Texas Driver's License Knowledge Test flashcards

A steady yellow traffic signal warns that the light is about to turn red. Drivers should stop if it is safe to do so.

• Indicates an impending change to red.
• Prepare to stop safely.
• Proceed cautiously if already in the intersection or too close to stop safely.

Memory trick: Red means stop, Green means go, Yellow means slow down and know.

If a traffic signal is completely dark or not functioning, drivers must treat the intersection as a four-way stop, stopping before entering and proceeding when safe, following right-of-way rules.

• Applies to completely dark or non-functional signals.
• Requires all drivers to stop.
• Right-of-way follows four-way stop rules (first in, then right).

Memory trick: Dark signal, treat it like a stop sign for everyone.

A sign below a railroad 'Crossbuck' sign indicating '2 TRACKS' (or other number) specifies the exact number of train tracks at that single crossing.

• Located beneath the 'Crossbuck' sign.
• Informs drivers of multiple tracks at the crossing.
• Requires drivers to check all tracks before proceeding safely.

Memory trick: Round for warning, X for tracks, numbers tell how many stacks.

A traffic signal indicating that a driver must come to a complete stop before the intersection and proceed only when it is safe.

• Treat as a stop sign.
• Stop completely before the stop line, crosswalk, or intersection.
• Yield to all traffic and pedestrians before proceeding.

Memory trick: Red means stop, Yellow means slow, Green means go, but flashing adds a twist to the flow.

A traffic signal that is completely dark and non-functional must be treated as a four-way stop intersection by all approaching drivers.

• Requires a complete stop by all drivers.
• Drivers yield to the vehicle that arrived first.
• If arriving simultaneously, yield to the vehicle on the right.

Memory trick: Dark light means 'Dead signal, four-way stop like a brick wall'.

An orange, diamond-shaped warning sign with a black symbol of a person holding a flag, indicating that a flagger is ahead in a work zone to direct traffic.

• Always orange and diamond-shaped (work zone warning).
• Symbolizes a human traffic controller.
• Requires drivers to be prepared to stop and obey instructions.

Memory trick: Orange flagger means 'caution, human ahead'.

A diamond-shaped yellow sign with a black symbol of a truck descending a hill, warning drivers of a steep downhill grade ahead.

• Warns of a significant downhill slope.
• Applies to all vehicles, but especially critical for heavy vehicles.
• Drivers should be prepared to use lower gears and manage speed.

Memory trick: Truck rolling down means 'Tough hill, slow down, don't be a clown'.

When making a left turn at an intersection with a green light (without a green arrow), the turning vehicle must yield to oncoming traffic that is going straight or turning right.

• Left turns require yielding to oncoming traffic.
• This applies even if you have a green light, unless it's a protected green arrow.
• Safety and preventing collisions are paramount.
• Only proceed with a left turn when the path is clear and safe.

Memory trick: Turn left, yield right; straight always has the light!

Pavement markings (often white lines or raised strips) spaced at decreasing intervals to create an optical illusion of increased speed, prompting drivers to slow down.

• Used to encourage speed reduction.
• Found on exit ramps, curves, or hazardous areas.
• Create a visual and sometimes tactile alert.

Memory trick: Lines getting closer, 'Look, slow down, don't be a speed cruiser'.

A solid white line on the pavement discourages or prohibits lane changes. It separates traffic flowing in the same direction.

• Separates lanes of traffic moving in the same direction.
• Discourages or prohibits lane changes.
• Often found near intersections, on shoulders, or in tunnels.

Memory trick: Lines on the road, tell you where to go.

A steady green arrow traffic signal, even when a red light is also illuminated, indicates that drivers may proceed safely in the direction of the arrow without yielding to other traffic.

• Grants a 'protected' turn.
• Overrides the red light for that specific movement.
• Drivers do not need to yield to oncoming traffic for the arrow's direction.

Memory trick: Green arrow always means go, safely and protected.

A yellow, diamond-shaped sign with an arrow bending into a straight arrow warns drivers of a merging lane ahead, indicating traffic will be entering the main roadway.

• Yellow and diamond-shaped (warning sign).
• Symbolizes traffic entering the main lane.
• Drivers should be prepared to adjust speed or lane position.

Memory trick: Diamonds warn, yellow is the hue, of hazards coming into view.

