Licensing

Texas Driver Handbook 2026

Why Texas? Best state in the country. The January 2026 Texas driver handbook is one deck: all 84 official Appendix C questions, chapter by chapter, plus sign recognition.

0.00 m · 313.09 m if you master this set · 114 cards · Elenchus · seeded from DL-7 · Texas DPS Driver Handbook, January 2026

01
Front
What is the minimum age at which you can get a Class C driver license without either driver education or being a hardship case?
Back
25. Anyone younger than 25 must complete an approved driver education course.
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02
Front
How much is the maximum fine for a first conviction of driving without a license?
Back
A fine of up to $200.
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03
Front
What type of restrictions may be placed on your license?
Back
Corrective lenses (A), licensed driver 21+ in the front seat / LOFS (B), daytime only (C), speed not over 45 mph (D), no manual-transmission CMV (E), and the other codes in Appendix E.
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04
Front
In what direction should you turn your wheels when parking uphill without a curb?
Back
To the right, so the vehicle rolls away from traffic if the brakes fail.
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05
Front
What action should you take if you fail to receive the renewal notice card reminding you that your driver license is about to expire?
Back
Renew on time anyway. The notice is a courtesy; the responsibility stays with you.
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06
Front
On a one-way street, what color is the broken lane marker?
Back
White.
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07
Front
Describe the Yield sign.
Back
A downward-pointing triangle, red and white. Slow down and yield the right-of-way.
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08
Front
What does a Narrow Bridge sign look like, and how should the driver react when he sees one?
Back
A diamond-shaped yellow warning sign showing a roadway that narrows. Slow down and prepare for a narrower bridge.
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09
Front
What is the shape of a Keep Right sign, and how should the driver react when he sees one?
Back
Usually a diamond warning or rectangular regulatory sign with an arrow around an obstruction. Keep to the right of a median, island, or divider.
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10
Front
Which sign tells you to slow down because you are approaching a double curve?
Back
A diamond-shaped yellow warning sign showing a reverse or S-curve.
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11
Front
What does a Do Not Pass sign mean?
Back
You are entering a no-passing zone. Do not pass other vehicles.
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12
Front
Which sign tells you to keep in the right-hand lane when driving slow?
Back
A rectangular regulatory sign such as “Slower Traffic Keep Right.”
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13
Front
What does Yield Right-of-Way mean?
Back
Allow another vehicle or pedestrian to proceed before you do.
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14
Front
Describe the equipment required on passenger cars by state law.
Back
Foot brake (stop within 25 feet from 20 mph), parking brake, two headlights with a high-beam indicator, two taillights, two brake lights (three if a high-mounted light is original equipment), license-plate light, parking lights, two red reflectors, electric turn signals (limited exceptions), horn audible 200 feet, muffler and exhaust-emission system (1968+), safety glass, front and rear plates, windshield wiper, rearview mirror showing at least 200 feet, front safety belts if original equipment, tires with at least 2/32 inch tread, and a fuel cap on certain model years.
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15
Front
What is the purpose of an exhaust emission system?
Back
To help reduce air pollution. Required on 1968 and later models.
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16
Front
Describe the types of equipment that Texas state law specifically forbids on passenger cars driven within the state.
Back
A red light showing from the front (except emergency vehicles), a bell, siren, or exhaust whistle (except emergency), a muffler cutout, anything extending more than 3 inches beyond the left side or 6 inches beyond the right side of the body or fenders, flashing red lights on the front (except emergency, school, or church buses), and a radar-interference device.
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17
Front
How should you react when a traffic officer tells you to do something that is ordinarily considered to be against the law?
Back
Obey the traffic officer. An officer’s directions override the usual signs and signals.
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18
Front
Once the brakes have been applied, about how many feet does a car which was going 70 mph travel before it comes to a stop?
Back
About 233 feet of braking distance. Total stopping distance, including the 1½-second think-and-react interval, is about 387 feet on dry, level pavement with good brakes.
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19
Front
When is it necessary to stop before proceeding when you overtake a school bus loading or unloading children?
Back
When the bus is stopped with red lights flashing and the stop arm extended. Remain stopped until the lights stop and the arm is withdrawn. Limited exceptions exist on some divided highways.
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20
Front
About how many feet will the average driver going 50 mph travel from the moment he sees danger until he hits the brakes?
Back
About 110 feet — the 1½-second perception-and-reaction distance at 50 mph.
