20 questions from the Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7). Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. What is the required action when approaching a white stop line at a traffic sign or signal?
Answer: Stop behind the stop line. The handbook specifies that drivers must stop behind the painted white stop line when it is present.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 40: “Where these lines are present, you are required to stop behind the stop line.”
2. What is the correct procedure for completing a left turn regarding lane positioning?
Answer: Turn to the right of the center line of the road into which you are turning. The handbook instructs drivers to enter the lane to the right of the center line of the destination road to minimize interference with other traffic.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 46: “To complete a left turn you should turn to the right of the center line of the road into which you are turning by entering the lane in which you will interfere the least with other traffic.”
3. Under what condition may law enforcement search a vehicle without the driver's consent?
Answer: If the officer has probable cause to believe the vehicle contains evidence of a crime. The handbook specifies that probable cause regarding evidence of a crime allows an officer to search a vehicle even if consent is denied.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 72: “however, if an officer has probable cause to believe that your vehicle contains evidence of a crime, it can be searched without your consent.”
4. Where are "In-Street Pedestrian Crossing" signs specifically placed according to the handbook?
Answer: In the road at the crosswalk location on the center line, lane line, or median island. The handbook states these signs are placed in the road on the center line, lane line, or median island, distinguishing them from overhead signs.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 29: “The “In-Street Pedestrian Crossing” signs are placed in the road at the crosswalk location on the center line, on a lane line, or on a median island.”
5. What action must a driver take when encountering a steady yellow light?
Answer: Stop before entering the nearest crosswalk if it can be done safely. The rule for steady yellow lights requires stopping before the nearest crosswalk if safe, rather than accelerating or proceeding without stopping.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 31: “You must STOP before entering the nearest crosswalk at the intersection if you can do so safely.”
6. What action should a driver take when encountering a warning sign?
Answer: Reduce speed to at least the posted speed signs. The instructions for encountering warning signs list reducing speed to at least the posted speed signs as a required action.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 32: “Reduce speed to at least the posted speed signs”
7. What is the definition of braking distance according to the handbook?
Answer: The distance a vehicle travels from the time brakes are applied until it stops. The handbook defines braking distance as the distance covered from brake application to a complete stop.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 77: “braking distance – the distance a vehicle travels from the time brakes are applied until it stops”
8. What does a red X on a lane-use control signal instruct a driver to do?
Answer: Not drive in that lane. The handbook states clearly that a red X means the driver should not drive in the lane beneath the signal.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 38: “If a red X appears above a lane, a driver should not drive in that lane.”
9. 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.”
10. According to the handbook, how much water is required to float many cars?
Answer: Twelve inches. The handbook states that twelve inches of water is sufficient to float many cars.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 56: “Twelve inches of water will float many cars.”
11. If a railroad crossing is marked only with a cross-buck sign or reduce speed sign, what is the correct procedure?
Answer: Look both ways and listen for a whistle, stopping if a train is approaching. The handbook instructs drivers to look and listen, stopping only if a train is approaching, otherwise proceeding with caution.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 28: “If a railroad crossing is marked only with a cross-buck sign or reduce speed sign, then look both ways, and listen for a whistle. If a train is approaching, stop. If a train is not approaching, proceed with caution.”
12. What is the specific description of a crossbuck sign provided in the handbook?
Answer: A large white X-shaped sign located prior to a railroad crossing. The handbook describes a crossbuck specifically as a large white X-shaped sign found before railroad crossings.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 77: “crossbuck – large white X-shaped sign located prior to a railroad crossing”
13. 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.”
14. What action should a driver take if they encounter a victim of carbon monoxide poisoning?
Answer: Move them to fresh air and call 911. The handbook instructs drivers to move the victim to fresh air and call emergency services.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 74: “If you encounter a carbon monoxide poisoning victim, move them to fresh air and call 911.”
15. Under what condition can a minor's license suspension be reduced to 90 days for a Driving While Intoxicated offense?
Answer: If there is a judge’s order to install an ignition interlock device. The handbook states that the suspension period is reduced to 90 days specifically when a judge orders the installation of an ignition interlock device.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 63: “Class B misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $2,000, confinement in jail for 72 hours to 180 days, and suspension of the driver license (or privilege denied if not licensed) for 365 days, or for 90 days with a judge’s order to install an ignition interlock device.”
16. According to the handbook, what is the maximum speed for a vehicle to be classified as a slow-moving vehicle requiring the specific emblem?
Answer: 25 mph or less. The handbook defines slow-moving vehicles as those with a maximum operating speed of 25 mph or less.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 43: “Slow-moving vehicles are those designed to operate at a maximum speed of 25 mph or less”
17. What does a sign indicating two lanes of traffic are permitted to turn left require from drivers in each lane?
Answer: Traffic in the left lane must turn left, while traffic in the other lane has a choice. The handbook clarifies that the left lane is mandatory for turning left, whereas the adjacent lane allows the driver to choose their direction.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 36: “This sign indicates two lanes of traffic are permitted to turn left. The traffic in the left lane must turn left, traffic in the other lane has a choice.”
18. How should a driver react when seeing a sign that indicates the road surface is covered with loose gravel?
Answer: Go slow enough to keep complete control of your vehicle. The handbook states that drivers should go slow enough to maintain control and avoid sudden braking or sharp turns on loose gravel.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 34: “The surface of the road is covered with loose gravel. Go slow enough to keep complete control of your vehicle. Do not apply brakes suddenly or make sharp turns.”
19. What is the required hand signal technique while executing a turn?
Answer: Hold the signal until close enough for others to know your intention, then use both hands on the wheel. Drivers should signal early enough to communicate intent but must return both hands to the wheel before physically turning the vehicle.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 46: “Do not hold the signal while making the turn; you need both hands on the wheel.”
20. How should a driver proceed when passing a mail, delivery, or trash-collection vehicle that is stopped in the roadway?
Answer: Proceed with caution and change lanes if possible. The handbook advises caution and suggests changing lanes before passing these specific types of service vehicles.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 52: “Drivers must proceed with caution, and, if possible, change lanes before safely passing one of these vehicles on the road.”