Texas Dps Driving Log PDF Template

Texas Dps Driving Log PDF Template

The Texas DPS Driving Log Form is a crucial document designed to track the 20 hours of behind-the-wheel practice that young drivers must complete before obtaining their provisional license. This log ensures that practice sessions are conducted under the supervision of a qualified adult, as mandated by Texas law. Completing this form accurately is essential for your teenager's journey towards becoming a licensed driver, so be sure to fill it out by clicking the button below.

Article Guide

The Texas DPS Driving Log form is a crucial document for young drivers seeking to obtain their provisional license. This form captures the required 20 hours of behind-the-wheel practice, which must be completed under the supervision of a qualified adult. The log outlines specific practice sessions that cover essential driving skills, such as starting the vehicle, steering, and navigating various road conditions. Each session is designed to build competence, with recommended hours allocated to different driving scenarios, including city driving, expressway driving, and parking techniques. Importantly, only one hour of practice per day counts towards the total, emphasizing the need for consistent, gradual learning. Additionally, parents or guardians must certify the completion of these hours and sign the log, ensuring accountability. When the young driver is ready to apply for their provisional license, they must present this log along with other required documents to the Department of Public Safety. This process not only prepares them for the responsibilities of driving but also instills confidence through structured practice and evaluation.

Texas Dps Driving Log Preview

BEHIND THE WHEEL INSTRUCTION LOG 20 HOURS
Behind-the-Wheel Instruction Guide
may be downloaded or printed from www.tea.state.tx.us/drive
The 20 hours of behind-the-wheel practice must be completed in the presence of an adult who meets the requirements of Section
521.222 (d)(2), Transportation Code before the young driver is eligible for a provisional license. Only one (1) hour
of behind-the-
wheel instruction per day will count towards the 20 hours regardless of the number of hours the student actually drives in a day.
Texas Education Agency/Texas Department of Public Safety Parent Guide 20 Hours
Student’s Name: ________________________________________________________ DL #: ______________________________
Practice Session
Date
mm/dd/yyyy
Time
(am/pm)
Daytime
Hours
Nighttime
Hours
Adult’s Signature and DL #
Getting Ready, Starting,
Placing the Vehicle in
Motion, and Stopping
Recommended 1 hour
Moving, Stopping,
Steering, Knowing Where
You Are
Recommended 2 hour
Backing
Recommended 1 hour
Turning, Lane Position,
and Visual Skills
Recommended 2 hours
Searching Intended
Path of Travel
Recommended 2 hours
Parking
Recommended 1 hour
Turnabouts
Recommended 2 hours
Multiple Lane Roadways
Recommended 3 hours
City Driving
Recommended 3 hours
Expressway/Freeway
Driving
Recommended 3 hours
I certify and endorse that the above record is true and correct and my student has completed 20 hours of guided practice which
includes at least 10 at nighttime.
____________________________________________________________ _______________________________
Parent/Guardian’s Signature (if over 18 years of age student’s signature) Date
When your teenager is eligible for the provisional license take this log, the DE-964 driver education completion certificate and with the other required
documents to the Department of Public Safety. Required documents: (1) Valid Learner’s License (Instruction Permit), (2) Verification of Enrollment and
Attendance Form, (3) DE 964 from school which provided the driver education course, (3) 20 Hours Behind-the-Wheel Practice Log, (4) The vehicle used for
the Road Test must
be able to pass an inspection where everything works properly, have a valid inspection sticker, valid registration sticker, and current
insurance, (5) Money to pay for license
BEHIND THE WHEEL INSTRUCTION LOG 20 HOURS
Behind-the-Wheel Instruction Guide
may be downloaded or printed from www.tea.state.tx.us/drive
The 20 hours of behind-the-wheel practice must be completed in the presence of an adult who meets the requirements of Section
521.222 (d)(2), Transportation Code before the young driver is eligible for a provisional license. Only one (1) hour
of behind-the-
wheel instruction per day will count towards the 20 hours regardless of the number of hours the student actually drives in a day.
Texas Education Agency/Texas Department of Public Safety Parent Guide 20 Hours
Getting Ready, Starting, Placing the Vehicle in Motion, and Stopping (p. 14) Recommended 1 hour -- These practice sessions introduce your teenager to
the instrument panel, vehicle controls, and mirror blind spots. The young driver should get ready to drive, start the vehicle, place the vehicle in motion, stop,
and secure the vehicle. Please review the vehicle owner’s manual before and during these practice sessions.
Moving, Stopping, Steering, Knowing Where You Are (p. 15) Recommended 2 hours -- Focus on learning the correct procedures for moving, stopping,
using reference points, and steering the vehicle at different speeds. Begin in a large, level parking lot that is free of obstacles. The teenager should practice
driving around the perimeter of the lot at 10 and 15 mph. Using commentary driving, have your teenager focus on smooth push-pull-slide hand-to-hand
