ADS Module 1: Texas Driver Education (Chapter 3)

What is Right of Way in Texas?

• The right of one vehicle or pedestrian to proceed legally before another

• Prevents accidents and confusion

• Violations can result in fines from $500-$2,000

• Serious injury fines: $1,000-$4,000

True or False: You’ll never have the right-of-way unless someone else gives it to you.

True. Right-of-way is not automatic. It depends on other drivers yielding to you. Always be prepared to give up the right-of-way for safety, especially when dealing with unpredictable drivers.

What are the types of intersections in Texas?

1. Traditional Intersections: Where two or more roadway users meet. These can be controlled (signs and signals) or uncontrolled (no signs or signals).

2. Non-Traditional: Where roadway users meet at a non-traditional place. Such as a railroad crossing or turn about.

What should you do if you approach a 4-way stop at the same time as another driver?

Yield to the driver on your right

How should you handle an uncontrolled intersection?

• Yield to vehicles already in the intersection

• Give right of way to cars on your right

• Stay cautious, watch for cars from the left

• Always assume other drivers may not follow the rules

How does right-of-way work when roads with different lane counts intersect?

• Single/two-lane roads must yield to vehicles on larger roads

• Divided streets & roads with 3+ lanes have priority

• Highway entrance/exit ramps require yielding to oncoming traffic

How does right-of-way work when an unpaved road meets a paved road?

• Vehicles on unpaved roads must yield to traffic on paved roads

• Paved roads have priority at intersections

• Always check for approaching vehicles before proceeding

How does right-of-way work at a T-intersection?

• Vehicles on the ending road must yield to traffic on the cross street (the top of the T)

• Drivers on the cross street have priority

• Always check for approaching vehicles before proceeding

How does right-of-way work on controlled-access highways?

• Vehicles on frontage roads must yield to traffic entering or exiting the highway

• Highway traffic has priority over feeder road vehicles

• Always check for merging vehicles before proceeding

What are five reasons you must stop at a railroad crossing?

1. There’s an active signal warning of a train

2. The crossing gate is down or a flag person signals a stop

3. A legal requirement or traffic control device mandates a stop

4. A train is within 1,500 ft or is audible

5. You visually judge that the train is too close

When turning left, who has the right-of-way?

You must yield to oncoming traffic coming from the opposite direction before completing your turn.

Who has the right-of-way when entering a public street from a private road?

Vehicles on the public street always have the right-of-way over those entering from a private road.

• Make sure to stop before sidewalks

• Always yield to pedestrians

What should you do when an emergency vehicle is responding with lights and sirens?

• Yield to the emergency vehicle by pulling over to the right and stopping if safely possible.

• If the emergency vehicle has already worked around traffic, staying put or moving left may be better.

• Move Over Act: If approaching an emergency vehicle with lights on, move over one lane if possible.

• If moving over is unsafe, slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit.

What other vehicles, besides emergency responders, does the Move Over Act apply to?

The Move Over Act also applies to tow trucks and other response vehicles with flashing lights.

In what instances do you NOT need to stop for a school bus?

You do not need to stop when:

• The bus is on a different road

• You are on a controlled-access road (highway, freeway, etc.)

• You are driving in the opposite direction and separated by a physical barrier (median, island, or divider)

When MUST you stop for a school bus, and when CAN you pass?

You must stop when a school bus has flashing lights, unless:

• It starts driving again

• The driver signals it’s OK to proceed

• The warning lights and signs stop flashing

NOTE: You are REQUIRED to stop for unloading school buses if you are driving in the opposite direction and traffic flow is separated by only a center left turning lane.

How many feet (at least) must you stay behind emergency responding vehicles?

Stay at least 500 ft. behind fire trucks and ambulances responding to emergencies.

Who has the right-of-way at a T-intersection?

• Traffic on the through road (the straight, continuous roadway) has the right-of-way.

• The vehicle on the terminating road (the road that ends at the intersection) must yield before entering or crossing.

Who has the right-of-way when pedestrians are present?

• Pedestrians always have the right-of-way, regardless of the situation.

• Drivers must yield at both controlled and uncontrolled intersections.

• Even if there are no signs or markings, pedestrians still have priority, and you MUST yield.

What is the key mindset for right-of-way rules and safe driving?

• Give, don’t take the right-of-way.

• Stay in school and out of trouble.

• Responsibly accept or yield the right-of-way.

• Reduce risk whenever and wherever possible.

What does the IPDE formula stand for, and how does it help drivers?

The IPDE formula is a defensive driving strategy that helps drivers anticipate and react to potential hazards:

• Identify – Spot potential dangers (vehicles, pedestrians, road conditions).

• Predict – Anticipate how those hazards may affect driving.

• Decide – Choose the best course of action to avoid danger.

• Execute – Carry out your decision safely and smoothly.

What should you do if you are switching lanes?

• Signal Early – Use your turn signal to indicate your intention.

• Check Mirrors – Look at your rearview and side mirrors for nearby vehicles.

• Check Blind Spots – Quickly glance over your shoulder to ensure no vehicle is in your blind spot.

• Maintain Speed – Avoid slowing down or speeding up suddenly while changing lanes.

• Move Smoothly – Steer into the new lane gradually without abrupt movements.

• Turn Off Signal – Once you’ve completed the lane change, turn off your signal to avoid confusion.