Communicating, speed and space
Questions and answers
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What is the best way to keep others from trying to pass you when you turn?
Signal early, well before you turn
Signaling well before the turn is the best way to keep others from passing you.
Section 2 · 2.5.1 – Signal Your Intentions ↗PDF, 41 MB -
When should you cancel your turn signal?
Not until you have completed the turn
Signal continuously and do not cancel until the turn is done, keeping both hands on the wheel.
Section 2 · 2.5.1 – Signal Your Intentions ↗PDF, 41 MB -
How should you change lanes?
Signal first, then change lanes slowly and smoothly
A slow, smooth lane change gives a driver you did not see a chance to honk or avoid you.
Section 2 · 2.5.1 – Signal Your Intentions ↗PDF, 41 MB -
How should you warn drivers behind you that you will need to slow down?
A few light taps on the brake pedal to flash the brake lights
Light taps on the brake pedal flash the brake lights and warn following drivers.
Section 2 · 2.5.1 – Signal Your Intentions ↗PDF, 41 MB -
When should you use the four-way emergency flashers?
When you are driving very slowly or are stopped
Four-way flashers are for driving very slowly or being stopped.
Section 2 · 2.5.1 – Signal Your Intentions ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Most car drivers do not know how slowly a large vehicle must go to make a tight turn. What should you do?
Brake early and slow gradually
Warn drivers behind by braking early and slowing down gradually.
Section 2 · 2.5.1 – Signal Your Intentions ↗PDF, 41 MB -
You must stop in the roadway to unload cargo or stop at a railroad crossing. How do you warn following drivers?
Flash your brake lights and do not stop suddenly
Flash your brake lights to warn drivers behind you and avoid sudden stops.
Section 2 · 2.5.1 – Signal Your Intentions ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Should you wave other drivers to pass when you think it is safe?
No, you could cause an accident and be blamed
Do not direct traffic. You could cause a crash and be held responsible.
Section 2 · 2.5.1 – Signal Your Intentions ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Whenever you are about to pass a vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist, what should you assume?
They do not see you
Assume they do not see you, because they could move in front of you.
Section 2 · 2.5.2 – Communicating Your Presence ↗PDF, 41 MB -
At night, how can you let a driver ahead know you are about to pass, where legal?
Flash your lights from low to high beam and back
Where legal, tap the horn lightly or at night flash from low to high beam and back.
Section 2 · 2.5.2 – Communicating Your Presence ↗PDF, 41 MB -
At dawn, dusk, or in rain or snow, which lights should you use to be seen?
Headlights on low beam
Use the headlights, not just clearance lights, on low beam. High beams bother others day and night.
Section 2 · 2.5.2 – Communicating Your Presence ↗PDF, 41 MB -
When you pull off the road and stop, what should you turn on?
The four-way emergency flashers
Turn on the four-way flashers, especially at night. Do not trust taillights to warn others.
Section 2 · 2.5.2 – Communicating Your Presence ↗PDF, 41 MB -
You must stop on a road or its shoulder. Within how long must you put out emergency warning devices?
Within ten minutes
Warning devices must be placed within ten minutes of stopping.
Section 2 · 2.5.2 – Communicating Your Presence ↗PDF, 41 MB -
You stop on a one-way or divided highway. Where do you place the warning devices?
10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet toward approaching traffic
On a one-way or divided highway, place them at 10, 100, and 200 feet toward approaching traffic.
Section 2 · 2.5.2 – Communicating Your Presence ↗PDF, 41 MB -
You stop on a two-lane road with traffic in both directions. Where do the warning devices go?
Within 10 feet of the front or rear corners, and 100 feet behind and ahead
Mark the vehicle within 10 feet of a corner and place devices 100 feet behind and 100 feet ahead.
Section 2 · 2.5.2 – Communicating Your Presence ↗PDF, 41 MB -
A hill or curve keeps drivers from seeing your stopped vehicle. How far back should the warning reach?
Beyond the obstruction, so drivers can see the vehicle within 500 feet
Move the rearmost triangle back beyond the hill or curve so drivers get warning within 500 feet.
Section 2 · 2.5.2 – Communicating Your Presence ↗PDF, 41 MB -
How should you hold the triangles when putting them out?