A regulatory sign that prohibits drivers from making a turn (typically right) on a red traffic light, overriding the general rule of permitting such turns after stopping.

• Specific regulatory sign.
• Overrides the general 'Right Turn on Red' rule.
• Requires waiting for a green light before turning.
• Crucial for pedestrian safety or complex traffic patterns.

Memory trick: Red light, right turn, check the sign, or lessons you'll learn!

A white rectangular regulatory sign indicating that drivers traveling slower than the prevailing speed of traffic should use the rightmost lane.

• It is a regulatory sign (white rectangle).
• Aims to improve traffic flow and safety.
• Applies to multi-lane highways where passing is permitted.

Memory trick: Regulate your speed, stay right if slow.

When making a left turn on a steady green traffic light, drivers must yield the right-of-way to all oncoming traffic.

• Oncoming traffic has priority.
• Turn only when safe and clear.
• May proceed into the intersection to wait for a gap.

Memory trick: Green light for a left turn? Opposing traffic gets to learn first.

In Texas, the maximum speed limit in a school zone when a flashing yellow signal is active or during designated school hours is 20 mph, unless otherwise posted.

• Applies during school hours or when signals are active.
• Default speed limit is 20 mph.
• Fines are typically increased for violations in school zones.

Memory trick: School zone speed: 20 is plenty, for safety.

Guide signs provide information on destinations, route numbers, directions, distances, services, and points of interest, typically green, blue, or brown.

• Green signs: Destinations, mileage, highway entrances/exits.
• Blue signs: Motorist services (food, gas, lodging).
• Brown signs: Public recreation and scenic guidance.
• Essential for navigation and travel planning.

Memory trick: Red rules, Yellow warns, Green guides, Orange works.

When a traffic signal is completely dark or not working, the intersection must be treated as a four-way stop.

• All vehicles must come to a complete stop.
• The first vehicle to stop is the first to go.
• If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right has the right-of-way.
• If a police officer is present, obey their directions instead of the 'four-way stop' rule.

Memory trick: Lights out, stop and think, treat it like a four-way blink!

A white diamond symbol painted on the pavement designates a lane as reserved for specific types of vehicles, such as HOVs, buses, or bicycles.

• Indicates a 'special use' or 'restricted' lane.
• Commonly used for HOV (High-Occupancy Vehicle) lanes.
• Only vehicles meeting the criteria (e.g., 2+ passengers, bus) may use these lanes.
• Often accompanied by signs indicating the specific restriction.

Memory trick: White lines guide and divide, but a diamond means 'special ride'.

Pavement marking consisting of short white segments with gaps, separating lanes of traffic moving in the same direction and indicating that lane changes are permitted when safe.

• Separates traffic moving in the same direction.
• Allows lane changes.
• Contrasts with solid white lines, which restrict lane changes.

Memory trick: Broken white, you can switch right.

When a police officer is directing traffic, their signals and commands must be obeyed, even if they contradict traffic signs or signals.

• Officer's directions override all other traffic controls.
• Crucial for safety and traffic flow, especially in emergencies.
• Failure to obey can result in legal penalties.

Memory trick: Officer first, then signs, then lights, then lines.

A triangular regulatory sign that requires drivers to slow down and be prepared to stop to give the right-of-way to cross-traffic or pedestrians.

• Requires giving right-of-way.
• A stop is not mandatory if the path is clear.
• Typically found at intersections or merges.

Memory trick: Yield means 'You might stop, but only if you must'.

Speed limits posted on orange regulatory signs within a work zone are legally enforceable, regardless of whether workers are actively present.

• Orange signs indicate temporary regulatory limits.
• Enforceable by law enforcement.
• Fines are often doubled in work zones.

Memory trick: Orange sign, 'Obey the new speed, no excuses, no pleading'.

When two vehicles arrive at a two-way stop intersection at the same time, the driver on the right has the right-of-way over the driver on the left.

• Applies specifically to two-way stop intersections.
• Only relevant when vehicles arrive 'at approximately the same time'.
• Driver on the right proceeds first.

Memory trick: Righty is Mighty when you're at the same time.

A yellow, diamond-shaped warning sign with a black arrow depicting a sharp bend indicates an abrupt change in road direction ahead.

