Texas DPS Permit Practice Test 3: 50 Questions
Practice Test 3 has 50 multiple-choice questions on Texas driving rules, including high beam distances, work zone driving, diamond lane eligibility and left turn at green light. Each answer is explained as soon as you pick it, and every question is listed with its answer in the study guide below.
More Texas Practice Tests
What Practice Test 3 Covers
The questions in this test ask about:
- High Beam Distances
- Work Zone Driving
- Diamond Lane Eligibility
- Left Turn at Green Light
- Flashing Red Intersection
- City Traffic Scanning
- Rear-End Collision Prevention
- Railroad Crossing Rules
- Cell Phone Law in Texas
- Skid Recovery
- Crash Reporting Requirements
- Drowsy Driving
Try 5 Questions from This Test
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You should dim your high-beam headlights when you are within about this distance of an oncoming vehicle:
Show answer
A. 500 feet
Dimming high beams at least 500 feet before meeting another vehicle helps prevent glare and keeps other drivers safe.
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When following another vehicle at night, you should dim your high beams when you are within about:
Show answer
C. 300 feet of the vehicle ahead
Using low beams when you are close behind someone reduces glare in their mirrors and helps prevent crashes.
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A driver is required to report a crash to law enforcement when:
Show answer
B. Someone is injured, killed, or there appears to be significant property damage
Serious crashes with injuries or major damage must be reported. Check state rules for exact thresholds.
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When driving through a work zone, you should:
Show answer
B. Slow down, obey flaggers, and be prepared for sudden stops
Workers and equipment may be close to traffic. Reduced speeds and extra caution protect everyone.
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A lane marked with a diamond symbol may be reserved for:
Show answer
C. Carpools, buses, or bicycles, as shown by nearby signs
Reserved lanes must be used only by the types of vehicles indicated on signs and at the times shown.
Complete Study Guide: All 50 Questions with Answers
Every question in Practice Test 3, with the correct answer and an explanation for each.
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Q1. You should dim your high-beam headlights when you are within about this distance of an oncoming vehicle:
Correct answer: 500 feet
Why: Dimming high beams at least 500 feet before meeting another vehicle helps prevent glare and keeps other drivers safe.
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Q2. When following another vehicle at night, you should dim your high beams when you are within about:
Correct answer: 300 feet of the vehicle ahead
Why: Using low beams when you are close behind someone reduces glare in their mirrors and helps prevent crashes.
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Q3. A driver is required to report a crash to law enforcement when:
Correct answer: Someone is injured, killed, or there appears to be significant property damage
Why: Serious crashes with injuries or major damage must be reported. Check state rules for exact thresholds.
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Q4. If your accelerator sticks and you cannot free it with your foot, you should:
Correct answer: Shift to neutral, apply steady brake pressure, and move off the road
Why: Shifting to neutral lets the engine race without moving the car forward, giving you control to slow and stop safely.
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Q5. When driving through a work zone, you should:
Correct answer: Slow down, obey flaggers, and be prepared for sudden stops
Why: Workers and equipment may be close to traffic. Reduced speeds and extra caution protect everyone.
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Q6. If you see an orange sign that says ROAD WORK AHEAD, you should:
Correct answer: Be ready for lane changes, slower traffic, or workers on or near the roadway
Why: Orange signs warn of construction or maintenance zones. Expect changes in normal traffic patterns.
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Q7. A lane marked with a diamond symbol may be reserved for:
Correct answer: Carpools, buses, or bicycles, as shown by nearby signs
Why: Reserved lanes must be used only by the types of vehicles indicated on signs and at the times shown.
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Q8. You are preparing to turn left at an intersection with a green light but no green arrow. You should:
Correct answer: Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, then turn when it is safe
Why: A plain green light allows left turns, but not a protected turn. You must wait for a safe gap in oncoming traffic.
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Q9. An intersection with traffic signals that are flashing red in all directions should be treated as:
Correct answer: A four-way stop
Why: All drivers must stop and proceed in turn, just as they would at a stop-sign-controlled intersection.
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Q10. When driving in city traffic, you should scan at least:
Correct answer: One to two blocks ahead
Why: Looking further ahead in city traffic helps you see signals, crosswalks, and hazards early.
