Texas DPS road test: what to expect
Given at a driver license office or a Third Party Skills Testing (TPST) school, only after all other exams are passed and insurance is shown. It takes about 20 minutes. No one under 18 is exempt. It is not required for renewals or for applicants over 18 surrendering a valid out-of-state license (or one expired 2 years or less). The road test is given in English or Spanish only and has three separate parts: an on-street test, a backing test and a parallel parking test.
What the examiner checks
- Control, observation, positioning and signaling (four basic skills graded on every exam)
- Parallel parking (back-up camera allowed; automated parking not allowed)
- Quick stop at about 20 mph without skidding
- Backing about 60 feet straight and slowly
- Stop signs, traffic signals, intersections, turns, right-of-way
- Following, passing and lane observance; posture (hands on wheel)
How it's scored
Application not approved if more than 30 points are deducted.
Mistakes that end the test
- Violating the law
- Refusing to follow instructions
- Driving dangerously or having a crash
- Any dangerous or illegal maneuver stops the test immediately
Your car
- Must match the class of license applied for
- Must pass a pre-test inspection (plates, registration, insurance, horn, signals, brake lights, mirrors, seat belts, doors)
- No pets or extra passengers; dealer temporary tags not accepted
After you pass
Drivers under 18 (provisional license expires on the 18th birthday) get a provisional or junior license first. Its restrictions:
- No more than one passenger under 21 who is not a family member
- No driving between midnight and 5:00 a.m. unless needed for work, a school-related activity, or a medical emergency
- No wireless communication device, including hands-free, except in an emergency
- License marked PROVISIONAL; all licenses for drivers under 21 are marked UNDER 21
- Under 18: DPS may suspend after a hearing for two or more traffic convictions occurring separately within 12 months
How to prepare
- Practise in the car you'll take the test in, including parking and backing up.
- Drive the kinds of roads near the test site with your supervising driver: intersections, lane changes, school zones.
- Check the car the day before: lights, signals, horn, brakes, mirrors, tires, seat belts, and current registration and insurance documents.
- On the day, signal every turn and lane change, check mirrors and blind spots visibly, and come to full stops behind the line.
Questions
How long do I need my permit before the Texas road test?
At least 6 months (learner and/or hardship license) before a provisional license; extended by the number of days of any suspension, with 30 hours of supervised driving (10 at night).
How old do I have to be to take the Texas road test?
16 (after holding a learner/hardship license 6 months, completing driver education, ITTD and the driving exam) for a provisional or junior license; restrictions end at 18 (provisional license expires on the 18th birthday).
What makes you fail the Texas road test straight away?
Violating the law; Refusing to follow instructions; Driving dangerously or having a crash; Any dangerous or illegal maneuver stops the test immediately.
Source: Texas Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division, checked 2026-10-27.