Texas permit test: passing and highway driving
Passing safely, being passed, blind spots, entering, driving on and leaving highways, and highway hypnosis. 20 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key passing and highway driving rulesShow the rules
- Never drive on the left side of the road when there are two or more traffic lanes in each direction. (p. 44, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
- Never drive on the left side of the road on a hill, curve or any other place where your view is limited. (p. 44, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
- Texas drivers must always signal when pulling away from a parking space parallel to the curb, and pull out only when it is safe. (p. 44, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
- Never drive on the left side of the road within 100 feet of a bridge, viaduct or tunnel. (p. 44, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
- Don't drive or linger in another driver's blind spot. (p. 45, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
- Do not pass on the right by driving off the paved portion of the highway. (p. 45, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
- When being passed, do not increase your speed and stay in your lane. (p. 45, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
- If you can't get into the proper lane within one-half block before turning, don't turn; continue straight ahead. (p. 45, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
- When entering a highway, you must yield the right-of-way to vehicles already on it. (p. 53, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
- Use the speed-change lane to get up to the speed of freeway traffic. (p. 53, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample passing and highway driving questions
1.You are in the speed-change lane entering a freeway. What should you do?
- AMerge slowly at 30 mph
- BStop at the end of the lane and wait
- CDrive onto the shoulder to wait
- DSignal left and speed up to merge with traffic
Show the answer
✓ D. Signal left and speed up to merge with traffic
Use the speed-change lane to get up to the speed of freeway traffic. Keep right, signal left, and merge once there is a gap.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7) (Revised January 2026), page 53
2.Where should you slow down when leaving a freeway?
- AAfter you reach the next street
- BOn the exit ramp
- CIn the freeway lane before the exit
- DOn the shoulder
Show the answer
✓ B. On the exit ramp
Slow down on the exit ramp so that by the time you leave it you are within the new, lower speed limit.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7) (Revised January 2026), page 54
3.You don't want to drive as fast as a highway's minimum speed limit. What does the handbook advise?
- ADrive on the shoulder
- BTurn on your flashers and drive slowly
- CUse the left lane
- DDon't use that highway
Show the answer
✓ D. Don't use that highway
A highway with a minimum speed is meant for traffic at or above that speed. If you can't or won't keep up, pick another route.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7) (Revised January 2026), page 53
4.Another car is passing you on the left. What should you do?
- ASpeed up so they finish faster
- BMove toward the center line
- CKeep your speed and stay in your lane
- DBrake hard
Show the answer
✓ C. Keep your speed and stay in your lane
When being passed, do not increase your speed and stay in your lane. Make it as easy as possible for the other driver to pass.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7) (Revised January 2026), page 45