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21
Front
Within how many feet of a crosswalk may you park, when parking near a corner?
Back
You may not park or stand within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.
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22
Front
What is the state speed limit for automobiles in urban districts?
Back
30 mph, unless a different limit is posted.
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23
Front
Does a posted speed limit of 55 mph mean that you may drive 55 mph on that highway under all conditions?
Back
No. The basic speed law still requires a speed that is reasonable and prudent for conditions — even if that is slower than the posted limit.
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24
Front
You should never drive on the left half of the roadway when you are within how many feet from an intersection, bridge, or railroad crossing?
Back
100 feet.
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25
Front
What should you do if you discover you are in the wrong lane to make a turn as you enter an intersection?
Back
Continue straight or go around the block. Do not make a last-minute or improper turn.
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26
Front
When two cars meet at the intersection of a two-lane road with a four-lane road, which one must yield the right-of-way?
Back
The vehicle on the two-lane road must yield to the vehicle on the four-lane road.
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27
Front
If you are driving and hear a siren coming, what should you do?
Back
Pull to the right edge, clear of any intersection, and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed unless directed otherwise.
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28
Front
What is the first thing that should be done when a car starts to skid?
Back
Take your foot off the accelerator. Do not brake hard. Steer in the direction of the skid.
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29
Front
At what time of the day should your headlights be turned on?
Back
From 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, or whenever persons or vehicles cannot be seen clearly for 1,000 feet.
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30
Front
Under what conditions may your driver license be suspended?
Back
Mandatory suspensions include DWI, a drug offense, intoxication manslaughter or assault, failure to stop and render aid, causing death or serious injury, certain felonies, a subsequent school-bus pass, boating while intoxicated, evading arrest, driving while license invalid, an altered or fictitious license, racing, and others in Chapter 1. DPS may also suspend for repeated traffic convictions, ALR (BAC 0.08+ or a refusal), or a failed medical review.
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31
Front
What is carbon monoxide, and how may it be harmful to drivers?
Back
A colorless, odorless, tasteless gas in exhaust fumes. It can cause drowsiness, headache, or death. Never run an engine in a closed garage; keep the exhaust system intact; do not sit in a parked car with the motor running and the windows closed.
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32
Front
Describe what you should do if you have a blowout while driving.
Back
Do not brake hard. Ease off the gas, apply the brakes gently, and steer straight ahead to a controlled stop.
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33
Front
What should you do when driving down a steep grade in a car with standard transmission?
Back
Shift to a lower gear to help control speed. Never coast in neutral or with the clutch in.
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34
Front
What should you do if you damage an unattended vehicle?
Back
Stop immediately. Find and notify the owner, or leave a written notice with your name and address in a visible place, and notify police if required.
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35
Front
When are crash reports required?
Back
Always notify law enforcement if there is injury or death, vehicles cannot be moved, a driver leaves the scene, or you suspect intoxication. If police do not investigate and the crash did not cause injury, death, or $1,000 or more in property damage, you must file a written TxDOT report within 10 days.
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36
Front
If you are required to show proof of financial responsibility for the future, how many years must such proof be kept up?
Back
Two years from the most recent conviction date.
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37
Front
What type of sign warns you to watch right and left for cross traffic?
Back
A diamond-shaped yellow warning sign — often a crossroad or side-road symbol.
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38
Front
Describe the emblem that identifies vehicles which travel at speeds of 25 mph or less.
Back
The slow-moving vehicle emblem: a fluorescent orange triangle with a dark red reflective border.
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39
Front
In which gear should you drive when going down a steep hill?
Back
A lower gear. Never coast in neutral.
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40
Front
What qualifications must one have to teach a beginner to drive?
Back
A licensed driver at least 21 years old with at least one year of driving experience, occupying the seat beside the learner, and not intoxicated, asleep, or otherwise unable to watch and respond.
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41
Front
If the person is under 18, when does his provisional license expire?
Back
On the holder’s 18th birthday.
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42
Front
When parked parallel, your curb side wheels must be no more than how many inches from the curb?
Back
18 inches.
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43
Front
When following another car, what is a good distance at which you should follow behind?
Back
At least 2 seconds at 30 mph or less in good conditions; at least 4 seconds above 30 mph. Increase in poor conditions. Four seconds is best practice for new drivers.
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44
Front
To what agency and within what time period must a change of address be reported for driver licensing purposes?
