Could You Pass the Texas State Driving Test?

By: Nikki Weed
Estimated Completion Time
9 min
Could You Pass the Texas State Driving Test?
Image: Davel5957 / E+ / Getty Images

About This Quiz

Every person with a driver's license has had to take a written knowledge test before being given the privilege of driving legally on the open road. This assures that every person behind the wheel is playing by the same set of rules. Many of us, however, drive daily without really thinking about that test and all of the information we had to learn to pass. Could you honestly pass a written driving test today, if necessary?

The rules of the road aren't taken lightly in the state of Texas. If you receive a ticket, it will remain on your record for a full three years before it drops off. These tickets not only raise your insurance rates, but if you accumulate enough throughout the year you risk your license being suspended. These are all excellent reasons to make sure you know the laws of the road in Texas and abide by them at every given circumstance.

Even if you don't live in the state of Texas, it's not a bad idea to give this entertaining quiz a spin to see how much you remember from taking your first driver's test. Our questions are a lot more entertaining than the boring ones given at the Department Of Motor Vehicles! Show your friends what a great driver you are with your results, or learn a little bit about yourself and how well you know the Texas traffic standards.

27-Ambulance
Thinkstock Images / Stockbyte / Getty Images
After taking a swig of your third cup of coffee on the way to work one Monday morning, you see an ambulance come up quickly behind you. What do you do?
Slow down and take another swig. The ambulance can go around you.
Set your coffee down and flash your lights to warn the oncoming traffic of the ambulance.
Ease over to the right side of the road and stop if it is safe to do so. Sip your coffee until the ambulance passes.
Allow the ambulance by, then follow it in hot pursuit because you're an accident attorney.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Whenever you encounter an emergency vehicle with its lights on, it's on a mission. It could be taking a pregnant woman to the hospital or on the way to a crash. By easing out of its way, you allow it safe passage without putting yourself in danger.

Advertisement

28-Stop Sign
Dan Brownsword / Cultura / Getty Images
After coming to a complete stop at a stop sign, what should you do next?
Pull away from the stop sign quickly to allow traffic to move rapidly.
Slowly pull away to avoid crashing into anyone who has also decided to go.
Check your left side, then your right, then left again to make sure nobody is running the stop sign.
Nobody actually comes to a complete stop.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Observing traffic in all directions, even if they have a stop sign as well, is very important! Double-checking allows you to make sure everyone else is following the rules of the road and that it's safe for you to travel on.

Advertisement

29-Rainy Road
Emanuel M Schwermer / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Which of these statements about driving on slippery roads is true?
You should pump your brakes to assure they're in good working condition.
Travel at a higher rate of speed to take full advantage of the traction on your tires.
Increase your following distance to allow more reaction time should something surprise you.
Turn on your flashers to warn other motorists of hazardous conditions.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In slippery conditions, it's best to slow down, avoid rapid turning maneuvers and keep a safe distance from other drivers to avoid accidental collisions due to skidding. The use of emergency flashers should be reserved to breakdown situations.

Advertisement

1-Accident
Guido Mieth / Moment / Getty Images
Accidents can and do happen. When is it unnecessary to call the police?
The other driver leaves the scene.
There is a fatality
Damage is less than $1,000.
Damage is less than $2,500.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

No matter how big or small the crash, all crashes must be reported. Fender benders, for example, must still be documented and an incident report sent to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. You're allowed 10 days after the incident to file the proper paperwork.

Advertisement

23-Icy Roads
Sean Gladwell / Moment / Getty Images
On a road trip across West Texas, you find yourself smack dab in the middle of a wild weather event. The road ices over and you find yourself in a skid. What's the first thing you should do?
Slam the brake to decelerate.
Pump your brakes to gradually slow the car.
Remove your foot from the gas pedal.
Pull the emergency brake (because it's an emergency!).
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Rapid braking can drastically upset the balance and handling of a car, turning a bad situation into an even worse one. Removing your foot from the gas pedal and turning into the skid will allow you to gain control gradually. Jerky steering and brake maneuvers may send you spinning.

