20 questions from the Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7). Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. When a green arrow is displayed simultaneously with a red light, what must a driver do before proceeding?
Answer: Yield the right-of-way to other vehicles and pedestrians. The handbook states that drivers must yield to other vehicles and pedestrians before proceeding when seeing a green arrow with a red light.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 31: “A green arrow displayed at the same time as a red light means the driver can proceed carefully in the direction of the arrow after yielding the right-of-way to other vehicles and pedestrians.”
2. According to the handbook, what is the effect on crash likelihood if drivers react a half-second slower due to distractions?
Answer: Crashes double. The handbook states that a half-second delay in reaction time caused by distraction results in a doubling of crashes.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 60: “If drivers react a half-second slower because of distractions, crashes double.”
3. What is the primary purpose of mileposts on interstate highways?
Answer: To identify the location of crashes, breakdowns, or other emergencies. The handbook states that mileposts are used to identify locations for emergencies, which helps in reporting incidents accurately.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 38: “Mileposts provide a means of identifying the location of crashes, breakdowns, or other emergencies.”
4. How should a driver treat the lane width when sharing the road with a motorcycle?
Answer: Allow the motorcyclist a full lane width. The handbook states that a motorcycle is entitled to a full lane width and drivers should not attempt to share the lane.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 58: “Allow the motorcyclist a full lane width. Although it may seem as though there is enough room in the traffic lane for an automobile and a motorcycle, the motorcycle is entitled to a full lane and may need the room to maneuver safely.”
5. According to the handbook, what is the minimum distance that exit signs are usually placed ahead of the exit?
Answer: 1,000 yards. The handbook states that exit signs are positioned at least 1,000 yards before the exit.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 54: “Exit signs are usually placed at least 1,000 yards ahead of the exit.”
6. What is the minimum distance you must keep from a fire hydrant when parking?
Answer: 15 feet. The handbook states that vehicles should not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 48: “Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant”
7. What does it mean if the diagonal stripes on a barricade or vertical panel slope downward to the right?
Answer: The driver should bear to the right. The handbook defines the specific directional instruction associated with stripes sloping downward to the right.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 42: “Stripes sloping downward to the right means the driver should bear to the right.”
8. Under Texas implied consent laws for adults, what is the consequence for refusing to provide a breath or blood specimen?
Answer: Suspension of the driver license for 180 days or up to 730 days for subsequent offenses. Refusal to submit to testing results in a license suspension ranging from 180 days to two years depending on prior offenses.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 64: “A person who refuses to give a blood or breath specimen for analysis will have their driver license suspended for 180 days or up to 730 days for subsequent offenses.”
9. When driving on a two-lane rural road with two-way traffic, under what condition may you cross a broken yellow center line?
Answer: When passing another vehicle or when the right half of the road is closed. The handbook lists passing another vehicle or a closed right half of the road as the valid reasons to cross a broken yellow line.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 39: “You may cross a broken line when passing another vehicle or when the right half of the road is closed.”
10. What is the required blood alcohol concentration (BAC) standard for minors in Texas?
Answer: No amount. The handbook specifies that minors must have no detectable alcohol in their system, unlike the threshold for adults.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 61: “Texas law does not allow any amount of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for minors.”
11. What is the required visibility range for the red rear reflector on a bicycle used at nighttime?
Answer: From 50 feet to 300 feet. The handbook specifies that the rear reflector must be visible from distances between 50 and 300 feet.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 69: “A red, DPS-approved reflector on the rear visible from distances of 50 feet to 300 feet.”
12. How far must a rearview mirror be able to reflect a view of the highway behind the vehicle?
Answer: At least 200 feet. The regulation specifies that the rearview mirror must provide a view extending at least 200 feet to the rear.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 21: “A rearview mirror must be able to reflect a view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet to the rear of the vehicle.”
13. What is the minimum distance a driver must maintain behind a fire truck answering an alarm with flashing red lights?
Answer: 500 feet. The handbook sets a specific minimum following distance of 500 feet for emergency vehicles with active lights.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 28: “You are not allowed to follow within 500 feet of a fire truck answering an alarm or an ambulance when the flashing red lights are on.”
14. What characterizes an autocycle according to the handbook?
Answer: It is a motor vehicle with not more than three wheels, equipped with a steering wheel and seating that does not require straddling. The handbook lists specific criteria for an autocycle, including having up to three wheels, a steering wheel, and non-straddling seating.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 77: “auto cycle – an autocycle constitutes a motor vehicle, other than a tractor, that is: 1. designed to have when propelled not more than three wheels on the ground 2. equipped with a steering wheel 3. equipped with seating that does not require the operator to straddle or sit astride the seat”
15. What is the required height range for red reflectors on a vehicle according to the equipment list?
Answer: 15 to 60 inches. The handbook specifies that reflectors must be positioned between 15 and 60 inches in height.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 21: “Two red reflectors, one on each side of the car (may be combined with taillights) must be placed at a height of 15 to 60 inches and be visible up to 600 feet”
16. Why is mixing alcohol with other drugs considered particularly dangerous for driving?
Answer: Alcohol can mask the effects of other drugs, increasing risk. The handbook explains that alcohol not only escalates drug effects but also masks them, which increases the risk of poor decision-making and slow reactions.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 61: “Besides escalating the overall effects of the other drugs, alcohol can also mask the effects of those drugs, increasing a person’s risk of poor decision making and/or slowing responsive reactions to situations.”
17. What is the maximum duration a nonresident can operate their vehicle in Texas after establishing residency or entering gainful employment before registering it?
Answer: 30 days. Nonresidents are granted a 30-day window to operate their vehicle before mandatory registration is required.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 23: “When a nonresident establishes residency in Texas or enters into gainful employment, his/her vehicle may be operated for 30 days.”
18. For which purpose are dealers' temporary cardboard tags authorized?
Answer: Demonstrating a vehicle for sale. Cardboard tags are specifically permitted for demonstrating vehicles for sale or servicing, distinct from other uses.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 22: “Dealers temporary cardboard tags may be used for demonstrating a vehicle for sale, or for transporting or servicing vehicles without a motor vehicle inspection.”
19. On a road divided into three or more lanes with traffic moving in the same direction, who must yield when entering a lane?
Answer: The vehicle entering from the right must yield to the vehicle entering from the left. The rule states that when entering a lane from the right, the driver must yield to traffic entering that same lane from the left.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 27: “On a road divided into three or more lanes with traffic moving in the same direction, a vehicle entering a lane of traffic from the right must yield the right-of-way to a vehicle entering the same lane of traffic from the left.”
20. When stopped by law enforcement, what is the suggested action regarding your hands while waiting for instructions?
Answer: Keep both hands clearly in sight on top of the steering wheel. The handbook instructs drivers to keep hands visible on the steering wheel while waiting for officer instructions.
Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), page 71: “Keep both hands clearly in sight on top of the steering wheel. Wait for the law enforcement officer to give you instructions.”