DRIVERS PERMIT
Controlled intersection
At a 4-way stop, yield the right of way to drivers already in the intersection. If you and another driver arrive at the same time, yield the right of way to the driver on the right.
Requirements for non-residents
Be at least 16 years old. And if you want to drive a commercial vehicle, you must be at least 18 years old, and have a commercial driver license in your home state or country. Have a valid driver license from a state or country that recognizes Texas driver licenses as well. You got to recognize Texas.
DPS is authorized to suspend a license or driving privilege for:
Breathalyzer test failure (level of 0.08 or more) Refusal to take Breathalyzer test Detectable amount of alcohol (minors) Incomplete driver education (*cough* *cough*) False or incomplete information on license application Suspension or revocation by another state Parental authorization withdrawn (please and thank you go a long way)
Driving ethos
Give, don't take. Stay out of trouble. Legally and responsibly accept or yield the right-of-way. Reduce risk.
Emergency Vehicles
If emergency vehicles like police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks are responding to an emergency (they'll have their sirens on and/or lights), you'll need to pull over to the right and stop if possible.
Fraud Punishment
If you are convicted for the following fraud activities, your license will get suspended: Altering a driver license or making a document similar to a driver license or ID Having an altered/fake driver license Lending a driver license to a friend Having more than one valid driver license Providing false information when applying for a driver license Any fraudulent activity involving government paperwork
Driveway ---> Public street
If you are going from a private road, (like your driveway), to the public street, street wins. Those cars have the right-of-way. Make sure to stop before a sidewalk and yield to all pedestrians too.
Intersecting Roads with Lesser or Greater Number of Lanes
If you're on a single or two-lane road you'll yield to roads with more lanes, such as divided streets or roads with three or more lanes.
Controlled Access Highway
If you're on the frontage road of a controlled-access highway, you are yielding the right of way to vehicles entering your road from the highway or leaving your road to get on the highway.
Texas has the authority to suspend or revoke the driving privileges of a minor after a hearing for the following:
Juvenile court order Failure to appear in court Failure to pay a fine Repeated violations of traffic laws
Conviction for the following offenses will automatically suspend your license if you are a minor:
Possession, consumption, and/or purchase of alcohol Attempt to purchase alcohol Misrepresentation of your age Operating a watercraft while intoxicated Failure to complete an alcohol awareness class Any drug offense Any offense under the Controlled Substance Act Failure to complete a tobacco awareness class Truancy (being excessively tardy or absent from school) Delinquent conduct by a minor or juvenile
If you do the following your license will get suspended
Racing a motor vehicle on a public street or highway Evading arrest Driving while intoxicated Drug offense Not stopping to render aid Causing the death or serious injury of anyone while driving Overtaking and passing a school bus (subsequent conviction) Boating while intoxicated
Paved roads
Some roads have different pavement surfaces. If you are on an unpaved road, you'll yield at an intersection with a paved road. So paved roads get the right-of-way and the nicer road. Some streets are just so lucky.
Stay 15-50 feet back from a train crossing if:
There is a signal warning you a train is coming. The crossing gate lowers or a flag person warns you. You're required to stop by another law, rule under a statute, or some kind of official traffic-control device or signal. A train is within 1,500 feet and making noise. You can see a train that is too close for comfort. And if you don't? Hey, $50-$200 fine.
Learner license
They are given to drivers who: Are at least 15 years old and completed required classroom hours. Restriction: a licensed driver at least 21 years old must always occupy the passenger seat when a driver with a Learner License is behind the wheel. *Your Learner License will expire on your 18th birthday or when you receive your Provisional License.
Provisional license
To get your Provisional License, you'll need to: Be under 18 years of age Have held a valid learner license for a minimum of 6 months* Have completed the Impact Texas Teen Drivers program no more than 90 days prior to taking your behind-the-wheel exam at the DPS Provisional License holders may not drive: With more than one passenger in the vehicle under the age of 21 who is not a family member Between 12 AM - 5 AM, unless driving is necessary for a school-related activity, medical emergency, job, or work-related activity* While using a wireless communication device (unless there is an emergency).
Administrative License Revocation
Violations of the Administrative License Revocation (ALR) law involve a $125 fine and automatic driver license suspension for minors.
No license needed
While farm equipment should not be driven on a highway for a long time, it can be transported on highways without a license. You also do not need a license if you drive an official motor vehicle in the US military (as long as it's not commercial).
Drivers license renewal
You can renew your license online, by mail, by phone, or in person* (in case you want to revisit your favorite DPS employee). If you miss the cutoff date, you will need to start the process of applying for a driver license again. *You'll need to apply in person every other time you renew your license.
T intersection
You give the right of way to cars on that cross street.
Punishments for graffiti
being convicted for graffiti will cause you to lose your license, so don't do it.
Class B CDL
permits individuals to drive commercial motor vehicles that weigh more than 26,001 lbs and tow any vehicle less than 10,000 lbs. Class B CDL lets individuals drive commercial vehicles that carry 24 or more passengers. You know Ms. Tapia your favorite bus driver? She probably has a Class B CDL.