Back
DPS, within 30 days.
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45
Front
What effects does the use of marijuana and amphetamine have on driving?
Back
Marijuana impairs concentration, judgment, and the sensory and perceptual skills needed to drive. Amphetamines can keep a driver awake but make them less coordinated, edgy, and more crash-prone; a false sense of alertness is often followed by fatigue.
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46
Front
What is the penalty for being convicted of driving while intoxicated?
Back
Adult first offense: fine up to $2,000, 72 hours to 180 days in jail, and a 90- to 365-day license suspension. Second: up to $4,000, 30 days to 1 year, 180 days to 2 years. Third: felony, up to $10,000, 2 to 10 years in TDCJ. DWI with a passenger under 15, intoxication assault, and intoxication manslaughter carry higher penalties. Legal intoxication is BAC 0.08 or loss of normal mental or physical faculties.
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47
Front
What does a green arrow showing with a red light mean?
Back
You may turn in the arrow’s direction after yielding to pedestrians and other traffic. Oncoming traffic is held by the red.
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48
Front
How should you react to a flashing red light?
Back
Treat it as a stop sign: full stop, then go when safe.
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49
Front
Which sign tells you to watch out for a train?
Back
Railroad-crossing warning signs — the yellow circular advance warning and the crossbuck at the tracks.
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50
Front
Describe the sign that warns you to slow down for a winding road.
Back
A diamond-shaped yellow warning sign showing a winding road or a series of curves.
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51
Front
What sign indicates that the road that you are on merges with another?
Back
A diamond-shaped yellow Merge warning sign.
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52
Front
What kind of sign warns you that the highest safe speed for the turn ahead is 25 mph?
Back
An advisory-speed plaque — usually a yellow rectangle under a curve or turn warning — showing 25 mph.
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53
Front
Describe the sign that tells you to watch for cross traffic ahead.
Back
A diamond-shaped yellow warning sign showing a crossroad or intersection ahead.
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54
Front
What type of sign warns you that you should slow down for a sharp rise in the roadway?
Back
A diamond-shaped yellow Bump or Dip warning sign.
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55
Front
Describe the type of sign that would let you know that you were on a short state highway in a city or urban area.
Back
A green guide sign or route marker for a short state highway in a city or urban area.
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56
Front
What is the maximum number of inches you may lawfully allow an object to extend beyond the left fender of your car?
Back
Three inches.
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57
Front
Under what conditions must you always stop?
Back
At a stop sign, a red light, a flashing red light, when a traffic officer or flagger directs you, when a school bus is loading or unloading with red lights flashing (limited exceptions), and before entering a roadway from an alley, driveway, or building.
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58
Front
What should you do when coming onto a street from a private alley or driveway?
Back
Stop and yield to vehicles already on the roadway and to pedestrians.
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59
Front
If a child runs into the road 45 to 50 feet ahead of your car, what is the highest speed from which you can stop with good brakes without hitting him?
Back
About 20 mph. At 20 mph the total stopping distance is about 63 feet.
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60
Front
How close to a fireplug may a vehicle lawfully park?
Back
Not within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
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61
Front
What does a posted speed limit of 55 mph mean?
Back
The maximum lawful speed under ideal conditions. You must still drive at a speed that is reasonable and prudent if weather, traffic, or visibility is worse.
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62
Front
What is the maximum speed limit for passenger cars on a Texas Highway numbered by this state or United States outside an urban district?
Back
70 mph, unless a different limit is posted. Many limited-access highways are posted 75 to 85.
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63
Front
Under what circumstances should you never attempt to pass a car ahead of you?
Back
When signs or pavement markings prohibit it; within 100 feet of an intersection, railroad crossing, bridge, viaduct, or tunnel; on a hill or curve with limited vision; or whenever it cannot be done safely.
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64
Front
Under what conditions are overtaking and passing to the right not permitted?
Back
When it requires driving off the paved portion of the highway, or when the road is not clear and wide enough. Passing on the right is only allowed when the way is paved and unobstructed, the road is one-way, or the vehicle ahead is slowing, stopped, disabled, or preparing to turn left and you can pass on a paved shoulder.
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65
Front
When a driver is waiting to make a left turn, what is the procedure he should take when the light turns green?
Back
Enter the intersection on green if it is safe, keep wheels straight until you start the turn, yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, and complete the turn when the way is clear — even if the light changes while you are in the intersection.