Advertisement

14-Weather
john finney photography / Moment / Getty Images
Texas has some diverse weather! What makes bridges in Texas especially tricky to navigate?
Bridges are made of a different composite than roadways.
High-profile bridges are prone to wind manipulation.
Bridges freeze much quicker than roadways.
Rain can pool on bridges and cause hydroplaning.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The ground acts as an insulator and keeps roadways warmer than bridges, which are exposed to cold weather elements on all sides. A frozen bridge is nothing to scoff at and can send you spinning in a heartbeat.

Advertisement

25-Two Lanes
Azem Ramadani / Moment / Getty Images
If the right lane is for traveling, what is the left lane for?
Traveling as well
Traveling at a high rate of speed
Passing
Traveling and passing
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Texas doesn't mess around with slow-moving traffic in the left lane or those who decide to "camp" there. When using the left lane to pass a vehicle traveling in the right lane, you should return to the right lane as soon as it is safe. Abuse of the left lane may result in a $200 fine.

Advertisement

20-Texting
Dark Horse / Cultura / Getty Images
You have a hot date and are running a little late. When is it appropriate to send a quick text message while driving?
While at a stoplight
Whenever you feel comfortable
When your car is parked
While driving, as long as you use one hand
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

One crash out of every five is due to distracted driving such as texting. Even if you feel you're safe at a stoplight, you still need to be paying attention to your surroundings. It only takes a second of distraction to have fatal consequences. Texas doesn't take this lightly.

Advertisement

24-DUI
SoCalShooter / E+ / Getty Images
You've been at your company Christmas party and have had a few martinis. What's the legal blood alcohol content in the state of Texas?
.05
.08
.1
Zero tolerance
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Just two drinks can put a person over the limit! Simply put, if you feel differently, you will drive differently. Being convicted of an OWI or DUI can not only cost you upward of $10,000, but it could cost somebody else their life.

Advertisement

16-Low Beams
Anton Petrus / Moment / Getty Images
Which of these situations would be best for low beams?
Fog and rain
Illuminated city streets
300 feet behind another car
All of the above
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Low beams are more powerful than you give them credit for! The low trajectory of the light beam hits the reflective road lines, cuts through the fog and is relatively easy on other drivers' eyes. High beams should be reserved for dark and relatively vacant roadways. Your braking distance should never be outside your headlight beam.

Advertisement

11-Highway
Copyright Xinzheng. All Rights Reserved. / Moment / Getty Images
You are approaching a diamond-shaped yellow traffic sign with "Highway Intersection Ahead" printed in the middle. What do you do?
Prepare to make a complete stop to check oncoming traffic.
Proceed at current rate of speed to get out of the intersection.
Speed up to pass the intersection to avoid confusion.
Slow down and be aware of traffic coming from other directions.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When traveling down a highway at a high rate of speed, a simple stop sign can easily be missed. You must have a keen eye and quick response time to catch those potential accidents. Stay alert and check both ways.

Advertisement

5-Stop Sign
Cultura/Seb Oliver / Cultura / Getty Images
Fill in the blank: The person to your *blank* has the right of way at a four-way stop.
Left
Right
Person turning left
Whoever waves first
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Four-way stops can be extremely tricky, especially when some of the other drivers are distracted. It may seem courteous to wave another driver on, but there is no accounting for who else is waving at the same time. This confusion can cause more than one vehicle occupying a space (crash).

Advertisement

15-Highway Lines
georgeclerk / E+ / Getty Images
A solid double line in the middle of the road means absolutely no passing. What does it mean if the solid line in the opposite lane turns dotted?
It's safe for you to pass.
Both lanes can pass safely.
It's safe for opposing traffic to pass.
Passing is prohibited.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Watching the centerline is incredibly important when it comes down to driving safely. When you see the dotted middle line appear in the opposite lane of traffic, you should be cautious of oncoming traffic trying to pass.

