Texas Road Test (2026)What’s on the Driving Test, Scoring & Tips
The Texas driving exam is an on-road test given by a DPS License and Permit Specialist, or by an approved driver education school under the Third Party Skills Testing (TPST) program. It takes about 20 minutes. Points are deducted for errors and you fail if more than 30 points are deducted, or at once for any dangerous or illegal maneuver.
Checked October 4, 2026 against official Texas Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division sources. Tap a numbered chip to read the exact wording.
Taken after the knowledge and vision exams are passed. Drivers under 18 must take it. To get a provisional license you must be 16 or 17, have held a learner license for at least 6 months, have finished the behind-the-wheel part of driver education (including 30 hours of practice, 10 at night), and have completed the Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) program within 90 days of the test. Drivers 18 and over surrendering a valid out-of-state license usually do not take it. Official source 1dps.texas.gov“The driving exam is given only after all other exams are passed and evidence of financial responsibility is presented or the vehicle is exempt under the Texas Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 2dps.texas.gov“Provisional License Requirements: Held a learner license for at least 6 months Be between 16 and 17 years of age Completed the behind-the-wheel portion of driver education”“30 hours of behind the wheel driving practice, of which at least 10 hours must be at night with a licensed driver 21 years of age or older in the vehicle at all times.”“Complete the Impact Texas Teen Driver Program (ITTD) within 90 days of taking your driving test Successfully pass your driving test”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 3dps.texas.gov“A drive test is not required for renewals or for anyone over age 18 surrendering a valid driver license or license not expired over two years from another state; however, DPS may require a drive test at any time.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 4tcss.legis.texas.gov“a demonstration of the applicant's ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation of a motor vehicle of the type that the applicant will be licensed to operate”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
What to bring on test day
Tick things off as you pack. Saved on this device.
0 of 6 ready
SourcesOfficial source 5dps.texas.gov“Your Texas learner license or Texas driver license with B restriction ( Note: if lost, one approved identity document is required) The driving test fee or the payment receipt if you have already paid.”“Certificate of completion for meeting the ITD requirements ; If you are younger than 25, proof of driver education”“Proof of current liability insurance for the vehicle to be used for the road test. ( Note: applicant cannot be listed as an excluded driver)”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Vehicle requirements
The examiner checks your car before you drive. If it fails, you usually can’t take the test that day.
Current registration sticker and unexpired registration and inspection
Two license plates, front and back (single out-of-state or temporary plates allowed; no dealership plates)
Unexpired liability insurance
Working speedometer and horn
Turn signals on the front and back
Brake lights; windshield wipers, headlights and taillights as weather and time of day require
At least one rearview mirror inside or outside
Driver and front passenger doors that open normally; working seatbelts
No unusual mechanical issues
No pets or extra passengers during the test
Automated parking functions may not be used; a back-up camera may be used
SourcesOfficial source 3dps.texas.gov“Before you begin the drive test, the vehicle you bring must pass an inspection to ensure it is safe and can be legally operated on public roadways.”“Operational speedometer A properly functioning horn Turn signals on the front and back of the vehicle”“Turn signals on the front and back of the vehicle”“Unexpired vehicle registration and inspection Unexpired insurance (applicant cannot be listed as “excluded driver”)”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 5dps.texas.gov“Current registration sticker; Two license plates; one plate affixed to both the front and rear bumpers No unusual mechanical issues (such as having doors that do not open from inside or outside the vehicle”“Note: No additional passengers will be allowed in the vehicle during the driver test.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 6dps.texas.gov“Yes, you are required to provide a vehicle with valid registration and insurance for the road test.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
How the Texas road test is scored
30points max
Points are deducted for errors. You fail if more than 30 points are deducted, or if you break the law, refuse to follow instructions, drive dangerously or have a crash. Everyone is graded on four basic skills: control, observation, positioning and signaling. At the end the examiner explains your errors. Official source 1dps.texas.gov“Your application for a license will not be approved if you: 1. Violate the law 2. Refuse to follow instructions 3. Drive dangerously or have a crash 4. Have more than 30 points deducted on the driving exam”“All drivers are graded on four basic skills, regardless of the type of driving exam.”“Upon completion of the driving exam, the LPS will explain all driving errors and let you know how to correct those errors.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 3dps.texas.gov“The test takes about 20 minutes. The goals of the drive test are to determine your ability to safely operate a vehicle and obey traffic laws.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Automatic failures
Any one of these ends or fails a Texas road test, no matter how well the rest goes.
