TX Permit Practice Test 17

All 20 questions in test 17

Every question below comes from the Texas question bank on this page. Open a question to see the correct answer and the explanation. Nothing here is hidden behind a signup.

1. 1. On a Texas Farm to Market road outside town, what is the car speed limit?

   1. 70 mph
   2. 55 mph
   3. 60 mph
   4. 85 mph
   Show answer

   70 mph. Rural numbered highways run at the table top for regular traffic. Texas sets 70 mph for passenger cars, motorcycles, light trucks, and most towing combinations on Texas or U.S. numbered highways outside urban districts, including Farm to Market and Ranch to Market roads. Inspected school buses get 60 there, and uninspected buses on unnumbered roads drop to 50. The 85 figure exists only where limited-access highways post it. The cue is the route marker: a numbered highway outside town means 70 unless signs say otherwise.

   Study this in the handbook: Suspensions, revocations and license penalties

2. 2. What does Texas say about counterfeit disabled parking placards?

   1. It is allowed if the printer is high quality
   2. Altering dates is fine with a doctor's note
   3. Making, selling, possessing, displaying, or altering one is prohibited
   4. Only selling is banned; possession is fine
   Show answer

   Making, selling, possessing, displaying, or altering one is prohibited. Fake placards steal access from people who need it. Texas prohibits making, selling, possessing, or displaying a counterfeit disabled parking windshield card, and also bans altering a real one. Print quality, doctor's notes, and possession-only excuses change nothing. The cue is any card that is not exactly as the state issued it to the person being transported: creating, changing, holding, or showing it breaks the law.

   Study this in the handbook: Where you may not park

3. 3. A pedestrian entered a crosswalk before the traffic light changed. What must a driver do when the light changes?

   1. Proceed immediately because the new light gives the driver priority
   2. Continue yielding until the pedestrian has cleared the crosswalk
   3. Pass behind the pedestrian without checking the remaining crossing
   4. Sound the horn so the pedestrian returns to the curb
   Show answer

   Continue yielding until the pedestrian has cleared the crosswalk. Texas requires drivers to continue giving the pedestrian the right-of-way when the light changes after the pedestrian has entered the crosswalk. A new signal does not erase a person already crossing or make it safe to move through the remaining space. The driver should wait, watch the full crossing, and proceed only after the path is clear. A horn is not a substitute for yielding. The cue is pedestrian already in the crosswalk: let that person finish before following the new signal.

   Study this in the handbook: Right of way at intersections

4. 4. Snow and ice cover your car’s windows before a short Texas trip. What does the handbook tell you to do?

   1. Remove the snow and ice before driving
   2. Clear just a small opening directly ahead
   3. Wait until the car is moving to clear the windows
   4. Leave the side windows covered if the trip is short
   Show answer

   Remove the snow and ice before driving. The winter driving guidance says to remove snow and ice before driving, even for a trip of only a few miles. It also tells drivers to make sure the windshield wipers and defroster work properly. A short distance does not remove the need to prepare the windows. Clearing just a small opening or leaving other windows covered does not follow the instruction to keep the windows clear before the trip begins.

   Study this in the handbook: Breakdowns, skids and crashes

5. 5. Which beam setting should you use while driving on a lighted road at night?

   1. High beams at all times
   2. Parking lights instead of headlights
   3. No lights when street lighting is bright
   4. Low beams
   Show answer

   Low beams. Use low beams on lighted roads. Street lighting does not replace the requirement to operate your vehicle’s headlights during the specified nighttime period. High beams are also not the setting the handbook recommends in this situation. Continue adjusting speed so that you can stop within the visible distance. Other low-beam situations include nearby approaching or followed vehicles and weather such as fog, heavy rain, sleet, snow, or dust.

   Study this in the handbook: Night and highway driving

6. 6. Before choosing a highway route, what should you do if you cannot drive at its minimum speed?

   1. Enter and remain well below the minimum in any lane
   2. Use another route
   3. Use the shoulder as a continuous travel lane
   4. Turn on hazard lights and disregard the minimum
   Show answer

   Use another route. Plan the trip with a route you and your vehicle can safely use. If you cannot or do not want to drive at or above a highway’s minimum speed, the handbook directs you not to use that highway. Traveling slowly with flashers does not change that instruction. Check the entrance, direction, and exit before starting, and make sure both you and the car are in suitable condition for the route.

   Study this in the handbook: Night and highway driving

7. 7. What does this sharp-turn warning sign tell a driver to expect?

