Where to schedule your Texas driving test

You schedule a Texas driving test through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website or by calling your local DPS office directly. The online system at dps.texas.gov lets you pick a test date and time from available slots at the DPS office nearest you. If you prefer to call, find your local office's phone number on that same website — each office manages its own appointment calendar.

You cannot walk in for a driving test without an appointment. DPS offices require advance scheduling, and availability varies by location and season. Urban offices often fill up weeks ahead, while rural locations may have openings sooner.

Key Takeaways

  • Book your appointment through dps.texas.gov or by calling your local DPS office; walk-ins are not accepted.
  • You need a valid learner permit or driver license, proof of vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and a vehicle that passes safety inspection before your test date.
  • Bring the vehicle you will drive during the test, and make sure it has working brakes, lights, wipers, horn, and mirrors.
  • The test includes a written portion covering road signs and traffic laws, and a driving portion on public roads lasting 10 to 15 minutes.
  • If you fail, you can schedule another test, but wait times between attempts vary by office.

What documents you need before booking

Before you call or go online to schedule, gather the documents DPS will ask about. You need a valid Texas learner permit or driver license, proof of vehicle registration in your name or the name of someone who gave you permission to use the vehicle, and proof of current auto insurance. DPS will verify these during your appointment, so have them ready to show.

If you are under 18, you also need a completed DL-44 form (process for Texas Driver License) signed by a parent or guardian. Bring the original or a certified copy of your birth certificate or passport as well. These requirements do not change based on which DPS office you visit.

The vehicle inspection before your test

Your vehicle must pass a basic safety check before you take the driving test. DPS does not perform this inspection — you do. Walk around the vehicle and confirm that all lights work (headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and interior lights), windshield wipers function, the horn sounds, all mirrors are present and clean, and brakes respond when you press the pedal. The vehicle must have a valid inspection sticker on the windshield.

If your vehicle fails any of these checks, the DPS examiner will not let you test that day. You will need to fix the problem and reschedule. This is why checking your vehicle before you arrive saves time and frustration.

How to book online through the DPS website

Go to dps.texas.gov and look for the section labeled "Driver License" or "Driving Test Appointment." You will enter your zip code or city to find the nearest DPS office. The website shows you available dates and times for the next several weeks. Select the slot that works for you, and the system will confirm your appointment and send you a confirmation number.

Write down or save your confirmation number — you will need it when you arrive for your test. The confirmation also tells you what time to arrive and what to bring. If you cannot find the appointment booking tool on the main page, call your local DPS office; staff can walk you through the online process or book by phone.

Calling your local DPS office to schedule

Find your local DPS office phone number on dps.texas.gov by entering your city or zip code. When you call, have your learner permit or driver license number ready, along with the dates and times that work for you. The staff member will tell you what slots are open and book you into one. They will give you a confirmation number and tell you what to bring and when to arrive.

Call during business hours — most DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have limited Saturday hours. Calling early in the week often means shorter wait times on the phone. If the office is busy, you may be on hold; the online booking system is usually faster if you have internet access.

What happens on the day of your test

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all required documents, your confirmation number, and your vehicle. The examiner will check your documents, inspect your vehicle for safety, and ask you to show that you can operate the basic controls (lights, wipers, horn). Then you will take a written test covering Texas traffic laws and road signs — this is usually 30 to 50 questions, and you must pass with a score of at least 70 percent.

If you pass the written portion, you move to the driving test. The examiner sits in the passenger seat while you drive on public roads for 10 to 15 minutes. They watch how you handle turns, stops, parking, and how you respond to traffic and pedestrians. You pass if you demonstrate safe driving and follow all traffic laws during that time.

What to do if you fail your test

If you do not pass the written test, you can usually schedule another attempt at the same office. If you fail the driving portion, the examiner will tell you what you need to practice. You can book a new appointment, but you may have to wait a few days or longer depending on how busy the office is. Some offices let you reschedule when ready; others require you to wait 24 hours or more.

When you reschedule, you will go through the same process: bring all documents, show up early, take the written test again, and then drive if you pass the written portion. There is no limit to how many times you can test, but each attempt requires a new appointment and the full fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reschedule my appointment if I need to change the date?

Yes. Contact your local DPS office by phone or through the website to cancel your current appointment and book a new one. Some offices let you reschedule online; others require a phone call. Do this as soon as you know you cannot make your scheduled time, because canceling early opens that slot for someone else and may help you get a sooner appointment.

What if I lose my confirmation number?

Call your local DPS office and give them your name and driver license number. They can look up your appointment in their system and tell you the date, time, and confirmation number. You do not need the number to show up, but having it makes check-in faster.

How long does it take to get a test appointment after I book?

Wait times vary widely by location and time of year. Rural offices may have openings within a week or two, while offices in large cities can be booked out four to eight weeks. Booking early in the morning or on weekdays sometimes reveals sooner slots than evening or weekend searches.

Do I have to use the same vehicle for my test that I will drive after I get my license?

No. You can test in any vehicle that is registered, insured, and passes the safety check. Many people borrow a family member's car for the test. Just make sure the person who owns the vehicle is okay with you using it, and bring proof that you have permission if the registration is not in your name.

What if my local DPS office is closed when I try to book?

Use the online booking system at dps.texas.gov, which is open 24 hours. If the online system is down, try calling during business hours the next day. You can also visit a different DPS office in a nearby city if your local one has no openings — the test is the same regardless of location.