📖 Texas DPS Study Guide

Everything important from the Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7) — organized for the exam

⭐

Memorize these numbers first. Texas test questions are frequently built around specific distances, speeds, BAC levels, and time periods. These come up constantly.

Speed Limits

HIGH FREQUENCY

30 mph

Speed limit in an urban district — the Texas default for city/town streets. Alley: 15 mph. Always obey posted limits (Chapter 8).

School zones

No single statewide school zone speed — obey the posted signs, slow down, and be prepared to stop. Fines are DOUBLED in work zones when workers are present (Ch. 5)

70 mph

Maximum speed for passenger cars on numbered TX or US highways outside urban districts. Unnumbered highways outside urban: 60 mph (Ch. 8, Table 22).

Posted

Speed limits are posted for ideal conditions. Drivers must reduce speed for rain, ice, heavy traffic, or any condition that makes the posted speed unsafe (Ch. 8)

164 ft

Total stopping distance at 40 mph — reaction time + braking distance on dry pavement with good brakes. Includes 88 ft reaction + 76 ft braking (Ch. 8).

229 ft

Total stopping distance at 50 mph — gives you a sense of how much room you need at highway entry speeds. At 70 mph you need 387 ft to stop (Ch. 8).

📏

Critical Distances & Clearances

HIGH FREQUENCY

15 ft

Do not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant (Ch. 7)

20 ft

Do not park within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection, or within 20 ft of a fire station driveway on the same side of the street (Ch. 7)

30 ft

Do not park within 30 feet of any traffic signal, stop sign, yield sign, or pedestrian safety zone (Ch. 7)

50 ft

Do not park within 50 feet of a railroad crossing (Ch. 7)

18 inches

Parallel park — your vehicle must be 18 inches or less from the curb when finished (Ch. 7)

Both headlights

After passing, return to your lane only when you can see BOTH headlights of the passed vehicle in your rearview mirror (Ch. 6)

500 ft

Dim high beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle. Use low beams when following within 300 feet of another vehicle (Ch. 9)

1,000 ft

Turn on headlights anytime individuals or vehicles cannot be seen clearly for at least 1,000 feet — in addition to the standard 30 min after sunset / 30 min before sunrise rule (Ch. 9).

100 ft

Signal your intention to turn at least 100 feet before the turn (Ch. 6)

$25–$50

Safety belt violation fine — primary enforcement (officer may stop you for this alone). All passengers regardless of age must be buckled (Ch. 14, Table 37).

Space

Passing bicyclists — allow plenty of room when passing a bicycle rider. Never pass if the street is too narrow or you could force the cyclist too close to parked vehicles (Ch. 6)

Stop

Stop for school bus from BOTH directions when red lights flash. NOT required when bus is on a DIFFERENT ROAD, or on a controlled-access highway where bus is in a loading zone and pedestrians cannot cross (Ch. 4).

🍺

DWI & Alcohol Numbers

ALWAYS ON TEST

0.08%

Legal BAC limit for drivers 21+ — at or above this level you will be arrested for DWI (Ch. 10)

Any detectable

Under-21 Zero Tolerance — any detectable amount of alcohol while driving triggers DUI by a Minor, even if not legally "intoxicated." Class C misdemeanor + community service + alcohol awareness course (Ch. 10).

90–365 days

1st DWI conviction — license suspended 90–365 days. Fine up to $2,000, 72 hours to 180 days in jail (Chapter 10)

Refusal

Refusing a BAC test — you can lose your driver's license under Texas's Implied Consent Law. Texas law authorizes breath or blood testing when arrested for DWI (Ch. 10)

$125

ALR reinstatement fee — if your license is suspended for refusing or failing a BAC test, you must pay $125 to reinstate it after the suspension period (Ch. 10).

🎓

Teen / GDL Numbers

ON EXAM

Age 15

Learner License minimum age (with driver education). Expires on 18th birthday. A licensed driver 21+ with at least 1 year experience must occupy the seat beside you (Ch. 1).

Age 16

Provisional License (Phase 2) — eligible at 16 after holding Learner License at least 6 months. Phase 2 curfew: midnight–5 AM. Expires on 18th birthday (Ch. 1).

Midnight–5 AM

Provisional License curfew — cannot drive midnight to 5:00 AM unless necessary for work, school-related activity, or medical emergency (Ch. 1).

