Why does the handbook say you should always signal your moves?

A surprise move often leads to a crash

Signals are only needed to pass a driving test

Signals let you skip checking your mirrors

You are parked parallel to the curb and are about to pull away. Must you signal?

Yes, always signal when pulling away from the curb

Only if a car is right behind you

No, signals are only for turns at intersections

Which of these moves always calls for a signal?

Driving straight through a green light

Must you signal when you enter or leave a highway?

Yes, every time you enter or leave a highway

What are the two ways you may signal in Texas?

Turn signal lights or hand and arm signals

Why is it important that your signal lights work properly?

Hand signals are hard to see when it is not daylight

Hand signals are illegal in Texas

Signal lights replace the need to check mirrors

For how long should you signal before turning or stopping?

Continuously for at least 100 feet

Why must you turn off your signal once your turn is complete?

May you drive on the left side of the road where there are solid lane lines or a No Passing Zone?

No, never drive on the left there

Why must you not drive on the left side of the road on a hill or curve?

Your view of oncoming traffic is limited

The road is narrower there by law

Trucks have the right-of-way there

On which kind of street may you use the left side to pass another vehicle?

A street with two or more lanes in each direction

A street with a solid center line

When else may you leave the right side of the road?

When the right side of the road is blocked

When the left lane looks smoother

What kind of crash often results from improper passing?

A rear-end crash in a parking lot

When may you tap your horn while passing?

When needed to avoid surprising the driver ahead

Every time you pass any vehicle

Never, the horn is only for emergencies

How do you know you have cleared the car you passed and can return to the right lane?

You can see it in your rearview mirror

You are one car length ahead of it

Its driver flashes the headlights

When may you pass on the right on a road with lanes in both directions?

When it has two or more lanes each way and is clear of obstructions

Whenever the car ahead is going slowly

Whenever the right shoulder is unpaved and wide

When may you pass on a paved shoulder?

When the vehicle ahead is preparing to turn left

May you pass on the right by driving off the paved part of the highway?

Yes, if the car ahead is turning left

Yes, if the shoulder is gravel and dry

Another vehicle is passing you. What should you do with your speed?

Speed up so the pass ends sooner

You are being passed on the left and the lanes are not marked. What should you do?

Safely move as far to the right as you can

Move toward the center of the road

Stop on the road until the car passes

When should you decide to make a turn?

Before you get to the turning point

When the car behind you gets close

How does the speed of traffic affect when you move into your turning lane?

The faster traffic moves, the sooner you move over

The faster traffic moves, the later you move over

Speed does not matter, move over at the corner

You cannot get into the proper lane within half a block of your turn. What should you do?

Do not turn and continue straight ahead

You are using a hand signal for a turn. Should you hold it while turning?

No, you need both hands on the wheel to turn

Yes, hold it until the turn is complete

Where should your vehicle be when you finish a turn?

Straddling two lanes until you pick one

When making a right turn, where should your car stay?

As close as possible to the right edge of the road

As far left as possible to swing wide

As you start a left turn, who must you yield the right-of-way to?

Vehicles approaching from the opposite direction

No one, a left turn has priority

As you enter the intersection for a left turn, where should you stay?

To the right of the center line

You have just completed a left turn but need a different lane. What may you do?

Signal and change lanes if necessary

You turn left from a one-way street onto a two-way street. Which lanes do you use?

From the left lane into the right lane going your way

From the right lane into the left lane

From the center lane into any lane

You turn left from a two-way street onto a one-way street. Which lane should you enter?

The lane where you interfere least with other traffic

Can you ever turn from or into two or more lanes at once?

Yes, where markings or signs permit it

Yes, whenever there is no traffic

Signaling, passing and turning

Practice this topic42 questions

Questions and answers

Why does the handbook say you should always signal your moves?

A surprise move often leads to a crash

Signaling tells others what you plan to do so they can plan ahead. Sudden, unannounced moves cause crashes.
Chapter 6 · Signaling ↗PDF, 29 MB
You are parked parallel to the curb and are about to pull away. Must you signal?

Yes, always signal when pulling away from the curb

Pulling away from a parallel parking space is one of the moves that always requires a signal.
Chapter 6 · Signaling ↗PDF, 29 MB
Which of these moves always calls for a signal?

Slowing down or stopping

Signal before you slow down or stop, as well as before turning, changing lanes or pulling over.
Chapter 6 · Signaling ↗PDF, 29 MB
Must you signal when you enter or leave a highway?