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66
Front
What precautions should a driver take at uncontrolled intersections?
Back
Slow down, look left and right, and be ready to yield to any vehicle already in the intersection or so close as to be an immediate hazard. If you arrive at the same time, yield to the vehicle on the right.
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67
Front
What regulations should a bicycle rider observe?
Back
A bicycle is a vehicle. Riders have the same rights and duties as drivers: obey signs and signals, ride with traffic, signal turns, keep at least one hand on the handlebars, and use a brake that can skid the wheel. At night: a white front lamp visible 500 feet and a red rear reflector visible 50 to 300 feet.
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68
Front
Under what conditions should headlights be used?
Back
From 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise; whenever visibility is less than 1,000 feet; and in fog, heavy rain, sleet, snow, or dust (use low beams).
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69
Front
You should dim your lights when you are within how many feet of an approaching car?
Back
500 feet. Also dim within 300 feet when following another vehicle.
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70
Front
What type of lighting should cars use when parked on the highway at night?
Back
Parking lights or low-beam headlights, if you must park on an unlighted highway.
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71
Front
Which lights should you use when you are driving in a fog?
Back
Low beams. High beams reflect back and reduce visibility.
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72
Front
When are you required to show proof of financial responsibility?
Back
When applying for a driver license, registering a vehicle, obtaining an inspection report, upon request by a law enforcement officer, or to another person involved in a crash.
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73
Front
When needed, how may one show proof of financial responsibility?
Back
A liability policy at the minimum limits, a standard proof-of-insurance form, an insurance binder, a $55,000 certificate of deposit with the comptroller or a county judge, a surety bond, a self-insurance certificate (25+ vehicles), or an image of the required information on a wireless device.
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74
Front
What sign warns you that you must slow down?
Back
Many warning signs (curve, hill, school, bump). Reduced-speed-limit and advisory-speed signs specifically require a slower speed.
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75
Front
What circumstances may lead to possible loss of your license?
Back
Suspension, revocation, cancellation, or denial — for DWI and drug offenses, repeated traffic convictions, ALR, failure to appear, child support, medical ineligibility, an incomplete application, or a withdrawn parental authorization for a minor.
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76
Front
In addition to mufflers, what new equipment is required on all cars manufactured in 1968 and after?
Back
An exhaust emission system.
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77
Front
Why are seat belts important?
Back
They keep you from being thrown from the car (your chance of being killed is about five times greater if you are thrown), reduce impact with the dashboard, and help you keep control. The driver and all passengers must buckle up. A child under 8 must be in an approved car seat unless taller than 4'9".
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78
Front
What is meant by defensive driving?
Back
Protecting yourself and others from unexpected danger: stay alert, keep your eyes moving, look for trouble developing, have a plan, and know the law requires you to protect others from their own mistakes.
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79
Front
What are the different classes of licenses and age requirements for each?
Back
Class A: 18+ (17 with driver education) — combination 26,001+ lbs GCWR with a trailer over 10,000 lbs. Class B: 18+ (17 with DE) — single vehicle 26,001+ lbs GVWR. Class C: 18+ (16 with DE, or 15 with a hardship) — cars and light combinations not in A or B, including autocycles. Class M: 16 with classroom DE plus motorcycle training (15 for 250 cc or less with hardship or DE). A, B, and C do not authorize a motorcycle.
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80
Front
When is a bicyclist not required to ride to the right of the roadway?
Back
When passing, preparing for a left turn, avoiding hazards, on a one-way road with two or more lanes (ride near the left), or when the outside lane is less than 14 feet and has no bike lane — too narrow to share safely.
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81
Front
When are bicyclists allowed to ride two abreast in a traffic lane?
Back
On a laned road they may ride two abreast in a single lane if they do not impede traffic. If the lane is too narrow to share, taking the full lane — single file or two abreast — is the safer choice.
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82
Front
What are the three most common motorist caused car-bicycle crashes?
Back
1) A motorist turns left in front of oncoming bicycle traffic. 2) A motorist turns right across the path of a bicycle instead of merging with it. 3) A motorist pulls away from a stop sign and fails to yield to bicycle cross traffic.
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83
Front
What are the penalties for minors (persons under the age of 21) convicted of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol?
Back
Zero tolerance: any detectable amount. First: Class C, fine up to $500, 20–40 hours community service, alcohol-awareness course, and a license suspension. Second: longer service. Third (17–20): Class B, possible jail, and a one-year suspension or 90 days with an interlock. Under 17 a third offense may go to juvenile court.
