Texas Driver's License Knowledge Test flashcards

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!

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.

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.

In Texas, a written collision report (CR-2) must be filed with TxDOT within 10 days if the collision results in injury, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more.

• Applies if injury, death, or $1,000+ property damage occurs.
• Must be filed by the driver or owner of the vehicle.
• Report form is CR-2 (Texas Peace Officer's Crash Report).

Memory trick: After a crash, count to ten, then report it to TxDOT again!

A flashing yellow arrow for a left turn indicates that drivers are permitted to turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Drivers must ensure the path is clear before completing the turn.

• Permitted left turn.
• Must yield to oncoming traffic.
• Must yield to pedestrians.
• Proceed only when safe.

Memory trick: Yellow Arrow Flashing: Yield, then you're dashing!

In Texas, a driver aged 21 or older is considered legally intoxicated if their Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher.

• Applies to drivers 21 years or older.
• Below 0.08% can still result in DWI if impaired.
• Penalties include fines, jail time, license suspension.

Memory trick: Eight is the magic number, for adults, don't slumber!

When two vehicles arrive at approximately the same time at an intersection without traffic signs or signals, the driver of the vehicle on the left must yield the right-of-way to the driver of the vehicle on the right.

• No signs/signals.
• Arrive at same time.
• Left yields to right.

Memory trick: Right is always Right at an uncontrolled intersection.

Drivers must obey the posted reduced speed limit in a school zone during designated school hours, regardless of visible pedestrian activity.

• Mandatory during school hours
• Protects children near schools
• Often 20 mph in Texas

Memory trick: School bells ring, slow down and sing!

In Texas, a driver may make a right turn on a red light after coming to a complete stop and yielding the right-of-way to all traffic and pedestrians, unless a sign prohibits such a turn.

• Complete stop first.
• Yield to all traffic/pedestrians.
• Proceed only when safe.
• Cannot turn if sign prohibits.

Memory trick: Red light doesn't mean 'No Right', it means 'Stop and See if it's Right'.

Texas law prohibits vehicles from emitting excessive visible smoke or fumes for more than 10 seconds, which is considered a vehicle defect and can result in inspection failure or a citation.

• Excessive visible smoke is illegal.
• Applies to smoke visible for more than 10 seconds.
• Indicates a vehicle defect.
• Can lead to fines and inspection failure.

Memory trick: Smoke for Ten, Then Trouble Begins.

On a two-lane road (one lane in each direction), all traffic must stop when a school bus activates its flashing red lights, regardless of the direction of travel.

• Applies to all vehicles on a two-lane road.
• Must stop when red lights are flashing.
• Remain stopped until lights are off or bus moves.
• No physical barrier means no exception.

Memory trick: Red lights mean stop, no matter your spot, unless a median's been got!

When driving a vehicle equipped with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), in an emergency stop, apply firm, continuous pressure to the brake pedal; do not pump the brakes.

• ABS prevents wheel lock-up.
• Allows steering during hard braking.
• Feel vibration/pulsation in pedal is normal.
• Do not pump the brakes.

Memory trick: ABS is your friend, firm pedal to the end!

If an animal appears on the road, brake firmly and steer straight to maintain control, avoiding sudden swerving.

• Do not swerve sharply, especially at high speeds.
• Brake firmly and maintain control.
• If a collision is unavoidable, try to hit the animal squarely.
• Be extra cautious at dusk and dawn.

Memory trick: Brake and stay straight, don't tempt fate!

In Texas, the maximum speed limit in a highway construction or maintenance work zone is generally 25 MPH when workers are present, unless otherwise posted.

• Applies when workers are present.
• Speed limit is 25 MPH unless signs indicate otherwise.
• Fines are typically doubled in work zones.
• Always obey posted signs, as they override general rules.

Memory trick: Construction zone with workers, 25 is your speed, my partners!

For any collision in Texas, drivers must stop, render aid if necessary, and exchange information. A formal report (CR-2) is required if damage exceeds $1,000 or if there's injury/death.