Advertisement

8-Left Turn
Simon McGill / Moment / Getty Images
You're trying to make it to the next screening of the new Star Wars movie and are in a dedicated left-turn lane. You're in a hurry and the light turns from green to yellow. What do you do?
Stop behind the stop line, Star Wars can wait. There's usually a bunch of irrelevant previews anyway.
Inch your way into the intersection among the oncoming traffic, squeaking through just as soon as the light turns red.
Accelerate and use the Force to guide your way through the other people also trying to rush through their designated light colors.
Judge the situation carefully and decide if it's safe to press through the intersection or not. If you make it, you treat yourself to popcorn.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Traffic lights can be tricky, especially when there are designated left-turn arrows involved. Just because you have a yellow arrow doesn't mean that the oncoming traffic does, too. Star Wars can wait!

Advertisement

34-Orange Barrels
jjshaw14 / E+ / Getty Images
It may seem like every season is construction season in Texas, but what should you expect when you see orange construction barrels?
Slow-moving traffic ahead
A designated flagger to direct traffic
Be prepared for anything construction-related.
A detour
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Construction zones can bring anything from lane changes to temporary closures, so it's important to become alert and observant of further instructions. Expect everything and anything while traveling through construction barrels. Your travel lane is someone's workplace, so help them work safely by being alert.

Advertisement

6-Tailgate
Alex Potemkin / E+ / Getty Images
Which of these statements about tailgating is false?
Tailgating can infuriate other drivers.
Your chance of a collision is heightened.
Tailgating helps traffic flow.
You can receive a ticket.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It's easy to become hypnotized by traffic moving around you and inch closer to the car in front of you, but it is very unwise. Reaction time at such a close distance makes it almost impossible to avoid crashing while initiating emergency maneuvers. Tailgating is also extremely aggravating and can lead to road rage.

Advertisement

9-School Zone
Alan Schein / Corbis / Getty Images
If you are approaching a school zone and there is a yellow light blinking above the posted school speed limit, what does the light indicate?
Obey posted speed limit as usual
There is a crossing guard to direct traffic ahead.
There are children present, proceed with extreme caution.
Stop and wait for further instruction.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

School zones can be tricky! Some schools will post given times that designate a change in the speed limit, but some utilize the blinking yellow light. Some of these caution lights can be manually pressed, such as when groups of children are crossing together during hours outside posted limitations.

Advertisement

4-Pedestrian
Petri Oeschger / Moment / Getty Images
While driving in a congested downtown area, a pedestrian darts out to cross the road in front of you. The pedestrian is not in a crosswalk. Who has the right of way?
The pedestrian
Your vehicle
The opposing traffic
It's a gray area, nobody has the right of way.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Although the pedestrian has the right of way, it is on the driver to assure the safety of the pedestrian. As a driver, you're in control of a large, deadly object therefore you must be especially alert in areas where pedestrians may surprise you.

Advertisement

18-Merging Lanes
Feifei Cui-Paoluzzo / Moment / Getty Images
While merging onto a highway or interstate, which of these statements is true?
You have the right-of-way.
It is not necessary to accelerate until you've merged completely into traffic.
Traffic on the main road does not have to move to accommodate your merge.
You should stop in your lane if you feel you cannot merge safely.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Merging into fast-moving traffic can be tricky at times! It would be nice if fellow travelers could slow to allow you to safely merge into traffic, but that would cause a dangerous traffic situation. Sudden slowing can result in fender benders and more serious traffic incidents.

Advertisement

33-Parked Car
elgol / E+ / Getty Images
You've just arrived at your first rodeo and have to park facing uphill with a curb on your passenger side. How do you park properly?
Make sure your wheels are as parallel to the side of the road as your hat is to your shoulders.
Turn your wheels to point toward traffic and straighten your belt buckle.
Turn your wheels away from traffic and lock your doors.
Set the emergency brake and call it good.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

How you turn your wheels can make the difference between your car rolling into traffic or out of the way should something happen. Should your vehicle start rolling, the back tire would hit the curb and stop as opposed to rolling into traffic.