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84
Front
What are the penalties for minors (persons under the age of 21) convicted of non-driving alcohol-related offenses?
Back
First: Class C, fine up to $500, 8–12 hours community service, alcohol-awareness course, 30-day suspension. Second: 20–40 hours and 60-day suspension. Third under 17: similar or juvenile court. Third at 17–20: Class B, $250–$2,000, 40–60 hours, up to 180 days jail, 180-day suspension.
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85
Front
GDL Phase One — how long must a learner / hardship license be held?
Back
A minimum of six months before a provisional license. A suspension during Phase One extends that six months by the days the license was invalid.
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86
Front
GDL Phase Two passenger rule until age 18?
Back
No more than one passenger under 21 who is not a family member.
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87
Front
GDL Phase Two night rule until age 18?
Back
No driving between midnight and 5:00 a.m. except for work, a school-related activity, or a medical emergency.
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88
Front
Wireless-device rule for drivers under 18?
Back
No wireless communication device, including hands-free, except in an emergency.
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89
Front
Foot brake performance required by law?
Back
Must stop the vehicle within 25 feet from 20 mph.
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90
Front
Minimum liability insurance limits in Texas?
Back
$30,000 bodily injury / one person; $60,000 bodily injury / two or more; $25,000 property damage.
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91
Front
Slow Down or Move Over — what must you do for a stopped emergency, tow, utility, or TxDOT vehicle with lights on?
Back
Vacate the lane closest to that vehicle if the road has multiple lanes in your direction, or slow to 20 mph below the posted limit.
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92
Front
Speed limit in an alley, unless posted otherwise?
Back
15 mph.
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93
Front
Zero-tolerance DUI for a minor?
Back
Any detectable amount of alcohol. A minor is anyone under 21. It is also illegal for a minor to purchase, attempt to purchase, consume, or possess alcohol.
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94
Front
Legal intoxication for a driver 21 or older in Texas?
Back
BAC of 0.08 or more, or any amount that results in the loss of normal use of mental or physical faculties.
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95
Front
Open container in a vehicle?
Back
Illegal to possess an open alcoholic beverage in the passenger area on a public highway, whether the vehicle is moving, stopped, or parked. Fine up to $500.
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96
Front
What does a white cane mean, and what must a driver do?
Back
The person may be blind, partially blind, or disabled. Slow down, use the horn if needed, and come to a full stop if that is the only way to avoid injury or danger.
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97
Front
If there is no sidewalk, where should a pedestrian walk?
Back
On the left side of the road, facing traffic. Step off the pavement when a car approaches.
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98
Front
Child passenger-safety rule?
Back
Any child under 8 must be in a federally approved car seat unless the child is taller than 4 feet 9 inches. The driver and every passenger in a belted seat must buckle up.
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99
Front
What sign is this?
Back
Yield. Slow down and give the right-of-way.
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100
Front
What sign is this?
Back
Stop. Come to a complete stop, then proceed when safe.
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101
Front
What sign is this?
Back
Do Not Pass. You are entering a no-passing zone.
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102
Front
What sign is this?
Back
Railroad crossing ahead. Slow down, look and listen, be ready to stop.
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103
Front
What sign is this?
Back
Merge. Traffic from another road is joining yours.
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104
Front
What sign is this?
Back
Winding road. Slow down for a series of curves.
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105
Front
What sign is this?
Back
Narrow bridge. Prepare for a narrower roadway.
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106
Front
What sign is this?
Back
Slow-moving vehicle emblem. Designed for 25 mph or less.
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107
Front
What does this signal mean?
Back
Flashing red. Treat it as a stop sign.
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108
Front
What vehicle action is this?
Back
School bus loading. Stop for flashing red lights and an extended stop arm.
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109
Front
What sign is this?
Back
Keep Right. Stay to the right of a median, island, or obstruction.
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110
Front
What sign is this?
Back
Double curve. Slow down for a reverse or S-curve.
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111
Front
What sign is this?
Back
Bump. Slow down for a sharp rise in the roadway.
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112
Front
What sign is this?
Back
Advisory 25 mph. Highest safe speed for the turn or curve ahead.
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113
Front
What sign is this?
Back
Slower Traffic Keep Right.
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114
Front
What sign is this?
Back
Cross traffic ahead. Watch right and left.
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