How to Prepare for the Texas Driving Test

Get Your Documents in Order

One of the trickiest parts of getting a license can be assembling all the necessary documents. When you go to the driver license office to apply, you'll need:

• Proof of your identity, social security number, legal status and Texas residency
• A completed application, along with the $16 application fee
• A parent or legal guardian
• Proof of enrollment in a high school or vocational training program
• A signed, original form verifying that you completed a driver education program
• A certificate of completion of the Impact Texas Drivers (ITD) program

Organizing all your paperwork ahead of time can make it easier to relax on the day of the test. Also, be sure to schedule your test in advance. You can do so on the Texas Department of Public Safety website.

Study the Texas Driver Handbook

Before taking your Texas driving test, you should read the state's driver handbook. It's full of useful information about Texas's traffic laws, highway signs, and more. Much of the material in the handbook is covered on the Texas driving test. Studying the manual in advance can prove to be a big help on the day of your exam.

Practice Behind the Wheel

All Texas teens are required to complete a driver education program before they can get their license. It's best, however, to get even more than the required number of practice hours behind the wheel. The more you drive, the more confident you'll feel during your test.

Be sure to always come to a complete stop at stop signs, use your blinkers, and drive at or under the speed limit. If you practice these behaviors, they'll come second-nature when you take your exam. Ultimately, they can make the different between passing and failing the driving test.

Know What's on the Exam

One of the best ways you can prepare for your driving test is to know what to expect during the exam. This way, you can be sure to practice your weaker skills before your test and you can go into the exam a little more relaxed. The test is 20 minutes long and it covers many basic driving skills. Here's a rundown of what you should expect.

• The exam begins with a vehicle assessment. You'll need to demonstrate that the car you're using has a variety of safety features, including two license plates, a working horn, and safety belts.
• You'll also need to be familiar with the vehicle. For example, you may be asked to turn on the lights or windshield wipers.
• During the exam, you'll be asked to demonstrate skills including turning and stopping in regular traffic conditions, parallel parking, and reversing in a straight line.
• You'll also be graded on your behind-the-wheel behavior. Be sure to use your signals, check your mirrors, stop smoothly, and obey all traffic laws.

Though it may sound like a lot, you can read up on all these skills in the Texas Driver Handbook. Plus, be sure to get plenty of behind-the-wheel practice. After that, you should be ready to hit the road!