Any dangerous or illegal maneuver (test stops at once)Official source 3dps.texas.gov“If at any time a dangerous or illegal maneuver is performed, the drive test will be immediately stopped and will result in an automatic failure.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Violating the lawOfficial source 1dps.texas.gov“Your application for a license will not be approved if you: 1. Violate the law 2. Refuse to follow instructions”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Refusing to follow instructionsOfficial source 1dps.texas.gov“Your application for a license will not be approved if you: 1. Violate the law 2. Refuse to follow instructions”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Driving dangerously or having a crashOfficial source 1dps.texas.gov“3. Drive dangerously or have a crash 4. Have more than 30 points deducted on the driving exam”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
More than 30 points deductedOfficial source 1dps.texas.gov“3. Drive dangerously or have a crash 4. Have more than 30 points deducted on the driving exam”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Vehicle fails the pre-test inspection (for example, doors that do not open)Official source 5dps.texas.gov“No unusual mechanical issues (such as having doors that do not open from inside or outside the vehicle – this will result in failure of the vehicle inspection)”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Maneuvers on the Texas driving test
Steps and scoring come from Texas Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division’s own materials, in their words where possible. Where a state publishes no steps, we say so rather than guess.
Parallel parking
Always tested
How it’s scored
Graded skill. You may use a back-up camera but not an automated parking function. Park no more than 18 inches from the curb.
Steps
Choose a space large enough for your car. Signal before you pass the space, then stop even with the front of the car ahead, about two feet out.
Make sure you will not interfere with oncoming traffic, turn the front wheels all the way to the right and back slowly toward the curb.
When your front seat is opposite the rear bumper of the car ahead, turn the wheel all the way to the left and back slowly without touching the car behind. You should be about six inches from the curb.
Straighten the front wheels and pull forward to center the car in the space.
SourcesOfficial source 1dps.texas.gov“Parallel parking (you may use the back-up camera on your vehicle for parallel parking; however, the use of an automated vehicle parking function will not be allowed)”“Choose a space large enough for your car to fit. Signal then stop even with the front of the car about two feet out from the space.”“Make sure you will not interfere with oncoming traffic then turn your front wheels all the way to the right and back slowly toward the curb.”“Back slowly toward the car behind you without touching it. You should be about six inches from the curb. Do not park more than 18 inches from the curb or edge of the road.”“Straighten your front wheels and pull into the final parking position. Center your car in the space.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 3dps.texas.gov“You will be graded on your ability to demonstrate the following maneuvers: Backing in a straight line Parallel parking”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Backing in a straight line
Always tested
How it’s scored
Back about 60 feet slowly, as straight and smooth as possible, turning to look back the whole time (back-up camera and mirrors allowed; no automated parking function).
Steps
Not officially described by DPS.
SourcesOfficial source 1dps.texas.gov“Backing – Your ability to back the car for a distance of about 60 feet at a slow rate of speed and as straight and smooth as possible.”“Turn and look back at all times while backing or you may use the back-up camera and mirrors on your vehicle while backing”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Quick stop
May be tested
How it’s scored
You may be asked to stop as quickly as possible from about 20 mph without skidding the tires.
Steps
Not officially described by DPS.
SourcesOfficial source 1dps.texas.gov“Quick stop – You may be asked to stop your car as quickly as possible at about 20 mph without skidding your tires”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Approaching intersections
Always tested
How it’s scored
Use the proper lane, slow down and look both ways before entering. Stop behind the crosswalk or limit line; if your view is blocked, stop, then move forward carefully.
Steps
Not officially described by DPS.
SourcesOfficial source 1dps.texas.gov“Intersection observance – Use the proper lane; slow down and look both ways before entering the intersection”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 3dps.texas.gov“Be aware of where you have to stop when approaching an intersection. If your view is blocked, stop, then move forward carefully.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Turns (left)
Always tested
How it’s scored
Signal 100 feet before the turn, adjust speed, check mirrors and blind spot, begin and end in the correct lane, and yield as appropriate.
Steps
Not officially described by DPS.
SourcesOfficial source 3dps.texas.gov“Signal 100 feet before starting maneuver Adjust speed for safety Check mirrors Look over your shoulder for the blind spot Begin and end maneuver in correct lane Yield or accept right-of-way as appropriate”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Turns (right)
Always tested
How it’s scored
Same turning checks as left turns: signal 100 feet ahead, check mirrors and blind spot, begin and end in the correct lane.
Steps
Not officially described by DPS.
SourcesOfficial source 3dps.texas.gov“Signal 100 feet before starting maneuver Adjust speed for safety Check mirrors Look over your shoulder for the blind spot Begin and end maneuver in correct lane Yield or accept right-of-way as appropriate”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Changing lanes
May be tested
How it’s scored
Signal 100 feet ahead, check mirrors, look over your shoulder for the blind spot, and begin and end in the correct lane.