steering and stops. Your teenager should be taught to ease off the accelerator or use the brake to reduce speed before entering a curve and use slight
acceleration to overcome inertia and pull the vehicle out of the curve. Ask the teenager to move the vehicle to specified targets in the parking lot at 10 and 15
mph. The target is a fixed object that is located 12-20 seconds ahead of the vehicle, in the center of the path of travel, and is what the driver steers toward. It
can be a car a block ahead, a traffic signal, the crest of a hill, etc. Having a target helps the new driver to: visualize the space the vehicle will be occupying;
look far ahead of the vehicle and begin a search to identify risks; improve steering accuracy. Focus on smooth acceleration, proper speed, and smooth stops.
Explain to your teenager that “curling” the toes back to ease pressure off the brake just before stopping results in smoother stops. Practice normal smooth
stops and hard smooth stops which are done at a slightly higher speed.
Backing (p. 16) Recommended 1 hour -- Repeat the tasks listed in sessions Moving, Stopping, Steering, Knowing Where You Are with the vehicle in
reverse gear at idle or slow speeds. Backing from one target to another allows your teenager to practice seeing, steering, and speed control skills with the
vehicle in reverse gear.
Turning, Lane Position, and Visual Skills (p. 16) Recommended 2 hours -- During the next practice sessions practice 10-15 right and left turns from stopped
and moving positions in a parking lot. Left turns should be “squared” and right turns should be “rounded.” Emphasize proper signals, mirror checks, side-
position reference points, speed and steering control, and the need to look ahead of the vehicle at a selected target in the center of the path of travel. Warn
young drivers not to fixate on any one thing. Prior to progressing to driving in a quiet neighborhood, your teenager should be able to demonstrate the ability
to move and stop the car smoothly, maintain a given speed, and steer with reasonable precision. If your teenager is ready, practice right and left turns in a
residential area.
Searching Intended Path of Travel (p. 18) Recommended 2 hours -- In a residential area, or, if ready, on roads with light traffic, continue working on basic
visual skills, negotiating curves, and right and left turns. Practice judging space in seconds, identifying a target, and searching the target area and target path.
Ask your teenager to comment prior to changing speed or position. Young drivers have the tendency to monitor the road immediately in front of the vehicle.
Parking (p. 19) Recommended 1 hour -- Angle Parking, Perpendicular Parking, Parallel Parking, Curb Parking, Parking Uphill, Parking Downhill
Turnabouts (p. 21) Recommended 2 hours -- Focus on recognizing the different types of turnabouts and selecting the appropriate type of turnabout for a
given situation. Begin in a large, level parking lot free of obstacles. Practice 2-point, 3-point, and U-turns in a parking lot. Progress to a lightly traveled
residential area, and practice visual search skills, turns, and each turnabout at least 10 times. The easiest and safest way to change directions is to drive
around the block.
Multiple Lane Roadways (p. 22) Recommended 3 hours -- Focus on lane position, lane changing, following distance, and mirror blind spots. If possible,
choose a time when the four-lane roadway on which you select to practice has minimal traffic, such as during early morning hours on Saturday or Sunday.
There are several lane position choices a driver can make without changing lanes. Practice driving in lane position 1, 2, and 3 for several miles during each
session.
City Driving (p. 24) Recommended 3 hours -- Focus on driving on crowded urban roadways. During these practice sessions have your teenager examine the
importance of scanning ahead, lane position, covering the brake, and the hazards associated with parked cars, traffic congestion, and distractions. Decision-
making is the most important skill used in driving. A driver operating in city traffic flow makes 50-60 decisions per mile. Drivers need visibility, space,
time, and adequate traction to perform all maneuvers in city traffic whether crossing, turning, passing, or adjusting speed and/or position. During these
sessions ask your teenager to focus on controlling space to the front and speed to enhance visibility, space, time, and traction. Driving on congested roadways
allows a very small margin for driver error. Effective searching skills and driver alertness are both essential. Every second counts in this driving environment.
Expressway/Freeway Driving (p. 25) Recommended 3 hours -- Focus on complex risk driving environments at speeds up to 70 mph. Traffic flow on
expressways can be heavy and at times unpredictable. They are called limited access highways because there are only certain locations, called interchanges,
where a driver can enter and exit the expressway. Expressways have a low frequency of collisions, but often have high injury severity rates when a collision
does occur because of the higher speeds. Review the expressway information in the Texas Driver Handbook. Make sure your teenager understands the
different kinds of expressway interchanges, expressway signs, signals, lane markings, speed limits, and the importance of maintaining a 20-30 second visual
lead.

