Texas permit practice test

Answer one question at a time. Nothing you pick is saved or sent anywhere.

1. Emergency vehicles and crashes

   In Texas, you are driving toward a block where a fire truck has stopped to answer a fire alarm. You are on a personal trip. What must you do?

   • A Park in that block if a space is open
   • B Drive slowly through that block
   • C Follow the truck into that block
   • D Keep your vehicle out of that block Right

   The right answer is D: Keep your vehicle out of that block

   WhyYou may not drive into or park in the block where a fire apparatus has stopped to answer an alarm.

   Source: Texas Transportation Code § 545.407(a), Texas Driver Handbook, Chapter 4: Yield Right-of-Way to Emergency Vehicles

   Report this question

2. Learner and provisional licenses

   You are 17 with a Texas provisional license, driving a car at 2 p.m. without a learner-qualified adult beside you. All your passengers would be 17-year-old friends who are not family members. How many may ride with you?

   • A At most 1 friend Right
   • B At most 3 friends
   • C As many friends as there are seat belts
   • D At most 2 friends

   The right answer is A: At most 1 friend

   WhyTexas drivers under 18 may carry at most one passenger under 21 who is not family, unless properly supervised.

   Source: Texas Transportation Code § 545.424(a-1)(2)

   Report this question

3. Driver education

   You have your Texas learner license with you. Your parent certifies a 22-year-old friend to supervise your 30 practice hours. The friend has been licensed and driving for 2 years, holds the proper license for the car, and sits beside you, alert, sober, and able to watch and respond to your driving. What else is required?

   • A The friend must also be related to you through the listed family relationships.
   • B The friend must also be your designated parent-taught instructor.
   • C The friend must also have at least 7 years of driving experience to supervise.
   • D No additional instructor designation is required for these practice hours. Right

   The right answer is D: No additional instructor designation is required for these practice hours.

   WhyPractice may be supervised by a parent-certified adult at least 21 who has been licensed for at least 1 year.

   Source: Texas Transportation Code § 521.222(d)(2)(A)–(C), TDLR: Behind the Wheel Instruction (Practice Hours Log)

   Report this question

4. Seat belts and child seats

   On an ordinary family trip, a 7-year-old who is 4 feet 10 inches tall rides in a seat that has a safety belt. What does Texas law require at minimum?

   • A In a child safety seat
   • B In a booster seat
   • C On an adult’s lap
   • D In a safety belt Right

   The right answer is D: In a safety belt

   WhyUnder 8 needs a child seat unless taller than 4 feet 9 inches; a taller child must wear a safety belt.

   Source: Texas Transportation Code § 545.412(a), Texas Transportation Code § 545.413(b), Texas Driver Handbook, Chapter 14: Safety Belts

   Report this question

5. Alcohol and DWI

   A driver is arrested for DWI in Texas and refuses a breath or blood specimen. The driver’s record shows one alcohol-related enforcement contact within the last 10 years. How long is the license suspension?

   • A 90 days
   • B 1 year
   • C 180 days
   • D 2 years Right

   The right answer is D: 2 years

   WhyA refusal with a prior alcohol or drug enforcement contact suspends the license for two years.

   Source: Texas Transportation Code § 724.035(b)

   Report this question

6. Driver education

   You are 17 and have completed Texas parent-taught driver education, including the highway sign and traffic law tests through your licensed course provider. Can Texas waive your driving test because you completed the course?

   • A No; the driving test cannot be waived under age 18. Right
   • B Yes; passing the course also replaces the driving test.
   • C Yes; your parent may approve a driving test waiver.
   • D Yes; completing the Impact program replaces the driving test.

   The right answer is A: No; the driving test cannot be waived under age 18.

   WhyTexas cannot waive the required driving test for an applicant under 18.

   Source: Texas Transportation Code § 521.165(d)

   Report this question

7. Parking

   In Texas, how far must you keep your parked car from a roadside stop sign or traffic signal when approaching it?

   • A 15 feet
   • B 50 feet
   • C 20 feet
   • D 30 feet Right

   The right answer is D: 30 feet

   WhyDo not park within 30 feet on the approach to a stop sign or traffic signal.

   Source: Texas Transportation Code § 545.302(b)(4)

   Report this question

8. Speed limits

   Fog limits visibility on a Texas highway posted at 70 mph. You drive 60 mph. Can you be ticketed for speed?

   • A No — 60 mph is always reasonable on a highway
   • B No — only driving over the limit can be ticketed
   • C No — any speed below the posted limit is lawful
   • D Yes — your speed must be reasonable and prudent for the fog Right

   The right answer is D: Yes — your speed must be reasonable and prudent for the fog

   WhyEven below the posted limit, speed must be reasonable and prudent for the conditions.