Between yourself and the oncoming traffic
Hold the triangles between you and oncoming traffic so other drivers can see you.
Section 2 · 2.5.2 – Communicating Your Presence ↗PDF, 41 MB -
When might using your horn be dangerous?
When it is used unnecessarily, because it can startle others
Use the horn when needed, but unnecessary use can startle others.
Section 2 · 2.5.2 – Communicating Your Presence ↗PDF, 41 MB -
What is a major cause of fatal crashes?
Driving too fast
Driving too fast is a major cause of fatal crashes. Adjust speed to the conditions.
Section 2 · 2.6 – Controlling Speed ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Which three distances add up to total stopping distance?
Perception, reaction, and braking distance
Total stopping distance is perception distance plus reaction distance plus braking distance.
Section 2 · 2.6.1 – Stopping Distance ↗PDF, 41 MB -
What is perception distance?
The distance traveled from when your eyes see a hazard until your brain recognizes it
Perception distance covers the time from seeing a hazard to recognizing it.
Section 2 · 2.6.1 – Stopping Distance ↗PDF, 41 MB -
What is the average perception time for an alert driver?
1 3/4 seconds
An alert driver takes about 1 3/4 seconds to perceive a hazard.
Section 2 · 2.6.1 – Stopping Distance ↗PDF, 41 MB -
At 55 mph, how far does your vehicle travel during the average perception time?
142 feet
Perception accounts for 142 feet of travel at 55 mph.
Section 2 · 2.6.1 – Stopping Distance ↗PDF, 41 MB -
What is the average driver’s reaction time?
3/4 second to 1 second
The average reaction time is 3/4 second to 1 second.
Section 2 · 2.6.1 – Stopping Distance ↗PDF, 41 MB -
At 55 mph, how far does your vehicle travel during the average reaction time?
61 feet
Reaction accounts for 61 feet at 55 mph.
Section 2 · 2.6.1 – Stopping Distance ↗PDF, 41 MB -
At 55 mph on dry pavement with good brakes, about how long is the braking distance?
About 216 feet
Braking alone takes about 216 feet at 55 mph in ideal conditions.
Section 2 · 2.6.1 – Stopping Distance ↗PDF, 41 MB -
At 55 mph in ideal conditions, what is the minimum total stopping distance?
419 feet
Perception, reaction, and braking together add up to a minimum of 419 feet at 55 mph.
Section 2 · 2.6.1 – Stopping Distance ↗PDF, 41 MB -
You double your speed from 20 to 40 mph. How do impact and braking distance change?
Both become 4 times greater
Doubling speed makes the impact 4 times greater and the braking distance 4 times longer.
Section 2 · 2.6.1 – Stopping Distance ↗PDF, 41 MB -
You triple your speed from 20 to 60 mph. How much greater are impact and braking distance?
9 times greater
Tripling the speed multiplies impact and braking distance by 9.
Section 2 · 2.6.1 – Stopping Distance ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Compared with 20 mph, how much greater are impact and braking distance at 80 mph?
16 times greater
At 80 mph, impact and braking distance are 16 times greater than at 20 mph.
Section 2 · 2.6.1 – Stopping Distance ↗PDF, 41 MB -
At 60 mph, how does your stopping distance compare with a football field?
It is greater than the length of a football field
At 60 mph the stopping distance is longer than a football field.
Section 2 · 2.6.1 – Stopping Distance ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Why do empty trucks need greater stopping distances?
An empty vehicle has less traction
Heavy-vehicle brakes, tires, and springs work best fully loaded. Empty, the truck has less traction.
Section 2 · 2.6.1 – Stopping Distance ↗PDF, 41 MB -
What is traction?
Friction between the tires and the road
Traction is tire-to-road friction. Without it you cannot steer or brake.
Section 2 · 2.6.2 – Matching Speed to the Road Surface ↗PDF, 41 MB -
How much can wet roads increase stopping distance?
They can double it
Wet roads can double stopping distance, so drive slower.
Section 2 · 2.6.2 – Matching Speed to the Road Surface ↗PDF, 41 MB -
By how much should you reduce speed on a wet road?
About one-third
Reduce speed by about one-third, for example from 55 to about 35 mph.
Section 2 · 2.6.2 – Matching Speed to the Road Surface ↗PDF, 41 MB -
By how much should you reduce speed on packed snow?