Max 1 non-family

Provisional License passenger restriction — no more than 1 passenger under 21 who is not a family member, unless a licensed 21+ driver occupies the front seat (Ch. 1).

6 months

Phase One hold requirement — must hold Learner License at least 6 months before applying for Provisional License (Phase 2). If suspended during Phase 1, period extends by suspension days (Ch. 1).

Age 21+

Supervisor must be a licensed driver at least 21 years old with at least 1 year of driving experience. Must sit beside the driver. Cannot be intoxicated, asleep, or engaged in activity preventing observation (Ch. 1).

⏱️

Following Distance & Time Rules

ON EXAM

2 sec

Minimum following distance at speeds 30 mph or less (good conditions). Watch the car ahead pass a fixed point — count two seconds before you reach it (Ch. 8).

4 sec

Minimum following distance for speeds ABOVE 30 mph (good conditions). Also the recommended practice for all beginning or less-experienced drivers. In poor conditions, allow even more (Ch. 8).

229 ft

Stopping distance at 50 mph — the average passenger car needs 229 feet of total stopping distance. At 60 mph: 303 ft. At 70 mph: 387 ft (Ch. 8).

Illegal

Texting while driving is illegal for all Texas drivers. Reading, writing, or sending messages is prohibited. Under 18: no wireless devices including hands-free, except in emergencies (Chapter 9)

🚦

Road signs are tested heavily. Know each sign's shape, color, and meaning. The real test often shows a sign description and asks what it means.

🔴

Sign Shapes — Each Shape Has One Meaning

ALWAYS TESTED

Shape	Meaning	Example
Octagon (8-sided)	STOP — always and only	Stop sign
Triangle (pointing down)	YIELD — give right of way	Yield sign
Diamond	WARNING — hazard ahead	Curve, pedestrian, deer
Pentagon (5-sided)	SCHOOL ZONE	School crossing
Pennant (triangle right)	NO PASSING ZONE	No-passing pennant
Round (circle)	RAILROAD CROSSING advance warning	RR crossing sign
Rectangle (vertical)	REGULATORY — rules you must follow	Speed limit, turn restrictions
Rectangle (horizontal)	GUIDE or INFORMATION	Street name, mile marker
X-shaped crossbuck	RAILROAD CROSSING — treat like yield	Railroad crossbuck

🎨

Sign Colors — Color Tells You the Category

ALWAYS TESTED

Color	Category	What It Means
Red	Regulatory — STOP / PROHIBIT	Stop, yield, do not enter, wrong way, no-turn circles
Yellow	WARNING	General hazard warnings — curves, hills, intersections, animals
Orange	WORK ZONE / CONSTRUCTION	Construction ahead, road crew, slow down and drive with care. Fines for speeding in a work zone are doubled in Texas (Ch. 5)
Green	GUIDE / DIRECTIONAL	Highway exits, distances, direction, mile markers
Blue	SERVICES	Gas, food, lodging, hospital, rest area
Brown	RECREATION / CULTURAL	Parks, campgrounds, historical sites, scenic areas
White	REGULATORY	Speed limits, lane rules, turn restrictions
Fluorescent Yellow-Green	WARNING — pedestrian / school / bike	School zones, crosswalks, bike lanes
Fluorescent Pink	INCIDENT MANAGEMENT	Crash clean-up, debris removal, temporary traffic control

⚠️

Signs That Are Frequently Confused

TRICKY

No Passing Pennant vs. No U-Turn: The pennant (pointing right) = no passing. A circle with a slash over a U-turn arrow = no U-turn. Very different.

Crossbuck (RR) vs. Stop Sign: The crossbuck (white X) = yield/slow down and check. Only stop if a train is coming. The octagon = always stop.

Divided Highway Begins vs. Ends: Begins = two arrows pointing apart (median starts). Ends = two arrows merging together (median ends — expect two-way traffic).

Merge vs. Lane Ends: Merge = two roads joining (both cars adjust). Lane Ends = one lane disappears — that driver must yield and merge.

Red Circle with Slash: Always means that action is PROHIBITED. No left turn, no trucks, no bicycles — whatever is inside the circle is forbidden.

⭐

Right of way is the #1 failure topic on the DPS knowledge test. Master every scenario below — these questions will be on your exam.

