20 questions from the Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7). Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. According to the handbook, what action should a driver take when encountering a sign indicating that the pavement narrows ahead?
Answer: Slow down and proceed with caution. The handbook instructs drivers to slow down and proceed with caution when the pavement narrows.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 35: “The pavement narrows ahead. Slow down and proceed with caution.”
2. How long is a Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) valid for registration purposes from the month of inspection?
Answer: 90 days. The handbook states that the Vehicle Inspection Report remains valid for registration for 90 days starting from the month the inspection occurred.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 21: “The VIR is only valid for 90 days from the month of inspection for registration purposes.”
3. What is the definition of 'tailgating' according to the handbook?
Answer: Following another vehicle too closely. The handbook defines tailgating simply as following another vehicle too closely.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 81: “tailgate – to follow another vehicle too closely”
4. For a driver under 18 years of age, how many separate traffic convictions within a 12-month period can lead to license suspension or revocation after a hearing?
Answer: Two or more. The handbook specifies that two or more separate convictions within a year allow DPS to suspend or revoke a minor's license after a hearing.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 18: “Two or more traffic convictions occurring separately within any 12-month period for a driver who is less than 18 years of age”
5. What is the stated benefit of wearing light-colored or reflective clothing while riding a bicycle?
Answer: It makes it easier for drivers to see you. The handbook states that this clothing choice helps drivers see the rider more easily.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 69: “Wear light colored or reflective clothing to make it easier for drivers to see you.”
6. On which type of roadway is an Electronic Personal Assistive Mobility Device (EPAMD) permitted to operate with a maximum speed limit of 30 mph?
Answer: A residential street, road, or public highway. EPAMDs are allowed on residential streets, roads, or public highways provided the maximum speed limit is 30 mph.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 73: “3. On a residential street, road, or public highway with a maximum speed limit of 30 mph only”
7. What is the required action for a driver when encountering a pedestrian carrying a white cane?
Answer: Bring the vehicle to a full stop if injury or danger can only be avoided by that action. The handbook mandates a full stop when necessary to avoid injuring or endangering a pedestrian with a white cane.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 67: “The driver shall bring the vehicle to a full stop if injury or danger can only be avoided by that action.”
8. What is the legal limit for alcohol in the blood for individuals under 21 years of age under the zero tolerance law?
Answer: Any measurable amount of alcohol. The handbook states that drivers under 21 are prohibited from driving with any measurable amount of alcohol in their blood.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 82: “zero tolerance law – it is illegal for individuals who are under 21 years of age to drive with any measurable amount of alcohol in their blood”
9. What is the maximum fine a minor may face for a Class C misdemeanor DUI offense?
Answer: $500. The handbook specifies that the fine for this specific Class C misdemeanor offense is up to $500.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 63: “Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500, community service of 20 to 40 hours, and attendance in an alcohol awareness course is required.”
10. What action does the handbook recommend regarding sunglasses when driving at night?
Answer: Never wear them. The handbook instructs drivers to never wear sunglasses during nighttime driving.
11. When an emergency vehicle is stopped on the road with its lights activated, what action is required if the road has multiple lanes traveling in the same direction?
Answer: Move out of the lane closest to the emergency vehicle. The handbook instructs drivers to change lanes away from the stopped emergency vehicle when multiple lanes are available.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 52: “Move out of the lane closest to the emergency medical vehicle, law enforcement vehicle, fire truck, tow truck or a TxDOT vehicle if the road has multiple lanes traveling in the same direction.”
12. What is the required speed adjustment when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle if the posted speed limit is less than 25 mph?
Answer: Slow to a speed less than 5 mph. The rule specifies a speed reduction to less than 5 mph specifically when the posted limit is under 25 mph.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 29: “Slow to a speed less than 5 mph when the posted speed limit is less than 25 mph.”
13. Which of the following is a reason DPS is authorized to deny the issuance of a driver license to an applicant?
Answer: Acquiring motor vehicle fuel without payment. The handbook lists acquiring motor vehicle fuel without payment as a specific condition under which DPS may deny a license issuance.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 19: “Acquiring motor vehicle fuel without payment”
14. Which type of light is prohibited from showing from the front of a vehicle unless it is an emergency vehicle?
Answer: Red light. The handbook lists a red light showing from the front as unsafe equipment, with the exception of emergency vehicles.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 22: “A red light showing from the front except on an emergency vehicle.”
15. When walking at night, what does the handbook advise pedestrians to wear or carry?
Answer: White or light colored clothing and/or a light or reflector. The handbook instructs pedestrians to wear white/light clothing or carry a light/reflector at night for visibility.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 67: “Always wear white or light colored clothing and/or carry a light or reflector when walking at night.”
16. What is the recommended driving behavior when encountering a sign indicating a low place in the road?
Answer: Slow down in order to avoid losing control of your vehicle or an uncomfortable jolt. The handbook advises slowing down specifically to maintain control and avoid discomfort when hitting a low spot in the road.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 34: “Slow down in order to avoid losing control of your vehicle or an uncomfortable jolt.”
17. According to the handbook, within what distance of a bridge, viaduct, or tunnel should you avoid driving on the left side of the road?
Answer: Within 100 feet. The handbook states that drivers should not drive on the left side of the road when within 100 feet of these structures.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 44: “Within 100 feet of a bridge, viaduct, or tunnel”
18. What is the legal BAC threshold for a person aged 21 and older to be considered legally intoxicated in Texas?
Answer: 0.08 or more. The handbook specifies that for drivers aged 21 and older, a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher constitutes legal intoxication.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 61: “In Texas, a person, age 21 and over, is considered legally intoxicated if the person has a BAC of 0.08 or more.”
19. According to the handbook, when must a driver stop between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail at a railroad grade crossing?
Answer: When an approaching train is within about 1,500 feet of the crossing. The handbook lists an approaching train within about 1,500 feet as a condition requiring a stop between 15 and 50 feet from the rail.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 27: “A n approaching train is within about 1,500 feet of the crossing. The train will produce an audible signal to identify the immediate hazard.”
20. On a multi-lane roadway traveling in the same direction, which lane is designated specifically for passing?
Answer: The farthest left lane. The handbook specifies that slower traffic should stay out of the farthest left lane, which is reserved exclusively for passing maneuvers.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 37: “The farthest left lane is for passing only.”