• Warns of a sharp turn, not a gentle curve.
• Requires a significant reduction in speed.
• The arrow indicates the direction of the turn (left or right).
• These signs are crucial for preventing loss of control.

Memory trick: Diamond yellow, black symbol, warns of what's ahead, so be nimble!

Regulatory signs that prohibit certain actions or vehicle types typically use a red circle with a diagonal line over a black symbol on a white background.

• Red circle with diagonal line means 'NO' or 'PROHIBITED'.
• The symbol inside the circle indicates what is prohibited.
• Examples include 'No U-Turn', 'No Right Turn', 'No Bicycles', 'No Trucks', 'No Vehicles'.
• These signs are critical for traffic flow and safety regulations.

Memory trick: Red circle with a slash, means 'NO' fast, or 'NO' slow, just don't go!

A round, yellow sign with a black 'X' and two 'R's, placed in advance of a railroad crossing to warn drivers to slow down, look, and listen for trains.

• Always round and yellow.
• Serves as an advance warning, not a stop or yield command.
• Indicates a railroad crossing is ahead, typically within 150-750 feet in rural areas.

Memory trick: Round R-X is a 'heads-up' for the tracks.

Regulatory signs within construction or work zones, such as 'Fines Doubled', are designed to enhance safety by increasing the penalties for traffic violations.

• Orange signs indicate temporary traffic control (construction/maintenance).
• 'FINES DOUBLED' is a regulatory sign within a work zone.
• It means monetary penalties for violations (e.g., speeding, illegal lane changes) are twice the usual amount.
• Aims to encourage greater caution and adherence to rules in hazardous work zones.

Memory trick: Orange means work, watch for cones, and fines doubled for bad zones!

Active railroad crossing signals, such as flashing red lights or crossing gates, indicate an approaching train and require specific actions from drivers.

• Flashing red lights mean a train is approaching.
• Stop at least 15 feet but no more than 50 feet from the nearest rail.
• Remain stopped until the lights stop flashing and gates (if present) are raised.
• Never drive around lowered gates or activated signals.

Memory trick: Tracks mean danger, lights mean stop, gates mean wait, never take a hop.

Green rectangular signs with white lettering and symbols, used to inform drivers about upcoming exits, destinations, and distances.

• Color is consistently green.
• Shape is typically rectangular.
• Primary purpose is to guide drivers to destinations or services.

Memory trick: Green guides you, Red regulates, Yellow warns, Blue serves.

This pavement marking indicates that passing is prohibited for drivers on the side with the solid yellow line, but permitted for oncoming traffic on the side with the broken yellow line.

• Solid line on your side = no passing for you.
• Broken line on their side = passing permitted for oncoming traffic.
• Yellow lines always separate traffic moving in opposite directions.

Memory trick: Solid is 'stop', broken is 'go' for passing.

At a 'STOP' sign with no marked stop line or crosswalk, drivers must stop before entering the intersection, at the nearest point where they can safely see traffic on the intersecting roadway.

• Applies when no other markings are present.
• Stop must be *before* the intersection.
• Aim for a clear view without obstructing cross-traffic.

Memory trick: No line? Stop at the edge, where the road ends for you.

A wide white line painted across a traffic lane, indicating the point at which a driver must stop before an intersection or crosswalk, especially in conjunction with a STOP sign or red light.

• Mandatory stopping point.
• Always stop before the line.
• Often accompanies a STOP sign or traffic signal.

Memory trick: White bar, 'Stop right there, don't you dare cross the line'.

A diamond-shaped yellow warning sign with a black arrow curving left followed by a straight arrow, indicating that the rightmost lane is ending and drivers must merge left.

• Warns of a lane reduction.
• Requires drivers in the ending lane to merge safely.
• Typically seen on multi-lane highways.

Memory trick: The arrow that bends tells you which lane ends.

A flashing yellow light below a school zone sign indicates that the school zone speed limit is currently in effect and drivers must reduce speed.

• Indicates active school zone hours.
• Requires drivers to reduce speed to the posted school zone limit.
• Exercise heightened caution for children.

Memory trick: Yellow light means 'Slow for the little ones' in the school zone.

The distinctive red, white, and blue shield symbol containing a number, used to mark U.S. Interstate Highways.

