All ExamsTexas Driver's LicenseSpeed and Speed Limits

Speed and Speed Limits — Texas Driver's License Practice Test

Speed and Speed LimitsQuestion 1 of 27

27 questions in this topic · 27 drawn at random this round

At 20 mph, about how far does it take to stop (including reaction and braking)?

TX Driver Handbook (DL-7)

All questions are based on the official Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7). Study the relevant section to reinforce your knowledge.

Open Handbook Section ↗

Session Progress

Answered0 / 27

Correct0

Accuracy—

This Texas Driver's License Speed and Speed Limits practice set has 27 practice questions based on the official exam materials, each with an instant explanation. You need 70% on the real Texas Driver's License knowledge test to pass.

Topic overview

This chapter covers how to choose a safe speed for the conditions you're driving in, not just the number on the sign. You'll learn why keeping a safe following distance behind the car ahead is essential, and how good driving means adjusting your speed and distance to match traffic, weather, and your own alertness.

The most tested ideas are recognizing when to slow down and increase your following distance — wet roads, heavy traffic, and reduced visibility all call for extra space and caution. You'll also want to understand why higher speed narrows your field of vision, and the "slow down or move over" rule for passing a stopped emergency, tow, or highway maintenance vehicle with its lights activated.

A common mistake is treating the posted speed limit as a target rather than a maximum — the safe speed for the conditions can be well below it. Another is forgetting that street racing and speed contests are illegal on public roads, no matter how quiet or empty a road may seem.

Why does driving faster reduce my field of vision?

As speed increases, your eyes must focus farther ahead to react in time, which narrows how much you can clearly see to the sides — at higher speeds your usable field of vision shrinks noticeably compared to standing still.

What should I do when I approach a stopped emergency or maintenance vehicle with its lights flashing?

The handbook calls this the "Slow Down or Move Over" rule — reduce your speed well below the limit, and if the road has multiple lanes going your direction, move out of the lane closest to the stopped vehicle.

Are speed limits always just a maximum I shouldn't exceed?

Not only — some roads also post a minimum speed limit, and drivers are expected to keep pace with the normal flow of traffic rather than driving unreasonably slowly, while never exceeding the posted maximum.

Written from the official Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7) — Speed and Speed Limits ↗· Last checked: 2026-07-10· Reviewed by the PassPrep editorial team· How we verify →

Sample questions

Three questions from the Speed and Speed Limits bank with the correct answer and an explanation. The practice quiz above draws 27 questions at random from the same bank.

What must you always obey regarding speed?
- The posted speed limit and any posted minimum — Correct answer
- Only the limit when police are watching
- Whatever speed feels safe to you
- The maximum only, never a minimum
Explanation: You must always obey the posted speed limit and any posted minimum speed limit.
Handbook: Speed and Speed Limits — Speed
How does your speed affect the following distance you should keep?
- The faster you go, the greater the distance you need — Correct answer
- Speed has no effect on distance
- The faster you go, the closer you can follow
- Keep the same distance at all speeds
Explanation: The faster you drive, the greater the distance you should keep from the car ahead of you.
Handbook: Speed and Speed Limits — Speed
At 30 mph or less in good conditions, what is the minimum following time you should keep?
- 2 seconds — Correct answer
- Half a second
- 5 seconds
- No gap is needed at low speed
Explanation: For speeds of 30 mph or less, keep a minimum following time of 2 seconds in good road conditions.
Handbook: Speed and Speed Limits — Speed