How to Prepare - Texas Department of Public Safety

1 Driver Safety Checklist Safety Tips Driver License (DL). Please follow these general Safety tips when Before Starting the Vehicle operating a vehicle: Adjust the mirrors and your seat Always drive defensively. Try to anticipate errors How to Prepare another driver might make. Fasten your seat belt Know where the vehicle controls are located Be aware of your surroundings. Check your for a Drive Test and how to use them (headlights, mirrors, look both ways at intersections, and look over the proper shoulder before making a lane windshield wipers, turn signals, etc.) change or merging with traffic. During the Drive Test Steer smoothly and avoid sudden turns. Use the turn signals when appropriate Accelerate and stop smoothly. Slow down or Look in the mirrors regularly and over your speed up gradually to avoid sudden jerks. shoulder when necessary Be aware of where you have to stop when Keep both hands on the steering wheel approaching an intersection.

2 If your view is unless you are backing up blocked, stop then move forward carefully. Look both ways before continuing into the intersection. Stopping Do not roll through stop signs or red lights. Check traffic Always obey posted speed limits. When poor Stop completely behind crosswalk or limit weather, road, or traffic conditions are present, line reduce speed accordingly. Stop smoothly without the vehicle jerking Use the two-second rule to ensure you are following at a safe distance. Increase the Turning or Changing Lanes following distance for poor weather, road, or Signal 100 feet before starting maneuver traffic conditions. Adjust speed for Safety Know what all traffic signs and signals mean and Check mirrors obey them at all times. Look over your shoulder for the blind spot Use the correct lane. Signal and turn from the Begin and end maneuver in correct lane improper lane into the proper lane.

3 Yield or accept right-of-way as appropriate Put your signal on 100 feet before turning or Always changing lanes. Check mirrors at regular intervals Look both ways at all intersections Look for and obey all traffic lights and signs DRIVER LICENSE DIVISION. See and react appropriately to hazards Help keep Texans safe. Follow at a safe distance (adjust for Be a responsible driver. Creating a faster, easier, friendlier weather) driver license experience and a safer Texas DL-60 Who Must Take the Drive Test? Vehicle Inspection During the Drive Test You are required to take a drive test if any of the Before you begin the drive test, the vehicle you bring No pets or unauthorized passengers are allowed in following conditions apply: must pass an inspection to ensure it is safe and can the vehicle during the test. be legally operated on Public roadways.

4 You have never been licensed in any state The test takes about 20 minutes. The goals of the or territory. The customer service representative will check for: drive test are to determine your ability to safely You are licensed in another state but your operate a vehicle and obey traffic laws. Two license plates with the exception of single license is expired. out-of-state or temporary plates; no auto You will be graded on your ability to demonstrate the You are licensed in Texas but your license has dealership plates following maneuvers: been expired over two years. (permanently affixed to the front and back of the Backing in a straight line You have a medical condition that may affect vehicle). Parallel parking your ability to safely operate a vehicle. Operational speedometer You currently have specific restrictions on your Approaching intersections A properly functioning horn Texas driver license which require a driving test Turning to be removed.

5 Turn signals on the front and back of the vehicle Stopping in regular traffic conditions You were ordered by a court to comply with a Unexpired vehicle registration and inspection driving test. Controlling the vehicle Unexpired insurance A drive test is not required for renewals or for anyone (applicant cannot be listed as excluded driver ) Observing traffic over age 18 surrendering a valid driver license from another state; however, DPS may require a drive test At least one rearview mirror inside or outside of Maintaining vehicle position (turning, stopping, at any time. Anyone under age 18 must take a the vehicle etc.). driving test. Driver and front passenger door must open Using signals normally Preparing for the Drive Test if at any time a dangerous or illegal maneuver is Functioning seatbelts performed, the drive test will be immediately stopped To Prepare for the drive test, review the Texas Driver and will result in an automatic failure.

6 Handbook. This free handbook is available online at Any restrictions on the driver in Handbooks &. Forms or at any driver license office. Brake lights After the Drive Test Windshield wipers, headlights, and taillights, After you complete the drive test, you will be Practice all of the maneuvers listed in the Driver depending on weather conditions and time of day informed if you passed or failed. You will also receive Safety Checklist section before scheduling your test. detailed feedback on the areas where you did well While practicing, ask the person with you to give you and the areas where you need to improve. instructions and point out any mistakes. Before the Drive Test You must present one valid form of identification to If you do not pass the drive test, your application will Scheduling a Drive Test the customer service representative before the drive be held in the driver license office for 90 days.

7 After test. 90 days or three failed tests a new application and Most Driver License offices now offer fee must be submitted. the option of scheduling your drive Try to ask all questions before your drive test begins. test online. To schedule a drive test, Once the test starts, the customer visit in More service representative is not permitted Online Services. to engage in general conversation. Becoming a safe driver is an ongoing process.