DPS Road Test

The DPS Road Test in Texas is an important part of becoming a licensed driver. The test is designed to assess the skills, abilities and knowledge necessary for safe, responsible driving. It includes tests of basic driving maneuvers such as starting, stopping, and turning, parking, parallel parking and demonstrating proper speed control. During the test, drivers are expected to demonstrate skillful operation of the vehicle in stop-and-go traffic operations; changing lanes safely; accelerating and negotiating curves or hills; making lane changes while maneuvering the vehicle through frequent turns; braking appropriately during emergency situations; backing up safely when appropriate; observing right-of-way rules at intersections and controlling skids or slides due to adverse conditions. Furthermore, applicants must also pass a vision screening advocating all requirements. By successfully passing these criteria established by DPS in Texas, new drivers will be able to confidently and responsibly operate their vehicles on public roads.

What You'll Be Evaluated On

During testing, all drivers are evaluated on four basic skills:
# Control — Being able to make the car do what you're trying to make it do.
# Observation — Being able to view and respond to what other traffic is doing, particularly where problems might come into play. # Positioning — Staying in your lane.
# Signaling — Always using your turn signals properly.
In addition to these four basics, there are many other areas your CSR will expect you to be proficient in, including these:
# Parallel parking
# Stopping quickly, where you are asked to stop your car as quickly as possible from a speed of around 20 mph, without causing the tires to skid
# Backing, where you are asked to drive the car in reverse for about 15 feet as straight and smoothly as possible — Be sure to go slowly and look out the rear windshield the entire time by physically turning your head
# Obeying all traffic signs, particularly stop signs. Remember to come to a complete stop; do not roll through
# Obeying all traffic signals
# Driving properly in an intersection. Be sure to stay in the proper lane, and slow down and look both ways before entering the intersection
# Turning smoothly while staying in the correct lanes
# Maintaining right of way
# Following, passing, and maintaining the proper lane
# Maintaining correct posture — Keep your hands on the steering wheel and do not rest your elbow on the window
You will fail the test if you perform any of the following:
Violate the law
● Refuse to follow instructions
● Drive dangerously, including having a crash
● Have more than 30 points deducted from your test