• Always stop at the scene.
• Provide reasonable assistance to injured persons.
• Exchange driver, vehicle, and insurance information.
• File CR-2 if damage > $1,000 or injury/death occurs.

Memory trick: Stop, Help, Share, Report (if big).

When exiting a freeway, drivers should signal their intention, move into the deceleration lane, and then begin to slow down to the appropriate speed for the exit ramp.

• Signal well in advance.
• Enter deceleration lane at freeway speed.
• Begin slowing down ONLY in the deceleration lane.

Memory trick: Signal, shift, then slow down, exiting freeways, safety's crown!

At a four-way stop, if two vehicles arrive at the same time, the driver on the right has the right-of-way.

• All vehicles must stop completely.
• First to arrive, first to go (after stopping).
• If simultaneous, driver on the right proceeds first.

Memory trick: Four stops, same time? Right is bright!

Texas law dictates a maximum distance from the curb for parallel parked vehicles to ensure traffic safety and flow.

• Within 18 inches of the curb.
• Applies to right-hand wheels.
• Prevents obstruction of roadway.

Memory trick: Eighteen inches, no more, no less, for parking success!

When required to stop at a railroad crossing, drivers must stop no closer than 15 feet and no farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail.

• Legal requirement in Texas
• Ensures safety from approaching trains
• Applies when signals are active or gate is down

Memory trick: Fifteen to fifty, don't be shifty!

A solid yellow line on a driver's side of the center line means that passing is prohibited for traffic traveling in that direction.

• Indicates a no-passing zone.
• Illegal to cross to pass another vehicle.
• Ensures safety on two-lane roads.

Memory trick: Solid Yellow, Solid No.

A first offense of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in Texas carries a mandatory minimum driver's license suspension of 90 days.

• First DWI offense
• Mandatory minimum suspension
• 90 days
• Additional fines and imprisonment possible

Memory trick: First DWI, 90 days you'll cry, plus fines and jail time high.

At an intersection without signs or signals, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right if both arrive at roughly the same time.

• Applies when no traffic control devices are present.
• Ensures one vehicle proceeds safely before the other.
• Prevents confusion and potential collisions.

Memory trick: Left yields to right, like reading a book.

Drivers on a divided highway with a physical median or barrier are not required to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights that is stopped on the opposite side of the highway.

• Divided highway.
• Physical median/barrier.
• No stop required for opposite traffic.

Memory trick: Median means NO stop, but no median means STOP for the kids' safety.

Texas law requires all drivers on a two-lane roadway to stop for a school bus loading or unloading children.

• Bus has flashing red lights and stop arm extended.
• All traffic (both directions) must stop.
• Remain stopped until bus resumes motion or lights off.

Memory trick: Red lights flash, stop in a dash! Kids are safe, no crash!

When an emergency vehicle approaches an intersection where you are stopped, clear the intersection first, then pull to the right and stop.

• Prioritize clearing the path for the emergency vehicle.
• Ensure it is safe to enter the intersection first.
• Then, pull to the right and stop, as per general emergency vehicle rules.

Memory trick: Intersection blocked? Clear it quick, then pull to the right, that's the trick!

Drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing the street at any intersection, even if the crosswalk is not marked.

• All intersections are considered to have unmarked crosswalks.
• Pedestrians always have the right-of-way in these areas.
• Drivers must stop and wait for pedestrians to clear the path.

Memory trick: Crosswalk, marked or not, pedestrians get the spot!

In Texas, drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in a crosswalk (marked or unmarked) at an intersection where traffic control signals are not in operation.

• Applies to marked and unmarked crosswalks.
• Pedestrians have right-of-way even if just approaching/waiting.
• Failure to yield can result in fines and points.

Memory trick: Crosswalk clear, or pedestrian near? Yield the way, make it clear!

In Texas, drivers should generally use the rightmost lane for normal travel on multi-lane roads, keeping left lanes open for passing or turning.

• Keep right, except to pass.
• Slower traffic should use the rightmost lane.
• Left lanes are primarily for passing or making left turns.

Memory trick: Right is polite, left is for flight!

