Texas Driver Handbook Exhaustive Study Notes

Texas Driver Handbook: Introduction and Administrative Overview

  • Version and Publication: Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License Division, Revised January 2026. This publication is FREE (DL-7).
  • DPS Mission: Committed to creating a faster, easier, and friendlier driver license experience and a safer Texas.
  • Handbook Purpose:
    1. To help qualify for a Texas driver license.
    2. To help become a safer driver.
  • Legal Disclaimer: This is not an official legal reference to Texas traffic laws; it is intended to explain federal and state laws in plain language for vehicle operation. For actual language, refer to the Texas Transportation Code and Texas Penal Code.
  • Legislative Updates: The Texas Legislature meets every two years and regularly updates traffic laws.
  • ADA Accommodations: Special arrangements for disabilities must be emailed to the Customer Service Center at least 55 to 77 business days prior to an office visit.
  • Grievance Procedures: Found in the 37 Texas Administrative Code §1.41\S 1.41.
  • Crash Statistics in Texas:
    • Public roadways cover more than 314,000 miles314,000\,\text{miles}.
    • Tragically, approximately 3,500 people3,500\,\text{people} are killed and more than 15,000 people15,000\,\text{people} are seriously injured in traffic crashes annually.
  • Signature: Freeman F. Martin, Colonel, Texas Department of Public Safety.

Chapter 1: Your License to Drive

  • Who May Drive in Texas:

    • Residents: Current valid license holders and new residents (who have 90 days90\,\text{days} to exchange an out-of-state license). Exempt: operators of road machines, farm tractors, or implements of husbandry moved temporarily (if not commercial motor vehicles).
    • Nonresidents: Must be at least 16 years16\,\text{years} old with a valid license from their home state or Canadian province (for Class C or Class M vehicles). If at least 18 years18\,\text{years} old, they may drive any vehicle they are licensed for in their home state/country if reciprocity exists.
    • Military: Drivers of official U.S. or state military vehicles. Nonresidents on active duty, spouses, or dependents with valid home-state licenses. Person on active duty with U.S. Armed Forces foreign licenses can drive for 90 days90\,\text{days} from return date. Licenses remain valid as long as service continues and absence from Texas does not exceed 90 days90\,\text{days} from honorable separation or return.

  • Types of Texas Driver Licenses:

    • Learner License (Instruction Permit): Allows practice when accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years21\,\text{years} old with 1 year1\,\text{year} experience (must sit in the front seat, be awake, sober, and observant). Age range: 1515 to 18 years18\,\text{years}. Cost: 15.00 USD15.00\,\text{USD} license fee + 1.00 USD1.00\,\text{USD} administrative fee = 16.00 USD16.00\,\text{USD}. Expires on 18th18^{\text{th}} birthday.
    • Hardship License (Minor Restricted Driver License): Issued to minors (age 1515 to 1818) establishing a necessity based on economic hardship for the family, illness/death of a family member, or vocational program needs. Application requires form DL-77 signed by authorized adult.
    • Provisional License: Issued to individuals age 1616 to 1818 who have held a learner/hardship license for at least 6 months6\,\text{months} and passed all exams. Marked "PROVISIONAL" and expires on 18th18^{\text{th}} birthday.

  • Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program:

    • Phase One: Applicants under 1818 must hold a learner license for at least 6 months6\,\text{months} before Phase Two eligibility.
    • Phase Two: Restricts privileges until age 1818. Restrictions: No more than one passenger under 2121 (non-family). No driving between midnight and 5:00 a.m.5:00\,\text{a.m.} (unless for work, school activity, or medical emergency). No wireless communication devices (even hands-free) except in emergencies.