⛽

The Core Right-of-Way Rules

MOST TESTED

Uncontrolled intersection — arrive at same time: Yield to the driver on your RIGHT. This is the most tested right-of-way rule.

Left turn at green light: You must always yield to oncoming traffic AND pedestrians — even with a green light. A green light is permission to go, not a guarantee of right of way.

Pedestrians in a crosswalk: Always yield. Stop and wait until the pedestrian has completely crossed — not just stepped back. This includes jaywalkers in many situations.

Blind pedestrian (white cane / guide dog): Absolute right of way — you must stop regardless of where they are crossing.

Four-way stop: First to arrive goes first. Simultaneous arrival = yield to the driver on your right. Straight traffic before turning traffic if both arrive at same time from opposite directions.

Emergency vehicles (lights + siren): Pull to the right edge of the road and stop. Clear intersections first — never stop IN an intersection.

Entering from driveway / private road: Always yield to all traffic on the public road — you have no right of way entering from private property.

Roundabout: Vehicles inside the roundabout always have right of way. Entering traffic must yield. When exiting, yield to pedestrians at the crosswalk.

Merging onto a highway: Traffic already on the highway has right of way. The merging vehicle must yield and find a safe gap.

Non-functioning traffic signal: Treat as an all-way stop. All drivers stop, yield, and take turns.

💡

Right-of-Way Scenarios That Trick People

TRICKY

Yellow light: It does NOT mean speed up. If you can stop safely, you must. Proceed only if stopping would be unsafe (you're too close to stop).

Already in intersection when light turns red: Complete the turn — you are committed. Other traffic must wait for you to clear.

Backing out of a driveway: The reversing vehicle always yields to street traffic. You have no right of way in reverse.

Funeral processions: Treat funeral escort vehicles displaying flashing lights the same as emergency vehicles — yield and do not attempt to pass or cut through the procession.

Right turn on red: Legal ONLY after a complete stop and yielding to ALL traffic and pedestrians. Rolling right on red is illegal.

Left on red: Legal ONLY when turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street — after a complete stop and yielding.

🚥

Traffic Signal Meanings

ALWAYS TESTED

Signal	What You Must Do
Solid GREEN	Proceed — but yield to traffic already in intersection
Solid YELLOW	Prepare to stop if safe; proceed only if stopping would be dangerous
Solid RED	Stop completely; may turn right on red after stop and yield (unless posted)
GREEN ARROW	Protected turn — oncoming traffic must stop. You may turn in the arrow's direction, but still yield to vehicles and pedestrians already in the intersection.
YELLOW ARROW	Protected turn is ending — prepare to yield or stop
Flashing YELLOW ARROW	Unprotected turn — you MAY turn but MUST yield to oncoming and pedestrians
Flashing RED	Treat exactly like a STOP sign — stop, yield, proceed when safe
Flashing YELLOW	Caution — slow down and proceed carefully. Do not need to stop.
RED + GREEN ARROW	Stop for through traffic; turn in direction of arrow only
Signal NOT working	Treat as ALL-WAY STOP — all traffic stops

🛣️

Lane Markings — Know Each One

ON EXAM

Broken yellow center line: Passing is permitted from your side when it is safe.

Solid yellow line on your side: No passing from your side of the road.

Double solid yellow: No passing in either direction.

White lines: Separate traffic going in the same direction. Broken = lane change ok. Solid = discouraged (but not always illegal).

Yellow lines: Separate traffic going in opposite directions.

Center left-turn lane (two-way turn lane): Use ONLY to prepare for and make a left turn. Never use as a travel or passing lane.

Yellow X over a lane: Lane is CLOSED — move to a lane with a green arrow immediately.

White stop line: Stop your front bumper at or behind this line at intersections and crosswalks.

↔️

Safe Lane Changing Procedure

STEP BY STEP

Check your mirrors — rearview and side mirror on the side you're moving to

Signal your intent — at least 100 feet before turning or changing lanes

Look over your shoulder — physically check the blind spot. Mirrors cannot see everything.

Change lanes gradually — smooth and controlled, not jerky

Cancel signal and adjust speed to match the lane's traffic flow

🚨

DWI questions appear on virtually every DPS knowledge test. Know the BAC levels, implied consent law, and penalties. Texas uses "DWI" (Driving While Intoxicated).

