Booking Your Texas Driving Test: A 2025 Guide to Scheduling Your Appointment

You've passed your knowledge test, completed driver's ed, and logged countless hours of practice. The final step toward earning your Texas driver's license is scheduling and passing the on-road driving test. In Texas, you must schedule this test in advance; walk-ins for road tests are not an option at DPS offices.

This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions on how to book your driving test appointment, covering the official DPS online system and the popular alternative of using an authorized third-party testing location.

Before You Schedule: Key Eligibility Requirements

Before you can book your road test, you must meet several important requirements.

For All Applicants:

Valid Learner License: You must have a valid, unexpired Texas learner license.
Impact Texas Drivers (ITD) Program: You must have completed the appropriate ITD course (Teen or Adult) and have a certificate dated within 90 days of your test date. [4]

For Teen Applicants (Under 18):

Age: You must be at least 16 years old. [9]
Learner License Duration: You must have held your learner license for at least six months. [9]
Driver Education: You must have completed the full classroom and behind-the-wheel portions of your driver education course and have the DE-964 certificate.

For Adult Applicants (18-24):

Driver Education: You must have completed the 6-hour adult driver education course and have the certificate of completion. [4]

Option 1: Scheduling Your Road Test with the Texas DPS

The official way to schedule your test is through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) online appointment system.

Step-by-Step Guide to Online DPS Scheduling:

Visit the DPS Website: Navigate to the official DPS Driver License Services appointment scheduler.
Enter Your Information: To begin, you will need to enter your Texas driver license or ID number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Select Your Service: Once logged in, you will be prompted to select the service you need. Choose "Class C Driver License Road Test."
Choose a Location: You can search for appointments by city, county, or ZIP code. The system will show you the available DPS offices.
Find an Available Date and Time: After selecting a location, the system will display a calendar with available dates and times.
- Crucial Tip: DPS appointments are in extremely high demand and are often booked weeks or even months in advance. You may need to check multiple locations or check the system frequently for cancellations to find an earlier spot. Do not wait until the last minute to schedule.
Confirm Your Appointment: Review the location, date, and time carefully before finalizing. You will receive an email confirmation. Keep this email, as you will need it on your test day and for any future changes.

Option 2: Scheduling with an Authorized Third-Party Provider

Due to the high demand for DPS appointments, many applicants choose to take their road test with an authorized third-party skills testing (TPST) school. These are state-certified driving schools that are permitted to administer the official DPS road test.

How Does Third-Party Testing Work?

Convenience and Availability: The biggest advantage of a TPST school is scheduling flexibility. They often have appointments available much sooner than the DPS, sometimes even on the same day or on weekends.
Cost: This convenience comes at a price. While the road test at the DPS is part of your license fee, third-party providers charge a separate fee for the test, which can range from $50 to $100 or more.
The Process:
1. Find a School: The DPS website provides a list of all authorized third-party testing locations in Texas. You can search by city to find one near you.
2. Schedule Directly: You will schedule your appointment directly with the driving school through their website or by phone.
3. Take the Test: A DPS-certified examiner will conduct the official road test. You will typically use your own vehicle, which must meet all state requirements.
4. Get Your Results: If you pass, the school will give you your test results in a sealed envelope. Do not open this envelope.
5. Visit the DPS: You must then take the sealed envelope and all your other required documents to a DPS office to have your provisional or full license issued. You will still need a DPS appointment for this final step, but you can select a service like "License Renewal/Replacement," which may have more availability than road test appointments.

Can I Schedule by Phone?

The primary method for scheduling with the DPS is the online system. While you can call the DPS customer service line for information, they will direct you to the online scheduler to make an appointment.

By planning ahead, completing all your prerequisites, and understanding both the DPS and third-party options, you can successfully schedule your Texas road test and take that final step toward earning your license.