   
   1. A railroad crossing with several tracks
   2. A lane that ends at the next block
   3. A sharp turn in the arrow's direction
   4. A traffic signal that changes ahead
   Show answer

   A sharp turn in the arrow's direction. The arrow warns that the road will turn sharply in the direction it points. Reduce speed before entering the bend, keep right, and do not pass because the turn can limit visibility and leave little room to correct a mistake. A railroad crossing, lane ending, or traffic signal would use another sign shape or symbol and requires a different response. Read the arrow early, settle the vehicle into the proper lane, and keep both hands ready for the tighter steering change instead of waiting until the turn is already underway.

8. 8. In Texas, how far from a stop sign, yield sign, or traffic signal at the side of the road must you park?

   1. At least 15 feet
   2. At least 30 feet on the approach
   3. At least 20 feet
   4. At least 50 feet
   Show answer

   At least 30 feet on the approach. The Texas no parking list includes within 30 feet upon the approach to any flashing signal, stop sign, yield sign, or other traffic control signal located at the side of a road. The rule applies whether the vehicle is occupied or not, and it covers standing idling as well as parking. Fifteen feet is the hydrant distance, and 20 feet applies to crosswalks at intersections and fire station driveways. Fifty feet is the railroad crossing distance, not the distance from a sign or signal.

   Study this in the handbook: Where you may not park

9. 9. A Texas shoulder drops sharply off the pavement. What should you do?

   1. Slow down and steer firmly if you leave the pavement
   2. Speed up to jump the shoulder
   3. Slam the brakes and jerk left
   4. Close your eyes through the drop
   Show answer

   Slow down and steer firmly if you leave the pavement. A pavement edge drop can grab a tire and flip a panicked correction. Texas warns of a significant drop from pavement edge to shoulder, advising that forced off-pavement means slowing down and steering firmly. Jump attempts, brake slams, and blind driving all convert the drop into a rollover. The cue is the crumbling edge line: ease off the gas, grip firmly, and rejoin the pavement only at a safe shallow angle.

10. 10. A flag person directs you to stop at Texas rails. Where do you stop?

    1. Proceed if the flagger looks tired
    2. Stop 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail
    3. Stop on the tracks for a better view
    4. Honk and drive around the flagger
    Show answer

    Stop 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail. A flagger's stop command equals any gate or bell. Texas requires stopping 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail when directed by a flag person, just as for flashing lights or warning devices. Tiredness judgments, track stops, and drive-arounds all disobey the command. The cue is the raised paddle or hand: stop in the measured band and wait for release.

    Study this in the handbook: Pavement markings and lanes

11. 11. A steady yellow X appears over your Texas lane. What does it mean?

    1. Stop dead under the signal
    2. Move into that lane quickly
    3. Prepare to vacate the lane safely
    4. Ignore it until it turns red
    Show answer

    Prepare to vacate the lane safely. A yellow X is the lane's closing notice. Texas says a steady yellow X means prepare to safely vacate the lane because a lane control change is being made. Stopping under it, diving into it, and waiting for red all mishandle the warning. The cue is the color shift overhead: the lane you are in is about to close or reverse, so signal, check mirrors, and slide to an open lane promptly.

12. 12. After a Texas crash, when should you move or lift an injured person?

    1. Only when it is absolutely necessary
    2. Whenever the person says they feel unhurt
    3. Before calling for skilled help in every case
    4. As soon as possible to examine the vehicle
    Show answer

    Only when it is absolutely necessary. The handbook warns that unskilled handling can do more harm than good. Do not move or lift an injured person unless it is absolutely necessary. If movement is required, get help and try not to change the position in which the person was found. A person’s statement that they are not hurt does not establish that no injury exists. Send for skilled help quickly instead of moving someone merely to inspect the car.

    Study this in the handbook: Breakdowns, skids and crashes

13. 13. When may a driver use a high occupancy vehicle preferential lane described in the handbook?

    1. For any vehicle at all times on weekends and holidays
    2. For carpools and buses between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday
    3. For carpools and buses between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m., including weekends
    4. For carpools and buses between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. Monday through Friday
    Show answer

    For carpools and buses between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. Monday through Friday. The HOV preferential lane is reserved for buses and vehicles used for carpools during the handbook’s stated weekday morning period. Both parts matter: the vehicle must qualify, and use is limited to 6 a.m. through 9 a.m., Monday through Friday. This is not a lane for any vehicle on weekends, an evening lane, or a facility that runs on weekends. Check the posted sign before entering because local signs can add operating details. The simple memory cue is bus or carpool plus weekday morning, not merely a vehicle traveling during rush hour.

    Study this in the handbook: Sign shapes, colors and meanings

14. 14. What does a steady yellow traffic light warn drivers about?

