Texas Driver Handbook Encyclopedic Study Guide

Handbook Purpose and Contact Information

• Mission Statement: The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Driver License Division, is committed to creating a faster, easier, and friendlier driver license experience and a safer Texas.
• Primary Goals of the Texas Driver Handbook:
  1. To help individuals qualify for a Texas driver license.
  2. To help individuals become safer drivers.
• Legal Disclaimer: This handbook is not an official legal reference to Texas traffic laws. It is intended only to explain federal and state laws in an understandable manner. For actual statutory language, refer to the Texas Transportation Code and Texas Penal Code.
• Updates: The Texas Legislature meets every $2$ years and regularly modifies traffic laws. Current information is available at http://www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/.
• Contact Information:
  • Mailing Address: Texas Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division, PO Box $4087$, Austin, TX $78773-0300$.
  • Customer Service: https://www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/customer_service/Other.aspx.
  • Feedback: Feedback on the handbook can be provided at https://survey.utexas.edu/dld.
  • ADA Accommodations: Disability accommodations should be requested at least $5$ to $7$ business days prior to a visit via the customer service email.
• Policy on Discrimination: The DPS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability.

General Driving Responsibility in Texas

• Introduction by Colonel Freeman F. Martin: Operating a motor vehicle is a privilege and a high responsibility.
• Statistics:
  • Texas includes more than $314,000\,miles$ of public roadways.
  • Tragically, approximately $3,500$ people are killed and more than $15,000$ are seriously injured in Texas traffic crashes annually.
• Hazard Awareness: Drivers must avoid internal distractions and remain alert for impaired or unsafe drivers sharing the roadway.

Chapter 1: Your License to Drive

Who May Drive a Motor Vehicle in Texas?

• Residents:
  • Those with a valid Texas driver license.
  • New residents exchanging an out-of-state license have $90\,days$ to secure a Texas license.
  • Operators of road machines, farm tractors, or implements of husbandry temporarily moved on a highway are exempt, provided the vehicle is not a commercial motor vehicle.
• Nonresidents:
  • Those at least $16$ years old with a valid license from their home state or Canadian province (applies to Class C or Class M vehicles).
  • Those at least $18$ years old may drive any vehicle they are licensed for in their home country/state, provided reciprocity exists for Texas citizens.
• Military Personnel:
  • Drivers of official U.S. or state military vehicles (unless it is a commercial motor vehicle).
  • Active duty nonresidents, their spouses, or dependent children with valid home-state licenses.
  • Active duty personnel with valid U.S. armed forces licenses issued in foreign countries may drive for $90\,days$ from their return date to the U.S.
  • A Texas license held by military personnel remains valid as long as service continues and they remain absent from Texas (not exceeding $90\,days$ from date of honorable separation or return to the state).

Types of Texas Driver Licenses

• Learner License (Instruction Permit):
  • Allows practice driving while accompanied by a licensed driver at least $21$ years of age with at least $1$ year of driving experience.
  • The supervisor must occupy the seat beside the driver and cannot be intoxicated, asleep, or distracted.
  • Applicant age: At least $15$ but no more than $18$.
  • Requirement: Must complete classroom portion of driver education, vision exam, and knowledge exam.
  • Fee: $15$ license + $1$ fee = $16$. Expires on the minor's $18$th birthday.
  • Note: Applicants $18+$ practicing driving receive a Class C license with learner restrictions ($33$ for $8$ years).
• Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE) Form: Required for applicants under $18$. Evidence includes:
  1. High school diploma or equivalent.
  2. Enrollment in public/private/home school with attendance for $80\,days$ in the preceding semester.
  3. Enrollment for $45\,days$ in a high school equivalency program.
  • Validity: VOE is valid for $30\,days$ during the school year or $90\,days$ in the summer.
• Hardship License (Minor Restricted Driver License - MRDL):
  • Issued for necessity (e.g., unusual economic hardship, family illness/death, vocational enrollment, or court order).
  • Age: At least $15$ but no more than $18$.
  • Requirement: Pass full driver education (classroom and behind the wheel), vision, knowledge, and driving exams.
• Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program:
  • Overview: Eases teens into driving. Teens make up $6.5\%$ of drivers but are involved in $13\%$ of fatal crashes.
  • Phase One: Requires holding a learner/hardship license for at least $6\,months$ before a provisional license. Suspensions extend this period.
  • Phase Two: Restricts driving for those under $18$ for the first $12\,months$ after getting a provisional license.
  • Phase Two Restrictions:
    1. No more than $1$ passenger under $21$ who is not a family member.
    2. No driving between $midnight$ and $5:00\,a.m.$ (exceptions for work, school activities, or medical emergencies).
    3. No wireless communication devices (including hands-free) except in emergencies.
• Provisional License: Marked "PROVISIONAL" and expires on the $18$th birthday.

