Need to book your DPS road test appointment in Texas? You’re not alone — scheduling the driving test is one of the most confusing steps for new drivers. With long wait times, different location rules, and strict requirements, many people don’t know where to start or which documents they need before the DPS will even let them schedule.
This complete guide shows you exactly how to schedule your DPS driving test appointment, what you need beforehand, how the online booking system works, tips to get an earlier date, and what to expect on test day. Whether you’re in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, or anywhere else in Texas, the process works the same statewide.
If you still need to complete adult drivers ed before you can schedule, you can enroll in the online course here: Start Adult Drivers Ed (Required for Ages 18–24) →
How to Schedule a DPS Road Test Appointment (Texas)
Here is the exact step-by-step process to schedule your Texas DPS road test appointment:
- Complete your required drivers ed course.
Adults ages 18–24 must complete a 6-hour adult drivers ed course. Teens must complete the full 32-hour course plus behind-the-wheel hours. - Pass the DPS written exam.
Our adult drivers ed includes the written exam inside the course, so you won’t need to take it at DPS. - Gather your DPS documents.
You must have the correct IDs, certificates, and residency proofs (full list below). - Choose your DPS location.
You can test at any office in Texas or at an authorized third-party testing center. - Book your DPS road test appointment online.
Use the DPS Appointment Scheduler and select “Driving Test.” - Arrive prepared with a safe, insured vehicle.
Your car must pass the DPS safety checklist or your appointment will be canceled.
If you’re missing any required documents, the system may prevent you from scheduling — or the examiner will refuse to test you on the day of your appointment.
What You Need Before You Can Book a DPS Road Test Appointment
Many new drivers try to schedule the test before completing their requirements, which leads to delays. You must have the following before the DPS will allow you to test:
- Drivers Ed Certificate (ADE-1317 or DE-964)
- Proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, government ID)
- Proof of Social Security Number
- Two proofs of Texas residency
- Completed written knowledge exam
- Texas IMPACT class certificate (teens only)
Adults 18–24 must complete adult drivers ed. If you can’t find your certificate or aren’t sure which one you need, visit our Help Center.
How to Use the DPS Appointment Scheduler (Texas)
To schedule your appointment, follow these steps in the online system:
- Go to the DPS Appointment Scheduler (Texas.gov)
- Select your preferred language
- Choose “Driving Test” from the services list
- Select a DPS location or third-party testing center
- Pick the earliest available appointment
- Enter your contact information and confirm
Once booked, you will receive a confirmation email with the location, time, and required documents. Keep this email for test day.
How to Get an Earlier DPS Road Test Appointment
Some Texas DPS offices are booked out for weeks (especially Houston, Austin, and Dallas), but you can often get earlier times using these tricks:
- Check the system early morning — DPS releases appointments overnight
- Check late at night — cancellations get added back into the system
- Select “Any Location” instead of choosing only one
- Use a third-party tester — faster and often same-day
- Be flexible on weekday mornings — highest availability
Houston, in particular, has high wait times, so these tips help significantly.
What to Bring to Your DPS Road Test Appointment
You must bring the following documents to your appointment:
- Drivers ed completion certificate (ADE-1317 or DE-964)
- Texas DL application (if needed)
- Proof of identity & lawful presence
- Two proofs of residency
- Insurance for the vehicle
- Vehicle registration
If anything is missing, the examiner will not give you the test.
Vehicle Requirements for the Driving Test
Your vehicle must pass a safety inspection before the test begins. It must have:
- Valid inspection sticker
- Current registration
- Working seat belts
- Functional headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and horn
- No windshield cracks obstructing view
- Rearview and side mirrors
- Legal tires
If the vehicle fails safety inspection, your appointment will be canceled.
What Happens During the DPS Driving Test Appointment?
The Texas DPS road test takes about 10–15 minutes. The examiner will evaluate your ability to:
- Start and stop smoothly
- Make safe right and left turns
- Change lanes with proper signaling
- Maintain speed and lane position
- Parallel park
- Back up in a straight line
- Observe traffic signs and right-of-way rules
- Check mirrors and blind spots consistently
You can make small mistakes and still pass — but major safety errors will result in automatic failure.
How to Reschedule or Cancel a DPS Appointment
You can reschedule or cancel your appointment through the same DPS online system. Keep in mind:
- Some locations charge if you miss your appointment
- Appointments are limited, so rescheduling may push you out weeks
- Always cancel if you know you won’t make it — it opens slots for other drivers
Common Problems When Booking a DPS Road Test Appointment
If you can’t schedule, one of these common issues is usually the cause:
- Missing drivers ed certificate
- System thinks your written exam isn’t complete
- Documents don’t match DPS records
- No appointments available in your area
- Using an expired ID
You can troubleshoot most of these through our Help page.
Final Step: Complete Adult Drivers Ed Before You Schedule
If you’re 18–24, Texas requires adult drivers ed before scheduling your driving test. Our online course includes:
- 6-hour state-approved adult drivers ed
- TDLR & DPS approval
- Online DPS written exam included
- No final exam
- Fast certificate delivery
Start now and be ready to book your DPS appointment:
