Texas Drivers Ed Written Practice Test

How can you identify a residential area?

1. By the presence of low traffic volume

2. By the presence of street signs indicating a lower speed limit

3. By the absence of streetlights

4. By the number of parked cars

The correct answer is: By the presence of street signs indicating a lower speed limit

Identifying a residential area can often be done by observing street signs that indicate a lower speed limit. In many places, including residential neighborhoods, speed limits are set lower to enhance safety for pedestrians, children at play, and cyclists. These lower speed limits serve as a clear indication that the area is designed for local traffic rather than through traffic, which is often faster. While low traffic volume can be a characteristic of residential areas, it is not definitive since traffic patterns can change depending on the time of day or ongoing events. The absence of streetlights may sometimes indicate a less developed area but does not necessarily confirm that it is residential. Similarly, the number of parked cars can vary significantly in different neighborhoods and may not be a reliable indicator of a residential area on its own. Therefore, observing signaling such as lower speed limits is a more directly observable and standardized way to identify residential areas.