🍺

DWI Laws — The Numbers You Must Know

ALWAYS ON TEST

Situation	Consequence
BAC of 0.08%+ (driver 21+)	DWI — 1st conviction: fine up to $2,000, 72 hours to 180 days in jail, license suspended 90–365 days. 2nd DWI: up to $4,000. 3rd+: up to $10,000 and 2–10 years in TDCJ. DWI with child under 15: state jail felony (Chapter 10).
Loss of normal use of faculties	A person can be charged with DWI even below 0.08% BAC if alcohol or drugs have caused the loss of normal use of mental or physical faculties. Texas has two legal definitions of intoxication (Ch. 10).
Test refusal (Implied Consent)	You can lose your driver's license. Texas law compels you to submit to a breath or blood test when requested by an officer after a DWI arrest. Refusal triggers an ALR suspension of 180 days (1st) or up to 2 years (subsequent) (Ch. 10).
BAC — any detectable amount (under 21 — Zero Tolerance)	DUI by a Minor — Class C misdemeanor, up to $500 fine, 20–40 hours community service, mandatory alcohol awareness course. License suspended 60+ days (Ch. 10, Table 29).
Minor purchasing or possessing alcohol (under 21)	Driving privileges suspended, revoked, or disqualified in addition to other penalties (Ch. 10).
DWI — causing death (Intoxication Manslaughter)	Second degree felony — up to $10,000 fine and 2–20 years in TDCJ. Intoxication Assault causing serious bodily injury = third degree felony. Both require mandatory incarceration (Ch. 10).

💡

Critical DWI Facts to Remember

TESTED

Implied Consent: By driving on any Texas public highway, you automatically consent to a breath or blood test if arrested for DWI. Refusing the test triggers an ALR license suspension — 180 days for a first refusal, up to 2 years for subsequent refusals. ALR reinstatement fee: $125 (Ch. 10).

Only TIME removes alcohol: Coffee, food, cold showers, and fresh air do NOT lower your BAC. Your liver processes about 1 drink per hour — nothing speeds this up (Ch. 10).

Impairment starts with the first drink: Judgment is the FIRST driving ability affected by alcohol. You can be convicted of DWI even below 0.08% if your driving is impaired (Ch. 10).

Under-21 Zero Tolerance: Any detectable amount of alcohol in a minor's system while driving is illegal — called "DUI by a Minor." This applies even if the minor's BAC is below 0.08% and they are not legally intoxicated (Ch. 10).

Mixing drugs and alcohol: Never drink alcohol while taking medications or other drugs. These combinations may multiply the effects of alcohol, reduce your ability to drive safely, and could cause serious health problems or even death (Ch. 10).

Cell phone + GDL: All drivers under 18 are restricted from using any wireless communication device — including hands-free — except in a case of emergency. All Texas drivers of any age are prohibited from reading, writing, or sending electronic messages while driving (Ch. 1, 9).

Drugs and driving: Driving while impaired by any drug — prescription, over-the-counter, or controlled — is illegal in Texas. Even legally prescribed medications that impair your ability to drive can lead to a DWI charge (Ch. 10).

🚌

School bus rules are heavily tested. In Texas, you must stop for a school bus from EITHER direction when it displays alternately flashing red lights. You are NOT required to stop when the bus is on a different road, or when on a controlled-access highway where the bus is stopped in a loading zone and pedestrians are not permitted to cross (Ch. 4).

🚌

School Bus Stopping Rules

HEAVILY TESTED

Two-lane road / undivided road: ALL traffic in BOTH directions must stop when a school bus has flashing red lights. No exceptions.

Two Texas exceptions — when you do NOT need to stop: (1) When the school bus is on a different road entirely, or (2) when you are on a controlled-access highway and the bus is stopped in a designated loading zone where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway (Ch. 4).

Same direction — always stop: Traffic traveling in the same direction as the bus must ALWAYS stop, regardless of road type or number of lanes (Ch. 4).

After the bus stops: Remain stopped until the bus has finished receiving or discharging passengers and begins moving without its red lights flashing. Then proceed slowly, watching carefully for children near the roadway (Ch. 4).

When may you proceed: Only when the red lights STOP flashing and the bus begins moving. The manual states: do not pass until the bus has finished loading/unloading and the red lights are off (Ch. 4).

Yellow lights = warning: Yellow flashing = bus is about to stop. Slow down immediately and prepare to stop. Do not try to pass before it stops.

