Q&A for How to Pass the Texas Driving Test

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How can a beginner get better at driving?

Jacqueline Regev
Driving Instructor
Jacqueline Regev is a Driving Instructor and the Founder & CEO of Bubble of Safety Driving School. With over 20 years of education experience, she specializes in encouraging people to develop their skills to become safe and courteous drivers. Jacqueline earned a Bachelor's Degree from UCLA and an MA from Chapman University. She is also pursuing a PhD from UC Santa Barbara.

Jacqueline Regev

Driving Instructor

Expert Answer

As a new driver, choose a location without unexpected hazards such as children playing in the street, like an industrial area on the weekends. The next step would be driving safely in a neighborhood setting. When you're finally confident in controlling the vehicle, try driving on two lane streets with higher speeds.

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What should I use my blinker for when parallel parking?

Community Answer

You turn the blinker on as you pull up to the spot to begin parking and leave it on until you've fully maneuvered into the space. When you are ready to leave the spot, you turn the blinker on immediately to indicate you will be pulling out.

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Can I drive a standard for the driving test?

Community Answer

Yes, absolutely.

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Will I need to back into a parking space?

Community Answer

Yes. Parallel parking and regular parking (forwards and backwards) are mandatory parts of the test.

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Question

Do I have to take the Texas driving test in my county of residence?

Community Answer

No, you can take it at any state DPS office.

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What if I fail the test three times?

Community Answer

If you fail on your 3rd try, you must resubmit an application and pay the fee again. Basically, start the process over again. There is no limit on the number of times you can go through this process, however.

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Question

I am an adult that has never had a license, so can an adult be tested by another qualifying adult like a teen gets tested by their parents?

Community Answer

A teen does not get tested by their parents, only trained by them. Likewise, you can learn to drive with any adult who knows how to drive. Either way, the actual test has to be taken at a DPS location.

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Question

Why was I told to take the driving test again if I already had a license, but it expired?

Community Answer

If your license has been expired for 2 years or more, you will be required to retake the written and driving test.

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Will driving with both feet affect my score?

Community Answer

Yes. If you drive with both feet, you will not be allowed to take your test.

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Question

My license expired over two years ago. I need to use my insured car for a test, but how can I drive it to the test location, since I have no license?

Community Answer

You will need to have someone who is licensed and insured to drive your car take you to the test.

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Question

Is parallel parking still part of the test?

Community Answer

Yes, definitely. It is the second part of the test. The instructor will check your vehicle, then before you go on the open road, you will be required to parallel Park. If you fail the parallel park, you fail instantly.

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Question

Do I have to take the driving exam at the same office where I took the written exam?

Community Answer

No, you don't.

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Question

How can I estimate when I am 100 meters before a turn?

Community Answer

The DPS uses the customary system of feet, but the examiner will give you an instruction about 100-120 feet before a turn.

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Do I need to turn my head backwards when backing up?

Community Answer

Yes, it is mandatory to look in your rear view window when backing up a vehicle.

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Question

Do I have to pay again if I retake the test?

Community Answer

Only if it is after your third try or past 90 days after your application date. The application date will be shown on your receipt.

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Question

Can I take the written and vision test at one location and the driving test at another?

Community Answer

Yes. You can take these in separate locations, even in a different county. For instance, you may want to take your written test in your hometown and the driving portion in a smaller county where the schedule is less heavily booked.

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Can I use both feet while driving?

Community Answer

It's safer to use just one foot. If you use two feet, you run the risk of pressing both pedals in at the same time, which will be bad for the vehicle.

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Question

What happens if I hit the curb while parallel parking?

Community Answer

According to most driving sites, if you lightly tap the curb, it is points off; if you hit the curb hard or drive up over the curb, it is an automatic fail.

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Question

Do I have to be on the vehicle's insurance to take the test?

Sean Smith

Community Answer

No, the vehicle simply has to be insured. Have a paper copy of current insurance, as a digital form will not be accepted.

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Question

Does the vehicle I'm driving have to be insured in my name, or can it be someone else?

Community Answer

According to the Texas DPS (you can find this on their website), you must be on the vehicle's insurance or you will not be able to take the road test.

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Question

How soon can I retake the driver's test in Texas if I fail it?

Sean Smith

Community Answer

As soon as you are able to make an appointment. Check with your local DMVs, as appointments are often cancelled, and you can squeeze in.

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Question

How many attempts do I have to do the parallel parking before I fail a driving test?

Community Answer

You have two tries, and after that you fail the test.

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Question

What all do I need to know to pass the written test?

Community Answer

You can find all of the necessary test information on the Texas DPS website. A lot of sites have practice tests you can take too.

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Question

Can I turn left if the light is green and the road is clear?

Sean Smith

Community Answer

Yes, be sure to check the oncoming traffic to the right, as you're turning left. Do not use your peripheral vision. Physically snap your head to the right and back left.

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Can I use left foot braking while parallel parking?

Community Answer

No, you are only allowed to use your right foot at all times, otherwise your test is invalid.

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Question

When the light is red at an intersection, can I turn right if traffic is clear?

Community Answer

Yes, but only if you are in the rightmost lane.

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Question

Can I take the written part at a different location from where I take my driving test?

Community Answer

Yes. As long as you have the certificate for passing the written test, then you are able to go to another place to take the road test.

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Question

Do I need to take a written test in order to pass the driving test?

Laura Nelson

Community Answer

You take a written exam when you take your permit test. There is only a practical exam when you take your driving test.

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Question

My daughter went to and passed driving school and got a learner's permit. She has been practicing on that with a parent for two years. Does she still have to take the behind-the-wheel exam?

Community Answer

Yes, she will still need to take the behind-the-wheel exam for getting her first driver's license.

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Question

How do I get my Texas license if my license was suspended in another state?

Community Answer

Clear up the problem in the state it was suspended. Due to the compact agreement between states, if you are suspended in one state, you cannot obtain a license in another state, until the suspension is cleared.

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