On a two-lane road, all traffic must stop when a school bus activates its red lights and stop arm, regardless of direction of travel.

• Red lights and stop arm indicate children are loading/unloading.
• Drivers must stop before reaching the bus.
• Remain stopped until the bus moves or lights turn off.

Memory trick: Red lights mean stop, no matter your lane.

At a yield sign, drivers must slow down, be prepared to stop, and give the right-of-way to all traffic and pedestrians that are approaching or in the intersection.

• Stopping is not always required, but readiness to stop is.
• Yield to traffic that poses a potential hazard.
• Ensures safe merging into traffic flow.

Memory trick: Yield means slow, be ready to go, but let others flow!

When making a right turn, position your vehicle as close as possible to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway to ensure safety and prevent others from passing.

• Get close to the right curb.
• Signal at least 100 feet in advance.
• Check for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Turn into the rightmost lane of the road you are entering.

Memory trick: Right to the curb, left to the center, that's the turn you'll enter!

When a pedestrian has a 'Walk' signal at an intersection, they have the right-of-way over all vehicles turning into their path, regardless of the vehicle's traffic light status.

• Pedestrian 'Walk' signal.
• Absolute right-of-way.
• Vehicles must yield.

Memory trick: Walkers always win when their 'Walk' signal is lit.

When approaching an intersection with a green light, drivers must yield to any vehicles already present in the intersection.

• Prevents gridlock and collisions
• Applies even if your light is green
• Ensures safe flow of traffic

Memory trick: Green means go, but yield to show!

When workers are present in a construction or maintenance zone, drivers must reduce speed to 20 mph below the posted limit or 25 mph, whichever is greater.

• Applies when workers are present and visible.
• Fines are doubled in work zones.
• Safety of workers is paramount.

Memory trick: Workers present? Slow down, prevent! 20 below or 25, keep lives alive!

In Texas, drivers must pass bicyclists at a safe distance of at least 3 feet. This maneuver should only be attempted when there is adequate space and visibility, and it is safe to do so without endangering the cyclist.

• Minimum 3 feet clearance.
• Only pass when safe.
• Consider visibility and road conditions.

Memory trick: Give Bicyclists Space to Breathe: Three Feet is Key!

Texas law mandates that all motor vehicles must have a horn capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of at least 200 feet.

• Mandatory safety equipment
• Must be in good working order
• Audible for at least 200 feet
• Used for warning other drivers

Memory trick: Lights, brakes, and a loud horn keep your ride legally born.

A solid white line painted across a traffic lane at an intersection or before a railroad crossing indicates the point where a vehicle must stop.

• Indicates where to stop at a stop sign or red light.
• Do not cross this line until safe to proceed.
• Distinct from parallel white lines of a crosswalk.

Memory trick: Solid white line, stop on time!

When exiting a freeway in Texas, drivers should signal their intent at least 500 feet before reaching the exit ramp, or sooner if conditions permit, to provide adequate warning to other drivers.

• Signal at least 500 feet before the exit.
• Allows other drivers to anticipate your move.
• Crucial for safety at high speeds.
• General turns require 100 feet, but freeways are different.

Memory trick: Five Hundred Feet, Freeway's Feast of Foresight.

Texas law permits passing on the right only under specific, limited conditions, primarily when the vehicle ahead is turning left.

• Vehicle ahead is making a left turn.
• Sufficient clear space on the right.
• Must be safe and not involve driving off the main roadway.

Memory trick: Left turn ahead? Right pass is allowed, but use your head!

When making a left turn, a driver should position their vehicle as close as practicable to the center line of the roadway or in the leftmost lane lawfully available for the turn.

• Apply to two-way roads.
• Ensures proper turn angle.
• Prevents others from passing on the left.

Memory trick: Left to the center, right to the curb, proper position, don't disturb!

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

• Applies to handheld devices
• Prohibits reading, writing, sending messages
• Includes text messages, emails
• Exceptions for emergencies

Memory trick: Hands on the wheel, not on the text, or you'll be next!

Texas law mandates that drivers stop at railroad crossings when signals indicate a train is approaching, such as flashing red lights or lowered gates.

