Texas Teen Road Test: A Complete Step-By-Step Guide

For many young drivers, the Texas teen road test is one of the biggest milestones on the journey to independence. But before a teen ever gets behind the wheel with an examiner, they have to make sure they’re fully prepared — not only with strong driving skills, but with the correct documents, vehicle requirements, and expectations for test day.

This guide breaks everything down clearly so teens and parents know exactly what to expect. Travis Driving Schoolworks with hundreds of teen drivers each year, and the same questions come up again and again: What do I need to bring? How does the test work? What will I be graded on?

Let’s walk through every step.

Understanding the Texas Teen Road Test

The teen road test evaluates whether a young driver can safely operate a vehicle on public roads. Texas requires teens to complete driver education and behind-the-wheel hours before taking this exam, but the road test is their final official assessment.

What the Teen Road Test Measures

The test checks a driver’s ability to:

• Control the vehicle confidently

• Follow road signs and traffic laws

• Make safe decisions in real-time

• Demonstrate awareness and scanning

• Park accurately and safely

At Travis Driving School, instructors practice these maneuvers during lessons so students feel confident on test day.

Step 1: Gather All Required Road Test Documents

Bringing the right documents is the most important part of test day. Teens are often turned away at the DPS or at third-party testing centers because one item is missing.

Documents Teens Must Bring

Texas Learner Permit

• Must be valid and unexpired

• Shows you completed the permit requirements

DE-964 Certificate (Driver Education Completion)

• Must say Driver Education – Certificate of Completion

• Issued by your driver education provider, such as Travis Driving School

30-Hour Driving Log

• Must include 30 supervised hours (10 at night)

• Must be signed by a parent/guardian

Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) Certificate

• Required by law

• Must be completed within 90 days of the road test

• Must bring a printed or digital certificate

VOE (Verification of Enrollment)

Only needed if still in high school and required by your testing location.

Tip from Travis Driving School:Print all digital documents ahead of time to avoid issues with phone battery, screenshots, or formatting.

Step 2: Bring a Safe, Legally Compliant Vehicle

The state of Texas requires the vehicle used for the road test to meet safety and legal standards. Teens testing at Travis Driving School can choose to use a school vehicle, which is already pre-inspected and test-ready.

Vehicle Requirements

Valid Insurance

• Printed or digital

• Must match the test vehicle

Current Registration

• Sticker must be valid

• Plates must be present

State Inspection

• Must be up to date

All Safety Features Must Work

• Headlights

• Brake lights

• Turn signals

• Windshield wipers

• Seat belts

• Horn

Windows & Windshield

• No major cracks obstructing view

Front License Plate

Required in Texas — missing plates lead to automatic failure in vehicle check.

Step 3: Arrive Early and Prepare for the Pre-Test Inspection

Before the driving portion begins, the examiner will complete a quick inspection of the vehicle.

What the Examiner Checks Before You Drive

• Working emergency brake

• Functional lights and signals

• Seat belt usage

• Insurance and registration

Teens who practice at Travis Driving School review this inspection checklist before test day so they know what to expect.

Step 4: Complete the Driving Portion of the Road Test

Once the paperwork and vehicle check are done, the examiner will give instructions and begin evaluating the teen’s driving skills.

Skills Evaluated During the Road Test

Basic Control

• Smooth starts

• Controlled stops

• Steering accuracy

Lane Use

• Staying centered

• Proper lane changes

• Maintaining safe following distance

Traffic Awareness

• Observing signs

• Using mirrors

• Checking blind spots

Parking Skills

• Parallel parking

• Reverse parking

• Backing in a straight line

Decision-Making

• Safe turns

• Handling intersections

• Right-of-way understanding

Travis Driving School students spend time practicing these exact skills in real-world scenarios before testing.

Step 5: Receive Your Results

After the exam, the examiner will review your score sheet and explain any mistakes. If the teen passes, they’ll receive instructions on how to finalize their provisional license. If they don’t pass, the examiner will note the areas that need improvement so the student can work on them before retaking the test.

Travis Driving School also offers refresher lessons for teens who want extra practice before scheduling another test.

Tips for Passing the Texas Teen Road Test

Practice Parking Early

Parallel parking is one of the main reasons teens feel nervous. Consistent practice helps eliminate stress.

Stay Calm and Listen Carefully

Examiners want safe, steady drivers—not fast or flashy ones.

Don’t Rush the Drive

Smoothness matters more than speed.

Review Your Checklist

Teens at Travis Driving School often use a printed checklist to ensure nothing is forgotten.

Conclusion: Be Prepared and Confident on Test Day

The Texas teen road test is a major milestone, and with the right preparation, documents, and practice, passing becomes completely achievable. Understanding what to bring, how the test works, and what the examiner looks for can make a huge difference in confidence and performance.

If your teen needs extra practice, help reviewing documents, or a road-test-ready vehicle, Travis Driving School is here to support every step of the journey. The path to becoming a safe, confident Texas driver starts with solid preparation — and you can begin that journey today.

If you'd like, I can create a downloadable Teen Road Test Checklist or a Google Docs version of the blog!