Steps
Not officially described by DPS.
SourcesOfficial source 3dps.texas.gov“look over the proper shoulder before making a lane change or merging with traffic.”“Put your signal on 100 feet before turning or changing lanes.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Vehicle inspection and getting ready
Always tested
How it’s scored
The vehicle must pass the examiner's safety inspection before the test. Before starting, adjust mirrors and seat, fasten your seat belt and know where the controls are.
Steps
Adjust the mirrors and your seat
Fasten your seat belt
Know where the vehicle controls are (headlights, windshield wipers, turn signals) and how to use them
SourcesOfficial source 3dps.texas.gov“Adjust the mirrors and your seat Fasten your seat belt Know where the vehicle controls are located and how to use them (headlights, windshield wipers, turn signals, etc.)”“Before you begin the drive test, the vehicle you bring must pass an inspection to ensure it is safe and can be legally operated on public roadways.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Skills the examiner watches the whole time
Control
Your ability to make the car do what you want it to do. Official source 1dps.texas.gov“Control – Your ability to make your car do what you want it to do”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Observation
Seeing what other traffic is doing; check mirrors regularly and look both ways at all intersections. Official source 1dps.texas.gov“Observation – Your ability to see what other traffic is doing and other things that may create problems in traffic”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Using turn signals as required, 100 feet before turning or changing lanes. Official source 1dps.texas.gov“Signaling – Your ability to use turn signals as required”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Full stops at stop signs and red lights
Stop completely behind the crosswalk or limit line, smoothly; do not roll through. Official source 3dps.texas.gov“Check traffic Stop completely behind crosswalk or limit line Stop smoothly without the vehicle “jerking””“Do not roll through stop signs or red lights.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Following distance
Use the two-second rule; increase it in poor conditions. Official source 3dps.texas.gov“Use the two-second rule to ensure you are following at a safe distance.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Speed
Obey posted limits and slow down for poor weather, road or traffic conditions. Official source 3dps.texas.gov“Always obey posted speed limits. When poor weather, road, or traffic conditions are present, reduce speed accordingly.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Right-of-way; following, passing and lane use
Listed among the skills you may be graded on. Official source 1dps.texas.gov“Intersection observance – Use the proper lane; slow down and look both ways before entering the intersection h. Turns i. R ight-of-way j. Following, passing, and proper lane observance”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Posture
Keep both hands on the wheel (except when backing); do not rest your elbow on the window. Official source 1dps.texas.gov“Posture – Keep hands on steering wheel; don’t rest your elbow on the window”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 3dps.texas.gov“Keep both hands on the steering wheel unless you are backing up”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Use of clutch (manual transmission)
Hold the clutch fully down when starting, shifting, stopping and below 10 mph; do not ride the clutch. Official source 1dps.texas.gov“On standard transmissions, hold the clutch all the way down when starting the motor, shifting gears, when stopping, and once your speed drops below 10 mph.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Following instructions; no conversation
Follow all examiner instructions; you will not be asked to do anything illegal. The examiner will not make general conversation once the test starts. Official source 1dps.texas.gov“During the driving exam, you will not be asked to do anything illegal. You must follow all of the instructions given by the LPS. Do not carry on a conversation during the driving exam.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
If you fail the Texas road test
Schedule another driving test. Your application is held for 90 days; the paid fee covers three attempts at each exam. After 90 days or three failed tests, you must submit a new application and pay the fee again. No minimum waiting period between attempts is published. Official source 1dps.texas.gov“If you do not pass the driving exam, you will need to schedule time for another driving exam.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 3dps.texas.gov“If you do not pass the drive test, your application will be held in the driver license office for 90 days. After 90 days ─ or three failed tests ─ a new application and fee must be submitted.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 4tcss.legis.texas.gov“On payment of the required fee, an applicant is entitled to three examinations of each element under Subsection (b) for each application to qualify for a driver's license.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Approved driver education schools in the Third Party Skills Testing (TPST) program can give the Class C driving test. Teens 16+ qualify with a DE-964/DEE-964, a learner license held 6 months and a recent ITTD certificate. School test fees are not regulated by DPS. Results go to DPS in a sealed envelope or through the TPST Submission Portal. No one under 18 is exempt from the driving exam. Official source 1dps.texas.gov“No one younger than 18 years of age is exempt from taking the driving exam.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 2dps.texas.gov“If you took the driving test at a driver education school, the results must be provided in a sealed envelope to DPS at the time you are applying for your license.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 7dps.texas.gov“The Third Party Skills Testing (TPST) program authorizes Driver Education schools that have been certified by the Department to administer the driving test for Class C non-commercial driver license applicants.”“Possess a valid DE-964/DEE-964 showing you have completed a Minors Driver Education Course Have held a valid learner license for a minimum of six months”“NOTE : Fees assessed for a drive test administered by a Driver Education school are not regulated by the Department.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Texas road test questions
What is on the Texas road test?
