20 questions from the Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7). Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. When approaching an intersection not controlled by signs, signals, multi-lanes, or pavement differences, which vehicle has priority?
Answer: Any vehicle that has entered or is approaching the intersection on your right. In uncontrolled intersections without specific lane or pavement distinctions, the rule is to yield to vehicles on the right.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 26: “When approaching this type of intersection, yield the right-of-way to any vehicle that has entered or is approaching the intersection on your right.”
2. When driving on a single-lane road that intersects with a divided road having three or more lanes, who must yield the right-of-way?
Answer: The vehicle on the single-lane road must yield to vehicles on the divided multi-lane road. The handbook states that drivers on narrower roads must yield to traffic on wider, divided roads at intersections.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 26: “If you are driving on a single or two lane road that intersects with a divided road or road with three (3) or more lanes, you must yield the right-of-way to vehicles traveling on the divided or three (3) or more lane road.”
3. What is the purpose of an ignition interlock device?
Answer: To require the driver to exhale into the device to start the vehicle. The handbook defines the ignition interlock device as requiring the driver to exhale into it to start the vehicle.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 79: “ignition interlock device – a special mechanical control device installed on a motor vehicle’s dashboard. A driver must exhale into the device to start the vehicle.”
4. Why should a driver proceed cautiously after floodwaters have receded?
Answer: Because the road may collapse under the vehicle’s weight. The handbook advises caution because floodwater weakens roads, potentially causing them to collapse under the weight of a vehicle.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 56: “Roads weaken under floodwater and drivers should proceed cautiously after waters have receded since the road may collapse under the vehicle’s weight.”
5. What action is required when entering a road from a private driveway or alley?
Answer: Stop prior to the sidewalk and yield to approaching vehicles and pedestrians. Drivers entering from private areas must come to a complete stop before the sidewalk and yield to all traffic and pedestrians.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 26: “When entering or crossing a road, street, or highway from a private road, alley, building, or driveway, you must stop prior to the sidewalk and yield the right-of-way to all approaching vehicles and pedestrians.”
6. If you are unable to pull over to the right edge of the road when an emergency vehicle approaches with sirens or lights, what must you do?
Answer: Slow down and leave a clear path for the emergency vehicle. The handbook instructs drivers who cannot pull to the right edge to slow down and ensure a clear path remains for the emergency vehicle.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 28: “If you are unable to pull over to the right, slow down and leave a clear path for the emergency vehicle.”
7. What is the required action if your vehicle stalls on railroad tracks and you cannot restart it?
Answer: Get out and try to push the car off the tracks. The handbook instructs drivers to exit the vehicle and attempt to push it off the tracks if it stalls and cannot be restarted.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 28: “If your car stalls on the tracks and you cannot restart it, get out and try to push the car off the tracks.”
8. What is the recommended action if your cell phone rings while you are driving?
Answer: Do not answer the call or respond to the text message. The handbook instructs drivers to ignore incoming calls and texts while driving to maintain full attention on the road.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 60: “If your cell phone rings, do not answer the call or respond to the text message.”
9. What is the recommended following interval for speeds above 30 mph?
Answer: 4 seconds. The handbook specifies maintaining 4 seconds of following time when driving above 30 mph.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 78: “For speeds above 30 mph, maintain 4 seconds (more for adverse conditions) of following time.”
10. What is the required stopping distance for a foot brake when a vehicle is traveling at 20 mph?
Answer: Within 25 feet. The required equipment table specifies that the foot brake must be capable of stopping the car within 25 feet when traveling at 20 mph.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 21: “Foot Brake - Must stop car within a distance of 25 feet at a speed of 20 mph.”
11. Under the implied-consent law, when does a driver automatically consent to be tested for blood-alcohol content?
Answer: Only when stopped for suspicion of alcohol or drug usage while driving. The handbook specifies that the automatic consent applies specifically when the driver is stopped for suspicion of alcohol or drug usage.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 79: “implied-consent law – anyone who receives a driver license automatically consents to be tested for blood-alcohol content and other drugs if stopped for suspicion of alcohol or drug usage while driving”
12. What is the suspension duration for a minor's driver license after a third non-driving alcohol-related offense?
Answer: 180 days. The handbook states that the license suspension for the third offense is 180 days.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 19: “The driver license will be suspended (or privilege will be denied if not licensed) for 180 days.”
13. What is the specific function of a pentagon-shaped sign?
Answer: School advance and school crossing signs. The handbook lists the pentagon shape as being used exclusively for school advance and school crossing signs.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 32: “Pentagon: School advance and school crossing signs.”
14. What is the specific purpose of the center lane marked with broken white lines on a one-way road?
Answer: It is used solely for making a safe left turn maneuver after slowing down. The handbook restricts the use of the center lane specifically to preparing for and executing a left turn.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 39: “The only time a vehicle should enter the center lane is at a point where the vehicle will have time to slow down or stop in order to make a safe left turn maneuver.”
15. When encountering a flashing red light at an intersection, what is the required action?
Answer: Stop completely before entering the crosswalk or intersection, then proceed when safe. The handbook states that a flashing red light requires a complete stop before proceeding safely.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 31: “Stop completely before entering the crosswalk or intersection, then proceed when you can do so safely.”
16. What is the correct action for a motorist when preparing for a right turn in the presence of bicycle traffic?
Answer: Merge with bicycle traffic and avoid turning directly across the path of the bicycle. The handbook instructs motorists to merge with bicycle traffic and avoid cutting across their path when turning right.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 59: “A motorist should merge with bicycle traffic when preparing for a right turn. Avoid turning directly across the path of bicycle traffic.”
17. What is the primary purpose of the exhaust emission system on a passenger car?
Answer: To control emissions from the vehicle. While the handbook lists the question, standard driver knowledge tests associate the exhaust emission system with controlling vehicle emissions, distinct from noise or horsepower.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 84: “What is the purpose of an exhaust emission system?”
18. Under the Administrative License Revocation (ALR) law, what blood alcohol content level triggers a license suspension for drivers over 21 years of age?
Answer: 0.08 or more. The handbook states that drivers over 21 face suspension if their blood alcohol content is 0.08 or higher.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 18: “For individuals who are over 21 years of age who fail a breath or blood test (the blood alcohol content indicates a level of 0.08 or more)”
19. Which type of vehicle is excluded from the requirement to have electric turn signals?
Answer: Motorcycles. The handbook lists motorcycles as a specific exception to the general rule requiring electric turn signals on motor vehicles.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 21: “Turn Signals - Every motor vehicle, trailer, semi-trailer, and pole-trailer must have electric turn signals (except motorcycles and certain trailers).”
20. What should a driver do before reaching into the glove box or under the seat to retrieve documents during a traffic stop?
Answer: Inform the officer of where the items are located and follow their directions. The guidelines advise communicating the location of documents to the officer before making any movements to retrieve them.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 71: “Before reaching into your glove box or under the seat to retrieve your proof of insurance or driver’s license, inform the officer of where the items are located and follow the officer’s directions.”