Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Practice Exam 2026 - Free TCOLE Practice Questions and Study Guide

The correct answer is "reasonable and prudent." This term reflects the standard of care that drivers must exercise while operating a vehicle on highways, as established by the Transportation Code. The expectation is that drivers will assess the conditions of the road, the weather, and the behavior of other drivers to determine the most appropriate speed and maneuvering for safe driving.

Being "reasonable" implies that a driver should make judgments based on common sense and what a reasonable person would do in similar circumstances. "Prudent" adds that the driver should also consider potential risks, taking anticipatory actions to avoid accidents or hazardous situations. This concept is fundamental to road safety and defines an objective measure of driving behavior that courts and law enforcement can use to evaluate a driver's actions in various situations.

The other choices do not fully capture the legal standard set forth in the Transportation Code. While "legal and permissible" refers to actions that conform to laws, it does not address the driver's responsibility for safety. "Safe and careful" implies a subjective interpretation of safety that might vary from driver to driver. Lastly, "quick and efficient" emphasizes speed over safety, which conflicts with the broader standards of reasonable and prudent driving that prioritize safe behavior.