Military license expiration
their driver licenses are valid even if they have expired, as long as they are either still active in the military or have been in Texas for less than 90 days.
Class B license
think of it as Class Bus. With a Class B driver license, you can drive in any of the following scenarios: a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 lbs or more, a vehicle less than 10,000 lbs, or a farm trailer less than 20,000 lbs. And of course, you can drive a bus. Specifically you can drive a bus with 24 or more passengers.
Class M license
think of this as Class Motorcycle or Moped. To get this license, you'll need to complete a driver's education course and a DPS (Department of Public Safety) basic motorcycle operator training course (16 hours). You need to be 16 to drive a motorcycle and already own a driver license, and 15 to drive a moped (with parental permission).
Class A license
we'll call it Class Amazing. You can drive every type of vehicle described in class B & C without limitations due to vehicle size. * you can not drive commercial vehicles*
Non-traditional intersection
where these roadway users meet at a non-traditional place like a turnabout or railroad crossing.
Traditional intersection
where two or more users of the roadway meet. These can be either controlled (controlled by signs and signals) or uncontrolled (no signs or signals).
What happens if you get your license taken away for a period of time?
you may need to apply again at the end of the revocation. Take the test. Fill out a new application. START ALL OVER.
Uncontrolled intersection
you need to yield and give the right of way to those cars in or near the intersection on your right. Still watch out for cars coming from your left. They may be yielding to you, but you should always check.
Turning left (mom taking home from dance)
you're going to yield the right of way to traffic that's coming from the other direction.
Your license may get suspended or revoked for the following scenarios:
4 or more traffic convictions within a 12-month period 7 or more traffic convictions within a 24 month period
stay at least ____ feet away from fire trucks and ambulances answering a call
500
How long untill you're drivers license expires
6 But don't wait too long; you can renew your license up to one year BEFORE the expiration date and two years AFTER the expiration date. If you drive with an expired driver license, you will be subject to fines and traffic violations.
Military license
Active members of the US military, their spouses, and their children may drive in Texas if they have a valid driver license in another state.
Stay safe with right of way
Always give right of way than take it
Class C license
Class Common You can drive any vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) less than 26,001 lbs (garbage trucks and cement mixers are just a bit too big) and a trailer less than 10,000 lbs. In other words, you can drive any basic vehicle.
Commercial drivers licenses
Commercial Driver Licenses are for individuals who drive motor vehicles used to transport goods or paid passengers. Semitruck drivers, school bus drivers, etc. They need a Commercial Driver License (CDL). To get a Commercial Driver License, you need to be at least 18 years old to drive a commercial motor vehicle within the state of Texas. You need to be at least 21 years old to obtain a CDL to drive commercial motor vehicles throughout the United States. Your CDL will expire after 5 years.
The Texas court has some power as well. The DPS will suspend, revoke, or cancel a license for:
Delinquent child support Not installing a requested ignition interlock device Failure to repay any overpayment of food stamps or financial assistance Being mentally incapacitated Being chemically dependent Failure to renew annually as required (classified sex offender)
Conviction of the following offenses will get your license suspended or revoked after a public hearing:
Driving while your license is suspended Causing a serious crash while driving a motor vehicle Becoming incompetent to drive
90 days
Every non-resident must obtain a Texas driver license within 90 days of residency in Texas.
If you violate these traffic laws repeatedly, your license may get suspended or revoked:
Failure to stop for a school bus (2nd offense) Attempting to flee from law enforcement Failure to follow a probation order Failure to provide required medical information Failure to pass a required test Failure to complete a requested drug education program
Minor Driver Restricted License
given to drivers who: Are at least 15 years old but less than 18 years old Complete and pass the driver's course: the vision test, knowledge test, and driving test Complete all the requirements for an original applicant, like having the right IDs and proof of education You can only get the Minor Restricted Driver License if the DPS determines: Not having one could cause economic hardship for the family of the minor. It's necessary because of an illness in the family. It's necessary because the minor is in a VEP (Vocational Education Program) that requires a license.
Move Over Act
if you are approaching an emergency vehicle with its lights on, you need to move over a lane away from the vehicle if you can. If you can't, you need to slow down to 20 mph less than the posted speed limit when the posted speed limit is over 25 mph, and 5 mph in speed limits less than 25 mph.
School Buses
if you are driving from any direction near a school bus with flashing lights, stop. Don't pass it until: It starts moving again. The driver says it's ok. The red lights stop flashing. You don't need to stop for a school bus when: It's on a different road. You're on a controlled-access road (highway, freeway, etc.). You are driving in the opposite direction and you are separated by a physical barrier (a median, island, or divider). Note: You ARE required to stop for an unloading school bus if you are driving in the opposite direction and traffic flow is only separated by a center left turn lane.
Class A CDL
permits individuals to drive any type of commercial motor vehicle that exists. You name it, they can drive it.
Class C CDL
permits individuals to drive commercial motor vehicles that transport 16-23 people (including the driver) or any commercial motor vehicle used in the transportation of hazardous materials.