Classes of Driver Licenses

• Class A:
  • Permits driving any vehicle/combination described in Class B/C.
  • Permits combinations with GCWR of $26,001\,lbs.$ or more, provided the towed vehicle GVWR exceeds $10,000\,lbs.$.
  • Age $18+$ ($33$ fee); Age $17$ with driver education ($16$ fee).
• Class B:
  • Permits driving Class C vehicles.
  • Permits single vehicles with GVWR of $26,001\,lbs.$ or more, towing vehicles not exceeding $10,000\,lbs.$ or farm trailers not exceeding $20,000\,lbs.$.
  • Age $18+$ ($33$ fee); Age $17$ with driver education ($16$ fee).
• Class C:
  • Standard passenger vehicles and autocycles.
  • GVWR less than $26,001\,lbs.$ towing a trailer up to $10,000\,lbs.$ or farm trailer up to $20,000\,lbs.$.
  • Autocycle Definition: $3$ wheels, steering wheel, non-straddle seats, compliant with motorcycle safety standards.
  • Age $18+$ ($33$ fee); Age $16$ with driver education ($16$ fee); Age $15$ for hardship ($6$ fee).
• Class M:
  • Motorcycles and mopeds. Requires a state-approved motorcycle training course ($16\,hours$).
  • Age $16$ for motorcycle; Age $15$ for motorcycle $250\,cc$ or less with hardship or driver education.
  • Adding "M" to an existing license costs $15$ exam fee + $1$ admin fee.
• Commercial Driver License (CDL) Exemptions: The following do not require a CDL but may require Class A/B non-commercial licenses:
  1. Fire-fighting/emergency vehicles.
  2. Military vehicles.
  3. Recreational vehicles (RVs).
  4. Airport service vehicles (non-public roads).
  5. Seed cotton module/cotton burr transport vehicles.
  6. Former military vehicles operated intrastate (non-commercial).
  7. Covered farm vehicles (under $26,001\,lbs.$ nationwide; over $26,001\,lbs.$ within $150\,miles$ of farm).

Veteran Services and Identification Cards

• Veteran Fee Exemption: Honorably discharged veterans with at least $60\%$ service-related disability are exempt from DL/ID fees (excludes CDL and sex offender registration).
• Veteran Designator: DPS offers "Veteran" or "Disabled Veteran" indicators on the face of the card.
• Identification (ID) Cards: Issued for any age. Vertical format for under $21$. Horizontal for $21+$.
  • Fees: Under $60$ years old ($16$); $60$ and older ($6$).
• Medical and Emergency Info:
  • Reverse side includes directive to physician and emergency contact spaces.
  • Drivers can indicate health conditions impeding communication with peace officers.
  • Medical information (like drug allergies) should be written with permanent ink on the back by the holder; DPS does not print this.
• Organ Donation: Choosing to donate results in a small heart and "donor" printed on the card. This serves as conclusive evidence of consent.
• Voluntary Contributions: Options to donate to Blindness Education, Glenda Dawson Donate Life Texas, Veteran's Assistance Fund, Sexual Assault Evidence Testing, and Identification Fee Exemption Account.

Examination Procedures and Requirements

• Required Documents: Full name, proof of residential address, mailing address, place/date of birth, ID, Social Security Number, thumb/index fingerprints, physical description, medical history, citizenship/lawful presence status.
• Evidence of Financial Responsibility: Must provide proof of vehicle insurance or a statement of non-ownership.
• Examination Attempts: Fees cover $3$ attempts within $90\,days$. Failing these requires a new application and fee.
• Part 1: Knowledge Exam: Score of $70\%$ or better required. Types include Class C, Class M, and Class A/B Rules exam.
• Part 2: Vision Exam: Corrective lenses may be required based on results.
• Part 3: Driving Exam: Requires proof of insurance and a vehicle of the class being applied for.
  • Graded Skills: Control, Observation, Positioning, Signaling.
  • Specific Maneuvers: Parallel parking, Quick stop ($20\,mph$), Backing ($60\,feet$), Stop signs, Traffic signals, Clutch use, Intersection observance, Turns, Right-of-way, Posture.
  • Disqualifiers: Violating the law, refusing instructions, dangerous driving/crash, duductions of more than $30\,points$.

