TX DPS ALERTS The Lone Star State

Texas Road Test Guide

Everything you need to pass your Texas DPS driving test on the first try. No stress, just clear steps.

Quick Summary

Learner permit hold: 6 months (under 18) or no wait (18+)
Test duration: About 15-20 minutes
Scheduling: Appointment required via DPS scheduler
Fee: $11 for Class C license

Who Can Take the Road Test?

Before you can take the road test in Texas, you need to meet these requirements:

  • Under 18: Hold your learner permit for at least 6 months. Complete a state-approved driver education course (32 hours classroom + 44 hours behind-the-wheel). Log 30 hours of supervised practice driving (10 at night).
  • 18-24: Complete an approved adult driver education course (6 hours). Pass the knowledge test if you haven't already.
  • 25 and older: Pass the knowledge test. No driver education course required.

Important: You must schedule your road test appointment through the TX DPS online scheduler. Walk-ins are not accepted for road tests.

What to Bring

Here's your checklist. Don't leave home without these:

Your learner permit or out-of-state license

Must be valid and not expired

Proof of identity (one primary document)

U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or permanent resident card

Social Security card or W-2

Must show your full Social Security number

Two proofs of Texas residency

Utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement, voter registration card, etc.

Proof of vehicle insurance

Valid Texas liability insurance for the vehicle you're using

Vehicle registration

Current registration and valid inspection sticker for the test vehicle

For teens: Driver education certificate (DE-964)

Completion certificate from your approved driver education course

Vehicle Requirements

The examiner will check your vehicle before the test begins. Make sure everything works:

  • Headlights (high and low beam)
  • Brake lights
  • Turn signals (all four)
  • Horn
  • Windshield wipers
  • All mirrors (rearview + side)
  • Seat belts for driver and passenger
  • Valid Texas inspection sticker

Your vehicle must have a valid Texas license plate and current registration. No check engine lights. Test all lights and signals the night before.

What to Expect During the Test

1

Document Check

The examiner verifies your identity, permit, insurance, and registration. Have everything ready.

2

Vehicle Inspection

The examiner checks that your car's safety features work. They'll ask you to demonstrate lights, signals, horn, etc.

3

On-Road Driving

About 15-20 minutes of actual driving. The examiner sits in the passenger seat and gives directions. They watch how you handle turns, lane changes, intersections, and traffic.

4

Results

Back at the DPS office, the examiner tells you if you passed. If you pass, you'll get your license that day (temporary paper license, real one mailed in 2-3 weeks).

Maneuvers You'll Perform

Practice these until they feel automatic:

Parallel Parking

Park between two cones without hitting them or the curb. You get one pull-up to adjust. Stay within 18 inches of the curb.

Straight-Line Backing

Back up in a straight line for about 50-100 feet. Look over your shoulder - don't just use mirrors. Keep it slow and steady.

Turns (Left and Right)

Signal early (100 feet before), check mirrors and blind spots, stay in the correct lane. Turn into the nearest lane.

Lane Changes

Signal, check mirrors, check blind spot (turn your head), then change lanes smoothly. The examiner wants to see you checking every time.

Intersections and Stop Signs

Come to a complete stop behind the line. Look left, right, left again. Yield to traffic and pedestrians. Don't roll through.

Quick Stop

Drive at 20 mph and make a safe, controlled stop when the examiner tells you. Firm and steady, don't slam the brakes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

These are the mistakes that cause most people to fail:

Rolling Stops

The #1 reason people fail. Come to a COMPLETE stop at every stop sign. Count "one-one-thousand" at the line before moving.

Not Checking Blind Spots

Turn your head to check your blind spot EVERY time you change lanes or merge. The examiner is watching for this.

Wide Turns

When turning, stay in your lane. Don't swing wide into adjacent lanes. Turn into the nearest available lane.

Forgetting to Signal

Signal before EVERY turn and lane change. Turn it on at least 100 feet before your turn, not at the last second.

Speeding or Going Too Slow

Drive at or slightly below the posted speed limit. Going too far under the limit is a deduction too. Watch for school zones.

If You Don't Pass

It's okay - many people don't pass on their first try. Here's what happens in Texas:

  • Retake: You can reschedule your road test. There's no mandatory waiting period, but you need to book a new appointment.
  • 3rd+ failure: After 3 failed attempts, you may be required to complete additional driver education hours before retesting.

Ask the examiner what you need to work on. Focus on those areas during practice and you'll likely pass on your next try.

Tips to Pass on Your First Try

Practice the route

Drive around the DPS office area before your test. Get familiar with the streets, signs, and traffic patterns.

Exaggerate your head movements

Make it obvious when you're checking mirrors and blind spots. The examiner needs to SEE you looking.

Stay calm

Take a breath before you start. Drive like you normally would - confident but careful. The examiner is not trying to trick you.

Arrive 15 minutes early

Give yourself time to check in, get settled, and relax. Being rushed adds unnecessary stress.

Know your car

Practice in the same car you'll test in. Know where all the controls are without looking.

Watch for school zones

Texas school zones are strictly enforced. Slow to 20 mph when flashing lights are active. Missing this is an automatic fail.

Ready to Schedule Your Road Test?

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