  • Classes of Non-Commercial Driver Licenses:

    • Class A: Permitted for vehicles/combinations with GCWR of 26,001 lbs26,001\,\text{lbs} or more, provided the towed vehicle GVWR exceeds 10,000 lbs10,000\,\text{lbs}. Age 18+18+ (or 1717 with driver education). Fee: 33.00 USD33.00\,\text{USD}.
    • Class B: Single vehicle with GVWR of 26,001 lbs26,001\,\text{lbs} or more, or such vehicle towing a vehicle not exceeding 10,000 lbs10,000\,\text{lbs} (or farm trailer not exceeding 20,000 lbs20,000\,\text{lbs}). Fee: 33.00 USD33.00\,\text{USD}.
    • Class C: Single vehicle or combination not in Class A/B; single vehicle GVWR less than 26,001 lbs26,001\,\text{lbs} towing unit not exceeding 10,000 lbs10,000\,\text{lbs} (or farm trailer not exceeding 20,000 lbs20,000\,\text{lbs}). Includes autocycles (steering wheel, max 3 wheels3\,\text{wheels}, no straddle seat). Fee: 33.00 USD33.00\,\text{USD}.
    • Class M: Motorcycles. Requires approved motorcycle operator training course. Residents under 1818 must pass motorcycle driving exam.

  • Identification (ID) Cards: Available to any age. Displays vertically for under 2121. Fee: 16.00 USD16.00\,\text{USD} (under age 6060) or 6.00 USD6.00\,\text{USD} (age 60+60+).

  • Obtaining the License - Requirements:

    • Evidence of Financial Responsibility (Vehicle Insurance).
    • Evidence of Vehicle Registration (for new residents).
    • Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE) Form: For applicants under 1818. Valid for 30 days30\,\text{days} (fall/spring) or 90 days90\,\text{days} (summer).
    • Examinations: Vision (corrective lenses required if they improve safety), Knowledge (70 %70\,\% or higher to pass), and Driving Skill (graded on Control, Observation, Positioning, and Signaling).

  • Administrative Actions and Penalties:

    • Mandatory Suspensions: DWI, drug offenses, intoxication manslaughter, failure to stop and render aid, felony motor vehicle law violations, evading arrest, Driving While License Invalid (DWLI), graffiti, and racing on public streets.
    • Administrative License Revocation (ALR): BAC of 0.08 %0.08\,\% or higher (age 21+21+), any detectable alcohol (under age 2121), or refusal to submit to breath/blood test. Reinstatement fee: 125.00 USD125.00\,\text{USD}.
    • Non-Driving Alcohol Penalties for Minors:
      • 1st1^{\text{st}} offense: Class C Misdemeanor, fine up to 500.00 USD500.00\,\text{USD}, 88 to 12 hours12\,\text{hours} community service, mandatory alcohol awareness course, 30-day30\text{-day} suspension.
      • 3rd3^{\text{rd}} offense (1717-21 years21\,\text{years} old): Class B Misdemeanor, 250.00 USD250.00\,\text{USD} to 2,000.00 USD2,000.00\,\text{USD} fine, 180-day180\text{-day} suspension, possible jail up to 180 days180\,\text{days}.

Chapter 2: Vehicle Inspection and Registration

  • Inspection System: All motor vehicles must be inspected annually. Texas uses "Two Steps, One Sticker" where registration and inspection are combined into a single windshield sticker. Passing Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) is valid for 90 days90\,\text{days} for registration.
  • Required Equipment:
    • Brakes: Foot brake (must stop car within 25 feet25\,\text{feet} at 20 mph20\,\text{mph}) and Parking brake.
    • Lights: Two headlights, two taillights (one if pre-1960), two brake lights (one if pre-1960), white license plate light, parking lights, and two red reflectors (visible up to 600 feet600\,\text{feet}; 350 feet350\,\text{feet} if pre-1960).
    • Tires: Minimum tread depth of 232 inches\frac{2}{32}\,\text{inches}.
    • Others: Horn (heard at 200 feet200\,\text{feet}), muffler/exhaust (1968+ models need emission system), safety glass, windshield wipers, and rearview mirror (reflecting 200 feet200\,\text{feet} to rear).
  • Prohibited Equipment: Red lights showing from front, sirens/bells/whistles (except emergency vehicles), muffler cutouts, objects extending 3 inches3\,\text{inches} left or 6 inches6\,\text{inches} right of body, and radar interference devices.
  • Registration Rules:
    • Renew within 30 days30\,\text{days} of purchase or establishing residency.
    • Buyers' temporary tags: 60 days60\,\text{days}.
    • Exempt from registration: Farm tractors, implements of husbandry, certain farm trailers (≤4,000 lbs\le 4,000\,\text{lbs}), golf carts, electric bicycles, and EPAMDs.