License Maintenance, Suspensions, and Revocations

• Renewing Your License: Licenses usually expire after $8\,years$.
  • Renewal by mail/phone/online is available, but a person must visit an office in-person at least once every $16\,years$ for photos and fingerprints.
  • Eligibility for alternate renewal is denied for CDL holders, sex offenders, and those over $79$ years old.
• Replacement/Duplicate Cards: Reported changes (like address) must be done within $30\,days$. Fee is $11$.
• Mandatory Suspensions: Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), Drug offenses, Intoxication manslaughter, Failure to stop/render aid, Felony involving motor vehicle, Overtaking a school bus (subsequent offense), Evading arrest, Racing, Graffiti, and Fraudulent government records.
• Administrative License Revocation (ALR): Penalty for DWI. Reinstatement fee is $125$. Suspensions occur for:
  • Adults failing BAC test ($0.08\%$ or more).
  • Refusal to submit to breath/blood test.
  • Minors with any detectable alcohol.
• Penalties for Driving While License Invalid (DWLI):
  • Class C Misdemeanor: Up to $500$ fine.
  • Class B Misdemeanor: Pre-conviction, no insurance, or DWI related suspension. Up to $2,000$ fine and $180\,days$ in jail.
  • Class A Misdemeanor: If no insurance and causing crash with injury/death. Up to $4,000$ fine and $1\,year$ in jail.
• Zero Tolerance Law for Minors (Non-Driving Alcohol Offenses):
  • 1st Offense: $500$ fine, $8\%-12\,hours$ community service, alcohol awareness course, $30\,day$ suspension.
  • 2nd Offense: $500$ fine, $20\%-40\,hours$ community service, $60\,day$ suspension.
  • 3rd Offense (17-21): Class B, $250\%-2,000$ fine, $180\,day$ suspension, possible jail time.

Chapter 2: Vehicle Inspection and Registration

• Annual Inspection: All motor vehicles (including motorcycles and autocycles) must be inspected annually at official stations.
• One Sticker System: The registration sticker serves as combined proof of inspection and registration.
• Required Equipment:
  • Brakes: Foot brake must stop car within $25\,feet$ at $20\,mph$. Parking brake required.
  • Lights: Two headlights, two taillights (one if pre-1960), two brake lights, license plate light (white), parking lights, red reflectors.
  • Tires: Minimum tread depth of $2/32\,inch$.
  • Horns: Must be audible for $200\,feet$.
  • Mirrors: Rearview mirror must reflect highway for at least $200\,feet$.
• Prohibited Equipment: Red light showing from front, bell/siren (except emergency), muffler cutout, radar interference devices.
• Registration: Must register in the owner's county of residency within $30\,days$ of purchase.

Chapter 3: Safety Responsibility (Liability Insurance)

• Texas Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act: All drivers must be financially responsible for damage they cause.
• Minimum Liability Coverage:
  • $30,000$ against injury or death of one person.
  • $60,000$ against injury or death of two or more people.
  • $25,000$ against property damage.
• Proof of Insurance: Must be shown during DL application, registration, inspection, and at the request of law enforcement or after a crash.
• Penalties for No Insurance:
  • 1st Conviction: Fine of $175$ to $350$.
  • Subsequent: Fine of $350$ to $1,000$ and possible vehicle impoundment for $180\,days$.

Chapter 4: Right-of-Way Rules

• General Rule: Right-of-way is given, not taken. If another driver doesn't follow rules, yield regardless.
• Intersections:
  • Unpaved roads yield to paved roads.
  • Single/two-lane roads yield to multi-lane roads ($3$ or more lanes).
  • Uncontrolled intersections: Yield to vehicles on your right.
  • Turning Left: Yield to all oncoming traffic going straight.
  • Private Driveways: Stop prior to sidewalk and yield to all pedestrians/vehicles.
• Railroad Grade Crossings:
  • Stop between $15$ and $50\,feet$ from the nearest rail if signals flash, gate is lowered, or train is within $1,500\,feet$.
  • Penalty for failure: $50$ to $200$ fine.
  • Emergency Notification System (ENS): Blue sign with phone number and USDOT crossing number for reporting problems.
• Emergency Vehicles: Yield to sirens/flashing lights. Pull to the right edge and stop.
  • Move Over Law: If an emergency vehicle is stopped with lights on, vacate the closest lane OR slow down by $20\,mph$ below the limit (or to $5\,mph$ if limit is below $25\,mph$).
• School Buses: Stop for flashing red lights. Do not proceed until bus moves, driver signals you, or lights stop flashing.
  • Penalty: $500$ to $1,250$ fine (1st offense); $1,000$ to $2,000$ and suspension (2nd offense).
• Pedestrians: Drivers must yield at crosswalks and intersections. Hybrid beacons use dark lights (normal) and flashing reds (stop then go if clear).