   Source: Texas Transportation Code § 545.351(a)

   Report this question

9. Sharing the road

   In Texas, you approach a utility service truck using approved warning lights beside the road. You stay in the lane closest to it, and no officer directs you otherwise. The posted limit is 20 mph. What is your maximum speed?

   • A 10 mph
   • B 0 mph (full stop)
   • C 15 mph
   • D 5 mph Right

   The right answer is D: 5 mph

   WhyWhen the posted limit is under 25 mph, slow to 5 mph rather than 20 mph below it.

   Source: Texas Transportation Code § 545.157(b)(2)(B)

   Report this question

10. Headlights

    In Texas, "nighttime" for headlight use begins and ends when?

    • A One-half hour before sunset to one-half hour after sunrise
    • B One hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise
    • C One-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise Right
    • D At sunset and sunrise

    The right answer is C: One-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise

    WhyNighttime is from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise.

    Source: Texas Transportation Code § 541.401(5), Texas Transportation Code § 547.302(a)(1), Texas Driver Handbook, Chapter 9: Headlights

    Report this question

11. Insurance

    After a Texas crash, the other driver asks to see proof of financial responsibility for your car. You have valid proof with you. What does Texas law require?

    • A Send it only after an insurance claim is filed
    • B Show it only if you caused the collision
    • C Show it only if an officer also requests it
    • D Show the other driver your proof Right

    The right answer is D: Show the other driver your proof

    WhyTexas requires drivers to show financial responsibility evidence on request to a person involved in their collision.

    Source: Texas Transportation Code § 601.053(a)

    Report this question

12. Phones and distraction

    You are 17 with a Texas provisional license and are driving a car. There is no emergency. Your phone offers hands-free calling. What does Texas law allow?

    • A You must wait until you stop driving. Right
    • B You may call after holding your license for 12 months.
    • C You may call if you use only voice commands.
    • D You may call if the phone stays in its mount.

    The right answer is A: You must wait until you stop driving.

    WhyTexas drivers under 18 may use a wireless device, including hands-free, only in an emergency.

    Source: Texas Transportation Code § 545.424(a), Texas Transportation Code § 545.424(f)

    Report this question

13. Learner and provisional licenses

    You are 15 and practicing on a Texas highway with a learner license. Each adult listed has the right driver’s license, sits beside you, and stays alert and sober. Who meets both the minimum age and driving experience requirements?

    • A An adult age 20 with 3 years of driving experience
    • B An adult age 21 with 6 months of driving experience
    • C An adult age 21 with 1 year of driving experience Right
    • D An adult age 18 with 2 years of driving experience

    The right answer is C: An adult age 21 with 1 year of driving experience

    WhyA Texas learner supervisor must be at least 21 and have at least one year of driving experience.

    Source: Texas Transportation Code § 521.222(d)(2)(B)-(C)

    Report this question

14. Alcohol and DWI

    You are arrested in Texas for driving while intoxicated. Under the implied consent law, what have you automatically agreed to submit to?

    • A A urine sample only
    • B A breath or blood specimen for testing Right
    • C A field sobriety walk and turn
    • D A search of your whole vehicle

    The right answer is B: A breath or blood specimen for testing

    WhyA person arrested for DWI is deemed to consent to a breath or blood specimen.

    Source: Texas Transportation Code § 724.011(a)

    Report this question

15. Phones and distraction

    You are 25 and drive a car on Texas public high school property. The school’s designated crossing zone has its reduced speed limit in effect. Under the state school-property phone rule, may you hold your phone for a routine personal call?

    • A No, you may use a phone only if stopped or hands-free. Right
    • B Yes, if no students are present.
    • C Yes, the hand-held ban applies only on the street, not school property.
    • D Yes, because school property is not a school crossing zone.

    The right answer is A: No, you may use a phone only if stopped or hands-free.

    WhyOn school property during the reduced school speed limit, hand-held phone use is banned unless stopped or hands-free.

    Source: Texas Transportation Code § 545.4252(b)

    Report this question

16. Sharing the road

    In Texas, you approach a stopped tow truck using authorized flashing lights. You are in the lane closest to it on a highway with two lanes going your way. No officer directs you otherwise. Instead of slowing down, what may you do?

    • A Pull to the right edge and stop
    • B Follow at least 500 feet behind it
    • C Stop and wait for a police officer
    • D Move out of the lane next to the truck Right

    The right answer is D: Move out of the lane next to the truck

    WhyOn a road with two or more lanes your way, vacate the lane closest to a covered stopped vehicle, or slow down.

