You may wonder what skills you'll need to pass the Texas road test. To become a Texas driver, you must show you have acquired some basic driving skills. You have probably already been practicing driving, so you are on your way. Here, we'll describe the skills that will be evaluated for your Texas driver's license test. This information will help you prepare for the big day.
Purpose of the Test
The purpose of the driving test is to see whether you can drive a vehicle safely and obey traffic laws. According to the Texas Drivers Handbook, the evaluators test drivers on four basic skills: control, observation, positioning, and signaling. The driving practice you did on your learner's permit should be enough to give you the skills to be a competent driver and to pass the test.
Alex Epstein, Director of Transportation Safety at the National Safety Council, offers some helpful advice to help you pass your driving test and remain safe on the road. "A license means you have met the minimum requirements to drive on your own, but it doesn’t guarantee your safety," said Epstein. "You are still your car’s best safety feature, so stay alert and drive defensively."
Skills That Are Tested During the Road Driving Test
You will demonstrate your ability to practice driving maneuvers during the road test, which will take about 20 minutes.
1. Ability to Obey the Law
A fundamental skill you must have is the ability to obey the law and follow rules. Violating rules at any point in the test will mean you will immediately fail. There are many laws and rules to remember, but all of them should be things you do every time you are behind the wheel. Here are a few of the things that will immediately cause you to fail the Texas road test.
Not using a seat belt.
Speeding.
Ignoring or missing a traffic signal or stop sign.
Driving in a dangerous manner.
2. Moving the Vehicle
Your evaluator will tell you where to go and what to do. While you are driving, you will show that you can control and handle your car. These skills include maintaining an even speed at or under the speed limit and staying in your lane.
3. Controlling the vehicle
The evaluator will assess whether you have control of the car while it is moving. That means the evaluator will check if you are able to accelerate or slow down properly and that you can steer the car in the direction you want. Control also means that you can make turns and stop the car in response to traffic conditions.
4. Stopping
You will make stops during your test, which will test your ability to handle traffic and intersections. Obey traffic laws, such as making a complete stop and checking for traffic at a stop sign. Also, the evaluator will ask you to make a faster stop, which is to test your ability to respond to unexpected situations in traffic.
5. Backing Up
You will be asked to back up in a straight line. The evaluator will be checking whether you are able to back up and whether or not you use your mirrors and look over your shoulder to make sure your car is in the proper position.
6. Parallel Parking
Parallel parking is one of the most dreaded parts of the Texas driving test, but you can pass this part of the test with practice. The test is easier than what you'll usually experience in real life. You will park into a space with uprights on either side. To pass, you must park between the uprights and be close enough to the curb without driving on it.
To glean some ideas, you may want to watch an actual parallel parking test at a driving test center in Houston. Also, here are some detailed parallel parking tips and advice.
Conclusion
Your success with the Texas driver's license test comes with preparation and practice. Driving practice with a family member and/or from driver's education will help you practice the skills you'll be tested on your road test.