By a half, or more
On packed snow, cut your speed by half or more.
Section 2 · 2.6.2 – Matching Speed to the Road Surface ↗PDF, 41 MB -
What should you do if the road surface is icy?
Reduce speed to a crawl and stop driving as soon as you safely can
On ice, slow to a crawl and stop driving when it is safe to do so.
Section 2 · 2.6.2 – Matching Speed to the Road Surface ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Why are shaded parts of the road a danger in cold weather?
They stay icy long after open areas have melted
Shaded areas remain icy and slippery after sunny areas melt.
Section 2 · 2.6.2 – Matching Speed to the Road Surface ↗PDF, 41 MB -
When the temperature drops, what freezes before the road does?
Bridges
Bridges freeze first. Be especially careful near 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Section 2 · 2.6.2 – Matching Speed to the Road Surface ↗PDF, 41 MB -
How does slight melting change ice?
Wet ice is much more slippery than ice that is not wet
Slight melting makes ice wet, and wet ice is much more slippery.
Section 2 · 2.6.2 – Matching Speed to the Road Surface ↗PDF, 41 MB -
What is black ice?
A thin, clear layer of ice that makes the road look wet
Black ice is clear enough to see the road through. Watch for it when it is below freezing and the road looks wet.
Section 2 · 2.6.2 – Matching Speed to the Road Surface ↗PDF, 41 MB -
What is an easy way to check for ice while driving?
Open the window and feel the front of the mirror, mirror support, or antenna
If ice is on the mirror, its support, or the antenna, the road is probably starting to ice up.
Section 2 · 2.6.2 – Matching Speed to the Road Surface ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Why is the road very slippery just after rain begins?
Water mixes with oil left on the road
Early rain mixes with oil on the road. Continued rain washes the oil away.
Section 2 · 2.6.2 – Matching Speed to the Road Surface ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Your vehicle is hydroplaning. How do you regain control?
Release the accelerator and push in the clutch
Release the accelerator and push in the clutch to slow down and let the wheels turn freely. Do not brake.
Section 2 · 2.6.2 – Matching Speed to the Road Surface ↗PDF, 41 MB -
At what speed can hydroplaning occur if there is a lot of water?
As low as 30 mph
With a lot of water, hydroplaning can happen at speeds as low as 30 mph.
Section 2 · 2.6.2 – Matching Speed to the Road Surface ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Which tire condition makes hydroplaning more likely?
Low tire pressure or worn tread
Low pressure or worn tread makes hydroplaning more likely because shallow grooves cannot carry water away.
Section 2 · 2.6.2 – Matching Speed to the Road Surface ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Which signs show standing water on the road?
Clear reflections, tire splashes, and raindrops on the road
Reflections, splashes, and raindrops on the road indicate standing water.
Section 2 · 2.6.2 – Matching Speed to the Road Surface ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Can a truck with a high center of gravity roll over at the posted speed limit for a curve?
Yes, tests have shown it can
Trucks with a high center of gravity can roll over even at the posted curve speed.
Section 2 · 2.6.3 – Speed and Curves ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Why is braking in a curve dangerous?
It is easier to lock the wheels and cause a skid
Slow down before the curve. Braking in a curve makes it easier to lock the wheels.
Section 2 · 2.6.3 – Speed and Curves ↗PDF, 41 MB -
What gear should you be in while going through a curve?
A gear that lets you accelerate slightly in the curve
Being able to accelerate slightly in the curve helps you keep control.
Section 2 · 2.6.3 – Speed and Curves ↗PDF, 41 MB -
How far ahead should you always be able to stop?
Within the distance you can see ahead
Always drive at a speed that lets you stop within the distance you can see.
Section 2 · 2.6.4 – Speed and Distance Ahead ↗PDF, 41 MB -
When you must use low beams at night, what should you do?
Slow down
You cannot see as far with low beams, so slow down.
Section 2 · 2.6.4 – Speed and Distance Ahead ↗PDF, 41 MB -
In heavy traffic, what is the safest speed?
The speed of other vehicles
Vehicles going the same direction at the same speed are unlikely to hit each other.
Section 2 · 2.6.5 – Speed and Traffic Flow ↗PDF, 41 MB -
In many states, by how much can truck and bus speed limits differ from those for cars?
