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Texas permit test: safe driver habits

Texting and distracted driving, defensive driving, safety belts, open-bed passengers, law enforcement stops, road rage, cargo and carbon monoxide. 19 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.

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Rules to remember10 key safe driver habits rulesShow the rules
  1. Even a half-second of slower reaction because of distraction doubles the number of crashes. (p. 60, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
  2. You may use a phone to contact law enforcement or in an emergency. (p. 60, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
  3. Drifting and uneven speed are signs of a distracted driver. (p. 60, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
  4. Texas bans reading, writing or sending messages on a phone while driving. (p. 60, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
  5. A child under 8 must be in a federally approved child safety seat unless the child is taller than 4 feet 9 inches. (p. 70, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
  6. Anyone 15 or older can be cited for not wearing a safety belt. (p. 70, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
  7. Signing a citation is not an admission of guilt. (p. 72, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
  8. To avoid road rage, tap the horn if you need it; don't hold it down, confront others or make gestures. (p. 72, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
  9. Motor assisted scooters may use streets posted at 35 mph or less. (p. 73, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
  10. Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas from car exhaust. (p. 74, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))

Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.

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Sample safe driver habits questions

  1. 1.From what age can a passenger be cited personally for not wearing a safety belt?

    • A17
    • B15
    • C13
    • D21
    Show the answer

    ✓ B. 15

    Anyone 15 or older can be cited for not wearing a safety belt. For passengers under 17, the driver can also be fined.

    Source: Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7) (Revised January 2026), page 70

  2. 2.You are towing a friend's car with a chain. What is the longest the chain may be?

    • A25 feet
    • B15 feet
    • C30 feet
    • D10 feet
    Show the answer

    ✓ B. 15 feet

    A tow connection may be no longer than 15 feet, must be strong enough for the load, and must carry a white flag at least 12 inches square.

    Source: Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7) (Revised January 2026), page 74

  3. 3.A car with flashing lights signals you to stop on a dark, empty road, and you aren't sure it's a real police car. What may you do?

    • ASpeed away to a safe place
    • BStop and get out to check
    • CTurn on hazards, slow down and call 9-1-1
    • DIgnore it until you reach home
    Show the answer

    ✓ C. Turn on hazards, slow down and call 9-1-1

    Turn on your hazard lights, drive slowly below the limit, and call 9-1-1 to verify the officer, or drive to a nearby well-lighted, busy place.

    Source: Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7) (Revised January 2026), page 71

  4. 4.According to the handbook, what happens to crash rates when distracted drivers react just a half-second slower?

    • ACrashes go up slightly
    • BCrashes stay the same
    • CCrashes triple
    • DCrashes double
    Show the answer

    ✓ D. Crashes double

    Even a half-second of slower reaction because of distraction doubles the number of crashes.

    Source: Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7) (Revised January 2026), page 60