One of the most tested topics: School bus stop questions appear on many Texas DPS knowledge tests. Know both Texas exceptions — different road, or controlled-access highway loading zone. All other situations require stopping from both directions.

School buses must stop at ALL railroad crossings — regardless of whether warning signals are active. This is federal law.

Penalty for passing a stopped school bus — 1st conviction: Fine of $500 to $1,250. 2nd conviction (within 5 years): fine of $1,000–$2,000, possible license suspension up to 6 months. Causing serious bodily injury: Class A misdemeanor, up to $4,000 fine and/or 1 year in jail (Ch. 4, Table 15).

Serious bodily injury — repeat offense: A person who causes serious bodily injury to another when passing a stopped school bus AND has a previous conviction is guilty of a state jail felony punishable by 180 days to 2 years confinement and a fine of up to $10,000 (Ch. 4, Table 15).

Speed Laws — What You Must Know

ON EVERY TEST

Basic Speed Law: Drive at a speed that is reasonable and proper for existing conditions — even if that means going below the posted limit. Rain, fog, heavy traffic, school zones all require reduced speed.

Posted limits are MAXIMUMS: You may never legally exceed a posted limit, regardless of conditions, traffic, or what other drivers are doing.

Minimum speed law: Do not drive so slowly that you impede or block the normal flow of traffic. Driving too slowly is also illegal.

Work zone caution: Reduce speed in work zones. Fines for all moving violations in a work zone are doubled when workers are present and warning signs are posted. Doubled fines can be as high as $5,000 (Ch. 5).

"Over-driving your headlights": Use headlights from 30 min after sunset to 30 min before sunrise, OR when individuals or vehicles cannot be seen clearly for at least 1,000 feet, OR in fog, heavy rain, sleet, snow, or dust. Never drive faster than you can stop within the distance your headlights illuminate (Ch. 9).

Four-Second Sight Distance Rule: To check if you're going too fast for conditions, pick a stationary object ahead. Count "one-one-thousand, two-one-thousand, three-one-thousand, four-one-thousand." If you reach the object before finishing — you are going too fast for the conditions. Slow down (Ch. 8).

↔️

Following Distance — The 2-Second Rule

TESTED

Pick a fixed object — a sign, overpass, or lane marking ahead

When the car ahead passes it, start counting: "one-one-thousand, two-one-thousand"

If you pass the object before 2 seconds — you are following too closely. Slow down and increase the gap. In adverse conditions, increase to 4 or more seconds.

💡 When to increase beyond 2 seconds

Rain, snow, ice, or fog → 4 seconds minimum
Driving at night → increase beyond 2 seconds
Following a large truck or motorcycle → 4+ seconds
Towing a trailer → 4 seconds minimum
Driving at highway speeds → increase distance proportionally

📐

Passing Rules

TESTED

✓

You MAY pass when: There is a broken yellow line on your side, you have sufficient sight distance, and there is no sign or condition prohibiting passing.

✗

NEVER pass: On a hill, curve, or any place where vision is limited; within 100 feet of or crossing an intersection or railroad crossing; within 100 feet of a bridge, viaduct, or tunnel; in no-passing zones (solid yellow on your side); when there are 2+ lanes each direction (Ch. 6).

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When it is safe to return: You may move back into your original lane when both headlights of the passed vehicle are visible in your rearview mirror.

→

Passing on the right: Legal when the vehicle ahead is making a left turn and there is a safe lane to the right, or on a multi-lane road.

🅿️

Parking Clearance Requirements

TESTED

Location	Minimum Clearance
Fire hydrant	15 feet — do not park within 15 ft (Ch. 7)
Stop sign / yield sign / flashing signal / traffic control device	30 feet — do not park within 30 ft of these (Ch. 7)
Pedestrian safety zone	30 feet — do not park within 30 ft of a pedestrian safety zone (Ch. 7)
Crosswalk at intersection	20 feet — do not park within 20 ft of a crosswalk at an intersection (Ch. 7)
Railroad crossing	50 feet — do not park within 50 ft of a railroad crossing (Ch. 7)
Fire station driveway	20 feet on the same side of the street / 75 feet on the opposite side of the street (Ch. 7)
Driveway entrance (public or private)	Not in front of — always prohibited
Accessible (handicapped) space	Never — also do not park on the diagonal access lines (Ch. 7)
Inside an intersection or on a crosswalk	Never — always illegal
Handicapped space (without placard)	Never park here
Bridge, overpass, or tunnel	Never — always prohibited (Ch. 7)
No Stopping zone	Never stop here, for any reason
No Parking zone	No parking — may stop to load/unload

⛰️

Parking on Hills — Wheel Position

TRICK QUESTION

💡

The rule: always turn wheels so that if the car rolls, it rolls away from traffic or is caught by the curb.