As much as 15 mph
Truck and bus limits can be as much as 15 mph lower than car limits, so take care when changing lanes or passing.
Section 2 · 2.6.5 – Speed and Traffic Flow ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Why is driving faster than the flow of traffic a bad idea?
You save little time and must keep passing, which raises crash risk and fatigue
Going faster means constant passing, more crash risk, and more fatigue, for little time saved.
Section 2 · 2.6.5 – Speed and Traffic Flow ↗PDF, 41 MB -
What must be the principal way of controlling your speed on downgrades?
The braking effect of the engine
Use engine braking as the main way to control speed downhill and save your brakes.
Section 2 · 2.6.6 – Speed on Downgrades ↗PDF, 41 MB -
When is the braking effect of the engine greatest?
Near the governed rpm with the transmission in the lower gears
Engine braking is strongest near governed rpm in a low gear.
Section 2 · 2.6.6 – Speed on Downgrades ↗PDF, 41 MB -
What is the number one cause of injury and death in roadway work zones?
Speeding traffic
Speeding is the top cause of injury and death in work zones. Obey the posted limits.
Section 2 · 2.6.7 – Roadway Work Zones ↗PDF, 41 MB -
When should you decrease your speed even further in a work zone?
When a worker is close to the roadway
Slow down more for bad weather or road conditions, and even more when a worker is near the road.
Section 2 · 2.6.7 – Roadway Work Zones ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Which space around your vehicle is the most important?
The space ahead
The space you are driving into, ahead of the vehicle, is the most important.
Section 2 · 2.7.1 – Space Ahead ↗PDF, 41 MB -
According to accident reports, what do trucks and buses most often run into?
The vehicle in front of them
Trucks and buses most often hit the vehicle ahead, usually from following too closely.
Section 2 · 2.7.1 – Space Ahead ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Below 40 mph, how much following distance should you keep?
At least one second for each 10 feet of vehicle length
Keep one second for every 10 feet of vehicle length at speeds below 40 mph.
Section 2 · 2.7.1 – Space Ahead ↗PDF, 41 MB -
At speeds over 40 mph, how much following distance do you need in a 40-foot vehicle?
5 seconds
Below 40 mph a 40-foot vehicle needs 4 seconds. Above 40 mph add 1 second, for 5 seconds.
Section 2 · 2.7.1 – Space Ahead ↗PDF, 41 MB -
At speeds below 40 mph, how much following distance do you need in a 60-foot rig?
6 seconds
At one second per 10 feet, a 60-foot rig needs 6 seconds below 40 mph, and 7 seconds above.
Section 2 · 2.7.1 – Space Ahead ↗PDF, 41 MB -
How do you measure your following distance?
Count seconds from when the vehicle ahead passes a landmark until you reach it
Wait until the vehicle ahead passes a clear landmark, then count seconds until you reach the same spot.
Section 2 · 2.7.1 – Space Ahead ↗PDF, 41 MB -
A heavy load is slowing you down on an uphill grade. Where should you drive?
In the right lane if you can
Stay right when a heavy load slows you, and pass uphill only if you can get around quickly and safely.
Section 2 · 2.7.1 – Space Ahead ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Someone is tailgating you. What should you do with your following distance?
Increase it
More room ahead helps you avoid sudden changes and makes it easier for the tailgater to pass.
Section 2 · 2.7.1 – Space Ahead ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Why should you not speed up when you are tailgated?
It is safer to be tailgated at a low speed than a high speed
Do not speed up. Being tailgated at low speed is safer than at high speed.
Section 2 · 2.7.1 – Space Ahead ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Which response to a tailgater should you avoid?
Flashing your brake lights or turning on your taillights
Avoid tricks such as flashing brake lights. Signal early, slow gradually, and leave more room ahead.
Section 2 · 2.7.1 – Space Ahead ↗PDF, 41 MB -
What are the two dangers of traveling alongside other vehicles?
Another driver may turn into you, and you may be trapped when you need to change lanes
Another driver may change lanes into you, and you may have no room to change lanes.
Section 2 · 2.7.3 – Space to the Sides ↗PDF, 41 MB -
If you must travel near other vehicles, what should you do?
Drop back or pull forward so the other driver can see you
Keep as much space as possible and position yourself where the other driver can see you.