• Stop between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail.
• Do not proceed until gates are raised and lights stop flashing.
• Violation can result in fines and penalties.

Memory trick: Red lights flashing, gates down low, 15 to 50, STOP and know!

Upon the approach of an emergency vehicle displaying flashing lights and sounding a siren, drivers must immediately yield the right-of-way by moving to the closest safe edge of the roadway (usually the far right) and stopping until the emergency vehicle has passed.

• Active lights/siren.
• Move to nearest safe edge (right).
• Stop until passed.

Memory trick: Lights and Sirens: Move Right, Stop Tight!

In Texas, if a minor collision occurs without injuries and vehicles are operable, drivers must move them off the main roadway to prevent further hazards.

• Applies when no injuries and vehicles can move.
• Prevents secondary collisions.
• Aids traffic flow.

Memory trick: Crash, no hurt, cars can roll? Clear the path, that's the goal!

When backing up a vehicle, the driver is always responsible for ensuring the path is clear and must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, other vehicles, and any obstacles. Extreme caution is required.

• Driver is always responsible.
• Yield to all pedestrians/vehicles.
• Check surroundings thoroughly.
• Proceed only when clear.

Memory trick: Backing up: Look, Yield, Wait, then move with great weight.

In Texas, U-turns are permitted unless a sign specifically prohibits them ('No U-turn') or if the turn cannot be completed safely without interfering with other traffic or pedestrians.

• Generally allowed if safe.
• Prohibited by 'No U-turn' signs.
• Must not interfere with other traffic.
• Ensure clear visibility and sufficient space.

Memory trick: U-Turn's OK, if No Sign Says Nay.

Defensive driving strategies to safely handle situations where another vehicle is following too closely.

• Avoid aggressive reactions.
• Increase following distance ahead.
• Allow tailgater to pass safely.

Memory trick: Tailgater too close? Give them space, not a dose!

In Texas, a written accident report (CR-2) must be filed with TxDOT within 10 days if a collision results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000.

• Required for injury, death, or property damage > $1,000.
• Form CR-2.
• Must be filed with TxDOT.
• Deadline is 10 days from the collision date.

Memory trick: Ten Days to Tell TxDOT.

To prevent drowsy driving, drivers should take frequent breaks to rest, stretch, and refresh themselves, ideally every 2-3 hours or 100 miles.

• Fatigue impairs driving ability.
• Breaks are more effective than stimulants.
• Plan breaks for long trips.

Memory trick: Breaks are the best antidote to a weary drive.

Techniques and safety measures for operating a vehicle in conditions of reduced visibility due to fog.

• Use low-beam headlights and fog lights.
• Reduce speed significantly.
• Increase following distance.

Memory trick: When fog is thick, no high-beam trick, low and slow, that's the way to go!

Occurs when a layer of water builds up between a vehicle's tires and the road surface, causing the vehicle to lose traction and 'float' on the water.

• Loss of traction due to water on road.
• Common in heavy rain or standing water.
• Can lead to complete loss of steering and braking control.

Memory trick: When water lifts, don't make swift shifts; ease the gas, let control pass.

Even at Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) levels below the legal limit, alcohol can still significantly impair driving-related skills such as judgment, reaction time, and coordination.

• Impairment begins with the first drink.
• Affects judgment, reaction time, vision, and coordination.
• Legal limit (0.08%) does not mean zero impairment below it.

Memory trick: Don't drink and drive, keep your senses alive!

In Texas, children under 8 years old AND less than 4'9" tall must be secured in an appropriate child passenger safety seat system in the back seat of a vehicle.

• Under 8 years old AND under 4'9".
• Required in appropriate child safety seat.
• Must be in the back seat.

Memory trick: Eight and four-nine, back seat seatbelt is fine.

Drivers must always yield to pedestrians, even if the pedestrian is not strictly following traffic signals or laws, to ensure their safety and prevent collisions.

• Pedestrians always have right-of-way.
• Be prepared for unexpected actions.
• Stop safely to avoid collision.

Memory trick: Pedestrian near? Stop with care, they're always there!