File Properties

Fact Name Details
Purpose The Texas DPS Driving Log form tracks 20 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction for new drivers.
Eligibility A young driver must complete these hours under the supervision of an adult who meets the requirements of Section 521.222 (d)(2) of the Transportation Code.
Daily Limitation Only one hour of behind-the-wheel instruction per day counts towards the total of 20 hours.
Practice Requirements At least 10 of the 20 hours must be completed at nighttime.
Signature Requirement An adult supervisor must sign the log to verify the completion of each practice session.
Practice Session Details Each session includes specific skills such as turning, backing, and city driving, with recommended hours for each skill outlined.
Document Submission Upon completion, the log must be submitted along with other required documents to the Department of Public Safety for a provisional license.
Required Documents Documents include a valid learner's license, verification of enrollment, DE-964 certificate, and the completed driving log.
Driving Environment Practice sessions should occur in various environments, including parking lots, residential areas, and on expressways.
Resource Availability The Behind-the-Wheel Instruction Guide can be downloaded or printed from the Texas Education Agency website.

Instructions on Utilizing Texas Dps Driving Log

Once the Texas DPS Driving Log form is filled out, it will serve as a record of the required behind-the-wheel practice hours for your teenager. This log is essential for obtaining a provisional license. Make sure to keep it safe until you are ready to submit it along with other necessary documents.

  1. Download or print the Texas DPS Driving Log form from the Texas Education Agency website.
  2. Fill in the student's name and driver's license number at the top of the form.
  3. Record the date of each practice session in the designated space.
  4. Indicate the time of each session, specifying daytime and nighttime hours separately.
  5. For each driving skill practiced, note the number of hours completed in the corresponding sections:
    • Getting Ready, Starting, Placing the Vehicle in Motion, and Stopping (1 hour)
    • Moving, Stopping, Steering, Knowing Where You Are (2 hours)
    • Backing (1 hour)
    • Turning, Lane Position, and Visual Skills (2 hours)
    • Searching Intended Path of Travel (2 hours)
    • Parking (1 hour)
    • Turnabouts (2 hours)
    • Multiple Lane Roadways (3 hours)
    • City Driving (3 hours)
    • Expressway/Freeway Driving (3 hours)
  6. Have the adult supervising the practice sessions sign the log and provide their driver's license number.
  7. Ensure the parent or guardian signs the log, certifying the accuracy of the recorded hours.
  8. Write the date of the signature at the bottom of the form.

Important Facts about Texas Dps Driving Log

What is the Texas DPS Driving Log form?

The Texas DPS Driving Log form is a record that documents the behind-the-wheel practice hours a young driver completes under the supervision of a qualified adult. This log is essential for teenagers seeking a provisional driver’s license in Texas, as it verifies that they have completed the required 20 hours of driving practice, including at least 10 hours at night.

Who can supervise the driving practice?

The supervising adult must meet the requirements outlined in Section 521.222 (d)(2) of the Texas Transportation Code. This typically means the adult should be a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old or a parent or guardian of the young driver. Their role is crucial in ensuring that the learner receives proper guidance and support during their practice sessions.

How should I fill out the Driving Log?

When filling out the Driving Log, be sure to include the student’s name and driver’s license number at the top. For each practice session, note the date, time, and duration of both daytime and nighttime driving. Additionally, the supervising adult must sign the log to certify that the recorded hours are accurate. This signature is vital for the log to be accepted when applying for the provisional license.