Section 2 · 2.7.3 – Space to the Sides ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Where is the problem of strong winds especially bad?
Coming out of tunnels
Strong winds make it hard to stay in your lane, especially coming out of tunnels.
Section 2 · 2.7.3 – Space to the Sides ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Should you trust the heights posted at bridges and overpasses?
No, re-paving or packed snow may have reduced the clearance
Posted heights may be wrong because re-paving or packed snow can lower the clearance.
Section 2 · 2.7.4 – Space Overhead ↗PDF, 41 MB -
How does an empty cargo van’s height compare with a loaded one?
The empty van is higher
An empty van rides higher. Clearing a bridge loaded does not mean you can clear it empty.
Section 2 · 2.7.4 – Space Overhead ↗PDF, 41 MB -
You are not sure you can make it under an overhead object. What should you do?
Take another route
Go slowly if in doubt, and take another route if you are not sure you can make it.
Section 2 · 2.7.4 – Space Overhead ↗PDF, 41 MB -
The road tilts your vehicle toward signs and trees at the edge. What should you do?
Drive a little closer to the center of the road
Where a tilted road brings you close to roadside objects, drive a little nearer the center.
Section 2 · 2.7.4 – Space Overhead ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Where is the space under a heavily loaded vehicle often a problem?
On dirt roads and in unpaved yards
Low clearance under a loaded vehicle is often a problem on dirt roads and unpaved yards.
Section 2 · 2.7.5 – Space Below ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Which vehicles are most at risk of getting hung up on railroad tracks?
Those pulling trailers with low underneath clearance
Trailers with low underneath clearance can hang up on tracks.
Section 2 · 2.7.5 – Space Below ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Your truck cannot make a right turn without swinging into another lane. How should you turn?
Turn wide as you complete the turn, keeping the rear close to the curb
Turn wide as you finish and keep the rear near the curb so no one can pass on the right.
Section 2 · 2.7.6 – Space for Turns ↗PDF, 41 MB -
What can happen if you swing wide to the left before a right turn?
A following driver may try to pass you on the right
A driver behind may think you are turning left and try to pass on your right.
Section 2 · 2.7.6 – Space for Turns ↗PDF, 41 MB -
You cross into the oncoming lane to make a turn and a vehicle approaches. What should you not do?
Back up for them
Give oncoming vehicles room, but do not back up, because you might hit someone behind you.
Section 2 · 2.7.6 – Space for Turns ↗PDF, 41 MB -
On a left turn, when should you start turning?
After reaching the center of the intersection
Reach the center first. Turning too soon can make your left side hit another vehicle due to off-tracking.
Section 2 · 2.7.6 – Space for Turns ↗PDF, 41 MB -
There are two left turn lanes. Which should you take?
The right turn lane
Always take the right of the two turn lanes, so you do not have to swing right to make the turn.
Section 2 · 2.7.6 – Space for Turns ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Why may you need a much larger gap to enter traffic than in a car?
Large vehicles accelerate slowly and need more space
Because of slow acceleration and size, you need a bigger gap. Allow more room when heavily loaded.
Section 2 · 2.7.7 – Space Needed to Cross or Enter Traffic ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Before you start across a road, what must you be sure of?
You can get all the way across before traffic reaches you
Start across only when you can clear the road completely before traffic arrives.
Section 2 · 2.7.7 – Space Needed to Cross or Enter Traffic ↗PDF, 41 MB
Questions and answers by topic
- Texas commercial rules126
- Licenses, tests and disqualifications83
- Vehicle inspection67
- Control, shifting and seeing54
- Seeing hazards, distraction and road rage78
- Night, fog, winter and hot weather72
- Railroad crossings and mountain driving53
- Emergencies, ABS and skids68
- Accidents, fires, alcohol and hazmat rules75
- Transporting cargo49
- Transporting passengers82
- Air brake parts and dual systems77
- Inspecting and using air brakes79
- Driving combination vehicles56
- Combination air brakes, coupling and inspection90
- Doubles and triples57
- Tank vehicles57
- Hazmat rules, classes and papers84
- Loading, bulk and driving with hazmat86
- Hazmat emergencies66
- School bus danger zones and loading67
- School bus emergencies, crossings and safety75