What Do They Test During Behind-The-Wheel Driving Test In Texas?

Published on 2021-05-06 in Driving Test

You've finished and passed your classroom Driver's Ed course. You've completed 7 one-hour behind-the-wheel lessons and 7 hours of observation. You're almost there! The last and final step to getting your Texas driver's license is taking (and passing) your Road Test. You might be feeling nervous about the test - this is normal! Being prepared is key, as it will help you remain calm and confident when you arrive for your behind-the-wheel examination.

Preparing For The Test

The Driving Test in Texas can take place either at a Department of Public Safety site or an Authorized Third-Party Skills Testing School. Regardless of where you take your Road Test, the content and structure of the exam will be exactly the same.

When taking your Road Test, the student will always be in the driver's seat and your examiner will be in the passenger seat. Your examiner will either be a Department of Public Safety customer service representative (CSR) authorized representative of the third-party skills testing school. This examiner will be the one evaluating your driving skills and asking you to perform specific driving tasks during your test.

Up First: Vehicle Inspection

Your test begins with the examiner performing an inspection of your vehicle. Because you are providing your own vehicle for this test, the testing agency must ensure our car is up to state legal standards and pass the examination inspection. Be certain to inspect your own car before you take off for your driving test, preferably a few days to a week ahead of time, so you can fix any issues that you find.

Next Up: The Actual Road Test

Once your car has passed inspection, the driving portion of your road test will begin. Be certain to listen carefully to the examiner's instructions and follow them to the letter. The examiner will not ask you to do anything illegal. They also do not expect nor will want to engage in conversation during your exam. In fact, any attempt at conversation could lead to the examiner to believe you are distracted from the driving task! Remember, your driving test is an official exam. Your examiner will be focused on evaluating your driving. You will be focused on the road.

What You Will Be Tested On

All driving tests in Texas will test you on the following skills:

  1. Control - Your ability to maneuver your car according to your intentions in a safe and legal manner. You can also think of this as your physical ability to drive an automobile.
  2. Observation - Your ability to view and respond to other road users, especially in dangerous and surprising situations. This is where you will use your SIPDE and SMITH Systems.
  3. Positioning - Your ability to stay centered in your lane, especially when making lane changes or turning.
  4. Signaling - Your ability to use your turn signals properly. This is where you will use your SMOG!

Beyond these four basic skills, the examiner will also evaluate your proficiency with specific driving skills, which will include:

  • Parallel Parking
  • Reversing - You will be asked to drive the car in reverse in a straight and smooth line for about 15 feet.
  • Recognition of, and reactions to Traffic Signals - Go on Green, Caution on Yellow, Stop on Red!
  • Recognition of, and reactions to traffic signs, in particular, Stop Signs - Remember to always come to a complete stop behind the limit line, curb, or other reference point.
  • Quick Stop - You will be asked to stop your car as fast as you can from a speed of about 20 mph, without causing the tires to skid.
  • Turning - Remember to make smooth turn arcs and always turn from and into the correct lane(s).
  • Following Distance and Passing
  • Right-of-Way - Who gets to go when? Remember, to review your right-of-way laws, especially as they relate to 4-way stop intersections.
  • Traffic Checks at Intersections - Make sure you are staying in the proper lane when crossing an intersection, keep your foot hovered over the brake, and do your traffic check (left-right-left) at every intersection.
  • Maintaining Correct Posture - Remember to keep your hands on the steering wheel at all times at 9 and 3. Refrain from slouching or resting your elbow on the window. Proper seat adjustment will go a long way to ensuring correct posture behind the wheel.

Automatic Fails

If any of the below occurs during your driving test, the examiner may automatically fail you.

  • You refuse to follow instructions
  • You break Texas road law
  • You drive in a dangerous manner and/or crash the vehicle during your exam
  • You have 30 or more points deducted from your score

When your driving test is complete, the examiner will explain any mistakes you may have had made, including tips on how to improve. At this point, they will let you know if you have passed or failed the test. If you fail the test, don't despair! The examiner will explain the retesting process and you know what they say - practice makes perfect.

Restesting

You are allowed retake your driving test three times within 90 days. Note, you must wait 24 hours to reschedule your test and pay a retesting fee for each subsequent attempt. If you fail after a third attempt, the Texas DPS will reject your application and you will have to start the process over again, including paying a new application fee.

The road test is a stressful event - both for students and parents! Make sure you are as prepared as you can be before you walk into the DPS or Third-Party Tester office.

Need to practice for your Texas Road Test? Book a lesson with Coastline today!


About the Author

Nigel Tunnacliffe

Nigel Tunnacliffe is the co-Founder and CEO of Coastline Academy, the largest driving school in the country, on a mission to eradicate car crashes. An experienced founder and technology executive, Nigel and his team are shaking up the automotive industry by taking a technology-centric approach to learning and driver safety. Having served over 100,000 driving students across 500+ cities, Coastline was recently named the 6th fastest-growing education company in America by Inc. Magazine. Nigel is a frequent podcast guest and quoted driving education expert for major publications such as Yahoo!, GOBankingRates, and MSN.