Situation	Turn Wheels	Why
Facing DOWNHILL, WITH curb	RIGHT (into curb)	Car rolls into curb and stops
Facing DOWNHILL, NO curb	RIGHT (away from road)	Car rolls away from traffic
Facing UPHILL, WITH curb	LEFT (away from curb)	Car rolls back, caught by curb
Facing UPHILL, NO curb	RIGHT (away from road)	Car rolls away from traffic

💡 Memory trick

Going downhill with a curb = wheels RIGHT into the curb
Going uphill with a curb = wheels LEFT, away from curb (tire catches it when rolling back)
No curb either way = wheels RIGHT, away from road

🎓

GDL questions appear on many tests. Know Texas's two-phase Graduated Driver Licensing program, the restrictions in each phase, and the specific ages, hold periods, and curfew hours.

🎓

Texas Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) — 2 Phases

ON EXAM

Phase 1 — Learner License (age 15+)

→

Minimum age: 15 years old (with driver education) — parent/guardian must sign the application under oath (Ch. 1).

→

License expires on the minor's 18th birthday. If license is suspended during Phase 1, the 6-month hold period extends by the suspension days (Ch. 1).

→

Supervisor: licensed driver at least 21 years old with at least 1 year of driving experience, occupying the seat beside the driver. Cannot be intoxicated, asleep, or engaging in activity that prevents observation (Ch. 1).

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Must hold Learner License at least 6 months before applying for Provisional License. All drivers under 18 are restricted from using any wireless device — including hands-free — except in emergencies (Ch. 1).

Phase 2 — Provisional License (age 16–18)

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After holding Learner License 6 months and completing all driver education requirements, applicant may apply for a Provisional License at age 16 (Chapter 1).).

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Restrictions: no more than 1 non-family passenger under 21 in the vehicle (unless a licensed driver 21+ is in the front seat). No driving midnight to 5:00 AM unless for work, school-related activity, or medical emergency. No wireless devices (Ch. 1).

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License is marked "PROVISIONAL" and expires on the holder's 18th birthday (Ch. 1).

Full Class C License (age 18+)

→

At age 18, all GDL restrictions are lifted. Full Class C license is valid for 8 years. Fee: $33 for ages 18–84 (Ch. 1).

→

Applicants ages 18–24 are still required to complete an approved driver education course (Ch. 1).

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All Texas drivers of any age are prohibited from reading, writing, or sending messages on a wireless device while driving (Ch. 9).

🛡️

Emergency Situations — What to Do

TESTED

💨

Tire blowout: Hold the wheel FIRMLY. Ease off gas (don't brake suddenly). Let the car slow naturally. Then gently steer to safety. Sudden braking causes a spin.

💧

Hydroplaning: Ease off gas, hold wheel steady, avoid braking. Let tires re-contact the road. Don't jerk the wheel or brake hard.

🔥

Engine fire: Pull over immediately, turn off engine, get EVERYONE out and move far away (100+ feet). Call 911. Never open the hood.

⚡

Brakes fail: Pump brakes rapidly to build pressure. Downshift to use engine braking. Use parking brake carefully (gradually). Steer to safety.

🌊

Accelerator sticks: Shift to NEUTRAL immediately. Apply brakes. Pull over. Turn engine off.

🌀

Vehicle skids: Ease off gas and brakes. Steer in the direction you want the front to go (into the skid). Do not overcorrect.

🚂

Stalled on railroad tracks: Get EVERYONE out IMMEDIATELY. Move away at a 45° angle in the direction the train is coming — so debris flies away from you. Call 911 and the railroad ENS number.

🌫️

Driving in fog: Use LOW beams (high beams reflect off fog and blind you). Slow significantly. Use fog lights if available. Consider pulling over.

😴

Drowsy driving: Only cure = sleep. Pull over and rest. Coffee, window down, and music are NOT effective solutions. Drowsy driving equals drunk driving in impairment level.