Advertisement

12-High Beams
© Marco Bottigelli / Moment / Getty Images
High beams are awesome unless a fellow traveler forgets to turn them off while approaching you from the oncoming lane. What should you do if the other driver fails to dim their lights?
Focus on the center line
Flash your lights
Focus on the left side of your lane
Focus on the right side of your lane
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

You might feel angry and want to respond by flashing your lights, but this may startle a drowsy or intoxicated driver causing them to jerk the wheel. The best practice is to study the right side of your lane (typically the line) and focus on that until you pass.

Advertisement

32-Traffic Lines
Copyright Xinzheng. All Rights Reserved / Moment / Getty Images
What is the "gore point" of a roadway?
Anywhere wildlife crossing is probably, usually marked with animal crossing signs
The area between a divided highway, usually grassy
The area between a merge lane and the oncoming traffic, usually marked with striped lines
The area between the sidewalk and the lane of travel, usually anything to the right of the solid line
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The gore area, located between fast-moving traffic and slowing traffic, creates a safety buffer between the two. Instances of the gore area being violated are late exiting and improper merging.

Advertisement

2-Cop Lights
leezsnow / E+ / Getty Images
You're traveling with a friend who would like to enjoy an alcoholic beverage while being your passenger. Where should they sit to keep you out of trouble?
Passenger seat, as long as the beverage is under 5% alcohol
Back seat, out of reach of driver
Anywhere they feel like, as long as they have a seat belt on
At the bar
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Texas has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to alcoholic beverages in the passenger compartment of any vehicle. This applies not only to when the vehicle is in motion, but when parked as well. Fines for this can be as much as $500.

Advertisement

22-Speed Limit
Gary Yeowell / Digital Vision / Getty Images
When should the posted speed limit be disregarded?
When the rest of the traffic is going much faster
When you're running late in a rural area
In light traffic
Poor weather conditions
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Only in poor weather conditions, when visibility is poor or road conditions are dangerous, can the limits be ignored. Slower is safer in those cases, and the minimum posted speed can be ignored without penalty.

Advertisement

21-Fire Hydrant
Andriy Prokopenko / Moment Open / Getty Images
You're in a rush and need to park quickly. You see an open area in front of a fire hydrant. How far away from the fire hydrant must you park?
As close as you can
5 feet
15 feet
30 feet, a Texas-sized gap
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In emergencies, fire personnel needs access to fire hydrants without any delay. A parked car impeding their firefighting process could not only mean the loss of property but life as well. If you park illegally near a fire hydrant, chances are you'll receive a citation.

Advertisement

3-Livestock
Casarsa / E+ / Getty Images
You've just passed a truck pulling a stinky cattle trailer on a two-lane highway. When is it safe to pull back into your original lane of travel?
When you can see both of the headlights on the truck in your rear-view mirror.
When you can clearly see the truck,s bed
Count two telephone poles
Six car lengths
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Making rapid lane changes is dangerous not only to you but those around you. Jerky steering movements make your vehicle unstable and may cause you to lose control, especially in inclement weather.

Advertisement

30-Rear View Mirror
Marin Tomas / Moment / Getty Images
You're leaving work on a Friday and are ready to start your weekend. After putting your vehicle in reverse, where do you look?
Side mirrors and over your left shoulder
Backup camera screen and rear view mirror
Rear view mirror and over your right shoulder
Side mirrors and radio station
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Backup cameras are excellent tools, but they cannot replace looking over your right shoulder. By doing a visual over-the-shoulder check, you can see if people are attempting to cross behind you or other vehicles outside the scope of your camera or mirrors.

Advertisement

35-Semi Truck
5m3photos / Moment / Getty Images
What is the safest place to be while traveling next to a semi truck and trailer?
Directly behind the trailer (within ten feet)
To the right side of the trailer near the axle
Directly to the left of the driver near the front wheel of the semi
Near the passenger door near the front tire of the semi
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Semis have incredibly large blind spots and have trouble seeing much of the traffic passing them. Stay out of the "no zone" and avoid anywhere you cannot see either the driver's face in your mirrors or the mirrors of the truck.

