Texas DPS Permit Practice Test 4: 50 Questions
Practice Test 4 has 50 multiple-choice questions on Texas driving rules, including advisory speed signs, shared center Left-Turn lane, driving Side-by-Side and T-Intersection warning signs. 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 4 Covers
The questions in this test ask about:
- Advisory Speed Signs
- Shared Center Left-Turn Lane
- Driving Side-by-Side
- T-Intersection Warning Signs
- Hand Signals
- Steep Downhill Driving
- Child Restraint Law
- Crosswind Effects
- Alcohol and Judgment
- Speed and Field of Vision
- Alley and Driveway Entry
Try 5 Questions from This Test
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You are coming to a curve posted with a lower advisory speed. You should:
Show answer
B. Slow to the posted advisory speed before reaching the curve
Entering too fast can cause you to drift out of your lane. Reduce speed beforehand for better control.
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An arm extended straight out of the driver’s window is the hand signal for:
Show answer
C. A left turn
A straight arm indicates a left turn, bent upward is a right turn, and bent downward means slowing or stopping.
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A driver’s left arm bent upward at the elbow out of the window signals:
Show answer
B. A right turn
An upward‑angled arm tells others you plan to turn right.
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The purpose of a shared center left‑turn lane marked by solid and broken yellow lines is to:
Show answer
B. Allow vehicles from either direction to make left turns or U‑turns where permitted
Center left‑turn lanes are for turning, not for through traffic or passing.
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As your speed increases, your field of vision:
Show answer
C. Becomes narrower, giving you less time to see hazards
At higher speeds, you tend to focus more on what is directly ahead and may miss hazards at the sides.
Complete Study Guide: All 50 Questions with Answers
Every question in Practice Test 4, with the correct answer and an explanation for each.
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Q1. When you see a sign that says "LANE ENDS, MERGE LEFT," you should:
Correct answer: Signal early and merge into the left lane when there is a safe gap
Why: Merging early and smoothly keeps traffic flowing and reduces last‑second lane changes.
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Q2. On a road with three lanes in your direction, the safest lane for through traffic is usually:
Correct answer: The middle lane
Why: The middle lane is often the smoothest for steady driving because the left lane is used for passing and the right for entering and exiting.
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Q3. If you are driving slower than the normal speed of traffic on a multilane road, you should:
Correct answer: Use the right lane so faster traffic can pass on the left
Why: Slower traffic should keep right so that passing takes place safely on the left.
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Q4. A solid white line at the edge of the roadway is called the:
Correct answer: Fog line or edge line
Why: Edge lines help you see the boundary of the driving lane, especially at night or in bad weather.
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Q5. If you drive through a deep puddle and your brakes feel weak afterward, you should:
Correct answer: Test them gently while driving slowly until they work normally again
Why: Light brake pressure while moving slowly helps dry the brakes and restores normal stopping power.
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Q6. Driving with your parking lights on instead of headlights at dusk or dawn is:
Correct answer: Not allowed because parking lights alone do not make you visible enough
Why: Parking lights are not a substitute for headlights and do not provide enough visibility for safe driving.
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Q7. When you are being passed on a two-lane road, you should:
Correct answer: Stay in your lane and, if needed, slightly reduce speed to help the other driver pass safely
Why: Cooperating with a passing driver reduces the time you are side by side and lowers crash risk.
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Q8. You are coming to a curve posted with a lower advisory speed. You should:
Correct answer: Slow to the posted advisory speed before reaching the curve
Why: Entering too fast can cause you to drift out of your lane. Reduce speed beforehand for better control.
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Q9. When you are driving downhill and your speed starts to increase, you should:
Correct answer: Shift to a lower gear and use your brakes gently as needed
Why: Using a lower gear helps control speed without overheating your brakes.
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Q10. Before changing lanes on a freeway, you should NOT:
Correct answer: Change lanes without signaling
Why: Lane changes without signaling or checking for vehicles in your blind spot are a common cause of side collisions.
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Q11. If an animal suddenly runs in front of your vehicle, the safest action is usually to:
Correct answer: Brake firmly and stay in your lane
Why: Swerving into another lane may cause a much more serious crash with another vehicle.
