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Texas permit test: speed and stopping distance

Stopping distances, speed and field of vision, Texas speed limits and the Slow Down or Move Over law. 14 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.

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Rules to remember10 key speed and stopping distance rulesShow the rules
  1. Speed narrows what you can see. (p. 51, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
  2. The average person takes about 1-1/2 seconds to think, react and apply the brakes, and the car keeps moving the whole time. (p. 51, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
  3. The handbook recommends that beginners and less experienced drivers keep a four-second gap. (p. 51, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
  4. At 30 mph or less in good conditions, keep at least 2 seconds behind the car ahead. (p. 51, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
  5. You should always be able to stop within the distance you can see ahead. (p. 51, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
  6. The handbook's chart shows about 109 feet to stop from 30 mph, counting reaction and braking, with good brakes and tires on dry pavement. (p. 51, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
  7. The speed limit in an urban district is 30 mph unless another limit is posted. (p. 52, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
  8. The Slow Down or Move Over law covers tow trucks, utility and TxDOT vehicles too. (p. 52, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
  9. On highways outside an urban district that are not numbered by Texas or the U.S., the limit for passenger cars is 60 mph. (p. 52, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
  10. The speed limit in an alley is 15 mph. (p. 52, 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 speed and stopping distance questions

  1. 1.According to the handbook's chart, about how far does a car going 30 mph travel before it stops?

    • A109 feet
    • B229 feet
    • C164 feet
    • D63 feet
    Show the answer

    ✓ A. 109 feet

    The handbook's chart shows about 109 feet to stop from 30 mph, counting reaction and braking, with good brakes and tires on dry pavement.

    Source: Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7) (Revised January 2026), page 51

  2. 2.What following interval does the handbook recommend as best practice for a new driver?

    • A8 seconds
    • B2 seconds
    • C3 seconds
    • D4 seconds
    Show the answer

    ✓ D. 4 seconds

    The handbook recommends that beginners and less experienced drivers keep a four-second gap.

    Source: Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7) (Revised January 2026), page 51

  3. 3.About how long does it take the average driver to think, react and start braking?

    • AAbout 3 seconds
    • BAbout 5 seconds
    • CAbout 1-1/2 seconds
    • DAbout 1/2 second
    Show the answer

    ✓ C. About 1-1/2 seconds

    The average person takes about 1-1/2 seconds to think, react and apply the brakes, and the car keeps moving the whole time.

    Source: Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7) (Revised January 2026), page 51

  4. 4.What is the speed limit in an alley, unless posted otherwise?

    • A10 mph
    • B25 mph
    • C15 mph
    • D20 mph
    Show the answer

    ✓ C. 15 mph

    The speed limit in an alley is 15 mph.

    Source: Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7) (Revised January 2026), page 52