❄️

Stranded in a blizzard: Stay in the vehicle (it's shelter and visible). Run engine briefly for heat with window cracked to prevent CO poisoning. Signal for help with hazards.

🧠

Defensive Driving Principles

ESSENTIAL

Scan ahead: Look 15 seconds ahead (about a city block in town, farther on highways). Check mirrors every few seconds and whenever slowing, changing lanes, or approaching intersections (Ch. 6).

Keep an escape route: Always know where you could go if the car ahead stopped suddenly.

Bridges freeze first: Cold air circulates above AND below a bridge. Bridges ice before road surface — always treat them as potentially icy in winter.

Head-on collision approaching: Brake hard and steer RIGHT — even off the road. A head-on crash at speed is almost always fatal; going off-road is survivable.

Road rage: Never engage, retaliate, or make eye contact. Don't respond with gestures. Slow down, create distance. Report to 911 if dangerous.

Front wheel off pavement: Don't jerk the wheel — it can roll the car. Ease off gas, brake gently, and gradually steer back. Hold on tight.

🔧

Vehicle Equipment Requirements

TESTED

Equipment	Requirement
Headlights (on)	30 min after sunset to 30 min before sunrise. Also any time individuals or vehicles cannot be seen clearly for at least 1,000 feet. Use low beams in fog, heavy rain, sleet, snow, or dust. Parking lights are for parked vehicles only — illegal to drive with parking lights only (Chapter 9).
High beams (dim)	Dim within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle. Use low beams when following within 300 feet of another vehicle. Also in fog, heavy rain, sleet, snow, or dust (Chapter 9)
Horn	Use when needed to prevent a crash. Do NOT use to express anger, greet friends, or encourage others to move. Avoid around blind pedestrians and animal-drawn vehicles (Ch. 6)
Turn signals	Signal continuously during the last 100 feet before turning — Texas uses one single standard for all speeds (Ch. 6)
Tinted windows	For the skills test, vehicles with window tint darker than 25% on the front or darker than 10% on the back will be denied (Ch. 1). Tinting must not obstruct the driver's view to the front, left, right, or rear.
TVs / video screens visible to driver	Prohibited while vehicle is in motion (navigation is excepted)
Muffler	Must prevent excessive or unusual noise
Brakes	Foot brake must stop the car within 25 feet at 20 mph. Parking brake must be adequate to stop and hold the car (Ch. 2, Table 11)
Wipers	Must adequately clean the windshield when used
Tail lights / rear reflector	At least one red tail light visible from 500 feet
Tires	Must be in proper and safe condition with a minimum tread depth of 2/32 of an inch (Ch. 2, Table 11)
Hazard lights	For use when parked/stopped in an emergency — not while driving normally
Seat belts & child restraints	All drivers and passengers regardless of age must use safety belts — primary enforcement. Fine: $25–$50. Any child under 8 years old must be in a federally approved child safety seat, unless the child is more than 4'9" tall. Fine for unsecured child: $25–$250 (Ch. 14, Table 37).

💡

Headlight Rules That Are Tested

TESTED

Headlights required by Texas law: 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, OR anytime individuals or vehicles cannot be seen clearly for at least 1,000 feet. Low beams required within 500 feet of oncoming, within 300 feet when following, and in fog/rain/sleet/snow/dust (Chapter 9).

Parking lights ≠ headlights: Parking lights are for indicating a parked vehicle only. It is illegal in Texas to drive using only parking lights — always use headlights when moving (Ch. 9).

Dim high beams: Dim to low beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle, and when following another vehicle within 300 feet. Also use low beams in fog, heavy rain, sleet, snow, or dust. High beams let you see farther on open roads (Ch. 9).

Night driving — "drive in your headlights": Never drive faster than you can stop within the distance lit by your headlights (400 feet ahead). This is called over-driving your headlights and is dangerous (Ch. 9).

⚡

Before the Test — What to Do

PREPARATION

Take the DPS Exam Simulator at least 5 times and score 90%+ consistently. Don't go in when you're scoring 80% — aim higher than the minimum.

Use the "Weak Spots" mode the night before. Every question you got wrong — review those explanations until you understand WHY, not just what the answer is.

Memorize the Key Numbers tab — BAC limits, distances, suspension periods, speed limits. These are direct exam fodder.

Get a good night's sleep. Drowsy test-taking impairs recall just like drowsy driving impairs reaction time.

