Texas Driver's Handbook Summary (2026): Key Rules by Section

The 14 handbook sections the Texas knowledge test draws from, summarized in our own words. Each rule links to its page in the official handbook.

1. Section 1: Your License to Drive · 8 key rules
   Who may drive in Texas, the learner and provisional licenses of the Graduated Driver License (GDL) program, license classes, exams, renewals and suspensions.
2. Section 2: Vehicle Inspection and Registration · 5 key rules
   The yearly inspection, the equipment every car must have and must not have, and how to register a vehicle in Texas.
3. Section 3: Safety Responsibility (Insurance) · 4 key rules
   The minimum liability insurance, what counts as proof of insurance and the penalties for driving without it.
4. Section 4: Right-of-Way · 6 key rules
   Who goes first at intersections, railroad crossings, with emergency vehicles, school buses and pedestrians.
5. Section 5: Signals, Signs and Markers · 5 key rules
   Traffic lights, what sign colors and shapes mean, warning, regulatory and guide signs, pavement markings and work zones.
6. Section 6: Signaling, Passing and Turning · 5 key rules
   When and how to signal, when you may not pass, how to pass safely and the steps for right and left turns.
7. Section 7: Parking, Stopping or Standing · 5 key rules
   Where you may not park, stop or stand, disabled parking rules, parallel parking and leaving your car safely.
8. Section 8: Speed and Speed Limits · 5 key rules
   Following distance, stopping distances, the Texas speed limits and the Slow Down or Move Over law.
9. Section 9: Some Special Driving Situations · 6 key rules
   Night driving and headlights, highways, emergencies such as skids and brake failure, roundabouts, floods and sharing the road with trucks, motorcycles, light rail and bicycles.
10. Section 10: Alcohol and Drugs · 5 key rules
    How alcohol and drugs affect driving, the legal limit, zero tolerance for minors, implied consent and the penalties.
11. Section 11: Motor Vehicle Crashes · 5 key rules
    What to do after a crash: stopping, exchanging information, reports to TxDOT, unattended vehicles and first aid.
12. Section 12: Pedestrian Safety · 3 key rules
    Rules for pedestrians and what drivers must do around people on foot, including blind pedestrians.
13. Section 13: Bicycle Laws and Safety · 2 key rules
    Bicyclists' rights and duties, where they ride, hand signals and the equipment a bicycle needs.
14. Section 14: Additional Safety Tips · 4 key rules
    Defensive driving, safety belts and child seats, what to do when stopped by police, road rage and carbon monoxide.