Roadwise States Texas Driving lessons Passing Texas driving lesson · Signaling, Passing & Turning
Passing A 4-minute lesson from the Texas course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Read time 4 minutes
Course unit Signaling, Passing & Turning
Checkpoint questions 6
Source pages 44, 45 Improper passing often causes head-on crashes, which can be deadly. It isn't always safe to pass, so be patient. Know where passing on the left is banned, when passing on the right is allowed, and what to do when someone passes you.
Never drive on the left side of the road: Where pavement markings or signs prohibit it (no-passing zone or solid lane lines) When there are two or more traffic lanes in each direction Within 100 feet of, or while crossing, an intersection or railroad crossing On a hill, curve, or any other place where vision is limited Within 100 feet of a bridge, viaduct, or tunnel Handbook p. 44 ↗ Keep to the right side of the road except when: Passing another vehicle on a two- or three-lane street Driving on a one-way street The right side of the road is blocked Handbook p. 44 ↗ Basic safety rules when passing Make certain the way is clear Give the proper signal before changing lanes Tap your horn when necessary to avoid surprising the driver ahead Avoid cutting back in too quickly Handbook p. 44 ↗ How to pass on a two-lane road Keep enough distance to see ahead; check mirrors and your blind spot; signal left Check for no-passing signs and markings and for oncoming traffic Tap your horn when necessary to alert the driver ahead Pass on the left; return only when you see the passed car in your rearview mirror Signal right, return to the right lane, then turn off your signal Handbook p. 45 ↗ 200 ft You must be back in the right lane before an approaching car comes within this distance
Handbook p. 45 ↗ You may pass on the right only when safe and: The road is clear of parked cars or obstructions and wide enough for two or more lanes each way You are on a one-way road On a paved shoulder, if the vehicle ahead is slowing/stopped, disabled, or about to turn left Handbook p. 45 ↗ Know the rule
Never pass on the right by driving off the paved portion of the highway.
Handbook p. 45 ↗ When another vehicle is passing you: Do not increase your speed Stay in your lane Move as far right as you safely can if the lanes aren't marked Make it as safe and easy as possible for the other driver to pass Handbook p. 45 ↗ Know the rule
Don't drive or linger in another driver's blind spot: either pass or slow down. If you're in or near their blind spot, they likely can't see you.
Handbook p. 45 ↗ Blind spots on each side of a vehicle Put it into practice
On a two-lane road you want to pass a tractor, but a bridge is 80 feet ahead. Passing within 100 feet of a bridge is illegal, so wait until you're across the bridge and have a clear view and a legal passing zone.
A useful reminder Two different 100-foot rules for no passing: near an intersection or railroad crossing, and near a bridge, viaduct or tunnel.
Check your understanding Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
Within how many feet of an intersection may you not pass another vehicle? 50 feet 200 feet 100 feet 25 feet Answer: 100 feet
You may not pass within 100 feet of, or while crossing, an intersection or railroad crossing.
Handbook p. 44 ↗ When passing on a two-lane road, you must be back in the right lane before an oncoming car comes within how many feet? 100 feet 200 feet 300 feet 500 feet Answer: 200 feet
You need enough time and space to complete the pass before an approaching car comes within 200 feet.
Handbook p. 45 ↗ When is passing on the right generally allowed in Texas? On a one-way road or a road with two or more lanes each way When the driver ahead is turning right Whenever a paved shoulder is available Only on interstate highways Answer: On a one-way road or a road with two or more lanes each way
Passing on the right is allowed on one-way roads or roads clear and wide enough for multiple lanes in each direction.
Handbook p. 45 ↗ When may you legally pass on a paved shoulder? Any time the shoulder is paved and clear When the car ahead is stopped or turning left When the car ahead is turning right Whenever you signal at least 100 feet first Answer: When the car ahead is stopped or turning left
Passing on a paved shoulder is allowed only for a vehicle that's stopped, disabled, slowing on the main road, or turning left.
Handbook p. 45 ↗ Before returning to your lane after passing, what should you wait to see? The passed vehicle's turn signal About two car lengths of space The passed car in your rearview mirror Nothing; return as soon as you're ahead Answer: The passed car in your rearview mirror
Wait until you can see the car you passed in your rearview mirror before returning to the right lane.
Handbook p. 45 ↗ When another vehicle is passing you on the left, what should you do? Speed up slightly so they pass faster Move left to give more room Brake firmly so they can cut in Stay in your lane and don't speed up Answer: Stay in your lane and don't speed up
Don't speed up; stay in your lane and make it easy and safe for the other driver to pass.
Handbook p. 45 ↗ Previous lesson Signaling Next lesson Turning More in Signaling, Passing & Turning About the source Roadwise’s Texas course uses the driver handbook edition supplied with this study pack. This lesson cites source pages 44, 45. The linked PDF is a third-party mirror of the handbook, rather than a government-hosted page.
Open the handbook source PDF · View the source edition
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