• Indicates a U.S. Interstate Highway.
• Often displayed on guide signs.
• Numbers indicate east-west (even) or north-south (odd) routes.

Memory trick: Shield on green means 'See the high-speed Interstate scene'.

Yellow pavement markings separate traffic moving in opposite directions, with solid lines restricting passing and broken lines allowing it.

• Solid yellow line on your side: No passing for you.
• Broken yellow line on your side: Passing allowed if safe.
• Solid yellow line on both sides: No passing for either direction.
• Broken yellow line on both sides: Passing allowed for both directions if safe (rare, typically a single broken line).

Memory trick: Yellow lines divide, solid means no, broken means you can go (if safe).

A yellow, diamond-shaped warning sign with a black symbol of a car leaving squiggly tire marks, indicating that the road surface may be slippery when wet.

• Always yellow and diamond-shaped.
• Warns of reduced traction in wet conditions.
• Requires drivers to reduce speed and use caution.

Memory trick: Squiggly car means 'slippery car'.

A solid white line separating lanes of traffic moving in the same direction indicates that lane changes are discouraged or prohibited.

• Discourages lane changes when between through lanes.
• Prohibits lane changes when approaching an intersection or obstruction.
• Often used to mark the edge of the roadway or shoulders.
• Differs from a broken white line, which permits lane changes.

Memory trick: Solid white, stay tight; broken white, move with light.

In Texas, crossing a solid yellow center line into an oncoming lane is generally illegal, even to avoid a hazard. Drivers should avoid hazards within their lane or by stopping, rather than violating traffic laws.

• Solid yellow line prohibits crossing for passing.
• Also prohibits crossing to avoid hazards into oncoming lane.
• Prioritize staying in your lane or stopping.
• Safety must be balanced with legal compliance.

Memory trick: Solid Yellow means Stay, Even Potholes Say Nay.

A traffic signal indicating that drivers should slow down and proceed with caution, yielding to any cross-traffic or pedestrians.

• Requires reduced speed.
• Demands increased vigilance.
• Yield right-of-way to others.

Memory trick: Red means stop, yellow means slow, green means go, but flashing yellow means 'watch out below'!

In Texas, vehicles in a funeral procession (typically identified by flags, special lights, or an escort) have the right-of-way and must be allowed to proceed as a single unit, even against traffic signals, once the lead vehicle has lawfully entered an intersection.

• Funeral escort/identifying lights.
• Proceed as single unit.
• Other drivers must yield, even at red lights.

Memory trick: Funeral Cars, First to Pass, like a continuous class.

On multi-lane highways in Texas, the left-most lane is typically reserved for passing slower traffic or making left turns. Slower traffic should keep to the right.

• Left lane: passing or left turns.
• Right lanes: through traffic, slower vehicles.
• Promotes smoother traffic flow and safety.

Memory trick: Right for Regular, Left for Leap.

Drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks, whether marked or unmarked, and allow them to cross safely.

• Pedestrians always have the right-of-way in a crosswalk.
• Drivers must stop and remain stopped until the pedestrian has cleared the driver's path.
• This applies even if the pedestrian is approaching but not yet in the driver's direct path.

Memory trick: Pedestrians are kings, cars must sing 'Wait for me!'

Texas law sets a default maximum speed limit for vehicles traveling in alleys due to their restricted nature.

• Default limit is 15 MPH.
• Unless otherwise posted.
• Ensures safety in narrow, low-visibility areas.

Memory trick: Alley's tight, 15 is right!

A cyclist signaling a left turn, even from the rightmost lane, has the right-of-way to safely execute that turn, requiring vehicles to yield.

• Cyclists can occupy a full lane if needed for safety.
• Motorists must yield to cyclists when they are making legal maneuvers.
• Predictability and clear signaling are key for cyclists.

Memory trick: Cyclist's turn, give them space, safe journey at their pace.

In Texas, drivers must obey the posted school zone speed limit when children are present, typically 20 MPH, regardless of the regular street speed limit.

• Activates when children are present or during posted times.
• Often 20 MPH, but always obey posted signs.
• Overrides the regular street speed limit.
• Strict enforcement due to child safety.

Memory trick: School Zone, Slow Down, See Kids, Safety First.

