What You Need to Know About the 30-Hour Driving Log

Texas requires all teens (under age 18) to complete 30 hours of supervised behind-the-wheel practice after earning a learner's permit. This log is part of the state’s goal to ensure teens develop real-world experience before becoming fully licensed drivers.

What the 30 Hours Must Include

To meet state requirements:

• Teens must complete 30 total supervised hours

• 10 of those hours must be performed at night

• Hours must be logged accurately and honestly

• A parent, guardian, or supervising adult must sign the log

At Travis Driving School, we always remind families that the 30-hour driving log is just as important as the official driving lessons. DPS requires it at the license appointment, and missing or incorrect logs may result in delays.

Step 1: Complete the Teen Driver Education Course

Before the driving log even begins, teens must complete a state-approved driver education program.

Course Requirements

Texas requires:

• 32 hours of classroom instruction

• 14 hours of in-car instruction (7 hours driving, 7 hours observing)

• A valid learner’s permit before starting the 30-hour driving log

Teens who choose Travis Driving School benefit from clear explanations of how the 30-hour log fits into their overall licensing process.

Step 2: Get Your Texas Learner’s Permit

Once the classroom portion is complete, teens can apply for a learner’s permit.

What Teens Need to Bring

• Proof of identity

• Proof of school enrollment

• Classroom completion certificate

• Application form

• Parent or guardian for consent

Once the permit is issued, teens can begin the supervised driving required for the 30-hour log. Travis Driving Schoolalways encourages students to start logging hours early instead of waiting until the last minute.

Step 3: Start Completing the 30-Hour Driving Log

This is the most important part of a teen’s journey toward a Texas driver license—and the part most families struggle with. The goal of the log is not just to track time but to ensure supervised practice builds real driving skills.

What Counts Toward the 30 Hours?

Teens may practice on:

• Residential streets

• Highways

• Rural roads

• Parking lots

• Nighttime environments

To create well-rounded drivers, Travis Driving School recommends mixing different road types and conditions.

Step 4: Follow a Skill-Building Approach to the Driving Log

The 30-hour log isn’t just about time—it’s about progression. Teens should develop confidence step by step.

Early Driving Log Hours (H3)

During the first 10 hours, focus on:

• Understanding vehicle controls

• Smooth starting and stopping

• Simple turns

• Driving in low-traffic areas

These are the foundational skills teens practice before attempting more complex tasks.

Middle Stage Hours (H3)

Hours 11–20 should introduce:

• Lane changes

• Light traffic

• Parking practice

• Maintaining safe following distances

During this stage, many families supplement with professional lessons from Travis Driving School to reinforce safe habits and correct early mistakes.

Final Hours + Night Driving (H3)

The final 10 hours must include nighttime practice. Teens should experience:

• Nighttime visibility challenges

• Headlight use

• Driving around busy intersections

• Adjusting to glare

At Travis Driving School, instructors emphasize patience and slow, controlled decision-making during night driving.

Step 5: Track the Hours Correctly

The DPS requires accurate documentation. Logs must include:

• Date

• Time started and ended

• Total time practiced

• Supervising adult’s initials or signature

Families often use printed log sheets or digital tracking tools. Travis Driving School provides free templates to help keep things organized.

Step 6: Prepare for the Texas Road Test

Once the 30-hour driving log is complete—and the teen has demonstrated consistent safe habits—it’s time to schedule the road test.

Skills Teens Must Be Comfortable With

• Parallel parking

• Lane control

• Smooth braking and acceleration

• Proper signaling

• Awareness of surroundings

• Confidence in traffic

Teens who complete their log with structured practice tend to perform better during the test. Many teens also schedule a mock exam with Travis Driving School to make sure they’re fully prepared.

Step 7: Bring the Driving Log to Your DPS Appointment

This step is critical—without a completed log, the DPS cannot issue a license.

What Teens Must Bring

• 30-hour driving log (completed and signed)

• DE-964 certificate from the driver ed course

• Impact Texas Teen Drivers certificate

• Learner’s permit

• Proof of identity and residency

Families who follow our guidance at Travis Driving School rarely run into document issues because we help students understand every requirement in advance.

Conclusion: The 30-Hour Driving Log Is the Foundation of Teen Driving Success

Teens who complete their 30-hour driving log with patience, consistency, and proper guidance become safer, more confident drivers. The log is more than a state requirement—it's a practical tool for building real-world driving experience. With support from Travis Driving School, both teens and parents can feel confident that every hour behind the wheel is meaningful and building toward success on the road test.

If you're ready to begin the licensing process or need help understanding the 30-hour log, reach out to Travis Driving School. Expert guidance can make all the difference—and your Texas driver’s license is closer than you think.