    Source: Texas Transportation Code § 545.157(b)(1), Texas Driver Handbook, Chapter 8: Speed Limits; Slow Down or Move Over

    Report this question

17. Learner and provisional licenses

    You are 16 and applying for a Texas driver’s license. Your parent has custody of you, and no agent has power of attorney. Who must sign your application with you?

    • A Your parent who has custody Right
    • B Any licensed adult who is at least 21
    • C Your employer, even though your parent has custody
    • D Your driving instructor instead of your parent

    The right answer is A: Your parent who has custody

    WhyA Texas applicant under 18 needs the custodial parent or guardian’s signature, or an authorized parent’s agent.

    Source: Texas Transportation Code § 521.145(a)(1)

    Report this question

18. Emergency vehicles and crashes

    In Texas, you damage an unattended car while driving a borrowed car. You stop but cannot locate the other car’s owner or driver. You securely attach a visible note describing the collision. Whose names and addresses must the note include?

    • A Only yours, because you were driving when the collision happened
    • B Yours and a witness’s, instead of the borrowed car owner’s
    • C Yours and the borrowed car owner’s Right
    • D Only the borrowed car owner’s, because that person owns the car

    The right answer is C: Yours and the borrowed car owner’s

    WhyThe note must give the driver’s and striking vehicle owner’s names and addresses, plus the collision circumstances.

    Source: Texas Transportation Code § 550.024(a)(2)

    Report this question

19. Insurance

    What is the fine range for a second Texas conviction for driving without the required insurance or other financial responsibility?

    • A A fine of $175 to $350
    • B A fine of $25 to $500
    • C A fine of $350 to $1,000 Right
    • D A fine of $25 to $200

    The right answer is C: A fine of $350 to $1,000

    WhyA repeat Texas conviction for driving without financial responsibility carries a fine of $350 to $1,000.

    Source: Texas Transportation Code § 601.191(c)

    Report this question

20. Speed limits

    You drive a passenger car outside an urban district on a highway numbered by neither Texas nor the United States. With no different speed limit established, what is the default limit?

    • A 55 miles per hour
    • B 65 miles per hour
    • C 70 miles per hour
    • D 60 miles per hour Right

    The right answer is D: 60 miles per hour

    WhyOutside an urban district, an unnumbered highway defaults to 60 mph unless another limit is set.

    Source: Texas Transportation Code § 545.352(b)(3)

    Report this question

21. Pavement markings

    A center lane is bordered by solid and broken yellow lines on each side and shows left-turn arrows. What is it for?

    

    • A Left turns from either direction Right
    • B Passing slower traffic on both sides
    • C Parking while you run errands
    • D Buses and carpools only

    The right answer is A: Left turns from either direction

    WhyA center lane with left-turn arrows is a two-way left-turn lane for turning left from either direction.

    Source: MUTCD Section 3B.05 Pavement Markings for Two-Way Left-Turn Lanes

    Report this question

22. Night and bad weather

    Heavy snow is reducing visibility while you drive. You need your headlights to see and be seen. Which lighting choice is appropriate?

    • A Low-beam headlights Right
    • B High beams for the strongest possible light
    • C Parking lights without the headlights
    • D Daytime running lights without other lighting

    The right answer is A: Low-beam headlights

    WhyUse low-beam headlights when snow reduces visibility so you can see and other drivers can see you.

    Source: California Driver Handbook (California DMV): Signals, Horns, and Headlights: Using Your Headlights, Texas Driver Handbook, Chapter 9: Some Special Driving Situations, Headlights, Florida Driver License Handbook (FLHSMV): Low Visibility; Night Driving

    Report this question

23. Passing

    You want to pass a slow truck on a two-lane road, but you are nearing a hill crest where you cannot see oncoming traffic. What should you do?

    • A Wait until you can see far enough to pass Right
    • B Pass quickly before you reach the crest
    • C Pass on the right shoulder instead
    • D Follow close behind and pass at the crest

    The right answer is A: Wait until you can see far enough to pass

    WhyDo not pass where your view is blocked, such as near a hill crest, curve, intersection, or crossing.

    Source: UVC § 11-306(a)(1) Further limitations on driving on left of center of roadway (model law)

    Report this question

24. Speed and space

    On a clear, dry highway you drive so slowly that a long line of cars builds up behind you, though no hazard or law requires it. What does the law say?