Children 12 years old and younger should generally ride in the back seat, especially in vehicles with airbags, due to safety risks from airbag deployment.

• Airbags deploy with significant force.
• Back seat is safest for children 12 and under.
• Age 13 is generally considered safe for front seat occupancy.

Memory trick: Thirteen in the front, safer in the back, don't make a stunt!

On a divided highway with a physical median or barrier, drivers traveling in the opposite direction of a stopped school bus with flashing red lights are NOT required to stop.

• Applies to divided highways only.
• Median or physical barrier must be present.
• Opposite direction traffic is exempt from stopping.
• Traffic following the bus or on the same side of the median must stop.

Memory trick: Median Means 'Me Not Stop'.

To safely navigate a curve, reduce your speed before entering it, then accelerate gently as you exit.

• Slow down before the curve, not in it.
• Maintain a steady speed through the curve.
• Accelerate gently as you exit the curve.
• Look through the curve to anticipate conditions.

Memory trick: Before the bend, slow down, my friend!

In Texas, a driver must file a written accident report (CR-2) with the Department of Transportation if a collision results in injury, death, or property damage to any one person's property exceeding $1,000.

• Report required for injury/death.
• Report required if property damage > $1,000 to one person's property.
• Known as a CR-2 form.
• Must be filed within 10 days.

Memory trick: A thousand bucks, or a body's hurt, then a CR-2, you must assert!

Texas law specifies the distance at which drivers must dim their high-beam headlights for oncoming traffic to prevent glare.

• Dim high beams for oncoming vehicles.
• Required when within 500 feet.
• Prevents blinding other drivers.

Memory trick: Five hundred feet, then dim your light, keep everyone safe at night!

Texas law requires drivers to signal their intention to turn or change lanes a minimum distance before the maneuver.

• 100 feet before turning.
• Provides warning to other drivers.
• Crucial for preventing collisions.

Memory trick: Turn 100 feet, then you're set!

When making a left turn on a green light without a green arrow, drivers must yield the right-of-way to all oncoming traffic, including those proceeding straight.

• Green light without arrow means yield for left turns.
• Oncoming straight traffic has priority.
• Wait for a safe gap in traffic.
• Proceed only when safe and clear.

Memory trick: Straight ahead, you're the king; Left turn waits, no bells ring.

Texas law mandates headlight use from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, or when visibility is less than 1,000 feet, or when windshield wipers are in continuous use due to precipitation.

• Sunset to sunrise (plus 30 min buffer).
• Visibility less than 1,000 feet (e.g., fog, heavy rain).
• Wipers in continuous use due to rain, sleet, or snow.

Memory trick: Sun's down, wipers on, or can't see far? Headlights bright, wherever you are!

Texas law mandates specific equipment for vehicles, including functional lights, brakes, horn, and mirrors. A spare tire and jack are not legally required.

• Headlights, taillights, brake lights are mandatory.
• Horn audible from 200 ft is required.
• Two separate braking systems are required.
• Speedometer, windshield wipers, and rearview mirror are required.

Memory trick: Lights, Horn, Brakes, Speedo – the Essentials.

In a minor collision without injuries where vehicles can be moved, drivers must move them off the main traveled portion of the roadway.

• No injuries involved
• Vehicles are operational
• Move to a safe location out of traffic
• Prevents secondary collisions

Memory trick: When a small crash occurs, first move to the side, then assess and share.

Texas law prohibits all drivers from using a handheld wireless communication device to read, write, or send an electronic message while operating a motor vehicle.

• Primary offense (can be pulled over for this alone).
• Applies to all drivers, all ages.
• Hands-free devices are generally permitted.

Memory trick: Phone in hand, words on screen? That's illegal, stay keen!

Drivers exiting a private driveway, alley, or parking lot must yield the right-of-way to all pedestrians on the sidewalk and all traffic on the public street.

• Yield to pedestrians first
• Yield to street traffic second
• Applies to all private property exits

Memory trick: Out of the lot, yield a lot!

A yield sign means a driver must slow down and be prepared to stop, giving the right-of-way to all traffic and pedestrians already in or closely approaching the intersection or roadway.

• Slow down
• Be prepared to stop
• Give right-of-way to others
• Only stop if necessary

Memory trick: Yield means slow and show; let others go.