    1. The intersection must remain closed
    2. A protected turn is active
    3. The signal grants unlimited passage
    4. The light is about to change to red
    Show answer

    The light is about to change to red. A steady yellow light warns drivers to use caution and alerts them that the signal is about to change to red. When a safe stop can be made, the driver must stop before entering the nearest crosswalk. The yellow display is not a protected-turn indication, does not grant unlimited passage, and does not mean the intersection is permanently closed. Watch the distance to the stop line and the traffic behind you, then decide whether stopping can be completed safely. If it cannot, proceed cautiously before the light turns red.

    Study this in the handbook: Traffic signals and arrows

15. 15. Must you show your license after a Texas injury crash?

    1. Refuse all document requests
    2. Show a library card instead
    3. Show your driver license if requested and available
    4. Eat the license to hide it
    Show answer

    Show your driver license if requested and available. The license proves who stands before the victim. Texas requires showing your driver license, if requested and available, to the injured and involved parties. Refusals, library cards, and destruction all obstruct justice. The cue is the request: produce the license promptly and let them record it. Allow them to photograph it rather than handing it over to keep. Never let the card leave your sight during the exchange.

    Study this in the handbook: Breakdowns, skids and crashes

16. 16. A Texas lane-merge sign appears. What must traffic do?

    1. Split into two lanes
    2. Stop and reverse
    3. Merge all traffic into one lane
    4. Speed up to pass
    Show answer

    Merge all traffic into one lane. Lane drops demand early cooperation. Texas says the sign instructs all traffic on the roadway to merge into one lane. Splitting, reversing, and racing all fight the funnel. The cue is the merging-arrows panel: pick the surviving lane early and zipper in turn. Take turns with the neighboring lane at the merge point like a zipper. Forcing ahead at the last cone causes sideswipes and rage.

    Study this in the handbook: Right of way at intersections

17. 17. Where should a breaking-down Texas car go?

    1. Move the car off the pavement to the roadside
    2. Leave it in the travel lane
    3. Push it into traffic
    4. Abandon it on a bridge
    Show answer

    Move the car off the pavement to the roadside. Breakdowns belong off the pavement. The Texas breakdown list orders moving the car off the pavement to the roadside. Lane, traffic, and bridge abandonments all endanger everyone. The cue is the sputtering engine: coast to the shoulder before it dies fully. Coast with hazards flashing to warn drivers approaching from behind you. Steer straight and brake gently to preserve control.

    Study this in the handbook: Night and highway driving

18. 18. How do Texas troops renew licenses after service?

    1. Present license and separation papers within 90 days for exam-free renewal
    2. Retake all exams always
    3. Wait five years to renew
    4. Surrender the license forever
    Show answer

    Present license and separation papers within 90 days for exam-free renewal. Returning service members get a smooth licensing homecoming. Texas lets honorably discharged personnel, spouses, and dependents present license and separation papers within 90 days for renewal without knowledge or driving exams. Always-retake, five-year, and surrender readings deny the benefit. The cue is the discharge date: ninety days to the driver license office. Dependents need the sponsor service paperwork plus their own identification documents. Start the renewal online to shorten the office visit.

19. 19. On a Texas roadway posted at 25 mph or more, what should you do when approaching a stopped vehicle covered by the Move Over or Slow Down law with its required lights activated?

    1. Stop in the closest lane until the vehicle leaves
    2. Move out of the closest lane when possible, or reduce speed by 20 mph below the limit
    3. Change lanes only when the vehicle is a police car
    4. Keep the posted speed and sound the horn
    Show answer

    Move out of the closest lane when possible, or reduce speed by 20 mph below the limit. Texas gives two protective actions when a covered emergency or service vehicle is stopped with lights activated. On a roadway with multiple lanes in the same direction, move out of the lane nearest that vehicle when it is safe. At a posted limit of 25 mph or more, the alternative is slowing to at least 20 mph below that limit. Below a posted 25 mph, slow to less than 5 mph. A complete stop is not the ordinary instruction, and the rule covers more than police cars. Look for the activated lights, check adjacent traffic, and create space before passing.

    Study this in the handbook: Emergency vehicles and the move over law

20. 20. What reinstatement fee does Texas require for an Administrative License Revocation suspension?

    1. $500
    2. $50
    3. $250
    4. $125
    Show answer

    $125. Texas lists a $125 reinstatement fee for every Administrative License Revocation (ALR) suspension. ALR is the administrative penalty for driving while intoxicated, and DPS may suspend a license under it for a failed breath or blood test, for refusing a test, or for a driver under 21 with any detectable alcohol. The $50 choice understates the handbook figure, while $250 and $500 overstate it. A useful memory cue is to connect ALR with the number 125 when a question asks about reinstatement.

    Study this in the handbook: Suspensions, revocations and license penalties