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Q12. When approaching a railroad crossing with lowering gates and flashing red lights, you must:
Correct answer: Stop and remain stopped until the gates are fully raised and the lights stop flashing
Why: Never go around lowered gates. Trains can arrive quickly and cannot stop suddenly.
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Q13. On a two-lane road, when a school bus is stopped to load children and its red lights are flashing, you must stop:
Correct answer: In both directions until the lights stop and the bus moves or the driver signals you to go
Why: Children may cross anywhere near the bus. Stopping in both directions keeps them safe.
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Q14. If you need to turn right at the next corner and you are in the left lane, you should:
Correct answer: Continue straight and turn right at a later intersection when you are in the correct lane
Why: Last‑second lane changes and turns from the wrong lane often surprise other drivers and lead to crashes.
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Q15. The purpose of a shared center left‑turn lane marked by solid and broken yellow lines is to:
Correct answer: Allow vehicles from either direction to make left turns or U‑turns where permitted
Why: Center left‑turn lanes are for turning, not for through traffic or passing.
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Q16. Driving side‑by‑side with another vehicle in the next lane for a long time is:
Correct answer: Not a good idea because it may create a blind spot for both drivers
Why: Lingering next to another vehicle reduces your escape options if something happens.
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Q17. If you see a sign with a sideways T‑shape, it warns that:
Correct answer: You are approaching a T‑intersection ahead
Why: At a T‑intersection, one road ends and you must turn either left or right.
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Q18. A red and white triangular sign at an intersection means you must:
Correct answer: Slow down and be prepared to yield the right‑of‑way
Why: Yield signs require you to give way to cross traffic and pedestrians but do not always require a full stop.
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Q19. When you are turning left at a green light and oncoming traffic is heavy, you should:
Correct answer: Wait in the intersection with your wheels straight until you can turn safely
Why: Keeping your wheels straight prevents you from being pushed into oncoming traffic if you are hit from behind.
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Q20. You are driving friends around in a Texas pickup truck. Who must wear a safety belt?
Correct answer: You and every passenger, whatever their age
Why: In Texas the driver and all passengers, regardless of age, must use safety belts, and this includes pickups, SUVs and trucks.
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Q21. You are using a hand signal before a turn in Texas. What does the handbook say to do when you make the turn?
Correct answer: Stop signaling and put both hands on the wheel for the turn
Why: If using a hand signal, hold it until you are close enough to the intersection for others to know your intention. Do not hold the signal while making the turn; you need both hands on the wheel.
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Q22. When driving in light rain on a newly wet road, you should:
Correct answer: Slow down because oil and dirt can make the surface slick
Why: The first minutes of rain often create the most slippery conditions as oil and dust mix with water.
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Q23. If your vehicle’s turn signals fail, you should use:
Correct answer: Hand and arm signals until they are repaired
Why: Hand signals are still legal and must be used when your electrical signals are not working.
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Q24. An arm extended straight out of the driver’s window is the hand signal for:
Correct answer: A left turn
Why: A straight arm indicates a left turn, bent upward is a right turn, and bent downward means slowing or stopping.
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Q25. A driver’s left arm bent upward at the elbow out of the window signals:
Correct answer: A right turn
Why: An upward‑angled arm tells others you plan to turn right.
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Q26. A driver’s left arm bent downward at the elbow out of the window signals:
Correct answer: That the vehicle is slowing or stopping
Why: The downward hand signal warns following drivers that you are reducing speed or stopping.
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Q27. When backing a vehicle with a passenger present, you can ask them to:
Correct answer: Help you check for pedestrians, bicyclists, or other obstacles
Why: Extra eyes can help, but you are still responsible for backing safely.
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Q28. Before driving in reverse, you should:
Correct answer: Check behind the vehicle and turn your head to look through the rear window
Why: Turning and looking through the rear window gives the clearest view of what is behind you.
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Q29. If your vehicle starts skidding in a turn because you are going too fast, you should:
Correct answer: Ease off the accelerator and steer smoothly in the direction of the skid
Why: Steering into the skid and reducing speed helps your tires regain grip.
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Q30. Driving when you are overly tired is dangerous because:
Correct answer: Fatigue can slow your reaction time and even cause you to fall asleep briefly
Why: Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as driving while impaired by alcohol.
