Texas Driving Test Guide

What is Tested on the Texas DPS Driving Test?

The DPS road test is designed to evaluate four basic skills in every driver:

1. Control
2. Positioning
3. Signaling
4. Observation

Specifically, you will be tested on your proficiency in the following driving skills, knowledge, and maneuvers:

• Obeying all traffic signs
• Obeying all traffic signals
• Using the clutch (if you have a manual transmission vehicle)
• Driving properly in an intersection
• Maintaining your lane
• Parallel parking
• Reversing safely and checking mirrors
• Turning smoothly while staying in lane
• Following, passing, and maintaining a single lane
• Maintaining proper driving posture

Common Mistakes on the Texas Driving Test

1. Not Buckling Up. Always fasten your seatbelt before moving. Forgetting to do so is an automatic fail. Tip: Make it a habit by buckling up as soon as you sit down, whether you’re driving or just riding along. The more automatic this becomes, the less likely you’ll forget on test day.
2. Incomplete Stops. Failing to fully stop at stop signs is illegal and an instant fail. Tip: Practice driving through neighborhoods and coming to a fully complete stop at each and every stop sign. Your vehicle should cease motion completely before you continue.
3. Driving Too Fast. Many student drivers don’t speed out of recklessness, but rather due to anxiety or nervousness. Tip: In general, you want to stay at or below the posted speed limit. You will find these signs placed before and after every intersection on service roads, and after every 1-5 miles on the freeway.
4. Hard Braking. Slamming brakes shows poor control. Tip: Start braking early and press the pedal gently, adding pressure as needed. Practicing in a quiet parking lot can help you develop smooth, controlled stops.
5. Driving Too Slowly. Driving too slowly is a mistake people often make in an effort to avoid driving too quickly. But going far under the limit disrupts traffic and can be unsafe. Tip: Aim to drive within 5 to 10 mph below the limit, but not slower. Practice matching the flow of traffic while still staying safe and in control.
6. Unsafe Lane Changes. Forgetting to signal or check mirrors can cost you many points. Tip: When changing lanes, always remember to first survey your surroundings. Check your rearview, then side view mirror, and finally blind spot before completing a lane change.
7. Following Too Closely. Tailgating reduces safety and will lose you points. Tip: Pick a landmark (like a sign) and count when the car in front passes it to check your distance.
8. Not Checking Mirrors. Examiners expect regular mirror checks. Tip: Check your mirrors every few seconds and exaggerate your head movement slightly so the examiner notices. Don’t forget blind spots during lane changes.
9. Confusion at Four-Way Stops. Hesitation or going out of turn is dangerous and shows lack of preparation. Tip: Remember the rule: first to arrive goes first, then others in order. If cars arrive together, the vehicle on the right has the right of way.

Getting in the habit of doing these little things every time you hit the road will help you gain familiarity with the road. Additionally, your DPS driving test administrator will look for these things while you are taking your exam.

Bonus Tip: Some Schools Offer Mock Tests to Boost Your Confidence

If you want to go the extra mile and feel completely confident on your test, you can schedule a mock test with our trusted TX driving school partner, available in most cities in the state.

How to Schedule Your DPS Driving Test

Most drivers decide to schedule an appointment ahead of time. To do so, visit the Texas DPS Appointment Scheduler, where you’ll be prompted to enter your ID number, as well as your first & last name, date of birth, and last four digits of your social security number.

What Documents to Bring

Requirements for New Drivers Over 18

• Texas Driver License Application
• Proof of US Citizenship or Lawful Presence
• Proof of Residency
• Proof of Identity
• Proof of Social Security Number
• Vehicle in working condition to complete test
• Proof of insurance and registration for all vehicles (including test vehicle)

Requirements for New Drivers Under 18

• Texas Driver License Application
• Your Texas State Learner License
• Proof of US Citizenship or Lawful Presence
• Proof of Residency
• Proof of Identity
• Texas Driver Education Certificate of Completion (DE-964 or DE-964E)
• Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (from your high school)
• Evidence of successfully passed written test
• Impact Texas Driver Program Certificate of Completion
• Proof of Social Security Number
• Vehicle in working condition to complete test
• Proof of insurance and registration for all vehicles (including test vehicle)

What Happens If You Fail Your Test?

You will be allowed to attempt the driving exam three times within a 90-day period. If you fail all three times, you will then be required to redo the application process.

If you have properly prepared for the test, you will have no trouble passing the exam and proceeding to obtain your TX driver’s license.