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 on a two-lane road, return to the right lane before an oncoming car comes within 200 feet.

   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 or left 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. Before passing on a two-lane road, what blind-spot check does the handbook describe?

   1. Use only the inside mirror because the shoulder view is enough
   2. Look over the shoulder after checking the rearview and side mirrors
   3. Check the blind spot after moving into the opposite lane
   4. Rely on the horn instead of visually checking behind
   Show answer

   Look over the shoulder after checking the rearview and side mirrors. Before passing, the driver checks the rearview mirror and side mirrors, then looks over the shoulder into the blind spot to confirm that the roadway is clear and another vehicle is not already passing. Waiting until the vehicle has entered the opposite lane is too late for a safe decision. A horn can alert someone ahead but cannot reveal every vehicle beside or behind the car. Make the mirror and shoulder check before signaling and moving left, while also confirming that oncoming traffic leaves enough time and space.

3. 3. When may a driver cross a broken line on a two-way road?

   1. Whenever the driver wants to avoid traffic
   2. Only after stopping for ten seconds
   3. When passing another vehicle or when the right half is closed, if safe
   4. Never under any circumstance
   Show answer

   When passing another vehicle or when the right half is closed, if safe. On a two-way rural road, a driver may cross a broken line when passing another vehicle or when the right half of the road is closed, provided the maneuver is safe. The marking creates a possible crossing opportunity, not a blanket invitation to move across whenever traffic is inconvenient. A ten-second stop is not required, and saying never ignores the handbook's listed situations. Check oncoming traffic, sight distance, roadway condition, and the line itself before crossing, then return to the proper side when the maneuver is complete.

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.