If you're a teen in Texas, you've probably been counting down the days until you can start the process of getting your driver's license. To get one in Texas, you have to pass written, vision, and driving exams. Follow these steps, and you'll have your Texas driver's license in no time.

How the Texas Written and Vision Tests Are Scored

Texas only requires new drivers to take a written test if they are older they 25. Otherwise, due to the new Less Tears More Years Act, young drivers-to-be take a Texas-approved driver education course instead. After passing the course, you get an exemption from the written examination.

Once you complete your course or test, you just need to pass your vision exam. They will examine your vision while you're at the driver's license center. You should bring your corrective lenses if you wear any.

How the Texas Driving Test Is Scored

The Texas driving test gets graded on a pass-or-fail basis. You're graded on your use of specific skills and techniques, so it's important to practice them before the exam. 

What Skills Am I Graded On?

These are the four basic skills that your instructor will grade you on:

• Control — Show you can make your vehicle do exactly what you intend to do.

• Observation — Prove that you know what other drivers are doing and how to react to and anticipate them.

• Positioning — Show that you can maintain your position in your lane.

• Signaling — Demonstrate proper use of your turn signals.

There's also a chance that your instructor will grade you on other skills, so it doesn't hurt to make sure you know how to properly execute these as well:

• Parallel parking — Properly parallel park without the use of an automated backup system.

• Quick stop — Stop as quickly as possible without skidding while going 20 MPH.

• Backing up — Back up for around 60 feet while using mirrors, backup cameras, and looking backward.

• Stop signs — Stop completely at stop signs.

• Traffic signals — Obey all traffic signs and signals.

• Using the clutch — Use the clutch without grinding gears and shift properly.

• Intersection observance — Enter any intersections properly and slowly.

• Turns — Turn without entering other lanes.

• Right-of-way — Yield to those who have the right of way.

• Following, passing, and lane observance — Follow at a safe distance and pass at the right times.

• Posture — Sit up straight, keep your hands in the proper position on the wheel, and don't rest your elbows on the window.

What Can Cause Me to Fail?

There are four things that your instructor will immediately fail you for. They include violating the law, refusing to follow instructions, driving dangerously or crashing, or having over 30 points deducted on your driving test.

When Will I Receive The Results?

The examiner lets you know right away if you passed or failed and provides feedback on your driving strengths and weaknesses. If you didn't pass, you can retake the test two more times within 90 days. If you don’t retake the test in 90 days or if you've failed your second and third attempts, you'll have to file a new application and pay the application fee again.

Practice Hard and Pass the Texas Driving Test

Now that you know how they score the Texas driving test and what you need to practice, you'll pass the test with flying colors. Another way you can prepare yourself for the driving test is by taking a driver's ed course at DriversEd.com. Our online courses prepare you by teaching you the rules of the road all at your own learning pace.

Updated 12/6/23