Bring required documents: Full legal name, proof of residential address, date of birth, Social Security number, U.S. citizenship or lawful presence, and thumb/index fingerprints. Under-18 applicants must have a parent/guardian sign the application under oath. Bring your VOE form and glasses/contacts if you wear them (Ch. 1).

🧠

During the Test — How to Answer

STRATEGY

The safest answer is usually correct. When in doubt, pick the option that is most cautious, most yields, or stops the most. Texas tests reward safe, defensive driving choices.

Watch for "NEVER" and "ALWAYS" options. These are sometimes traps — but in Texas driving law, there actually are many absolute rules (ALWAYS stop for school bus, NEVER pass on a hill crest, etc.).

"All of the above" is very often the correct answer on DPS knowledge tests — especially for questions about DWI charges, suspension triggers, and violations.

Read every word. Test questions often hinge on words like "divided highway" vs. "undivided," "business district" vs. "residential," or "first offense" vs. "subsequent offense."

Refusing a BAC test — can cost your license. For DWI questions: refusing a chemical BAC test can result in losing your driver's license under Texas's Implied Consent Law. Do not assume refusal protects you from consequences (Ch. 10).

The real Texas DPS knowledge test: approximately 30 questions, need 70% to pass (about 21 correct). Road signs included — no separate signs test. You can miss up to 9 questions and still pass.

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Recommended Study Order

YOUR PLAN

Read Key Numbers tab — memorize every distance, speed, and BAC number

Read Right of Way + DWI tabs — the #1 and #2 failure topics

Read Road Signs + Signals tabs — shapes, colors, and signal meanings

Read School Buses + Parking tabs — specific rules with specific numbers

Take the Full Practice Bank — all 530+ questions to identify weak spots

Use Weak Spots mode — drill every question you got wrong until you nail it

Run the DPS Exam Simulator 3–5 times — pass consistently with 90%+ before going in

Night before: Re-read the Key Numbers tab + Test-Day Tips tab. Good sleep. You've got this. ✅

📖 Texas DPS Study Guide

Speed Limits

Critical Distances & Clearances

DWI & Alcohol Numbers

Teen / GDL Numbers

Following Distance & Time Rules

Sign Shapes — Each Shape Has One Meaning

Sign Colors — Color Tells You the Category

Signs That Are Frequently Confused

The Core Right-of-Way Rules

Right-of-Way Scenarios That Trick People

Traffic Signal Meanings

Lane Markings — Know Each One

Safe Lane Changing Procedure

DWI Laws — The Numbers You Must Know

Critical DWI Facts to Remember

School Bus Stopping Rules

Speed Laws — What You Must Know

Following Distance — The 2-Second Rule

💡 When to increase beyond 2 seconds

Passing Rules

Parking Clearance Requirements

Parking on Hills — Wheel Position

💡 Memory trick

Texas Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) — 2 Phases

Emergency Situations — What to Do

Defensive Driving Principles

Vehicle Equipment Requirements

Headlight Rules That Are Tested

Before the Test — What to Do

During the Test — How to Answer

Top 10 Topics That Will Definitely Be on Your Test

Recommended Study Order

Ready to test what you've learned?

📖 Texas DPS Study Guide

What to Study Before the Real Test

Speed Limits

Critical Distances & Clearances

DWI & Alcohol Numbers

Teen / GDL Numbers

Following Distance & Time Rules

Sign Shapes — Each Shape Has One Meaning

Sign Colors — Color Tells You the Category

Signs That Are Frequently Confused

The Core Right-of-Way Rules

Right-of-Way Scenarios That Trick People

Traffic Signal Meanings

Lane Markings — Know Each One

Safe Lane Changing Procedure

DWI Laws — The Numbers You Must Know

Critical DWI Facts to Remember

School Bus Stopping Rules

Speed Laws — What You Must Know

Following Distance — The 2-Second Rule

💡 When to increase beyond 2 seconds

Passing Rules

Parking Clearance Requirements

Parking on Hills — Wheel Position

💡 Memory trick

Texas Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) — 2 Phases

Emergency Situations — What to Do

Defensive Driving Principles

Vehicle Equipment Requirements

Headlight Rules That Are Tested

Before the Test — What to Do

During the Test — How to Answer

Top 10 Topics That Will Definitely Be on Your Test

Recommended Study Order

Ready to test what you've learned?