20 questions from the Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7). Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. According to the handbook, what is the correct procedure when driving down a steep hill?
Answer: Shift into a low gear to help slow the vehicle. The handbook advises shifting to a low gear for steep hills and prohibits coasting in neutral or with the clutch depressed.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 55: “When driving down a steep hill, you can shift your car into a low gear to help slow your vehicle.”
2. When two vehicles arrive at an intersection at the same time, which vehicle has the right-of-way?
Answer: The vehicle on the right. The handbook states that in the event of simultaneous arrival, drivers must yield to the vehicle positioned on their right.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 37: “If two vehicles arrive at the same time, yield to the vehicle on your right.”
3. What is the penalty for a minor whose breath or blood specimen confirms a detectable amount of alcohol below the legal limit?
Answer: Suspension of license or driving privileges for 60 days. Table 28 indicates that a minor with detectable alcohol below the legal limit faces a 60-day suspension of their license or privileges.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 63: “Driver license suspended (or privilege denied if not licensed) for 60 days.”
4. What should a driver do regarding a motorcycle's flashing turn signal?
Answer: Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before proceeding. Because motorcycle signals often do not self-cancel, drivers must wait to confirm the motorcycle is actually turning before moving.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 58: “Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal. Motorcycle signals usually are not self-canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed.”
5. What is the primary purpose of an Advisory Speed Sign?
Answer: To show the highest speed you can safely travel around the curve ahead. The handbook defines the advisory speed sign as indicating the safe maximum speed specifically for navigating the upcoming curve.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 36: “This sign gives the highest speed which you can safely travel around the curve ahead.”
6. What rule of thumb does the handbook suggest for determining if a truck driver can see your vehicle?
Answer: If you can see the truck driver in his side mirror. The handbook states that visibility of the driver in the side mirror ensures the driver can see your vehicle, avoiding blind spots.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 57: “An excellent rule of thumb for motorists sharing the road with a tractor-trailer is, “If you can’t see the truck driver in his side mirror, he can’t see you.””
7. When passing a truck, how should you signal your intention to the truck driver?
Answer: By flashing your headlights. The handbook specifies that flashing headlights is the method to communicate passing intentions to a truck driver.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 57: “Let the truck driver know you are passing by flashing your headlights, especially at night.”
8. When a green arrow is displayed simultaneously with a red light, what must a driver do before proceeding?
Answer: Yield the right-of-way to other vehicles and pedestrians. The handbook states that drivers must yield to other vehicles and pedestrians before proceeding when seeing a green arrow with a red light.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 31: “A green arrow displayed at the same time as a red light means the driver can proceed carefully in the direction of the arrow after yielding the right-of-way to other vehicles and pedestrians.”
9. What is the primary purpose of mileposts on interstate highways?
Answer: To identify the location of crashes, breakdowns, or other emergencies. The handbook states that mileposts are used to identify locations for emergencies, which helps in reporting incidents accurately.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 38: “Mileposts provide a means of identifying the location of crashes, breakdowns, or other emergencies.”
10. How should a driver treat the lane width when sharing the road with a motorcycle?
Answer: Allow the motorcyclist a full lane width. The handbook states that a motorcycle is entitled to a full lane width and drivers should not attempt to share the lane.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 58: “Allow the motorcyclist a full lane width. Although it may seem as though there is enough room in the traffic lane for an automobile and a motorcycle, the motorcycle is entitled to a full lane and may need the room to maneuver safely.”
11. What is the minimum distance you must keep from a fire hydrant when parking?
Answer: 15 feet. The handbook states that vehicles should not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 48: “Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant”
12. What is the minimum distance a driver must maintain behind a fire truck answering an alarm with flashing red lights?
Answer: 500 feet. The handbook sets a specific minimum following distance of 500 feet for emergency vehicles with active lights.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 28: “You are not allowed to follow within 500 feet of a fire truck answering an alarm or an ambulance when the flashing red lights are on.”
13. On a road divided into three or more lanes with traffic moving in the same direction, who must yield when entering a lane?
Answer: The vehicle entering from the right must yield to the vehicle entering from the left. The rule states that when entering a lane from the right, the driver must yield to traffic entering that same lane from the left.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 27: “On a road divided into three or more lanes with traffic moving in the same direction, a vehicle entering a lane of traffic from the right must yield the right-of-way to a vehicle entering the same lane of traffic from the left.”
14. When stopped by law enforcement, what is the suggested action regarding your hands while waiting for instructions?
Answer: Keep both hands clearly in sight on top of the steering wheel. The handbook instructs drivers to keep hands visible on the steering wheel while waiting for officer instructions.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 71: “Keep both hands clearly in sight on top of the steering wheel. Wait for the law enforcement officer to give you instructions.”
15. 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.”
16. 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”
17. 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”
18. According to the handbook, what is the definition of 'over driving headlights'?
Answer: Driving at a speed making your stopping distance longer than the distance lighted by your headlights. The handbook defines over driving headlights as driving at a speed where the stopping distance exceeds the illuminated distance.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 80: “over driving headlights – driving at a speed making your stopping distance longer than the distance lighted by your headlights”
19. Why might a motorcyclist suddenly change speed or position within their lane?
Answer: In reaction to changes in weather, road, or traffic conditions. The handbook explains that motorcyclists adjust their speed or position to handle hazards like potholes, gravel, or wet surfaces.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 58: “Motorcyclists may suddenly change speed or adjust their position within a lane in reaction to changes in the weather, road, or traffic conditions.”
20. What action is required regarding the engine when leaving a vehicle standing unattended?
Answer: Turn off the engine, lock the ignition, remove the key, and set the brake. Drivers must fully secure the vehicle by shutting off the engine, locking it, removing the key, and engaging the brake.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 49: “It is illegal for any driver to permit their car to stand idling unattended without turning off the engine, locking the ignition, removing the key from the ignition, and setting the brake”