The Texas driving exam is an on-road test given by a DPS License and Permit Specialist, or by an approved driver education school under the Third Party Skills Testing (TPST) program. It takes about 20 minutes. Points are deducted for errors and you fail if more than 30 points are deducted, or at once for any dangerous or illegal maneuver. Maneuvers covered by official sources: Parallel parking, Backing in a straight line, Quick stop, Approaching intersections, Turns (left), Turns (right), Changing lanes, Vehicle inspection and getting ready.
How is the Texas driving test scored?
Points are deducted for errors. You fail if more than 30 points are deducted, or if you break the law, refuse to follow instructions, drive dangerously or have a crash. Everyone is graded on four basic skills: control, observation, positioning and signaling. At the end the examiner explains your errors.
What is an automatic fail on the Texas road test?
Official Texas sources list these as automatic failures: Any dangerous or illegal maneuver (test stops at once); Violating the law; Refusing to follow instructions; Driving dangerously or having a crash; More than 30 points deducted; and Vehicle fails the pre-test inspection (for example, doors that do not open).
What do I need to bring to the Texas road test?
Texas learner license (or Texas driver license with B restriction); if lost, one approved identity document; The driving test fee or the payment receipt (payment is good for 90 days); Impact Texas Drivers (ITD) certificate of completion; If under 25: proof of driver education (DE-964/DEE-964, DE-964E, or ADE-1317/ADEE-1317); Proof of current liability insurance for the test vehicle (you cannot be listed as an excluded driver); and A test vehicle that passes the vehicle inspection.
What are the vehicle requirements for the Texas road test?
Current registration sticker and unexpired registration and inspection; Two license plates, front and back (single out-of-state or temporary plates allowed; no dealership plates); Unexpired liability insurance; Working speedometer and horn; Turn signals on the front and back; Brake lights; windshield wipers, headlights and taillights as weather and time of day require; At least one rearview mirror inside or outside; Driver and front passenger doors that open normally; working seatbelts; No unusual mechanical issues; No pets or extra passengers during the test; and Automated parking functions may not be used; a back-up camera may be used.
When can I take the Texas road test?
Taken after the knowledge and vision exams are passed. Drivers under 18 must take it. To get a provisional license you must be 16 or 17, have held a learner license for at least 6 months, have finished the behind-the-wheel part of driver education (including 30 hours of practice, 10 at night), and have completed the Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) program within 90 days of the test. Drivers 18 and over surrendering a valid out-of-state license usually do not take it.
What happens if I fail the Texas road test?
Schedule another driving test. Your application is held for 90 days; the paid fee covers three attempts at each exam. After 90 days or three failed tests, you must submit a new application and pay the fee again. No minimum waiting period between attempts is published.
Can the Texas road test be waived?
Approved driver education schools in the Third Party Skills Testing (TPST) program can give the Class C driving test. Teens 16+ qualify with a DE-964/DEE-964, a learner license held 6 months and a recent ITTD certificate. School test fees are not regulated by DPS. Results go to DPS in a sealed envelope or through the TPST Submission Portal. No one under 18 is exempt from the driving exam.
Notes from our check
DPS does not publish the examiner's score sheet. The TPST pages mention a Training and Procedures Manual and COPS (Control, Observation, Position, Signal) examiner tests, but these go only to certified schools. The detailed rule, 37 Texas Administrative Code §15.56 (Road Test), is on the Secretary of State's TAC portal (texas-sos.appianportalsgov.com). That portal is script-only and the old texreg.sos.state.tx.us links now redirect to it, so its text could not be fetched for a quote check. Secondary copies of the rule say it splits the road test into on-street, backing and parallel parking parts, with disqualification at more than 30, 5 and 7 points respectively. Because that was not verified on an official page, only the handbook's 30-point limit is used here. DL-60 lists 'Approaching intersections', 'Turning' and 'Stopping in regular traffic conditions' as graded. The handbook says you 'may be graded' on parallel parking, the quick stop and backing, while DL-60 says you will be graded on backing and parallel parking. Parallel parking and straight-line backing are therefore marked required and the quick stop is not. Lane changes appear in the DL-60 checklist but are not listed as a separate graded maneuver. No minimum wait before a retest is published.
Sources
Every fact above links to one of these official pages. Checked October 4, 2026.
This guide summarizes official Texas sources for study. It is not the test itself, and only a DPS examiner (or a tester the state licenses) can pass or fail you. Rules change; confirm with Texas Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division before test day.