Passing the Texas driver's test can't happen unless you schedule it first! It may seem like common sense, but in Texas, many forget to schedule, don't complete drivers training on time, or don't fulfill the proper requirements. Don't be one of those people! Here is how to schedule and complete your driver's exam in Texas.
Steps to Scheduling your Drivers Test
1. Complete Driver's Ed
Again, common sense points to completing an accredited driver's education course. Texas Driving School driver's test examiner and instructing veteran Mike Lazo says that young drivers should receive training in a classroom for various reasons. "When we take a student driving after classroom courses, they're just better prepared," he added. "When students come in from the street after taking the online course, many aren't as prepared."
However, if you do take an online course, we recommend researching it heavily beforehand to ensure that the course meets all state requirements, like our Texas online driving school.
Pro Tip: Make sure that the online driving school has a phone number associated with it. "You need to have access to a person for any questions you may have," said Lazo.
2. Schedule Your Exam
Wait times for the DMV vary from city to city. The best advice is to look at the Texas Department of Safety's (DPS) online resources to "get in line online." To use this online system, you'll need your:
Driver license number.
Date of birth.
Email.
Once you've logged in, you can then browse the calendar to find an open date. You can schedule appointments as little as one day and as much as 90 days in advance.
Not every DPS office in the state offers online scheduling, so you may need to call your local DPS office precinct for accurate wait times. Just be forewarned — you might have to hold on the line for a while.
"If nothing else, be prepared," said Lazo.
Pro Tip: Make sure to double-check for holiday hours and bank holidays. Make sure to avoid calling or emailing on these days. You won't get a response, and this may impact your timeline for getting on the road.
3. Focus!
Whether you took an online course or went to in-classroom driver's training, Lazo says that you have to study, review, and pay attention to all details in order to pass your exam and get on the road. As a driver's examiner, he says the number one thing he looks for during exams is focus.
"There have been too many wrecks and injuries because people are on the phone. Focus. Don't be distracted," he said. "Many [teen drivers] are distracted by reading text messages, trying to answer calls, and not paying attention."
Pro Tip: Lazo advises that new drivers do extensive in-car training before their exams with their cellphones out of reach. "Put it in your glove box," he suggested.
Also, make sure that the person you are driving with is over the age of 25 and has extensive experience, so you can stay safe and productive during your in-car practice.
If you follow these three steps, follow instructions in your driver's training, and focus on your exam, you will pass with flying colors.