. What is the suspension duration for a minor's driver license after a first non-driving alcohol-related offense?
Answer: 30 days. The handbook specifies that the license suspension for the first offense is exactly 30 days.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 19: “The driver license will be suspended (or privilege will be denied if not licensed) for 30 days.”
13. Which of the following is NOT a requirement for a vehicle bed to prevent loose material from escaping?
Answer: It must have a roof covering the entire bed height. The handbook requires side, front, and rear enclosures, but does not mandate a roof covering the entire bed height, only that the load be covered securely if necessary.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 74: “2. Be enclosed by side panels and on the front by a panel or the vehicle cab 3. Be enclosed by a securely closed tailgate or panel on the rear to prevent spillage”
14. What is the maximum manufacturer's rated carrying capacity for a vehicle to be classified as a light truck?
Answer: Not more than 2,000 lbs. The definition states that a light truck has a manufacturer's rated carrying capacity of not more than 2,000 lbs.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 79: “light truck – a truck with a manufacturer’s rated carrying capacity of not more than 2,000 lbs., including a pick up truck, panel delivery truck, and carry-all truck”
15. Which type of drug is described as a powerful depressant that calms people down or helps them sleep?
Answer: Tranquilizers/Sedative-hypnotic drugs. The handbook identifies tranquilizers and sedative-hypnotics as powerful depressants used for calming or sleeping.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 61: “Tranquilizers/Sedative-hypnotic drugs, including barbiturates, are powerful depressants, which calm people down or help them sleep.”
16. Why is it important to stay alert when near light rail tracks according to the handbook?
Answer: Light rail is quieter than most buses and cars, so you may not hear it coming. The handbook states that light rail is quieter than other vehicles, which is why drivers and pedestrians must remain alert to hear the train.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 59: “Light rail is very quiet; and, in fact, quieter than most buses and cars. So whether you are riding a light rail or just walking or driving near the train or tracks, it’s important to stay alert and observe the safety rules.”
17. Under what condition is a vehicle bed required to be enclosed by side panels and a front panel?
Answer: When carrying loose material capable of blowing or spilling. The rules for enclosing vehicle beds apply specifically to prevent loose materials from escaping and causing hazards.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 74: “To prevent cargo or loose materials from falling or spilling from a car, truck, trailer, etc. onto the road and causing a crash or damage to the roads, drivers must comply with certain state requirements.”
18. What is the maximum fine for a Class A misdemeanor for driving while license invalid if the driver caused a crash resulting in serious bodily injury or death?
Answer: $4,000. The handbook specifies that a Class A misdemeanor for this scenario is punishable by a fine of up to $4,000.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 19: “Class A misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $4,000 and/or confinement in jail for not more than 365 days.”
19. What is the primary function of a deceleration lane on an expressway?
Answer: To allow vehicles to slow down without blocking vehicles behind them. The definition provided states that the purpose of this lane is specifically to slow down without obstructing the flow of traffic behind the vehicle.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 78: “deceleration lane – expressway lane used to slow your vehicle without blocking vehicles behind you”
20. When making a right turn, how far before the corner should you use your right turn signal and slow down?
Answer: At least 100 feet from the corner. The handbook states that drivers must signal and slow down at least 100 feet prior to the corner when making a right turn.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 46: “Use your right turn signal and slow down at least 100 feet from the corner.”