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Q11. To help prevent rear-end collisions in traffic, you should:
Correct answer: Signal well in advance and brake gradually
Why: Early signals and smooth braking give other drivers more time to react and slow down.
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Q12. You are turning right at an intersection where another vehicle is coming from your left without a signal. You should:
Correct answer: Wait and be sure of their intentions before turning
Why: Never assume another driver will turn or stop. Wait until you clearly know what they are doing.
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Q13. Backing a vehicle is always dangerous because:
Correct answer: Your view to the rear is limited
Why: You cannot see as well behind you. Always back slowly and be prepared to stop if you lose sight of hazards.
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Q14. The safest way to back out of a driveway is to:
Correct answer: Back out slowly while continuously looking over your shoulder and checking both sides
Why: Use your mirrors and direct vision, backing slowly until you can clearly see approaching traffic.
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Q15. You are stopped at a railroad crossing with the crossing gates down and lights flashing. You may proceed when:
Correct answer: The gates are fully raised, the lights stop flashing, and you are sure no train is coming
Why: Never drive around lowered gates. Wait until the signals show it is safe and double-check for approaching trains.
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Q16. If your vehicle stalls on a railroad track and a train is approaching, you should:
Correct answer: Get everyone out of the vehicle and move away from the tracks at an angle toward the train
Why: Move away at an angle so debris from any collision is less likely to hit you.
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Q17. Using a cell phone without a hands-free system while driving is:
Correct answer: Very distracting and restricted or illegal in many situations
Why: Any phone use can distract you. Many areas restrict or ban handheld use, especially for young drivers.
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Q18. When should you adjust your mirrors, seat, and steering wheel?
Correct answer: Before you start driving, while the vehicle is parked
Why: Setting everything before moving ensures you can reach controls and see clearly around your vehicle.
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Q19. A vehicle suddenly cuts in front of you, leaving little room. You should:
Correct answer: Take your foot off the gas and increase your following distance
Why: Slowing slightly creates a safer space cushion between you and the vehicle that cut in.
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Q20. You are driving in the right lane of a multilane highway and see an emergency vehicle with lights flashing on the shoulder ahead. You should:
Correct answer: Move to the lane farther away if you can do so safely, or slow down
Why: Move over or slow down to give workers and officers room to operate safely.
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Q21. The law requires that you use your turn signal at least this far before you turn or change lanes when possible:
Correct answer: About 100 feet
Why: Signaling early alerts other road users and gives them time to react to your move.
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Q22. You are traveling at the posted speed limit and another driver is following closely behind you. You should:
Correct answer: Change lanes when safe or gradually slow so they can pass
Why: It is safer to allow tailgaters to pass instead of trying to “teach them a lesson.”
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Q23. The most important thing to remember about speed and stopping distance is that:
Correct answer: The faster you drive, the longer it takes to stop
Why: Higher speeds greatly increase both the distance you travel before reacting and the distance needed to stop.
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Q24. Driving too slowly can be dangerous because:
Correct answer: Other drivers may not expect vehicles moving much slower than the flow of traffic
Why: Going much slower than surrounding traffic can cause sudden lane changes and rear-end crashes.
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Q25. If you begin to feel drowsy while driving, you should:
Correct answer: Find a safe place to stop and rest
Why: Only rest and sleep can overcome drowsiness. Continuing to drive while sleepy is very dangerous.
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Q26. A person’s driver license may be suspended for:
Correct answer: Repeated traffic violations or serious offenses like DWI
Why: Multiple moving violations, driving while intoxicated, and other serious offenses can lead to suspension.
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Q27. When you are involved in a crash, the first thing you should do is:
Correct answer: Stop at once and check for injuries
Why: Stopping and checking for injuries allows you to call for help and meet legal duties after a collision.
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Q28. If someone is injured in a crash, you should:
Correct answer: Call 911, do not move the person unless there is immediate danger, and provide basic help if you are trained
Why: Moving injured people can worsen injuries unless there is fire, traffic, or other immediate danger.
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Q29. You must use your headlights any time:
Correct answer: Visibility is so poor that you cannot see clearly at a safe distance
Why: Headlights help you see and be seen whenever conditions such as rain, fog, dust, or darkness reduce visibility.
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Q30. On a rainy day, when are roads likely to be most slippery?
Correct answer: During the first few minutes of rain
Why: Oil and dirt mix with the first rain and make the road extra slick until heavy rain washes them away.