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Q31. When entering a freeway from an on‑ramp, you should be driving:
Correct answer: At or near the same speed as traffic in the right lane
Why: Matching the speed of traffic in the right lane helps you merge safely and smoothly.
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Q32. If you see a sign that reads "WRONG WAY," you should:
Correct answer: Pull over and turn around as soon as it is safe
Why: WRONG WAY signs warn that you are going against traffic. Turn around immediately when it is safe.
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Q33. When approaching a pedestrian who is using a cane and appears to have limited vision, you must:
Correct answer: Yield and give them extra time and space to cross
Why: Pedestrians with visual impairments need extra consideration. Always allow them to complete their crossing safely.
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Q34. If your vehicle begins to hydroplane, you should:
Correct answer: Lift your foot off the accelerator and steer straight
Why: Gently easing off the gas lets the tires regain contact with the road surface.
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Q35. You must not drive on the left side of the road when:
Correct answer: You are within 100 feet of a bridge, tunnel, or intersection
Why: Passing near intersections, bridges, and tunnels is dangerous because other drivers cannot see you well.
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Q36. When you are approaching an emergency scene on the roadside, you should:
Correct answer: Slow down and move over if possible
Why: Reducing speed and giving extra space protects emergency workers and prevents new crashes.
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Q37. A child under the age specified by state law must ride in:
Correct answer: An approved child safety seat or booster suited to their size
Why: Proper child restraints are required because standard belts are designed for adults.
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Q38. A person who has had several alcoholic drinks is least able to:
Correct answer: Judge distances and react quickly to hazards
Why: Alcohol most strongly affects judgment, vision, and reaction time—skills that are critical for driving.
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Q39. To drive safely in heavy traffic on a city street, you should:
Correct answer: Watch for brake lights, plan lane changes early, and avoid frequent lane switching
Why: Planning ahead and keeping a space cushion is safer than weaving in and out of traffic.
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Q40. If you are going to slow down unexpectedly on a roadway, you should:
Correct answer: Tap your brakes several times to warn drivers behind you
Why: Tapping your brakes flashes your brake lights and alerts following drivers.
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Q41. When another driver is aggressively weaving through traffic, the best thing you can do is:
Correct answer: Stay out of their way and allow them to go ahead
Why: Not engaging with aggressive drivers helps avoid road rage incidents and collisions.
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Q42. As your speed increases, your field of vision:
Correct answer: Becomes narrower, giving you less time to see hazards
Why: At higher speeds, you tend to focus more on what is directly ahead and may miss hazards at the sides.
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Q43. When you see a sign with a truck tipping on a triangle, it warns of:
Correct answer: A risk of trucks tipping on a curve or steep grade
Why: This sign alerts you to a location where large vehicles are more likely to lose balance.
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Q44. To safely share the road with bicyclists, you should:
Correct answer: Give them at least as much room as you would give a small car when passing
Why: Leaving plenty of space when passing protects bicyclists from wind blasts and mistakes.
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Q45. If you are stopped at a green light because traffic is backed up in the intersection, you should:
Correct answer: Wait until there is room to clear the entire intersection
Why: Blocking an intersection can trap you and other drivers when the signal changes.
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Q46. When parking on a two-way street with no curb, you should:
Correct answer: Turn your wheels so the vehicle will roll away from the road if it moves
Why: Pointing the wheels away from the road helps your vehicle roll toward the shoulder if the brakes fail.
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Q47. In a strong crosswind, your vehicle may:
Correct answer: Drift sideways, especially at higher speeds
Why: Wind gusts can push your vehicle sideways, so hold the wheel firmly and reduce speed if needed.
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Q48. If your view is blocked when coming out of an alley or driveway, you should:
Correct answer: Move forward slowly until you can see, stopping again if needed
Why: Creeping forward and looking in both directions keeps pedestrians and cross traffic safer.
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Q49. When driving through an area with many parked cars on the side of the road, you should:
Correct answer: Be prepared for doors to open or people to step out from between vehicles
Why: Parked vehicles can hide pedestrians and pets. Extra caution prevents sudden collisions.
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Q50. If the rear of your car starts to slide to the right, you should:
Correct answer: Steer gently to the right and avoid overcorrecting
Why: Steering in the same direction as the skid helps you straighten the vehicle without spinning out.