Signaling, passing and turning

Key points

1. Signal when you change lanes, turn, pull away from a parallel parking space, or slow down or stop.

   Source: Handbook p. 38

   “Always signal when you are going to: 1. Change lanes 2. Make a turn 3. Pull away from a parking space parallel to the curb 4. Slow down or stop”
   Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 38

2. Signal continuously for at least 100 feet before turning or stopping, then turn the signal off.

   Source: Handbook p. 38

   “Signal continuously for at least 100 feet before turning or stopping, and be sure to turn off your signal lights once your turn is complete.”
   Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 38

3. When signaling a stop, pump your brakes a few times to attract attention.

   Source: Handbook p. 38

   “When signaling a stop, pump your brakes a few times to attract attention.”
   Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 38

4. When passing, be sure you can return to the right lane before an approaching car comes within 200 feet of you.

   Source: Handbook p. 39

   “Be sure you have enough time and space to overtake the car ahead and return to the right lane before an approaching car comes within 200 feet of you.”
   Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 39

5. Do not return to the right lane until you can see the car you passed in your rearview mirror.

   Source: Handbook p. 39

   “Wait until you can see the car you have just passed in your rearview mirror before returning to the right lane.”
   Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 39

6. Never pass on the right by driving off the paved part of the highway.

   Source: Handbook p. 39

   “Do not pass on the right by driving off the paved portion of the highway.”
   Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 39

7. When being passed, do not speed up and stay in your lane.

   Source: Handbook p. 39

   “When Another Vehicle is Passing 1. Do not increase your speed. 2. Stay in your lane.”
   Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 39

8. If you cannot get into the proper lane within one-half block of the turn, do not turn. Go straight.

   Source: Handbook p. 39

   “If you cannot get into the proper lane within one-half block before turning, do not turn, and continue straight ahead.”
   Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 39

9. For a right turn, use your right turn signal and slow down at least 100 feet from the corner.

   Source: Handbook p. 40

   “Use your right turn signal and slow down at least 100 feet from the corner.”
   Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 40

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Texas practice test

1. 1. When passing on a two-lane road, when should the driver return to the right lane?

   1. Before the passed vehicle disappears from the left mirror
   2. As soon as the front bumper passes the other vehicle
   3. After safely clearing the vehicle and seeing it in the rearview mirror
   4. Only after an oncoming driver flashes the headlights
   Show answer

   After safely clearing the vehicle and seeing it in the rearview mirror. The passing procedure says to remain left until the overtaken vehicle has been safely cleared and can be seen in the rearview mirror. That view gives the driver evidence of enough separation before moving back into the right lane. Returning when only the front bumper is ahead can cut across the other vehicle, while waiting for an oncoming signal is not the handbook's test. Keep the lane change smooth, use the right turn signal, and switch it off after the maneuver is complete.

2. 2. You cannot get into the proper turn lane within one-half block of your planned turn. What does the Texas handbook say to do?

   1. Cut across the lanes at the corner
   2. Stop in your lane until a gap opens
   3. Skip the turn and continue straight ahead
   4. Make the turn from the lane you are in
   Show answer

   Skip the turn and continue straight ahead. Texas lists seven steps for a safe turn. One is to move into the proper lane as soon as possible, and the faster traffic is moving, the sooner you should move over. If you cannot get into the proper lane within one-half block before turning, the handbook says do not turn, and continue straight ahead. The handbook warns that many crashes are caused by drivers who do not turn properly, and says never to make a last minute turn because it is dangerous.

3. 3. When passing on a two-lane Texas road, you must be able to return to the right lane before an oncoming car comes within what distance of you?

   1. 500 feet
   2. 100 feet
   3. 50 feet
   4. 200 feet
   Show answer

   200 feet. Before passing on a two-lane road, the handbook says to check well ahead for no passing zones and oncoming traffic, and to be sure you have enough time and space to overtake the car ahead and get back into the right lane before an approaching car comes within 200 feet of you. If you cannot finish the pass with that margin, stay behind and wait. The handbook warns that improper passing often ends in head on crashes that can be deadly.

Source: the Texas Driver Handbook, Chapter 6: Signaling, Passing, and Turning. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.