    • A You may drive any slow speed you choose
    • B You must match the fastest car's speed
    • C Do not block the normal flow of traffic Right
    • D You must pull over and stop completely

    The right answer is C: Do not block the normal flow of traffic

    WhyDo not drive so slowly that you impede normal traffic, unless the slow speed is needed for safety or to obey the law.

    Source: UVC § 11-805 Minimum speed regulation (model law)

    Report this question

25. Distraction

    You drop something on the floor while driving. What should you do?

    • A Wait to pick it up until you stop safely Right
    • B Reach down quickly while watching the road
    • C Look down and grab it in one quick move
    • D Stop in the middle of the lane to get it

    The right answer is A: Wait to pick it up until you stop safely

    WhyWait to retrieve a dropped object until you can pull over and stop safely; reaching distracts you.

    Source: NHTSA: Distracted Driving, What Is Distracted Driving?

    Report this question

26. Right-of-way

    At a marked crosswalk with no traffic signals, a pedestrian is already crossing in your lane. You have enough distance to stop safely. Which action gives the pedestrian the right-of-way?

    • A Continue because your road has no stop sign
    • B Sound your horn and keep your current speed
    • C Stop and let the pedestrian cross Right
    • D Steer into the next lane to pass the pedestrian

    The right answer is C: Stop and let the pedestrian cross

    WhyDrivers must yield to pedestrians crossing in their path within an unsignalized crosswalk.

    Source: UVC § 11-502(a) Pedestrians’ right of way in crosswalks (model law)

    Report this question

27. Seat belts and child safety

    Every rear seat in your car allows a correct car-seat installation. Which spot is unsafe for a rear-facing child safety seat?

    • A The middle seat in the back row
    • B Front seat, facing an active air bag Right
    • C Behind the driver's seat
    • D Beside a rear-side window

    The right answer is B: Front seat, facing an active air bag

    WhyA rear-facing seat must never go in front of an active air bag, whose force can seriously injure a child.

    Source: NHTSA: Air Bags, The Topic — Protection

    Report this question

28. Sharing the road

    Red lights are flashing at a railroad crossing, but the gate is still raised and you cannot see a train. No officer is directing traffic. What should you do?

    • A Stop before the tracks; wait until the lights stop and it is safe Right
    • B Cross slowly while watching for a train in both directions
    • C Continue across because the raised gate permits travel
    • D Stop only if a train becomes visible near the crossing

    The right answer is A: Stop before the tracks; wait until the lights stop and it is safe

    WhyFlashing crossing lights mean stop before the tracks; a raised gate does not cancel them.

    Source: UVC § 11-701(a) Obedience to signal indicating approach of train (model law)

    Report this question

29. Pavement markings

    A white arrow painted in your lane curves left. What does it tell you?

    • A Left turns are forbidden here
    • B This lane is for left turns Right
    • C The road curves left up ahead
    • D You may turn left or go straight

    The right answer is B: This lane is for left turns

    WhyA lane-use arrow shows the movements allowed or required in that lane.

    Source: MUTCD Section 3B.23 Lane-Use Arrows

    Report this question

30. Traffic signals

    A steady yellow left-turn arrow is showing. What does it tell you?

    • A The left-turn movement is ending; prepare to stop Right
    • B You now have the right-of-way to turn
    • C Left turns are now forbidden
    • D The arrow is about to turn green

    The right answer is A: The left-turn movement is ending; prepare to stop

    WhyA steady yellow arrow warns that the current left-turn movement is ending; prepare to stop.

    Source: MUTCD Section 4A.03 Meanings of Steady Vehicular Signal Indications

    Report this question

31. Alcohol and drugs

    What happens when you mix alcohol with another drug before you drive?

    • A They cancel each other's effects
    • B Only the alcohol matters
    • C There is no added risk
    • D The effects can get stronger Right

    The right answer is D: The effects can get stronger

    WhyMixing alcohol with other drugs can amplify the impairing effects of each, making driving more dangerous.

    Source: NHTSA: Drug-Impaired Driving, Many Substances Can Impair Driving

    Report this question

32. Intersections and turns

    You plan to turn onto a one-way street. Its permitted traffic direction runs from your left to your right. There are no other turn restrictions. Which turn follows that street's legal direction?

    • A A left turn across the near side of the street
    • B Either turn if the destination street is empty
    • C A left turn followed by an immediate lane change
    • D A right turn Right

    The right answer is D: A right turn

    WhyEnter a one-way street only in its designated direction of travel.

    Source: UVC § 11-308(b) One-way roadways and rotary traffic islands (model law)

    Report this question

33. Intersections and turns

    You face a steady circular green and plan a permitted left turn. An oncoming car is close enough to conflict with your turn. A pedestrian is also lawfully crossing your turning path. What must happen before you turn?