Yes, every time you enter or leave a highway

Entering and leaving a highway are both on the list of moves that always need a signal.
Chapter 6 · Signaling ↗PDF, 29 MB
What are the two ways you may signal in Texas?

Turn signal lights or hand and arm signals

You may use the vehicle’s turn signal lights or extend your hand and arm out of the window.
Chapter 6 · How to Signal ↗PDF, 29 MB
Why is it important that your signal lights work properly?

Hand signals are hard to see when it is not daylight

Hand and arm signals are difficult to see at night, so working signal lights matter.
Chapter 6 · How to Signal ↗PDF, 29 MB
When you signal a stop, what can you do to attract attention?

Pump your brakes a few times

Tapping the brake pedal a few times flashes your brake lights and draws the attention of drivers behind you.
Chapter 6 · How to Signal ↗PDF, 29 MB
For how long should you signal before turning or stopping?

Continuously for at least 100 feet

Keep the signal on without a break for at least 100 feet before you turn or stop.
Chapter 6 · How to Signal ↗PDF, 29 MB
Why must you turn off your signal once your turn is complete?

Other drivers still read it as a turn

A signal left on by mistake still tells others you are about to turn, which can cause a crash.
Chapter 6 · How to Signal ↗PDF, 29 MB
May you drive on the left side of the road where there are solid lane lines or a No Passing Zone?

No, never drive on the left there

Where signs or pavement markings prohibit driving on the left, you must stay on the right.
Chapter 6 · Keep to the Right ↗PDF, 29 MB
The road has two or more traffic lanes in each direction. May you drive on the left side of the road?

No, never on such a road

On a road with two or more lanes each way, you never cross to the side meant for oncoming traffic.
Chapter 6 · Keep to the Right ↗PDF, 29 MB
Within what distance of an intersection or railroad crossing must you never drive on the left side of the road?

100 feet

Do not drive on the left within 100 feet of an intersection or railroad crossing, or while crossing one.
Chapter 6 · Keep to the Right ↗PDF, 29 MB
Within what distance of a bridge, viaduct or tunnel must you never drive on the left side of the road?

100 feet

The left side of the road is off limits within 100 feet of a bridge, viaduct or tunnel.
Chapter 6 · Keep to the Right ↗PDF, 29 MB
Why must you not drive on the left side of the road on a hill or curve?

Your view of oncoming traffic is limited

On hills, curves and any place where vision is limited, you cannot see oncoming cars in time.
Chapter 6 · Keep to the Right ↗PDF, 29 MB
On which kind of street may you use the left side to pass another vehicle?

A two- or three-lane street

Passing on a two- or three-lane street is one of the exceptions to keeping right.
Chapter 6 · Keep to the Right ↗PDF, 29 MB
When else may you leave the right side of the road?

When the right side of the road is blocked

Besides passing and one-way streets, you may leave the right side only when it is blocked.
Chapter 6 · Keep to the Right ↗PDF, 29 MB
What kind of crash often results from improper passing?

A head-on crash

Bad passing puts you in the path of oncoming traffic, and these head-on crashes can be deadly.
Chapter 6 · Basic Safety Rules When You Are Passing ↗PDF, 29 MB
When may you tap your horn while passing?

When needed to avoid surprising the driver ahead

A light tap of the horn lets the driver ahead know you are there so you do not surprise them.
Chapter 6 · Basic Safety Rules When You Are Passing ↗PDF, 29 MB
What should you avoid when returning to your lane after passing?

Cutting in too quickly

Pulling back in too soon cuts off the driver you passed. Leave room before you return.
Chapter 6 · Basic Safety Rules When You Are Passing ↗PDF, 29 MB
Passing on a two-lane road, you must be back in the right lane before an oncoming car comes within what distance of you?

200 feet

Make sure you have the time and space to pass and return before an approaching car is within 200 feet.
Chapter 6 · How to Pass on a Two-Lane Road ↗PDF, 29 MB
Before passing on a two-lane road, which signal should you turn on?

Your left turn signal

After checking mirrors and your blind spot, use the left signal to warn drivers behind you.
Chapter 6 · How to Pass on a Two-Lane Road ↗PDF, 29 MB
How do you know you have cleared the car you passed and can return to the right lane?

You can see it in your rearview mirror

Wait until the passed car appears in your rearview mirror before moving back.
Chapter 6 · How to Pass on a Two-Lane Road ↗PDF, 29 MB
When may you pass on the right on a road with lanes in both directions?

