How to Schedule a Driving Test in Texas: A Step-by-Step Guide to Hitting the Road

So you’ve passed your written test, completed your driver education, and now you’re ready for the final hurdle of the Texas driving test. It’s the final step before your license, and scheduling it might sound intimidating. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

At SafeWay Driving, we’ve helped thousands of Texans schedule, prepare for, and pass their driving test with confidence. Whether you’re going through a professional driving school or a parent-taught program, this guide will help you navigate the process step by step and give you a few expert tips along the way.

Step 1: Make Sure You’re Eligible

Before you even try to book your test, it’s important to make sure you meet all the requirements.

Requirements for Teen Drivers (Under 18)

• Be at least 16 years old.

• Hold your learner license for at least 6 months

• Complete a 24-hour driver education course

• Complete the Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) course

• Log at least 30 hours of behind-the-wheel practice, including 10 hours at night

Requirements for Adults (18-24)

• Complete a 6-hour adult driver education course

• Finish the Impact Texas Adult Driver (ITAD course)

• Hold a valid learner license or pass the knowledge test

Requirements for Adults (25+)

• No Texas driver ed requirements.

Teens and adults alike must bring all required documents to the test, including course certificates, ID, and proof of residency. A full list can be found here. (Pro tip: Pack everything the night before.)

Step 2: Choose Where You’ll Take the Test

In Texas, you can choose to take your driving test at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) location or through an Authorized Third-Party Skills Testing (TPST) provider, such as SafeWay Driving.

Option A: Schedule with a Driving School

If you want a faster, more flexible option, many state-approved driving schools (including SafeWay Driving) are licensed DPS Authorized Test providers.

That means you can:

• Take the test in a familiar car

• Work with instructors you already know

• Avoid the long DPS waitlist

Plus, driving schools like ours can schedule and administer tests at your convenience, sometimes including weekends and evenings.

Option B: Schedule Through the DPS

This option is free for the first two attempts, but can be booked out for weeks (or even months) in advance, especially in busy areas like Houston.

• Go to the Texas DPS appointment scheduler

• Choose “Schedule a Driving Test”

• Pick a location and date

• Be sure to select the Class C Road Test

You’ll receive a confirmation number and email. Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes early on test day!

Step 3: Prepare Like a Pro

Even if you’re confident behind the wheel, preparation makes a big difference. A calm, practiced driver is more likely to pass the test on the first try.

What to Expect on the Test

The Texas road test usually takes around 20 minutes and covers:

• Parallel or perpendicular parking

• Starting, stopping, and turning

• Lane changes and traffic signs

• Observing right-of-way rules

• Backing up in a straight line

The examiner will watch your control, awareness, and safety habits. You’ll lose points for things like failing to check mirrors or forgetting to signal, but you can still pass. However, any dangerous action like rolling through a stop sign, will result in automatic failure.

Practice with a Driving School

While you can practice with a parent or guardian, professional driving instructors offer insight into what DPS examiners are actually looking for. At SafeWay Driving, we offer road test prep sessions that simulate the real test experience.

Students who train with SafeWay Driving have lower crash rates than the state average. Students across the state that have professional driving instruction have fewer citations and higher first-time pass rates. So even if you’re doing most of your practice at home, one or two sessions with an instructor can really boost your odds.

Step 4: Complete the Impact Texas Drivers Course

Before you take the test, the state requires you to complete a free video-based course:

• Teens (Under 18): Take the Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD)

• Adults (18-24): Take the Impact Texas Adult Driver Course (ITAD)

The course takes about an hour, and your certificate is only valid for 90 days, so time it wisely. You must present the certificate on test day, or you won’t be allowed to test.

Step 5: What to Bring on Test Day

No one wants to be turned away at the door, so make sure you have everything ready to go.

Required Documents for Test Day

• Valid Texas learners license

• Driver education completion certificate (DE-964 or ADE-1317)

• Impact Texas Drivers certificate

• Proof of vehicle registration and insurance

• Completed driving log (teens only)

• DL-14A (or DL-14B for under 18) license application form (if not already submitted)

• Parent or guardian for authorization (if under 18)

Your vehicle will also go through a quick safety inspection, so check that:

• All lights and signals work

• Brakes function properly

• Tires are in good shape

• The horn, mirrors, and seatbelts are operational

Step 6: Take the Test!

When it’s finally your turn, take a deep breath and focus. The examiner isn’t expecting perfection, but they are looking for safety, confidence, and awareness.

During the Test

• Follow instructions carefully

• Stay calm and take your time

• Don’t rush or try to impress. Drive like you normally would.

• Remember to check your mirrors, signal every time, and look both ways as taught.

At SafeWay Driving, we remind students to think of the test as just another lesson, just with a few more rules and one extra set of eyes.

Step 7: What Happens After You Pass (or Don’t)

If you pass, congratulations! You’ll be issued a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent card will arrive within 2-3 weeks.

If You Don’t Pass

No worries, it happens. You can retake the test after 24 hours. DPS allows up to three attempts within 90 days of your application. If you still don’t pass after that, you’ll need to restart the process.

Use the examiner's feedback to identify areas for improvement. A quick road test prep session with SafeWay Driving can help turn those nerves into confidence the next time you're behind the wheel.

Why Driving School Makes a Difference

While Texas allows parent-taught driver education, many families choose to trust their teen’s training to SafeWay Driving.

The SafeWay Advantage

At SafeWay Driving, we offer:

• Certified instructors trained to work with new drivers

• Flexible scheduling, including evenings and weekends

• Driving test practice runs and feedback

• Access to safer, new vehicles for testing

• Lower crash rates among graduates (nearly half the state average, according to the DPS)

If you’re serious about passing your driving test the first time, and more importantly, driving safely for life, professional instruction is a smart investment.

Final Thoughts: Get Test-Ready the Right Way

Scheduling your Texas driving test doesn’t have to be stressful. By following these steps, preparing with purpose, and getting expert support when needed, you’ll be ready to earn your license and take the wheel with confidence.

Want help getting ready for your Texas road test? Contact SafeWay Driving today to schedule your prep session or driving test with us.