Texas Car / Permit practice question · Speed & Space Management

You are about to pass on a two-lane road. How much room from oncoming traffic should you plan for?

Answer choices

• Enough to finish the pass within 50 feet of the oncoming car
• Enough to finish the pass and be back in your own lane while an approaching car is still 200 feet or more away— Correct answer
• Any gap will do, as long as you flash your lights first
• Enough to stay alongside the other vehicle until the oncoming car has gone by

Why this is the answer

Before passing on a two-lane road, look far ahead for no-passing zones and check for oncoming traffic in the left lane. You need enough time and space to overtake and move back into the right lane before an approaching car gets within 200 feet. Flashing your lights or staying beside the other car does not make a pass safe.

Source: Texas Driver Handbook — Passing

Content reviewed against official driver handbooks · August 12, 2026