Can I count more than one hour of practice in a single day?

No, the Texas DPS rules state that only one hour of behind-the-wheel instruction per day counts toward the required 20 hours, regardless of how many hours the student actually drives. This means if your teenager practices for three hours in one day, only one hour will be recorded on the log.

What types of driving practice are recommended?

The log outlines several recommended practice sessions, including getting ready to drive, moving, stopping, steering, turning, and city driving. Each area has a suggested duration, such as 1 hour for backing and 3 hours for expressway driving. These sessions help young drivers develop essential skills and build confidence behind the wheel.

What documents do I need to bring to the Department of Public Safety?

When your teenager is ready to apply for their provisional license, you must bring several documents to the Department of Public Safety. These include the completed Driving Log, the DE-964 driver education completion certificate, a valid learner’s license, a Verification of Enrollment and Attendance form, and proof that the vehicle used for the road test is properly registered, inspected, and insured. Don’t forget to bring the payment for the license fee!

What happens if I don’t have the log completed?

If the Driving Log is not completed accurately, your teenager may not be eligible to receive their provisional license. It’s essential to keep track of all practice hours and ensure that the log is filled out correctly. Missing or inaccurate information can lead to delays or complications in the licensing process.

Common mistakes

Filling out the Texas DPS Driving Log form can be a straightforward task, but many people make mistakes that can lead to delays in obtaining a provisional license. One common mistake is not recording the correct practice session dates. Each session must be documented accurately, including the specific date of practice. If the date is incorrect or missing, it may raise questions about the legitimacy of the hours logged, potentially causing issues when submitting the form.

Another frequent error involves the adult signature and driver's license number. The form requires the signature of an adult who meets specific criteria, along with their driver's license number. Failing to provide this information or having it signed by someone who does not qualify can invalidate the log. This oversight can lead to complications when trying to prove that the required driving hours were completed under proper supervision.

People also often overlook the hour limitations specified on the form. The Texas DPS states that only one hour of behind-the-wheel instruction per day will count towards the total of 20 hours. Some individuals mistakenly believe that multiple hours driven in a single day can all be counted. This misunderstanding can result in a significant shortfall in the required hours when the log is reviewed.

Finally, many make the mistake of not ensuring that the log is signed by a parent or guardian when the student is under 18. If the student is over 18, their own signature suffices, but for those underage, parental verification is essential. Without this signature, the log may be considered incomplete, causing further delays in the licensing process. Ensuring that all sections are filled out correctly and completely is crucial for a smooth application experience.

Documents used along the form

When preparing for a provisional driver's license in Texas, several important documents accompany the Texas DPS Driving Log form. Each of these documents plays a crucial role in ensuring that a young driver has met all necessary requirements and is ready for the responsibilities of driving. Below is a list of these essential forms and documents.

  • Valid Learner’s License (Instruction Permit): This document allows a young driver to operate a vehicle under the supervision of an adult. It serves as proof that the individual has completed the necessary written tests and is authorized to begin practical driving experience.
  • Verification of Enrollment and Attendance Form: This form confirms that the student is enrolled in school and is attending classes regularly. It is typically required to ensure that the young driver is meeting educational obligations while learning to drive.
  • DE-964 Driver Education Completion Certificate: Issued by the school that provided the driver education course, this certificate verifies that the student has successfully completed the required classroom and behind-the-wheel training.
  • 20 Hours Behind-the-Wheel Practice Log: This is the log that records the 20 hours of supervised driving practice, including at least 10 hours of nighttime driving. It must be completed and signed by the supervising adult.
  • Vehicle Inspection Documentation: Before the road test, the vehicle used must pass an inspection to ensure it is safe for driving. This includes having a valid inspection sticker, registration, and current insurance.
  • Payment for License Fees: When applying for the provisional license, the applicant must be prepared to pay the required fees. This payment is necessary to complete the licensing process.

Each of these documents is vital in the journey toward obtaining a provisional driver's license in Texas. Ensuring that all paperwork is in order not only facilitates a smoother application process but also reinforces the importance of responsibility and preparation in becoming a safe and competent driver.

