Texas permit test: distracted & drowsy driving
Phone and texting laws, other distractions and fatigue. 4 questions.
Under Texas law, may a driver type and send a text on a hand-held phone while the car is moving?
Keyboard: press 1–4 or A–D to answer, Enter for the next question, S to save, R to read aloud, P to pause reading, L to listen and answer.
Sample distracted & drowsy driving questions
Under Texas law, may a driver type and send a text on a hand-held phone while the car is moving?
- A Yes, if traffic is moving under 30 mph
- B Yes, if the driver is 18 or older
- C Yes, if the phone is held up near the windshield
- D No; reading, writing or sending messages while driving is illegal
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D. No; reading, writing or sending messages while driving is illegal
It is against Texas law to read, write or send messages on a portable wireless device while driving. You may use a phone to contact police or in an emergency; otherwise pull off the road first.
May a 17-year-old Texas driver use a hands-free phone while driving?
- A Yes, hands-free is always legal
- B Yes, but only on highways
- C No, except in an emergency
- D Yes, if a parent is calling
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C. No, except in an emergency
All Texas drivers under 18 are barred from using a wireless communication device while driving, including hands-free, except in an emergency. This covers learner and provisional drivers.
You are 30 years old and driving through a Texas school crossing zone while its reduced school speed limit is in effect. Your car is moving. Under state law, how may you use your cell phone?
- A For voice calls held to your ear, but not for texts
- B Only with a hands-free device
- C Not at all, not even with a hands-free device
- D Freely, as long as you stay under the school limit
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B. Only with a hands-free device
Texas law bars using a wireless communication device in a school crossing zone unless the vehicle is stopped or the device is used with a hands-free device. Many school zones post a sign with a crossed-out phone as a reminder. Drivers under 18 face a stricter rule: no phone use at all while driving, even hands-free, except in an emergency.
Source: Texas Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division website
According to the Texas handbook, what happens to crashes when a distraction makes drivers react just a half-second slower?
- A Crashes rise by about 10 percent
- B Crashes double
- C There is no measurable change
- D Crashes increase only at night
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B. Crashes double
If drivers react a half-second slower because of distraction, crashes double. Set up your phone, radio and mirrors before driving and avoid emotional conversations behind the wheel.