The Ultimate Texas Road Test Checklist: Be Prepared, Not Surprised

The day of your Texas driving test is the final, practical step toward earning your driver's license. It's perfectly normal to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. The best way to manage those nerves and ensure success is to be completely prepared. Arriving at the DPS Driver License Office knowing your vehicle is compliant and your paperwork is in order lets you focus on what matters most: demonstrating your safe driving skills.

This ultimate checklist is your guide to a smooth and surprise-free test day. We will cover the essential documents you must bring, the critical requirements your vehicle must meet, and the skills you'll be tested on.

Part 1: Your Vehicle Requirements Checklist

Before the road test begins, the examiner will conduct a pre-drive inspection of your vehicle. If the car you bring fails this inspection for any reason, you will not be allowed to take the test and will have to reschedule. Go through this list carefully with the vehicle you plan to use.

Valid Registration and Insurance: You must have the original, current Texas vehicle registration sticker on the windshield and a valid, unexpired insurance card. The insurance cannot be a "non-owner" policy.
Two License Plates: The vehicle must have both a front and rear license plate, securely attached (unless it's from a state that only issues one plate).
Brake Lights: All brake lights must be in proper working order.
Turn Signals: Both front and rear turn signals (left and right) must be operational.
Headlights and Taillights: Ensure both are working.
Horn: The examiner will ask you to sound the horn to ensure it is audible.
Tires: Tires must have adequate tread and be properly inflated. Bald or damaged tires will result in a test failure.
Windshield: The windshield must be free of large cracks, stickers, or any obstructions in the driver's line of sight.
Windows: All windows must be operational.
Mirrors: The vehicle must have a functional rearview mirror and at least two side mirrors.
Doors: The driver and front passenger doors must open and close properly from both the inside and the outside.
Seatbelts: All seatbelts, especially for the driver and the examiner, must be functional and accessible.
No Warning Lights: The dashboard must be free of any illuminated warning lights (e.g., "Check Engine," "ABS," "Airbag"). These are grounds for an automatic rejection.
Clear of Clutter: The vehicle, especially the front passenger seat and floor area, should be clean and free of any loose items that could interfere with the examiner.

Part 2: Your Personal Document and Driver Checklist

Forgetting a single document will prevent you from taking the test. Gather these items ahead of time.

Your Valid Learner License: You must have your original, valid Texas learner license with you.
A Licensed Supervising Driver: You must be accompanied to the test site by a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old. [6]
Appointment Confirmation: Have your scheduling confirmation handy.
Impact Texas Drivers (ITD) Certificate: You must present a valid certificate of completion from the appropriate ITD program (Teen or Adult). The certificate must be dated within 90 days of your road test. [4]
For Teen Applicants (Under 18), Also Bring:
- Driver Education Certificate (DE-964): The certificate showing you have completed the full driver's ed course.
- Verification of Enrollment (VOE): A valid form from your school confirming attendance.
- Parent or Guardian: A parent or legal guardian must be present.
For Adult Applicants (18-24), Also Bring:
- Adult Driver Education Certificate: Proof of completion for the 6-hour adult driver ed course.

Part 3: What to Expect on the Test - The Skills Checklist

The Texas road test takes about 20 minutes and assesses your ability to safely navigate common driving situations. [13] The examiner will evaluate you on four basic skills: control, observation, positioning, and signaling. [29]

Key maneuvers you will be tested on include:

Pre-Drive Tasks: Before you start driving, you must know how to operate vehicle controls like headlights, wipers, horn, and emergency flashers. [13]
Backing Up: You will be required to back the vehicle in a straight line for about 15-60 feet, looking over your shoulder. [3, 13]
Parallel Parking: This is a signature part of the Texas road test. You will be required to park the vehicle in a designated space, demonstrating precision and control. [3, 8]
Quick Stop: The examiner may ask you to perform a quick, controlled stop from about 20 mph to test your reaction time. [3]
Turns: Executing right and left turns correctly, signaling properly, and entering the correct lane. [8]
Lane Changes: Safely changing lanes using the proper signal, mirror, and blind-spot check procedure.
Obeying Signs and Signals: This is critical. You must come to a complete stop at all stop signs and obey all traffic lights and road signs. [8]
Following Distance: Maintaining a safe two-to-four-second following distance from the vehicle in front of you. [3]
Proper Posture: The examiner will note if you are keeping both hands on the steering wheel and sitting properly. [3]

By methodically going through this checklist, you can eliminate preventable problems and approach your road test with the confidence needed to pass.