Texas DPS Permit Practice Test 5: 50 Questions
Practice Test 5 has 50 multiple-choice questions on Texas driving rules, including space cushion concept, wet road following distance, ABS vs. Non-ABS braking and flashing yellow arrow. 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 5 Covers
The questions in this test ask about:
- Space Cushion Concept
- Wet Road Following Distance
- ABS vs. Non-ABS Braking
- Flashing Yellow Arrow
- Solid Green Arrow
- Overhead Lane Control Signals
- Pedestrian Signal Rules
- Blind Pedestrian Laws
- Motorcycle Following Distance
- Night Driving Following Distance
- Emergency Vehicle and Officer Directions
Try 5 Questions from This Test
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The main reason to maintain a space cushion around your vehicle is to:
Show answer
A. Give yourself time and room to react to sudden hazards
A safe following distance and side space give you more options when traffic changes unexpectedly.
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A flashing yellow arrow for a left turn means you should:
Show answer
C. Turn left only after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians
The flashing arrow gives a permissive turn that still requires you to yield to others.
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A solid green arrow for a left turn means:
Show answer
B. You have a protected turn and oncoming traffic should be stopped
A green arrow provides a protected movement, but you should still watch for pedestrians in the crosswalk.
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A red X over a lane on an overhead lane control signal means:
Show answer
C. You must not drive in that lane
A red X shows that the lane is closed to traffic in your direction.
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You should always check for motorcycles before changing lanes because:
Show answer
C. They are smaller and can be hidden in your blind spots
Motorcycles are easy to overlook. A quick shoulder check can prevent a collision.
Complete Study Guide: All 50 Questions with Answers
Every question in Practice Test 5, with the correct answer and an explanation for each.
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Q1. The main reason to maintain a space cushion around your vehicle is to:
Correct answer: Give yourself time and room to react to sudden hazards
Why: A safe following distance and side space give you more options when traffic changes unexpectedly.
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Q2. When you are following a large truck and cannot see its side mirrors, it means:
Correct answer: The driver probably cannot see you
Why: If you cannot see a truck’s mirrors, the driver is unlikely to see you behind the vehicle.
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Q3. On a wet road, you should keep a following distance of at least:
Correct answer: Four seconds or more
Why: Extra space is needed because it takes longer to stop on slick surfaces.
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Q4. When you are being tailgated, the safest thing to do is to:
Correct answer: Gradually increase your following distance and, when possible, change lanes to let the other driver pass
Why: Creating more space ahead and letting tailgaters pass reduces the risk of a rear-end crash.
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Q5. If you must stop quickly and your vehicle does not have antilock brakes (ABS), you should:
Correct answer: Apply the brakes firmly without locking the wheels, and steer in the direction you want to go
Why: Hard braking that locks the wheels can cause a skid; controlled braking with steering helps maintain control.
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Q6. If your vehicle has ABS and you need to stop in an emergency, you should:
Correct answer: Press the brake pedal firmly and keep holding it while steering
Why: ABS is designed to work with firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
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Q7. A flashing yellow arrow for a left turn means you should:
Correct answer: Turn left only after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians
Why: The flashing arrow gives a permissive turn that still requires you to yield to others.
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Q8. A solid green arrow for a left turn means:
Correct answer: You have a protected turn and oncoming traffic should be stopped
Why: A green arrow provides a protected movement, but you should still watch for pedestrians in the crosswalk.
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Q9. When approaching a stop sign with no marked stop line, you must stop:
Correct answer: Before entering the crosswalk or the intersection
Why: Stop where you can see cross traffic clearly without blocking pedestrians.
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Q10. If traffic lights are out at an intersection, you should treat it as:
Correct answer: An all-way stop
Why: All drivers must stop and proceed in turn when signals are not working.
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Q11. When must you yield to pedestrians at a crosswalk that is not controlled by signals?
Correct answer: Whenever they are in your lane or close to it
Why: Pedestrians in crosswalks generally have the right-of-way. Always be ready to stop for them.
