How To Prepare for a Driving Test in Texas

Guidelines for Safety

Adhere to the following fundamental safety guidelines while operating a vehicle:

• Consistently operate a vehicle with caution. Attempt to foresee potential mistakes another motorist may commit.
• Remain attentive to your environment. Inspect your mirrors, observe traffic in both directions at crossings, and glance over your shoulder before executing a lane change or merging with traffic.
• Navigate with fluidity and refrain from abrupt maneuvers.
• Enhance acceleration and deceleration with fluidity. Decelerate or accelerate progressively to prevent abrupt jolts.
• Recognize the designated stopping points as you approach a junction. If your line of sight is obstructed, halt; then proceed cautiously. Ensure to observe both directions before proceeding into the intersection. Refrain from proceeding through stop signs or red traffic signals.
• Adhere to designated speed restrictions at all times. In the presence of adverse weather, road, or traffic circumstances, decrease speed proportionately.
• Employ the two-second rule to guarantee that you maintain a safe following distance. Extend the following distance in adverse weather, road, or traffic circumstances.
• Understand the meanings of all traffic signs and signals, and adhere to them consistently.
• Use the correct lane. Indicate and transition from the incorrect lane to the proper lane.
• Activate your signal 100 feet before executing a turn or changing lanes.

Driver Safety Checklist

Before Starting the  Vehicle:

• Reposition the mirrors and your seat
• Secure your seatbelt

Familiarize yourself with the location and operation of the car controls, including headlights, windshield wipers, and turn signals.

During the driving examination:

• Utilize turn signals when necessary.
• Frequently check the mirrors and, where required, glance over your shoulder.
• Maintain both hands on the steering wheel except while reversing.

Stopping:

• Assess traffic conditions
• Come to a complete stop behind the crosswalk or limit line.
• Cease motion gradually without the car lurching.

Indicating a Lane Change:

• Signal 100 feet before initiating the maneuver.
• Modify velocity for safety.
• Inspect mirrors
• Check your blind spot by looking over your shoulder.
• Commence and conclude the move in the appropriate lane
• Yield or concede right-of-way as warranted

Always:

• Consistently monitor mirrors regularly.
• Examine both directions at every crossing.
• Observe and adhere to all traffic signals and signage.
• Observe and respond appropriately to hazards.
• Maintain a safe distance (modify according to weather conditions)

During the Driving Examination

Pets and unauthorized passengers are prohibited in the car during the examination.

The examination requires approximately 20 minutes. The objective of the driving examination is to assess your capability to operate a vehicle safely and adhere to traffic regulations.

Your evaluation will be based on your proficiency in executing the following maneuvers:

• Reversing in a straight trajectory
• Parallel parking
• Navigating intersections
• Executing turns
• Halting under standard traffic conditions
• Vehicle control
• Traffic observation
• Maintaining vehicle alignment (during turns, stops, etc.)
• Utilizing signals

Any hazardous or unlawful move during the driving test will result in immediate test termination and an automatic failure.

After the Diving Test

You will be notified of your test results, including thorough feedback on your strengths and areas for improvement.

Failure to pass the driving test will result in your application being retained at the driver’s license office for 90 days. Following 90 days or three unsuccessful attempts, a new application and fee must be filed.

Vehicle Assessment

• Before commencing the driving examination, your vehicle must undergo an evaluation to confirm its safety and legal operability on public roads.
  The customer support agent will verify the following:
  
  
• Two license plates, excluding single out-of-state or temporary plates, must be permanently mounted to the front and rear of the vehicle; dealership plates are not permitted.
• Functional speedometer
• Operational horn
• Functional turn signals at the front and rear of the car
• Valid vehicle registration and inspection
• Active insurance (application must not be designated as “excluded driver”)
• At least one rearview mirror, either interior or exterior, must be present on the vehicle.
• The front passenger door must open normally from both the inside and exterior.
• Functional seatbelts
• Any limitations on the driver
• One operational brake light for vehicles manufactured in 1959 or earlier; two for models post-1960; or three if equipped with a “high-mounted stop lamp.”
• Operational windshield wipers, headlights, and taillights, contingent upon weather conditions and time of day.

Before the Driving Test

One valid form of identification must be shown to the customer support person.

Ensure any inquiries are made before the commencement of your driving examination. Upon the commencement of the test, the customer service professional is prohibited from participating in general conversation.

Who Is Required to Take the Driving Examination

A driving test is mandatory if any of the subsequent requirements are met:

• You have never obtained a license in any U.S. state or territory.
• You possess a license from another state; however, it has lapsed.
• You hold a Texas license; however, it has expired for more than two years.
• You possess a medical condition that could impair your capacity to operate a car safely.
• You possess particular limitations on your Texas driver’s license that necessitate the completion of a driving test for their removal.

You have been mandated by the court to undertake a driving examination.

A driving test is not mandatory for renewals or for anyone over 18 relinquishing a valid driver’s license from another state; yet, the DPS may impose a driving test at any time. Individuals under the age of 18 are required to undergo a driving examination.

Preparation for the Driving Examination

Review the Texas Driver Handbook to prepare for the driving examination. This complimentary handbook can be accessed online at www.dps.texas.gov/Driverlicense under “Handbooks & Forms” or at any driver license office.

Execute all maneuvers outlined in the “Driver Safety Checklist” section before arranging your examination. During practice, request the individual accompanying you to provide directions and identify any errors.

Scheduling a Driving Examination

Most driver’s license offices now provide the ability to schedule your driving test online. To arrange a driving examination, visit www.dps.texas.gov and select “More Online Services.”