Chapter 5-6: Traffic Signals, Passing, and Turning

• Steady Red: Stop. Right turn allowed unless prohibited. Left turn from one-way to one-way allowed unless prohibited.
• Flashing Red: Treat as a stop sign.
• Steady Yellow: Stop if safe; proceed cautiously if stop cannot be made.
• Warning Sign Colors:
  • Yellow: General warning.
  • Orange: Construction.
  • Red/Black/White: Regulatory.
  • Blue: Motorist services.
  • Brown: Recreation.
• Pavement Markings:
  • Double Solid Yellow: No passing.
  • Broken White: One-way traffic lanes.
  • Solid White: Edge of road; avoid crossing.
• Signaling: Signal for at least $100\,feet$ before turning or stopping.
• Passing: Never pass within $100\,feet$ of intersection, railroad, bridge, viaduct, or tunnel.
• Turning:
  • Right Turn: Keep close to the right edge.
  • Left Turn: Yield to oncoming traffic; turn from center/left lane into the lane that interferes least with traffic.

Chapter 7-9: Parking, Speed, and Special Situations

• Prohibited Parking:
  • Within $15\,feet$ of a fire hydrant.
  • Within $20\,feet$ of a crosswalk.
  • Within $30\,feet$ of a traffic signal/stop sign.
  • Within $50\,feet$ of a railroad rail.
• Parallel Parking: Curb side wheels must be within $18\,inches$ of the curb.
• Hills:
  • Uphill with curb: Turn wheels away from curb.
  • Downhill: Turn wheels to curb.
  • Uphill no curb: Turn wheels to right.
• Following Distance:
  • Under $30\,mph$: $2\,seconds$.
  • Over $30\,mph$: $4\,seconds$.
• Speed Limits:
  • Urban District: $30\,mph$.
  • Alley: $15\,mph$.
  • Numbered Highway (Cars): $70\,mph$.
• Night Driving: Use headlights from $30\,minutes$ after sunset to $30\,minutes$ before sunrise. Dim high beams within $500\,feet$ of oncoming traffic and $300\,feet$ from rear of others.
• Flood Safety:
  • $6\,inches$: Stalls most cars.
  • $12\,inches$: Floats most cars.
  • $2\,feet$: Carries away SUVs/Trucks.
• Truck Safety ("No Zones"): If you can't see the truck driver in their side mirror, they can't see you.

Chapter 10-11: Alcohol and Crashes

• Legal BAC Limit (21+): $0.08\%$.
• DWI Penalties (Adult 1st Offense): File up to $2,000$, jail for $72\,hours$ to $180\,days$, license suspension for $90\%-365\,days$.
• Implied Consent: Arrested persons consent to blood/breath tests. Refusal results in $180\,day$ suspension.
• Open Container: Illegal to have open alcohol in the passenger area; fine up to $500$.
• Crash Reporting:
  • Stop immediately, aid injured, exchange identity and insurance info.
  • If the crash is not investigated and results in injury, death, or damage $\\ge$1,000$, file a report with TxDOT within$10\,days.\n\n# Appendix: Fees and Restriction Codes\n\n* **Restriction Codes List**:\n * **A**: With corrective lenses.\n * **B**: Licensed driver 21+ in front seat.\n * **C**: Daytime driving only.\n * **F**: Learner license valid until date.\n * **I**: Motorcycle not to exceed 250\,cc.\n * **S**: Outside rearview mirror or hearing aid.\n * **P39**: Ignition Interlock required.\n* **Fee Schedule**:\n * New/Renewal Class C (18-84$):$33.\n * New/Renewal Class C (85+$):$9.\n * Learner License: 16.\n * Replacement Card: 11.\n * ID Card (<60$):$16.\n * ID Card (\ge 60$):$6.\n\n# Questions & Discussion\n\n1. **What is the minimum age for a Class C license without driver education or hardship?** Residents must be 18$or older ($25 for those needing the education requirement).\n2. **How much is the maximum fine for a first conviction of driving without a license?** Up to 200.\n3. **In what direction should you turn wheels when parking uphill without a curb?** To the right.\n4. **On a one-way street, what color is the broken lane marker?** White.\n5. **Describe the "Yield" sign.** An equilateral triangle, exclusively red and white.\n6. **What is the shape of a "Keep Right" sign?** A vertical rectangle (Regulatory).\n7. **About how many feet will a car going 70\,mph$travel before it stops?** Approximately$387\,feet.\n8. **Within how many feet of a crosswalk may you park near a corner?** No closer than 20\,feet.\n9. **What is the standard speed limit in urban districts?** 30\,mph.\n10. **What is carbon monoxide?** A colorless, odorless, tasteless gas in exhaust that can be deadly.\n11. **When are crash reports required to be filed by the driver?** Within 10\,days$if damage is over$1,000$$ or there is injury/death and no officer investigated.