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Q12. You are turning right on a red light where it is permitted. Before turning, you must:
Correct answer: Stop completely and check for traffic and pedestrians
Why: Right on red is allowed only after a full stop and yielding to others with the right-of-way.
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Q13. A yellow X over a lane on a reversible lane control signal means:
Correct answer: The lane is about to close to your direction; you should move out of it safely
Why: A yellow X warns that the lane is changing use and you should leave it before it becomes a red X.
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Q14. A red X over a lane on an overhead lane control signal means:
Correct answer: You must not drive in that lane
Why: A red X shows that the lane is closed to traffic in your direction.
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Q15. If your car begins to skid because of ice or snow, you should:
Correct answer: Take your foot off the gas and steer gently in the direction you want to go
Why: Sudden braking or acceleration can make a skid worse. Smooth steering and easing off the gas help you regain control.
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Q16. When driving in fog or heavy mist, the best lights to use are:
Correct answer: Low-beam headlights
Why: Low beams reduce glare and improve visibility compared to high beams in fog.
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Q17. A driver behind you is flashing their high beams and acting impatient. You should:
Correct answer: Move to another lane when safe and let them pass
Why: Allowing aggressive drivers to pass is safer than confronting them.
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Q18. When entering a curve posted with a warning speed lower than the limit, that speed is:
Correct answer: The recommended safe speed for ideal conditions
Why: Advisory speeds are suggested safe speeds when conditions are good; you may need to go even slower in poor weather.
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Q19. What is the safest way to deal with a distraction like adjusting the radio or GPS?
Correct answer: Adjust it before you start driving or while stopped
Why: Planning ahead reduces the need to take your eyes and mind off the road while moving.
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Q20. If you begin to feel angry or upset behind the wheel, you should:
Correct answer: Find a safe place to stop and cool down
Why: Strong emotions can lead to risky choices. It is safer to pause and calm down.
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Q21. Which of these is most likely to cause a crash when driving in rain?
Correct answer: Driving too fast for conditions
Why: Higher speeds reduce traction and increase the risk of losing control on wet pavement.
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Q22. If you see a pedestrian starting to cross the street against a DON’T WALK signal, you should:
Correct answer: Be prepared to slow or stop to avoid hitting them
Why: Even when pedestrians are not obeying signals, you must do everything you can to prevent a collision.
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Q23. When approaching a railroad crossing where you cannot see far down the tracks, you should:
Correct answer: Slow down, listen, and be ready to stop
Why: Trains can approach quietly and quickly. Always slow and check carefully before crossing.
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Q24. If you hit a parked vehicle and cannot find the owner, you must:
Correct answer: Leave a note with your name, contact information, and the time and date
Why: You must make a reasonable effort to notify the owner and provide your information.
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Q25. If you are involved in a minor crash and your vehicle can move, you should:
Correct answer: Move it out of traffic if possible
Why: Moving vehicles to a safe area reduces the chance of more collisions.
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Q26. A person walking with a white cane and wearing headphones is approaching an intersection. You should:
Correct answer: Stop and let them cross, even if your light is green
Why: Pedestrians with limited vision rely on sound as well as signals. Always yield and give them extra time.
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Q27. You should always check for motorcycles before changing lanes because:
Correct answer: They are smaller and can be hidden in your blind spots
Why: Motorcycles are easy to overlook. A quick shoulder check can prevent a collision.
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Q28. What is one of the first effects of alcohol on a driver?
Correct answer: Judgment and self-control are reduced
Why: Even small amounts of alcohol reduce judgment and the ability to make safe decisions.
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Q29. If you are taking medicine that may cause drowsiness, you should:
Correct answer: Avoid driving until you know how it affects you
Why: Read labels and follow your doctor’s advice. Some medicines can make driving unsafe.
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Q30. When you see a sign with a pedestrian symbol, you should:
Correct answer: Be ready to slow or stop for people crossing the road
Why: Pedestrian warning signs alert you to crosswalks and areas where people often cross.
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Q31. If your vehicle breaks down on the freeway and you cannot move it completely off the road, you should:
Correct answer: Turn on your hazard lights and stay inside with your seat belt on until help arrives
Why: Staying inside with seat belts fastened is usually safer than standing or walking near high-speed traffic.
