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Texas Drivers Test
Texas Drivers Test
If you are in the process of applying for a Texas driver license, taking a Texas drivers test will be the culmination of the process. Under the current law, all first time license applicants have to go through a Texas driving test, the rules that allowed drivers education graduates to avoid taking the driver's test have been abolished. Texas drivers license test is very similar to road exams conducted by other states and was designed to evaluate your ability to control a vehicle while observing the state driving rules and regulations. Try to get as much driving practice as you can before you take your Texas DPS drivers test as practice is the only way to ensure that you pass the exam the first time you take it.
Texas Driver Test Requirements
Prior to taking a drivers test at the Department of Public Safety, the state requires you to meet certain requirements, such as receiving a Texas drivers permit, for example. Driver test requirements largely depend on the age of the applicant, so make sure you follow the right procedure.
Under 18 Years of Age
If you are under 18 years of age, you are subject to the Texas graduated driver's license program and your road towards the driving test starts at the gates of a driving school where you take a Texas drivers education class. We speak figuratively when we mention the “gates” - the DPS and the TEA are doing a great job at providing teenagers with alternatives to a regular driving school. Thus, teen drivers usually have an option to complete a Texas parent taught driver's education online or going through one of the book courses. While enrolled in a drivers education course, you visit a local DPS office and take a Texas permit test that assesses your knowledge of the state driving rules and road signs. Those who complete the test successfully receive a learners permit that allows them to start driving practice with parents. The permit must be held for at least six months and the drivers education course must be complete within this period. If these requirements are met, you are good to schedule your Texas drivers license test.
18 to 24 Years of Age
If you are at least 18, but under 25 years of age, you do not need to meet the graduated license requirements, but you must still take a drivers education course and pass the same drivers permit test at the DPS before you can be issued with a learners permit. Keep in mind that you need to take a Texas drivers ed course for adults, it is different from the one offered for teenage drivers. Although the course should do a good job of preparing you for the driver's permit test, you are more than welcome to use additional study materials, such as the official Texas drivers license handbook and Texas driver practice tests. Once you receive your drivers permit, you can also start driving practice with a licensed driver at least 21 years of age with not less than a year of driving experience. There is no minimum permit holding period for you so you can schedule your Texas driver test as soon as you feel confident behind the wheel.
25 Years of Age and Older
If you are at least 25 years of age, you are not required to take any courses prior to taking your Texas driving test, however you must still pass the same examinations and receive a learners permit before scheduling a road test. Make sure to get a lot of driving practice before you hit the road with a DPS examiner.
What to Expect on The Driving Test
First thing you should remember is that you have to make an appointment for your drivers test, the DPS does not accept walk ins. Schedule the test well in advance, as sometimes you have to wait quite a while for your appointment. School holidays are usually the busiest days for driving examiners, so schedule your test during other periods, if possible.
It is up to you to provide a vehicle for your Texas drivers test, the DPS does not offer cars for rent that you could use. You must carry proper car insurance, the vehicle must be registered, titled and be in good mechanical condition. Your examiner will conduct a quick safety inspection of your vehicle and if the vehicle does not pass this inspection, you will need to reschedule the road exam.
During your Texas driver's test, you are tested on four main subjects:
- Control - your ability to move in the required direction
- Observation - your ability to notice things around you as you drive. This covers road signs, highway marking, pedestrians and traffic around you.
- Positioning - your ability to hold the vehicle in the middle of the lane. You get penalized for lane straddling.
- Signaling - your ability to communicate with other drivers around you
These are the main areas covered by the driving test and you have to display proficiency in all of them if you want to pass. There are also a few specific maneuvers you may wish to practice as you are almost guaranteed to encounter them during your Texas driver test.
- parallel parking
- quick stop
- backing
- use of clutch
- posture
There are also things that will definitely get you failed on your Texas drivers license test. Make sure you do not do any of them.
- violate the law
- refuse to follow instructions
- drive dangerously
- have a crash
- have more than 30 point deducted on the driving test
At the end of the driving test, the driving examiner will tell you what mistakes you've made during the test and things you may need to work on. You will also be provided with a written evaluation of your driving skills.
If you fail your Texas driving test, you will be told when you can retake it again.
If you pass the drivers license test, you will have to pay the licensing fee and have your picture taken. At the time, you will be provided with a receipt that is valid for 60 days. You can use this receipt as proof that you have a drivers license and operate your vehicle, just make sure to carry the receipt with you at all times. Your actual Texas drivers license is mailed to you within 2-3 weeks of the driving test date. If you do not receive your license in 4 weeks, call the DPS office you took the test at to check upon the status of your license.