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Q31. When driving through deep water on the road, you should:
Correct answer: Avoid it if possible; if you must go through, drive slowly and test your brakes afterward
Why: Water can affect your brakes and control. Slow speed and brake checks help keep you safe.
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Q32. If your vehicle begins to skid sideways in a turn, you should:
Correct answer: Ease off the gas and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go
Why: Looking where you want to go and steering smoothly in that direction helps regain traction.
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Q33. To reduce glare from oncoming headlights at night, you should:
Correct answer: Look slightly to the right side of your lane and not directly into the lights
Why: Looking toward the right edge of your lane helps you follow the road without being blinded.
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Q34. The best way to handle a curve is to:
Correct answer: Slow down before entering, then accelerate gently through the curve
Why: Reducing speed before the curve and then gradually speeding up improves traction and stability.
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Q35. You may not park within this distance of a fire hydrant unless permitted by a sign:
Correct answer: 15 feet
Why: Staying at least 15 feet away gives firefighters room to connect hoses during an emergency.
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Q36. You may not park within this distance of a crosswalk at an intersection:
Correct answer: 20 feet
Why: Parking too close to a crosswalk hides pedestrians and makes it hard for other drivers to see them.
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Q37. You are driving in the left lane of a multilane road and see a sign that says LEFT LANE MUST TURN LEFT. You should:
Correct answer: Move into another lane if you wish to go straight
Why: Lane-use control signs tell you which movements are allowed from each lane.
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Q38. What should you do if you drive past your exit on a one-way street?
Correct answer: Continue to the next safe place to turn around
Why: Reversing or turning around illegally on a one-way street is dangerous and can cause head-on crashes.
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Q39. When approaching a stopped vehicle with flashing hazard lights, you should:
Correct answer: Slow down and be prepared to go around it carefully
Why: Hazard lights signal a problem. Slow down and be ready for people walking around the vehicle.
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Q40. A person walking along the road with their back to traffic is likely:
Correct answer: Breaking recommended safety rules for pedestrians
Why: Pedestrians are usually advised to walk facing traffic so they can see approaching vehicles.
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Q41. If you are stopped by a police officer at night, you can help make the stop safer by:
Correct answer: Turning on your interior light and keeping your hands in plain view
Why: Keeping your hands visible and staying in the vehicle helps the officer know you are not a threat.
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Q42. When you see a yellow sign with a black arrow that curves to the right, it means:
Correct answer: The road ahead curves to the right
Why: Curve signs warn you to reduce speed and prepare to follow the bend in the road.
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Q43. If your vehicle begins to vibrate or wobble at high speeds, you should:
Correct answer: Slow down gradually and have the vehicle inspected
Why: Unusual vibrations can signal tire or suspension problems that need attention.
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Q44. What is one advantage of keeping a larger following distance behind large trucks?
Correct answer: It gives you more time to see around the truck and react to hazards
Why: Trucks block your view. Extra space helps you see around them and stop in time.
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Q45. When entering traffic from a parking lot, alley, or driveway, you must:
Correct answer: Yield to vehicles and pedestrians already on the roadway or sidewalk
Why: Drivers entering the roadway must yield to those already moving on the street and to people on the sidewalk.
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Q46. The safest way to use your eyes while driving is to:
Correct answer: Keep scanning the road ahead, to the sides, and behind you
Why: Constant scanning helps you spot hazards early and avoid sudden moves.
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Q47. A yellow sign with a traffic signal symbol on it warns you that:
Correct answer: There is a signalized intersection ahead
Why: This sign alerts you to be ready for a traffic light you may not see right away.
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Q48. If your vehicle starts to fishtail (rear end sways side to side) on a slippery road, you should:
Correct answer: Steer gently in the same direction the rear of the vehicle is sliding
Why: Steering in the direction of the skid helps straighten the vehicle without overcorrecting.
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Q49. When you are about to drive in reverse, you should:
Correct answer: Check all directions around the vehicle before and during backing
Why: Backing requires extra care since you cannot see as well behind you as ahead.
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Q50. If you discover you are in the wrong lane for a turn as you approach an intersection, you should:
Correct answer: Continue straight and find a safe place to turn around later
Why: Last-second lane changes and turns from the wrong lane can surprise other drivers and lead to crashes.