Similar forms

The Texas DPS Driving Log form is an essential document for tracking behind-the-wheel practice hours for new drivers. It shares similarities with several other important documents used in the driving education process. Below are four documents that are similar to the Texas DPS Driving Log form:

  • Driver Education Completion Certificate (DE-964): This certificate verifies that a student has completed a driver education course. Like the Driving Log, it is required when applying for a provisional license, ensuring that the student has met the necessary educational criteria.
  • Verification of Enrollment and Attendance Form: This document confirms that a student is enrolled in school and attending classes. It is similar to the Driving Log in that both are required for the provisional license application process, demonstrating the student’s commitment to education alongside their driving training.
  • Learner’s License (Instruction Permit): The Learner’s License allows a new driver to practice driving under supervision. Similar to the Driving Log, it serves as an official record of the driver’s progress and is necessary for obtaining a provisional license once the required practice hours are completed.
  • Road Test Vehicle Inspection Checklist: This checklist ensures that the vehicle used for the driving test meets safety and operational standards. Like the Driving Log, it plays a crucial role in the licensing process, as it confirms that the vehicle is safe and ready for the road test.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Texas DPS Driving Log form, consider the following do's and don'ts:

  • Do ensure that the log is filled out accurately and completely.
  • Do include the student's name and driver's license number at the top of the form.
  • Do have the supervising adult sign the log after each practice session.
  • Do record the date, time, and hours of each driving session.
  • Don't forget to document nighttime driving hours separately.
  • Don't leave any sections of the form blank; incomplete forms may cause delays.
  • Don't falsify any information; honesty is crucial for the integrity of the log.
  • Don't submit the log without checking that all required documents are included.

Misconceptions

Understanding the Texas DPS Driving Log form is crucial for parents and young drivers alike. However, several misconceptions can lead to confusion. Here are nine common misunderstandings:

  1. Only the adult needs to sign the log. Many believe that only the supervising adult’s signature is required. In reality, the student must also sign the log if they are over 18 years of age.
  2. All driving hours count towards the 20-hour requirement. Some think that every hour spent driving counts. However, only one hour of behind-the-wheel instruction per day is recorded, regardless of how much driving occurs that day.
  3. Nighttime hours are optional. There is a misconception that nighttime driving hours are not necessary. In fact, at least 10 of the 20 hours must be completed during nighttime conditions.
  4. Practice sessions can be done without supervision. It's a common belief that practice can occur without an adult present. The law requires that all driving practice must be supervised by an adult who meets specific qualifications.
  5. Driving logs can be filled out after the fact. Some individuals think they can backfill the log after driving sessions. This is misleading; the log should be filled out in real-time to ensure accuracy.
  6. Only formal driving instruction counts. Many assume that only lessons from a driving school qualify. However, informal practice with a qualified adult also counts towards the required hours.
  7. The log is not needed for the driving test. Some believe that the log is unnecessary when taking the driving test. In reality, it must be presented along with other documents at the Department of Public Safety.
  8. All driving conditions are the same. There's a misconception that all driving practice is equal. Different conditions—like city driving or expressway driving—require specific practice hours and skills.
  9. Once 20 hours are completed, no further practice is needed. Finally, some think that completing the 20 hours means they are fully prepared for driving. While this is a requirement, ongoing practice and experience are essential for safe driving.

By clearing up these misconceptions, parents and young drivers can better navigate the requirements of the Texas DPS Driving Log form and ensure a smoother path to obtaining a provisional license.

Key takeaways

Filling out and using the Texas DPS Driving Log form is an important step in preparing your teenager for their provisional license. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:

  • Documenting Practice Hours: Ensure that you accurately record each practice session, noting the date, time, and duration of both daytime and nighttime driving. Remember, only one hour of instruction counts per day towards the required 20 hours.
  • Adult Supervision Required: The driving practice must occur in the presence of an adult who meets specific legal requirements. This adult will need to sign the log to verify the practice hours.
  • Variety of Driving Conditions: The log should reflect a range of driving experiences, including city driving, expressway driving, and various maneuvers like parking and turning. This variety is crucial for building your teenager's confidence and skills.
  • Gather Required Documents: When it’s time to apply for the provisional license, bring the completed log along with other necessary documents, such as the DE-964 certificate and proof of enrollment. This will ensure a smooth process at the Department of Public Safety.