20 questions from the Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7). Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. If a vehicle breaks down and cannot be moved off the road, what does the handbook advise occupants to do?
Answer: Get everyone out of the car and off the road. The guidelines state that if the car cannot be moved off the road, all occupants should exit the vehicle and stand off the roadway.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 54: “If you can’t get the car off the road, get everyone out of the car and off the road.”
2. 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.”
3. When running off the pavement, what should a driver do before returning to the road?
Answer: Wait until speed is reduced and check traffic behind. The handbook specifies waiting for speed reduction and checking rear traffic before merging back onto the pavement.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 55: “Wait until your speed is reduced, check the traffic behind you, and then carefully drive back onto the pavement.”
4. Under what specific condition does the handbook permit passing on a paved shoulder?
Answer: When the vehicle being passed is slowing, stopped, disabled, or preparing to make a left turn. Passing on the shoulder is allowed only under specific circumstances involving the status of the vehicle ahead, such as being stopped or preparing to turn left.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 45: “You may pass on a paved shoulder when the vehicle you are passing is slowing or stopped on the main traveled portion of the highway, disabled, or preparing to make a left turn.”
5. How should a motorist handle a right turn when bicycle traffic is present?
Answer: Merge with bicycle traffic when preparing for the turn. The handbook instructs motorists to merge with bicycle traffic rather than turning across their path.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 59: “A motorist should merge with bicycle traffic when preparing for a right turn.”
6. What is the recommended procedure when approaching a downgrade as indicated by a warning sign?
Answer: Approach with caution and possibly use a lower gear to slow the vehicle. The handbook advises approaching with caution and suggests using a lower gear to help slow the vehicle on a downgrade.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 35: “You are approaching a downgrade; all drivers approach with caution. It may be necessary to use a lower gear to slow your vehicle.”
7. How many working brake lights are required for vehicles manufactured after 1960?
Answer: Two. The handbook states that all vehicles must have two working brake lights, with exceptions only for cars made before 1960.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 21: “Brake (Stop) Lights - All vehicles must have two (2) working brake lights.”
8. Which of the following is a valid reason for DPS to cancel a driver license or ID card according to the handbook?
Answer: Incomplete driver education. The handbook lists incomplete driver education as one of the specific cases requiring cancellation of a license or ID card.
9. 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.”
10. What is the maximum fine for a person who purchases, furnishes, or sells alcohol to a minor?
Answer: $4,000. The handbook specifies that adults providing alcohol to minors face fines up to $4,000.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 62: “Persons who purchase, furnish, or sell alcohol to a minor can be fined up to $4,000 and/or confined in jail for up to one year.”
11. What is the status of a bicycle in relation to traffic laws?
Answer: It is considered a vehicle with the same rights and responsibilities as a motor vehicle. The handbook defines a bicycle as a vehicle and mandates that riders follow the same traffic laws as drivers.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 68: “A bicycle is a vehicle. Any person riding a bicycle has the same rights and responsibilities that apply to a driver operating a vehicle unless these cannot, by their nature, apply to a person operating a bicycle.”
12. When driving in a multi-lane roundabout, what is the correct procedure regarding lane changes?
Answer: Do not change lanes while driving in the circle. The handbook instructs drivers not to change lanes while navigating the circle of a multi-lane roundabout.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 56: “Also, do not change lanes while driving in the circle.”
13. What is the minimum distance for which a vehicle's horn must be audible?
Answer: 200 feet. The handbook mandates that horns must be audible for a minimum distance of 200 feet.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 21: “Horns must be heard for a minimum distance of 200 feet.”
14. Which of the following is listed as a tip to avoid becoming distracted while driving?
Answer: Pre-program radio stations before you drive. The handbook lists pre-programming radio stations as a specific tip to minimize distractions before starting the drive.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 60: “Pre-program radio stations.”
15. 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.”
16. 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.””
17. What is the first effect of alcohol or drug use on a driver's abilities according to the handbook?
Answer: Loss of judgment and impaired sight. The handbook states that the initial impacts of substance use are impaired judgment and sight, leading to slower reactions.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 61: “When a person drinks alcohol or uses drugs, one of the first effects is they lose their judgement and their sight is impaired, causing slower reactions to sounds and the inability to judge another vehicle’s speed.”
18. What is the correct procedure for crossing light rail tracks?
Answer: Cross only at designated crossings and only when it is safe. The handbook mandates that crossings must occur at designated locations and only when safe conditions are met.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 59: “Cross the tracks only at designated crossings and only when it is safe.”
19. What is the minimum property damage threshold mentioned that can lead to license suspension if an uninsured driver causes a crash?
Answer: At least $1,000 damage to a person’s property. The handbook lists '$1,000 damage to a person’s property' as the specific threshold for potential suspension in this scenario.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 25: “If, while uninsured, the individual was involved in a crash in which another person was killed, injured, or there was at least $1,000 damage to a person’s property and there exists a reasonable probability of a judgment being rendered against the driver;”
20. 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.”