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Q32. When you pass a bicyclist on the road, you should leave at least:
Correct answer: Several feet of clearance, or more if possible
Why: Extra space protects bicyclists from being sideswiped or hit by mirrors.
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Q33. You are in a left-turn-only lane but decide you want to go straight. You should:
Correct answer: Follow the lane direction and turn, then find a safe place to change your route
Why: Obeying lane-use signs and markings is safer than making a last-second change.
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Q34. A green traffic signal means that you may:
Correct answer: Go if the way is clear after yielding to pedestrians and any vehicles still in the intersection
Why: A green light allows you to proceed, but you must still yield to anyone already in the intersection.
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Q35. When following a motorcycle on a rough or slippery road, you should:
Correct answer: Increase your following distance
Why: Motorcycles may need to change position quickly to avoid hazards, so they need more space.
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Q36. If your rear license plate light is out at night, you should:
Correct answer: Get it fixed as soon as possible because it is required equipment
Why: License plate lights help officers and other drivers identify your vehicle in the dark.
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Q37. When driving near a blind pedestrian who is about to cross the street, you must NOT:
Correct answer: Stop in the crosswalk or block their path
Why: Blocking the crosswalk can disorient pedestrians who rely on sound and the alignment of traffic.
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Q38. If you see a traffic officer directing you to do something different from what the signs or signals say, you should:
Correct answer: Follow the officer’s directions
Why: A traffic officer’s instructions override signals, signs, and pavement markings.
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Q39. You can help prevent rear-end collisions by:
Correct answer: Checking your mirrors often and signaling well in advance before stopping or changing lanes
Why: Good mirror use and early signals give drivers behind you time to react.
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Q40. A vehicle coming toward you at night has its high beams on and the light is glaring. You should:
Correct answer: Look toward the right edge of your lane and avoid staring into the lights
Why: Looking toward the right side of the road helps you stay in your lane without being blinded.
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Q41. When you are about to drive, the last step in your pre-drive routine should be to:
Correct answer: Fasten your seat belt and be sure passengers are buckled
Why: Everyone in the vehicle should be properly restrained before you begin to drive.
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Q42. You should adjust your driving speed to:
Correct answer: Match road, weather, and traffic conditions even if it means driving below the speed limit
Why: The posted limit is for ideal conditions. In poor conditions, a lower speed is often safer.
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Q43. When turning left from a two-way street onto another two-way street, you should:
Correct answer: Start your turn from the lane closest to the center line and end in the lane closest to the center line on the new street
Why: Using the closest appropriate lanes reduces confusion and conflicts with other traffic.
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Q44. When turning right from a two-way street onto another two-way street, you should:
Correct answer: Begin and end your turn in the lane closest to the right curb or edge of the road
Why: Tight right turns into the nearest lane reduce the chance of sideswipes and conflicts.
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Q45. What is the main purpose of traffic control devices such as signs and signals?
Correct answer: To provide orderly and predictable movement of traffic
Why: Signs, signals, and markings guide and regulate traffic so that everyone can share the road safely.
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Q46. When driving at night, you should increase your following distance because:
Correct answer: It is harder to see hazards and judge distances
Why: Reduced visibility at night means you need more time to react to unexpected situations.
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Q47. You are approaching a pedestrian crosswalk and a vehicle has stopped ahead of you at the crosswalk. You should:
Correct answer: Not pass the stopped vehicle
Why: A stopped vehicle at a crosswalk may be yielding to pedestrians you cannot see.
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Q48. When driving near children playing by the road, you should:
Correct answer: Slow down and be prepared to stop quickly
Why: Children can act unpredictably and may run into the street without warning.
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Q49. A driver who has had too much to drink is most likely to:
Correct answer: Take more risks and misjudge distances
Why: Alcohol reduces judgment and increases risk-taking behavior, which can lead to crashes.
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Q50. If you are driving and your cell phone rings, you should:
Correct answer: Let it go to voicemail or pull over safely before answering
Why: Phone conversations while driving are distracting. It is safer to let calls go unanswered until you can stop.