    • A The pedestrian clears your path; the car must yield
    • B The oncoming car passes; the pedestrian must wait
    • C You signal; the car and pedestrian must then yield
    • D You yield until each conflict clears Right

    The right answer is D: You yield until each conflict clears

    WhyOn a circular green, left turns yield to conflicting oncoming vehicles and pedestrians lawfully in the crosswalk.

    Source: MUTCD Section 4A.03 Meanings of Steady Vehicular Signal Indications, UVC § 11-402 Vehicle turning left (model law)

    Report this question

34. Emergencies

    You slept very little, drank coffee, and now begin drifting out of your lane. A designated rest area is just ahead. What is the safest response?

    • A Pull into the rest area and stop to rest Right
    • B Keep driving because the coffee will prevent sleep
    • C Open the windows and continue until your destination
    • D Turn the music louder and increase your driving speed

    The right answer is A: Pull into the rest area and stop to rest

    WhyCoffee alone may not prevent microsleeps; stop in a safe place when sleepiness affects your driving.

    Source: NHTSA: Drowsy Driving, Short-Term Interventions

    Report this question

35. Highways

    You are on a divided highway with a grassy median between the two roadways, and you miss your turn. What may you do?

    • A Cross the median where the grass is low
    • B Drive the wrong way briefly to an opening
    • C Use the next crossover marked for emergency vehicles only
    • D Continue to an opening or intersection where crossing is permitted, and turn only when safe Right

    The right answer is D: Continue to an opening or intersection where crossing is permitted, and turn only when safe

    WhyStay on your roadway until you reach a permitted crossing, and turn only when safe.

    Source: UVC § 11-311 Driving on divided highways (model law)

    Report this question

36. Traffic signals

    A steady green arrow points left while the circular light is red. A pedestrian is still crossing directly in your intended turning path. What must you do?

    • A Turn left now; the arrow gives you the right-of-way
    • B Turn left and stop inside the crosswalk
    • C Go straight instead, since the arrow is on
    • D Yield to the pedestrian, then turn when safe and permitted Right

    The right answer is D: Yield to the pedestrian, then turn when safe and permitted

    WhyA green arrow allows the left turn, but you must still yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.

    Source: MUTCD Section 4A.03 Meanings of Steady Vehicular Signal Indications

    Report this question

37. Right-of-way

    A car ahead has stopped at a marked crosswalk to let a pedestrian cross. You approach from behind, and the next lane is open. What must you do?

    • A Pass in the open lane after sounding your horn
    • B Pass slowly if the pedestrian is hidden from view
    • C Wait behind the stopped car Right
    • D Pass once your own lane appears clear

    The right answer is C: Wait behind the stopped car

    WhyNever overtake a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk to let a pedestrian cross.

    Source: UVC § 11-502(d) Pedestrians’ right of way in crosswalks (model law)

    Report this question

38. Speed and space

    Which statement about your speed is correct?

    • A You must never drive below the posted limit, even in bad weather
    • B Drive at a safe speed for conditions; don't needlessly block normal traffic Right
    • C The posted limit is only a suggestion
    • D You must match the speed of the fastest car

    The right answer is B: Drive at a safe speed for conditions; don't needlessly block normal traffic

    WhyDrive at a safe speed for conditions, even below the limit, but don't needlessly impede normal traffic.

    Source: UVC § 11-801 Basic rule (model law), UVC § 11-805 Minimum speed regulation (model law)

    Report this question

39. Signs

    A white sign reads DO NOT PASS. What does it mean?

    

    • A Do not overtake other vehicles Right
    • B Do not park on the shoulder
    • C Do not turn left here
    • D Do not follow too closely

    The right answer is A: Do not overtake other vehicles

    WhyDO NOT PASS means you may not overtake another vehicle in that zone.

    Source: MUTCD Section 2B.36 DO NOT PASS Sign (R4-1)

    Report this question

40. Sharing the road

    A motorcycle is traveling ahead in your lane. There appears to be enough room for your car beside it. How should you treat the motorcycle's lane space?

    • A Share its lane whenever your car can fit beside it
    • B Allow the motorcycle full use of its lane Right
    • C Move beside it after sounding a brief horn warning
    • D Use its unused lane space when traffic is moving slowly

    The right answer is B: Allow the motorcycle full use of its lane

    WhyA motorcycle is entitled to full use of a lane; a car must not crowd into that space.

    Source: UVC § 11-1303(a) Operating motorcycles on roadways laned for traffic (model law)

    Report this question