Is My Car Eligible for the Driving Test? Here’s What the Examiner Checks

TL;DR

• Your vehicle must meet Texas DPS safety and registration standards before your driving test.

• Inspect essentials like lights, tires, brakes, mirrors, and seatbelts beforehand.

• The car must have valid insurance, registration, and inspection stickers.

• Travis Driving School recommends checking your car at least a day before your test.

• If your vehicle fails the inspection, your road test will be rescheduled.

Taking your driving test is an exciting step toward earning your freedom on the road — but before you can even begin, your car has to pass a quick inspection. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires that every vehicle used for a road test meets specific safety and legal standards.

At Travis Driving School, we’ve seen many students turned away because their cars didn’t meet the basic requirements. To save you time (and frustration), here’s a complete checklist of what the examiner will inspect before your driving test — and how to make sure your car passes with flying colors.

What the Examiner Checks Before the Driving Test

Before you start driving, the DPS examiner performs a vehicle safety inspection. This ensures that your car is safe, street-legal, and functioning properly.

1. Vehicle Registration and Insurance

Before anything else, the examiner will ask for proof of:

• 
  

  Valid insurance in your name or listing you as a covered driver

• Current vehicle registration sticker

• Valid inspection sticker (if applicable)

If any of these are missing or expired, you won’t be allowed to take the test.

Tip from Travis Driving School: Double-check your documents the night before to avoid last-minute stress.

2. Working Lights and Signals

The examiner will check that all your lights function properly, including:

• Headlights (both high and low beams)

• Brake lights

• Turn signals (front and rear)

• Reverse lights

• Hazard/emergency flashers

A burned-out bulb might seem minor, but it’s an automatic failure if it affects visibility or communication with other drivers.

You can use this Texas Vehicle Safety Checklist (external link) to make sure your car meets all light and signal standards.

3. Tires and Brakes

Your tires must have:

• Sufficient tread (no bald spots)

• Proper air pressure

• No visible damage or bulges

The examiner will also test your brakes (including the parking brake) to ensure they work correctly.

Travis Driving School recommends getting your brakes and tires inspected a week before your test — safety first!

4. Seat Belts and Mirrors

Texas law requires functional seat belts for every seat. During your test, the examiner will ensure:

• Both driver and passenger seat belts latch and retract properly

• Side and rearview mirrors are intact and adjustable

If your mirrors are cracked or missing, you’ll need to repair them before your test.

5. Windshield, Wipers, and Horn

Visibility and communication are key to safe driving. The examiner will check:

• Windshield for large cracks or obstructions

• Wipers for functionality (especially if it’s raining)

• Horn for proper sound

If your windshield is damaged or your wipers don’t work, your test can’t proceed.

6. Dashboard Indicators and Warning Lights

Make sure no warning lights (like “Check Engine” or “Brake System”) are illuminated when you start your car.

Travis Driving School instructors often remind students: if your car wouldn’t pass a state inspection, it won’t pass a DPS driving test either.

What Happens If Your Car Fails the Inspection?

If the examiner finds any issues — even minor ones like a broken taillight — your test will be rescheduled. You’ll need to fix the problem and return another day.

To avoid this, arrive 15 minutes early and do your own mini-inspection. If you’re unsure about your car’s condition, Travis Driving School offers pre-test vehicle checks and lessons using school vehicles that are guaranteed to meet all DPS requirements.

Using a Driving School Car for Your Test

Many students prefer to use a Travis Driving School vehicle for their test. Here’s why:

• The cars are pre-approved for DPS standards

• They’re well-maintained and equipped with dual brakes for safety

• Instructors ensure the car is test-ready before arrival

This option is ideal if your own car isn’t insured, registered, or in perfect condition.

Tips for Test Day

Here’s a quick checklist to keep in mind:

• ✅ Check your car’s lights, tires, mirrors, and seatbelts

• ✅ Bring your learner’s permit and required documents

• ✅ Remove distractions (like phone mounts or air fresheners) from the windshield

• ✅ Arrive early to relax before your test

You can also visit Texas DPS Official Testing Requirements (external link) for additional guidelines.

Conclusion: Make Sure You’re Test-Ready

Your driving test is more than just proving your skills — it’s about showing responsibility and readiness. Ensuring your car is safe, legal, and well-maintained helps you start your test with confidence.

At Travis Driving School, we’re committed to helping students succeed every step of the way — from pre-test vehicle checks to in-car lessons that prepare you for real-world driving.

If you want peace of mind on test day, schedule your next driving lesson or road test with Travis Driving School today and make sure you’re fully prepared to pass!