Free · 19 short lessons · Quoted from the manual
Texas Driver Handbook, Chapter by Chapter
Start with lesson 1Every chapter of the Texas Driver Handbook that matters for the written test, cut down to the rules and exact numbers you need. Each point links to the manual text it comes from, with the page, and ends with questions from our free Texas practice test.
19 lessons in handbook order
Read one lesson, answer its 3 check questions, then drill that topic in the practice test. Most lessons take about 5 minutes.
- Lesson 1Chapter 1: Your License to DriveLaws and paperwork
Learner license and the graduated license program
Texans can get a learner license at 15 after the classroom part of driver education, a vision exam and a knowledge exam. Drivers under 18 then move through the two phases of the Graduated Driver License program.
9 key points · 8 numbers · Handbook pp. 1 to 7
- Lesson 2Chapter 1: Your License to DriveLaws and paperwork
Supervised practice and Phase Two limits
A learner must practice with a licensed driver at least 21 with a year of experience in the front seat. Until age 18, Phase Two limits young passengers, late night driving and all phone use.
8 key points · 7 numbers · Handbook pp. 1 to 7
- Lesson 3Chapter 1: Your License to DriveLaws and paperwork
Exams, insurance and vehicle inspection
You need 70 percent to pass the knowledge exam, and more than 30 points off on the driving exam is a fail. Every Texas driver needs minimum liability insurance and every registered vehicle needs a yearly inspection.
10 key points · 13 numbers · Handbook pp. 7 to 18
- Lesson 4Chapter 1: Your License to DriveLaws and paperwork
Suspensions, revocations and license penalties
DPS can suspend a license for repeated violations, and an Administrative License Revocation for alcohol carries a $125 reinstatement fee. Driving without a license or while your license is invalid brings fines and possible jail time.
9 key points · 7 numbers · Handbook pp. 9 to 46
- Lesson 5Chapter 4: Right-of-WayRight of way
Right of way at intersections
Right of way is given, not taken, and the law says who must yield in each type of intersection. Failing to yield and injuring someone can bring a fine of $500 to $2,000.
9 key points · 2 numbers · Handbook pp. 20 to 31
- Lesson 6Chapter 4: Right-of-WayEmergencies
Emergency vehicles and the move over law
Yield to emergency vehicles using a siren, bell or flashing red light, and never follow a fire truck or ambulance within 500 feet. For stopped emergency and work vehicles, move over a lane or slow down to 20 mph under the limit.
8 key points · 5 numbers · Handbook pp. 22 to 46
- Lesson 7Chapter 4: Right-of-WayEmergencies
School buses and railroad crossings
Stop for a school bus with alternately flashing red lights from either direction, and wait until it moves, the driver waves you on or the lights stop. At railroad crossings, stop between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail when a train is signaled.
8 key points · 4 numbers · Handbook pp. 21 to 23
- Lesson 8Chapter 5: Signals, Signs, and MarkersSignals and markings
Traffic signals and arrows
Each light has a fixed meaning, and a police officer directing traffic overrides the signal. Right on red, and left on red between one-way streets, are allowed after stopping unless prohibited.
9 key points · 0 numbers · Handbook p. 25
- Lesson 9Chapter 5: Signals, Signs, and MarkersRoad signs
Sign shapes, colors and meanings
Texas signs use shape and color so you know their meaning from a distance. Ignoring a warning sign is not just unsafe, it can be a traffic violation.
9 key points · 2 numbers · Handbook pp. 26 to 37
- Lesson 10Chapter 5: Signals, Signs, and MarkersSignals and markings
Pavement markings and lanes
Yellow lines separate traffic going opposite ways and white lines control lanes going the same way. Solid lines mean stay put, and broken lines let you pass or change lanes when safe.
9 key points · 0 numbers · Handbook pp. 31 to 34
- Lesson 11Chapter 6: Signaling, Passing, and TurningSafe driving
Signaling, passing and turning
Signal continuously for at least 100 feet before turning or stopping. Pass only with room to return before oncoming traffic comes within 200 feet, and never pass on the right by leaving the pavement.
9 key points · 3 numbers · Handbook pp. 38 to 40
- Lesson 12Chapter 7: Parking, Stopping, or StandingParking
Where you may not park
Texas sets exact distances you must keep from hydrants, crosswalks, signs and railroad tracks when parking. Park within 18 inches of the curb and turn your wheels to the curb on a grade.
10 key points · 9 numbers · Handbook pp. 42 to 44
- Lesson 13Chapter 8: Speed and Speed LimitsSpeed limits
Speed limits and following distance
Unless posted otherwise, Texas limits are 30 mph in urban districts, 15 mph in alleys and 70 mph on numbered highways outside cities. Keep at least 2 seconds behind the car ahead at 30 mph or less and 4 seconds above 30 mph.
8 key points · 7 numbers · Handbook pp. 45 to 46
- Lesson 14Chapter 9: Some Special Driving SituationsSafe driving
Night and highway driving
Headlights go on from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise and whenever you cannot see 1,000 feet. On highways, keep at least two seconds behind, and fight highway hypnosis by stopping every two hours or 100 miles.
9 key points · 10 numbers · Handbook pp. 47 to 48
- Lesson 15Chapter 9: Some Special Driving SituationsEmergencies
Breakdowns, skids and crashes
If your car breaks down, get it off the pavement and warn traffic, and if you skid, ease off the gas and steer in the direction of the skid. After a crash you must stop, move drivable cars out of the main lanes and report some crashes in writing within 10 days.
10 key points · 1 numbers · Handbook pp. 48 to 60
- Lesson 16Chapter 9: Some Special Driving SituationsRight of way
Trucks, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians
Large trucks need far longer to stop and have big blind spots, so never cut in front of one. Pedestrians and bicyclists deserve extra care, and pedestrians in a crosswalk keep the right of way even if the light changes.
9 key points · 4 numbers · Handbook pp. 23 to 61
- Lesson 17Chapter 14: Additional Safety TipsSafe driving
Seat belts, phones and distracted driving
Everyone in a Texas passenger vehicle must buckle up, and children under 8 need a car seat unless taller than 4 feet 9 inches. Texting while driving is illegal, and drivers under 18 may not use a phone at all.
8 key points · 7 numbers · Handbook pp. 48 to 64
- Lesson 18Chapter 10: Alcohol and Drugs Impact on the Driving AbilityAlcohol and DUI
DWI, open containers and implied consent
A driver 21 or older is legally intoxicated at a BAC of 0.08, and refusing a breath or blood test brings a 180 day suspension. Any open container of alcohol in the passenger area is illegal, even when parked.
8 key points · 10 numbers · Handbook pp. 55 to 58
- Lesson 19Chapter 10: Alcohol and Drugs Impact on the Driving AbilityAlcohol and DUI
Zero tolerance alcohol laws for minors
Anyone under 21 is a minor under Texas alcohol law and may not buy, drink or possess alcohol. Any detectable alcohol while driving, or refusing a test, costs a minor their license.
7 key points · 9 numbers · Handbook pp. 56 to 57
Read, check, then practice
- Read a lesson. Open any point's source to see the exact manual wording and page.
- Answer the 3 check questions at the end without looking back.
- Drill that topic in the free Texas practice test, then take a full test when every lesson feels easy.
- Keep the Texas cheat sheet for a last look before test day.
Source: the Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026 (DL-7)). Lessons are plain English summaries, not the law itself; where they differ, the manual and the statute govern. Every quote on these pages is checked against our saved copy of the manual. Last checked 2026-09-27.