Chapter 3: Safety Responsibility

  • Liability Insurance Law: The Texas Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act requires minimum liability coverage:
    • 30,000.00 USD30,000.00\,\text{USD} against injury/death of one person.
    • 60,000.00 USD60,000.00\,\text{USD} against injury/death of two or more persons.
    • 25,000.00 USD25,000.00\,\text{USD} against property damage.
  • Evidence of Responsibility: Standard insurance form, surety bond, certificate of self-insurance (if owning 25+ vehicles25+\,\text{vehicles}), or certificate of deposit of 55,000.00 USD55,000.00\,\text{USD} with state/county.
  • Penalties for No Insurance:
    • 1st1^{\text{st}} offense: 175.00 USD175.00\,\text{USD} to 350.00 USD350.00\,\text{USD} fine.
    • Subsequent: 350.00 USD350.00\,\text{USD} to 1,000.00 USD1,000.00\,\text{USD} fine plus 180-day vehicle impoundment.

Chapter 4: Right-of-Way

  • General Rule: Right-of-way is given, not taken. Laws describe who must yield.
  • Specific Intersections:
    • Unpaved vs. Paved: Yield from unpaved to paved.
    • Single/Two-Lane vs. Multi-Lane: Yield from fewer lanes to more lanes.
    • T-Intersection: Yield from the street that ends to the through street.
    • Turning Left: Always yield to oncoming traffic going straight.
  • Railroad Grade Crossings: Stop between 1515 and 50 feet50\,\text{feet} from the nearest rail if signals flash, a gate is lowered, or a train is visible within 1,500 feet1,500\,\text{feet}.
    • ENS Sign: Blue and white sign at crossing containing the USDOT National Crossing Inventory Number and railroad emergency contact.
  • Emergency Vehicles: Pull to the right edge and stop. Do not follow fire trucks closer than 500 feet500\,\text{feet}.
  • Move Over Law: Approach stopped emergency/tow/utility vehicles with lights activated by:
    • Vacating the lane closest to the vehicle; or
    • Slowing to 20 mph20\,\text{mph} below the limit (if limit is 25+mph25+\text{mph}) or to 5 mph5\,\text{mph} (if limit is under 25mph25\text{mph}).
  • School Buses: Stop for red flashing lights from either direction. Do not proceed until bus moves, lights stop, or driver signals. Fines: 500.00 USD500.00\,\text{USD} - 1,250.00 USD1,250.00\,\text{USD} for first conviction.

Chapter 5: Signals, Signs, and Markers

  • Signal Meaning:
    • Steady Red: Complete stop. Right turn allowed after stop unless prohibited.
    • Flashing Yellow Arrow: Turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic.
    • Steady Yellow: Caution; light is changing to red. Stop if safe to do so.
  • Sign Shapes and Colors:
    • Octagon: Stop.
    • Inverted Triangle: Yield.
    • Pennant: No Passing Zone.
    • Diamond: Warning.
    • Pentagon: School.
    • Round: Railroad.
    • Orange: Construction.
    • Brown: Recreation/Scenic GUIDANCE.
  • Pavement Markings:
    • Double Solid Yellow: No passing in either direction.
    • Solid White: Shoulder marking; avoid crossing.
    • Double Solid White: Crossing is prohibited.
  • Construction Zones: Fines double if workers are present. Barricade stripes sloping down to the right mean pass to the right.

Chapter 6: Signaling, Passing, and Turning

  • Signaling: Always signal at least 100 feet100\,\text{feet} before turning or stopping. Use mirrors and check blind spots before changing lanes.
  • Passing: Do not pass within 100 feet100\,\text{feet} of an intersection, bridge, viaduct, tunnel, or railroad crossing. Do not pass if you must return to your lane within 200 feet200\,\text{feet} of oncoming traffic.
  • Left Turn Procedures: Use center lane (if available), look in all directions, stay to the right of the centerline as you enter the intersection, and finish in the lane that interferes the least with traffic.

Chapter 7: Parking, Stopping, or Standing

  • Restricted Areas: Do not park within 15 feet15\,\text{feet} of a fire hydrant, 20 feet20\,\text{feet} of a crosswalk at an intersection, 30 feet30\,\text{feet} of traffic signals/signs, or 50 feet50\,\text{feet} of a railroad rail.
  • Disabled Parking: Fines range from 500.00 USD500.00\,\text{USD} to 750.00 USD750.00\,\text{USD} for first offense. Prohibited to block access ramps.
  • Parallel Parking: Right-hand wheels must be within 18 inches18\,\text{inches} of the curb.
  • Hills:
    • Uphill with Curb: Turn wheels toward the street (left).
    • Downhill with Curb/No Curb: Turn wheels toward the curb (right).

