20 questions from the Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7). Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. What is the most common cause of car-bicycle crashes involving a left turn by a motorist?
Answer: The motorist turns left in front of oncoming bicycle traffic, often overlooking it or misjudging its speed. The handbook identifies that motorists often overlook oncoming bicycle traffic or misjudge its speed when turning left.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 59: “A motorist turns left in front of oncoming bicycle traffic. Oncoming bicycle traffic is often overlooked or its speed misjudged.”
2. 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”
3. What gear position is required when coasting on a downgrade?
Answer: In gear (not neutral). The handbook mandates that drivers must not coast in neutral on downgrades, implying the vehicle should be in gear to maintain control.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 50: “It is illegal to coast on a downgrade with the gears or transmission in neutral.”
4. If a pedestrian crosses a street outside of a crosswalk at an intersection, who must they yield the right-of-way to?
Answer: All vehicles. Pedestrians crossing outside designated crosswalks must yield to all vehicles according to the handbook.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 67: “If you cross a street at any point other than within a crosswalk at an intersection, you (the pedestrian) must yield the right-of-way to all vehicles.”
5. How should a driver handle their brakes when driving on icy pavement?
Answer: Avoid locking the brakes to maintain steering control. Locking brakes on ice causes a loss of steering and control, so drivers should avoid doing so.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 55: “Avoid locking of brakes on ice as it will cause a loss of steering and control.”
6. If you are involved in a crash resulting only in damage to a fixture, landscaping, or structure, what information must you provide to the property owner?
Answer: Your name, address, and vehicle registration number. The handbook lists these three specific pieces of information as required to be provided to the owner.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 66: “Provide your name, address, and registration number of the vehicle you were driving”
7. What action does the handbook recommend when signaling a stop to attract attention?
Answer: Pump your brakes a few times. The handbook specifically advises pumping the brakes to ensure other drivers notice your intention to stop.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 44: “When signaling a stop, pump your brakes a few times to attract attention.”
8. Which of the following is an exception where the special slow-moving vehicle emblem is NOT required?
Answer: A vehicle being used in actual construction work within a marked construction zone. The handbook lists vehicles in actual construction work within marked zones as an exception to the emblem requirement.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 43: “A vehicle being used in actual construction work while traveling within the limits of a construction zone marked as required by the Texas Transportation Commission”
9. When coming onto a street from a private alley or driveway, what should you do?
Answer: Yield to traffic on the street. Drivers entering from a private alley or driveway must yield to traffic already on the street.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 85: “What should you do when coming onto a street from a private alley or driveway?”
10. Under what condition does the limit on towing multiple vehicles not apply?
Answer: When transporting poles, pipes, machinery, or other structures that cannot be easily dismembered. The handbook provides a specific exception for trailers carrying large, indivisible items like poles or machinery.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 74: “This limit does not apply to trailers transporting poles, pipes, machinery, or other structures that cannot be easily dismembered.”
11. 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.”
12. 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.”
13. When using a spotlight, how far in front of the vehicle must the beam strike the road if the headlights fail?
Answer: Not more than 50 feet. The handbook states that if headlights fail, the spotlight beam must strike the road no more than 50 feet in front of the vehicle.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 22: “Spotlights must be turned off for a vehicle approaching from the opposite direction. If headlights fail, it may be used with the beam striking the road not more than 50 feet in front of the vehicle on which it is used.”
14. How is 'driving under the influence' (DUI) defined for minors in Texas according to the handbook?
Answer: Any detectable amount of alcohol in the minor’s system. The handbook defines DUI for minors in Texas as having any detectable amount of alcohol in their system.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 78: “driving under the influence (DUI) – a Class C misdemeanor for which a minor can be charged in Texas if driving with any detectable amount of alcohol in the minor’s system”
15. If your car brakes fail, what action does the handbook recommend regarding the parking brake?
Answer: Apply the parking brake cautiously to avoid locking the brakes. The handbook advises applying the parking brake cautiously to prevent locking the brakes and causing a skid.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 55: “Apply your parking brake cautiously to keep from locking the brakes and throwing your car into a skid.”
16. When approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with activated lights on a highway where the posted speed limit is 25 mph or more, what is the maximum speed limit you must reduce your speed to?
Answer: 20 mph less than the posted speed limit. The handbook specifies that if the speed limit is 25 mph or higher, drivers must slow down to no more than 20 mph below that posted limit.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 29: “Slow to a speed not more than 20 mph less than the posted speed limit when the posted speed limit is 25 mph or more;”
17. What is the maximum fine for a Class C misdemeanor for driving while a driver license is suspended, cancelled, denied, or revoked?
Answer: $500. The handbook states that a Class C misdemeanor for this offense carries a fine of up to $500.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 19: “Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500.”
18. What is the proper action for a driver encountering an emergency vehicle while inside the circle of a roundabout?
Answer: Pull over for the emergency vehicle after clearing the circle. Drivers must clear the roundabout circle before pulling over for emergency vehicles, rather than stopping inside the circle.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 56: “However, do not stop for emergency vehicles in the roundabout circle. Clear the circle first and then pull over for the emergency vehicle.”
19. What information is a driver legally required to provide if lawfully arrested?
Answer: Their name, residence address, and date of birth. The handbook lists these three specific pieces of information as mandatory disclosures upon lawful arrest.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 72: “If you are lawfully arrested, you are also required to give your name, residence address, and date of birth.”
20. What is the maximum fine for a first offense of failing to stop after a crash resulting in serious bodily injury?
Answer: $10,000. The handbook specifies that a third-degree felony for serious bodily injury carries a fine cap of $10,000.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 65: “Third degree felony punishable by a fine not to exceed $10,000 and imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) for 2 to 10 years.”