Texas DMV Handbook (2026)

1. Driver Basics

• Under 18: need a learner license (permit) first.

• Must complete Driver Ed (32 hours classroom + 44 hours behind-the-wheel).

• Graduated Driver License (GDL) rules:

  • No phone use while driving (under 18).

  • First 12 months: no driving midnight–5 AM, no more than 1 passenger under 21 (not family).

• Always carry license + insurance while driving.

2. Speed Limits

• 70 mph = rural interstates/highways (some posted 75–80 mph).

• 55 mph = two-lane highways, night driving if posted.

• 30 mph = urban districts.

• 15 mph = alleys, school zones (when children present).

• Follow posted construction/work zone speeds (heavy fines).

3. Signs, Signals, Markings

• Red = Stop.

• Yellow = Slow down, be ready to stop.

• Green = Go if clear.

• Flashing red = Stop (like stop sign).

• Flashing yellow = Slow, proceed carefully.

• Solid yellow line = no passing.

• Broken yellow line = passing allowed if safe.

• White curb = pick up/drop off passengers.

• Red curb = no stopping, standing, or parking.

4. Right of Way

• Pedestrians always first in crosswalks.

• At intersections: yield to vehicles already in the intersection.

• 4-way stop: first come, first go. Tie → yield to right.

• Emergency vehicles: pull over to right + stop.

• School buses: flashing red lights = stop both directions, unless roadway is divided by barrier.

• Yield to blind pedestrians (white cane/guide dog).

5. Turns & Lane Use

• Right on red: allowed after stop, unless sign says no.

• Left turn: yield to oncoming cars/pedestrians.

• U-turns: legal if safe and no sign prohibits.

• Passing: use left lane; return right after passing.

• Center left-turn lane: only for left turns, not passing.

• Move Over Law: slow down/move over for emergency/service vehicles stopped with flashing lights.

6. Parking Rules

• Park within 18 inches of curb.

• Illegal to park:

  • Within 15 ft of fire hydrant.

  • Within 20 ft of crosswalk at intersection.

  • Within 30 ft of stop sign/traffic signal.

  • On sidewalks, bridges, or highways.

• Hill parking:

  • Uphill with curb → wheels away.

  • Downhill → wheels toward curb.

7. Vehicle Equipment

• Car must have: working brakes, lights, horn, mirrors, windshield wipers, muffler, tires.

• Annual safety inspection required.

• Windshield must be clear, no big cracks or heavy tint (front windows).

8. Safety Must-Knows

• Seat belts: required for driver + all passengers.

• Children under 8: must be in safety/booster seat (unless taller than 4’9”).

• Headlights: 30 min after sunset → 30 min before sunrise, or when wipers are on.

• Phones:

  • Under 18 = no phone at all.

  • Over 18 = hands-free only.

• Following distance: 2–4 seconds minimum.

9. Sharing the Road

• Bicycles: same rights as cars; leave 3 ft when passing.

• Motorcycles: full lane; check blind spots.

• Trucks: wide turns, long stops — don’t cut in.

• Farm machinery: common on rural roads; slow, wide.

• School zones: no phone use, obey crossing guards.

10. Alcohol & Drugs

• BAC limits:

  • 0.08% = DWI (21+).

  • 0.04% = commercial drivers.

  • Any detectable alcohol = under 21 (Zero Tolerance).

• Open container: illegal in passenger area of vehicle.

• DWI penalties: fines, license suspension, possible jail.

11. Defensive Driving & Emergencies

• Skids: steer in direction of skid.

• Hydroplaning: ease off gas, don’t brake hard.

• Tire blowout: grip wheel, slow gradually, don’t slam brakes.

• Accidents: stop, help injured, exchange info, report if injury/death/property damage >$1000.

• Work zones: slow, follow flaggers; fines doubled.

12. Driving Environment

• Highways:

  • Enter = use acceleration lane to match speed.

  • Exit = signal early, slow in exit lane only.

• Night driving: use low beams within 500 ft of oncoming car.

• Fog: low beams only.

• Mountains: use lower gears downhill.

• Rural roads: watch for livestock, tractors.

13. Test-Day Reminders

• Make full stops at stop signs.

• Yield to pedestrians.

• Don’t block crosswalks/intersections.

• Signal 100 ft before turns/lane changes.

• Parallel and hill parking often tested — practice both.