When it has two or more lanes each way and is clear of obstructions

Passing on the right is allowed only when it is safe and the road is wide enough for two or more lanes each way.
Chapter 6 · Passing on the Right ↗PDF, 29 MB
When may you pass on a paved shoulder?

When the vehicle ahead is preparing to turn left

You may use a paved shoulder to pass a vehicle that is slowing or stopped, disabled, or preparing to turn left.
Chapter 6 · Passing on the Right ↗PDF, 29 MB
May you pass on the right by driving off the paved part of the highway?

No, never

Passing on the right must stay on pavement. Driving off the paved portion to pass is not allowed.
Chapter 6 · Passing on the Right ↗PDF, 29 MB
Another vehicle is passing you. What should you do with your speed?

Do not increase it

Speeding up makes the pass longer and more dangerous. Hold your speed and stay in your lane.
Chapter 6 · When Another Vehicle is Passing ↗PDF, 29 MB
You are being passed on the left and the lanes are not marked. What should you do?

Safely move as far to the right as you can

Moving right gives the passing driver more room to get by safely.
Chapter 6 · When Another Vehicle is Passing ↗PDF, 29 MB
While passing, what should you avoid doing near the other vehicle?

Lingering in its blind spot

Either complete the pass or drop back. The other driver likely cannot see you in the blind spot.
Chapter 6 · Blind Spot Driving ↗PDF, 29 MB
How many steps does the handbook give for making a safe turn?

Seven

The handbook lists seven steps, from deciding before the turn to finishing in the proper lane.
Chapter 6 · Turning ↗PDF, 29 MB
When should you decide to make a turn?

Before you get to the turning point

Last minute turns are dangerous. Make the decision before you reach the turning point.
Chapter 6 · Turning ↗PDF, 29 MB
How does the speed of traffic affect when you move into your turning lane?

The faster traffic moves, the sooner you move over

Fast traffic gives you less time, so get into the proper lane earlier.
Chapter 6 · Turning ↗PDF, 29 MB
You cannot get into the proper lane within half a block of your turn. What should you do?

Do not turn and continue straight ahead

If you cannot reach the proper lane within one-half block, skip the turn and go straight.
Chapter 6 · Turning ↗PDF, 29 MB
You are using a hand signal for a turn. Should you hold it while turning?

No, you need both hands on the wheel to turn

Hold the hand signal until others know your plan, then put both hands on the wheel for the turn.
Chapter 6 · Turning ↗PDF, 29 MB
What should you not use while you are making the turn itself?

The brake or the clutch

Slow to a reasonable turning speed before the turn. Do not brake or use the clutch during it.
Chapter 6 · Turning ↗PDF, 29 MB
Where should your vehicle be when you finish a turn?

In the proper lane

The last step of a safe turn is to complete it in the proper lane.
Chapter 6 · Turning ↗PDF, 29 MB
When making a right turn, where should your car stay?

As close as possible to the right edge of the road

Move to the far right lane before the turn and keep close to the right edge as you turn.
Chapter 6 · How to Make a Right Turn ↗PDF, 29 MB
As you start a left turn, who must you yield the right-of-way to?

Vehicles approaching from the opposite direction

Oncoming traffic goes first. Wait for a safe gap before turning left.
Chapter 6 · How to Make a Left Turn ↗PDF, 29 MB
As you enter the intersection for a left turn, where should you stay?

To the right of the center line

Keeping right of the center line keeps you out of the path of oncoming cars.
Chapter 6 · How to Make a Left Turn ↗PDF, 29 MB
You have just completed a left turn but need a different lane. What may you do?

Signal and change lanes if necessary

Finish the turn in the proper lane first. Then you may signal and change lanes.
Chapter 6 · How to Make a Left Turn ↗PDF, 29 MB
You turn left from a one-way street onto a two-way street. Which lanes do you use?

From the left lane into the right lane going your way

Start in the left lane of the one-way street and end in the right lane of traffic moving your direction.
Chapter 6 · Making a Left Turn From a One-Way Onto a Two-Way Street ↗PDF, 29 MB
You turn left from a two-way street onto a one-way street. Which lane should you enter?

The lane where you interfere least with other traffic

Enter the one-way street in the lane where you will get in the way of other traffic the least.
Chapter 6 · Making a Left Turn From a Two-Way Onto a One-Way Street ↗PDF, 29 MB
Can you ever turn from or into two or more lanes at once?

Yes, where markings or signs permit it

Pavement markings and signs may allow turns from or into more than one lane. Watch for them.
Chapter 6 · Other Turning Procedures ↗PDF, 29 MB