Chapter 8: Speed and Speed Limits

  • Following Distance: Minimum 2-second2\text{-second} gap for under 30 mph30\,\text{mph}. Minimum 4-second4\text{-second} gap for over 30 mph30\,\text{mph} or poor conditions.
  • Stopping Distance Example:
    • At 20 mph20\,\text{mph}, stopping distance is approximately 63 feet63\,\text{feet}.
    • At 50 mph50\,\text{mph}, stopping distance is approximately 229 feet229\,\text{feet}.
    • At 70 mph70\,\text{mph}, stopping distance is approximately 387 feet387\,\text{feet}.
  • Standard Speed Limits:
    • Urban District: 30 mph30\,\text{mph}.
    • Alley: 15 mph15\,\text{mph}.
    • Highway (Numbered by TX/US): 70 mph70\,\text{mph}.

Chapter 9: Special Driving Situations

  • Headlights: Must use from 30 minutes30\,\text{minutes} after sunset to 30 minutes30\,\text{minutes} before sunrise. Low beams required when within 500 feet500\,\text{feet} of approaching vehicle or 300 feet300\,\text{feet} of vehicle followed.
  • Skidding: Take foot off gas, do not hit brakes hard, and turn steering wheel in the direction of the skid.
  • Winter Driving: Bridges freeze first. Chains are most effective for ice.
  • Modern Roundabout: Circular intersection flowing counter-clockwise. Reduces severe crashes by 80 %80\,\%.
  • Floods: 6 inches6\,\text{inches} can stall a car; 12 inches12\,\text{inches} can float it; 24 inches24\,\text{inches} can wash away SUVs. "Turn Around Don't Drown\u00ae".
  • Sharing the Road with Trucks: Avoid the "No-Zone" (blind spots). A fully loaded tractor-trailer needs 400+feet400+\text{feet} to stop at 55 mph55\,\text{mph}.
  • Bicycles: Bicycles are vehicles. Motorists must yield to bikes when turning. Cyclists may take the full lane if it is less than 14 feet14\,\text{feet} wide.

Chapter 10: Alcohol and Drugs

  • Intoxication Definition: Legal limit is Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08 %0.08\,\% or any amount causing loss of mental/physical faculties.
  • Penalties for DWI (Adults):
    • 1st1^{\text{st}} offense: Fine up to 2,000.00 USD2,000.00\,\text{USD}, 72 hours72\,\text{hours} to 180 days180\,\text{days} jail, suspension for 9090 to 365 days365\,\text{days}.
    • DWI with passenger under 15: State jail felony, fine up to 10,000.00 USD10,000.00\,\text{USD}, 180 days180\,\text{days} to 2 years2\,\text{years} in state jail.
  • Implied Consent: Operating a vehicle in a public place implies consent for blood/breath tests. Refusal (1st1^{\text{st}} offense) results in 180-day180\text{-day} suspension.

Chapter 11: Motor Vehicle Crashes

  • Immediate Action: Stop, provide information (name, address, insurance, registration), and render aid. If damage to one person's property is 1,000.00 USD1,000.00\,\text{USD} or more and not investigated by police, a written report must be filed within 10 days10\,\text{days} to TxDOT.
  • Unattended Vehicle: Must locate owner or leave a visible note with name, address, and circumstances.

Chapter 14: Additional Safety Tips

  • Safety Belts: Required for all occupants in a passenger vehicle. Children under 8\text{ and shorter than } 4\'9\" must be in a child safety seat.
  • Police Stops: Move to the right shoulder, turn off engine, turn on interior lights at night, and keep hands on the steering wheel. Inform the officer before reaching for documents.
  • EPAMD (e.g., Segway): Max power 750 watts750\,\text{watts}. Operated on sidewalks or residential streets (≤30 mph\le 30\,\text{mph}).
  • Cargo: Must be covered if capable of blowing/spilling unless it is agricultural in natural state. Safety chains are required for all trailers towed by cars/light trucks.