15 questions from the Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7). Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. What is the recommended action when approaching a turn on icy pavement?
Answer: Start slowing down before you come to a turn. The handbook advises beginning to slow down prior to entering the turn to maintain control, whereas locking brakes causes loss of steering.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 55: “Start slowing down before you come to a turn.”
2. When is it appropriate to use hand and arm signals instead of turn signal lights?
Answer: When your signal lights are not working properly. The handbook implies that hand signals are a backup method, noting they are hard to see at night, which suggests ensuring lights work is preferred, but hand signals are the alternative method listed for signaling.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 44: “Hand and arm signals are usually difficult to see during non-daylight hours, so it is important to make sure your signal lights are working properly.”
3. What is the exclusive purpose of an octagon-shaped traffic sign?
Answer: To serve exclusively as a stop sign. The handbook specifies that the octagon shape is used exclusively for stop signs, distinguishing it from other shapes like triangles or diamonds.
4. Which color is identified as the basic color for traffic control devices in construction and maintenance work zones?
Answer: Orange. The handbook states that orange is the standard color for signs, barricades, cones, and other devices used in work zones.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 41: “Orange is the basic color for these devices.”
5. How does the field of vision change when driving at 60 MPH compared to a stationary position?
Answer: It is reduced to about 1/5. The handbook specifies that at 60 MPH, the driver's field of vision is reduced to approximately one-fifth of the stationary range.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 51: “60 MPH Field of vision reduced to about 1/5”
6. Which color is used on road signs to indicate that indicated movements are permitted or to provide direction guidance?
Answer: Green. According to the Standard Colors table, green signs are designated for indicating permitted movements and providing direction guidance.
7. When performing parallel parking, what is the maximum distance your vehicle should be from the curb?
Answer: 18 inches. The handbook specifies that vehicles must not be parked further than 18 inches away from the curb.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 50: “Do not park more than 18 inches from the curb or edge of the road.”
8. How far from a flashing signal or stop sign located at the side of a road must you avoid parking?
Answer: 30 feet. The rule requires maintaining a distance of within 30 feet from traffic control signals like stop signs or flashing signals.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 48: “Within 30 feet upon the approach to any flashing signal, stop sign, yield sign, or other traffic control signal located at the side of a road”
9. In Texas, what blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level defines legal intoxication?
Answer: 0.08. The handbook clearly defines legal intoxication as having a BAC of 0.08 or higher.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 63: “In Texas, as a reminder, a person is considered legally intoxicated if they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or more.”
10. When passing another vehicle, when should you return to the right lane?
Answer: When you can see the car you passed in your rearview mirror. The handbook instructs drivers to wait until the passed vehicle is visible in the rearview mirror before merging back into the right lane to ensure safety.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 45: “Wait until you can see the car you have just passed in your rearview mirror before returning to the right lane.”
11. When approaching a stop sign, what is the required action for the driver?
Answer: Come to a complete stop, yield to pedestrians or other vehicles, and then proceed carefully. The handbook states that slowing down is not adequate and a complete stop is required before yielding and proceeding.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 36: “The stop sign means come to a complete stop, yield to pedestrians or other vehicles, and then proceed carefully.”
12. Under what condition may a driver turn left on a steady red light?
Answer: If both streets are one-way. The handbook specifies that a left turn on red is permitted only when both intersecting streets are one-way.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 31: “You may also turn left if both streets are one way, unless prohibited by law.”
13. According to the handbook, how far before making a turn must you give the proper turn signal?
Answer: At least 100 feet before you turn. The handbook states that the proper turn signal must be given at least 100 feet prior to making the turn.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 46: “Give the proper turn signal at least 100 feet before you turn.”
14. Who is permitted to use a disabled parking windshield identification card?
Answer: Only the disabled person to whom it was issued or someone transporting them. The rule restricts usage to the cardholder or a driver actively transporting that specific individual.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 49: “You may not use a disabled parking windshield identification card unless transporting the disabled person to whom it was issued.”
15. Under which condition is a driver NOT required to stop when approaching a school bus displaying alternately flashing red lights?
Answer: When the bus is stopped in a loading zone on a controlled-access highway where pedestrians aren’t permitted to cross. The handbook lists specific exceptions to the stopping rule, including controlled-access highways with loading zones where pedestrian crossing is prohibited.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 29: “It is not necessary to stop when passing a school bus on a different road or when on a controlled-access highway where the bus is stopped in a loading zone and pedestrians aren’t permitted to cross.”