Advertisement

31-Traffic Light
Chris Jongkind / Moment / Getty Images
After sitting through a few cycles of a known long red light, you finally get the green, but there is still traffic in the intersection. How do you proceed?
Give two polite honks of your horn to get the attention of the drivers in the intersection. Make a rude gesture.
Proceed into the intersection, placing your front bumper as close to the fender of the closest car still in the intersection. Make a rude gesture.
Wait until all traffic is clear from the intersection before proceeding through. Make a rude gesture in your mind.
Wait behind the white stop bar until the next light cycle.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Forcing your way into a crowded intersection even when you have the green light is a form of road rage. You are ultimately responsible for the safe operation of your vehicle and if you place it in an already crowded intersection, you're no better than the other drivers.

Advertisement

7-Train
Matt Mawson / Moment / Getty Images
You're attempting to cross a set of train tracks and see a train approaching in the distance. You decide to risk it and proceed around the gate. If the train was traveling 50 miles per hour, how long would it take the train to stop to avoid hitting you should your car stall on the tracks?
500 feet
5,000 feet
1.5 miles
5 miles
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The average freight train is anywhere between a mile to a mile and a half long, which means that the train will travel more than its entire length before it comes to a stop. It is also very difficult to judge the speed a train is traveling. Sneaking around the downed train gates could cost you your life.

Advertisement

19-Puddle
Dark Horse / Cultura / Getty Images
After a heavy downpour, you see what looks like a puddle across the road in a low-lying area. How should you proceed through the water safely?
Accelerate to get through the water faster.
Slow to allow your tire traction to do the work.
Find an alternate route.
Drive on the shoulder where there is more traction.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Puddles may not seem dangerous, but just six inches of standing water can reach the rocker panels on many sedans. Some flood-prone areas like washes and creek beds can rapidly reach up to two feet of water, which is enough to float a truck or SUV.

Advertisement

10-Side View Mirror
UrsaHoogle / E+ / Getty Images
It's easy to lose track of who's traveling around you while driving down the interstate, so what's the best way to check your blind spots before a lane change?
Your rear view mirror
Side mirrors
Rear and side mirrors
Over both shoulders
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Your rear and side mirrors are incredibly useful tools in backing up and a casual glance at other lanes, but they miss a large chunk of what's around you. By looking over your shoulders to check your blind spot, you can see items that the mirrors might miss like motorcycles or Mini Coopers.

Advertisement

13-Lights
Boris Jordan Photography / Moment / Getty Images
What aftermarket equipment is allowed on a vehicle?
Flashing blue lights
Flashing red lights
A siren
A scrambler
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

To reduce confusion on the roadways, it is illegal to install aftermarket equipment that replicates law enforcement vehicles. Installed sirens, red lights or scramblers are considered unsafe and will result in fines or an inability to register your vehicle.

Advertisement

26-Hazard Lights
Faba-Photograhpy / Moment / Getty Images
Your car is equipped with a magic button that make your hazard lights go on. When is it appropriate to use these hazard lights?
In heavy fog or other bad weather conditions
While driving slowly in a funeral procession
When your car is broken down on the side of the road
All of the above
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It might seem like a hazard to drive in fog, but using your hazards is inappropriate in that case. Use your hazard lights only if you find yourself stranded on the side of the road.

Advertisement

17-Traffic
esp_imaging / E+ / Getty Images
What is the minimum number of seconds you should keep between the car in front of you and your front bumper at speeds 30 miles per hour or less?
2 seconds
4 seconds
6 second
8 seconds
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

More is better when it comes to following distances, but it can be hard to determine how close you are following another car. An easy solution is to select a landmark and count the seconds between when the car in front of you passes it and when you do. Remember, inclement weather will change safe following distances!

Advertisement

You Got:
/35
Davel5957 / E+ / Getty Images