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Content Overview

The Texas DPS Driving Log form serves as an essential tool for new drivers in the state, particularly those preparing to obtain their provisional license. This log requires a total of 20 hours of behind-the-wheel practice, which must be completed under the supervision of a qualified adult. The supervising adult must meet specific requirements outlined in the Texas Transportation Code. Importantly, only one hour of practice per day counts towards the total, regardless of how many hours the student may drive in that day. The form includes detailed sections for recording practice session dates, times, and the signature of the supervising adult. The recommended practice sessions cover a range of driving skills, from basic vehicle operation to navigating complex urban environments. These sessions are structured to ensure that young drivers gain a comprehensive understanding of safe driving practices, including turning, lane positioning, and city driving. Additionally, the log emphasizes the importance of nighttime driving experience, mandating that at least ten of the twenty hours occur after dark. Upon completion of the required practice hours, the log must be submitted alongside other necessary documents to the Department of Public Safety, marking a crucial step in the journey towards responsible driving.

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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.

Form Specifications

Fact Name Details
Required Practice Hours The Texas DPS Driving Log requires a minimum of 20 hours of behind-the-wheel practice before a young driver can apply for a provisional license.
Adult Supervision Practice must occur in the presence of an adult who meets the qualifications outlined in Section 521.222 (d)(2) of the Texas Transportation Code.
Daily Hour Limitation Only one hour of behind-the-wheel instruction per day counts towards the total 20 hours, regardless of how many hours the student drives in a day.
Practice Session Requirements The log includes specific recommendations for various driving skills, such as turning, parking, and city driving, with suggested hours for each skill.
Documentation for Provisional License To obtain a provisional license, the log must be submitted along with the DE-964 completion certificate and other required documents to the Department of Public Safety.

Texas Dps Driving Log: Usage Guidelines

Once you have the Texas DPS Driving Log form in hand, it’s time to start documenting your teenager's behind-the-wheel practice sessions. This log will help track the hours and skills your young driver is mastering, ensuring they meet the requirements for their provisional license.

  1. Download or Print the Form: Access the Texas DPS Driving Log form from the Texas Education Agency website at www.tea.state.tx.us/drive.
  2. Fill in the Student’s Name: Write the full name of the student on the line provided at the top of the form.
  3. Enter the Driver’s License Number: Fill in the student’s driver’s license number (if applicable) next to the name.
  4. Document Practice Sessions: For each practice session, complete the following:
    • Practice Session Date: Write the date of the driving practice in mm/dd/yyyy format.
    • Time: Indicate the time spent driving, noting whether it was daytime or nighttime.
    • Adult’s Signature and License Number: The supervising adult must sign and provide their driver’s license number at the end of the session.
  5. Record Hours: Document the hours spent on each recommended driving skill, ensuring you only count one hour per day towards the total.
  6. Parent/Guardian Signature: If the student is under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the log, certifying the accuracy of the recorded hours.
  7. Date of Signature: Write the date on which the parent or guardian signed the log.

After completing the log, keep it safe along with other required documents. When your teenager is ready for their provisional license, take the log to the Department of Public Safety along with the necessary paperwork. This includes the DE-964 driver education completion certificate and proof of enrollment.

Your Questions, Answered

What is the Texas DPS Driving Log form?

The Texas DPS Driving Log form is a document that records the behind-the-wheel practice hours a young driver must complete before becoming eligible for a provisional license. This log is essential for tracking the 20 hours of driving experience, which includes at least 10 hours of nighttime driving, under the supervision of an adult who meets specific legal requirements.

How can I obtain the Behind-the-Wheel Instruction Guide?

You can easily download or print the Behind-the-Wheel Instruction Guide from the Texas Education Agency's website at www.tea.state.tx.us/drive. This guide provides detailed information on the required practice sessions and recommended time allocations for each driving skill.

Who can supervise the young driver during practice sessions?

The supervising adult must meet the requirements outlined in Section 521.222 (d)(2) of the Texas Transportation Code. Generally, this means the supervisor should hold a valid Texas driver’s license and be at least 21 years old. It is crucial that the adult is experienced and can provide constructive guidance during the practice sessions.

How is the 20 hours of practice time structured?

The 20 hours of behind-the-wheel practice is broken down into specific skill areas, each with recommended time allocations. For example, skills such as moving, stopping, and steering are suggested for 2 hours, while skills like parking and backing are recommended for 1 hour each. Only one hour of practice per day will count towards the total, regardless of how much driving occurs in that day.

What documents are required when applying for a provisional license?

When your teenager is ready to apply for a provisional license, they must bring several documents to the Department of Public Safety. These include a valid learner’s license, the Verification of Enrollment and Attendance Form, the DE-964 driver education completion certificate, the completed 20 Hours Behind-the-Wheel Practice Log, and proof that the vehicle used for the road test is properly registered and insured. Additionally, they should be prepared to pay the applicable licensing fees.

What should I do if I have questions about the driving log or practice sessions?

If you have questions about the driving log or the practice sessions, consider reaching out to your teenager's driving instructor or the local Department of Public Safety office. They can provide guidance and clarification on any specific concerns you may have. It is important to ensure that both you and your teenager feel confident and informed throughout the learning process.

Common mistakes

  1. Incorrect Dates: Failing to enter the correct date for each practice session can lead to confusion and potential issues when verifying the log.

  2. Missing Signatures: Not obtaining the adult's signature after each session may invalidate the log. Every session must be verified by an adult who meets the requirements.

  3. Improper Time Recording: Recording more than one hour of instruction per day does not comply with the guidelines. Only one hour counts, regardless of actual driving time.

  4. Neglecting Nighttime Hours: Failing to ensure that at least 10 hours of practice occur at night can prevent eligibility for a provisional license.

  5. Inaccurate Session Descriptions: Not accurately describing the activities completed during each practice session may lead to questions about the quality of instruction.

  6. Omitting Required Documents: Forgetting to bring the log and other necessary documents to the Department of Public Safety can delay the licensing process.

  7. Inconsistent Practice: Skipping practice sessions or not following the recommended structure can hinder the young driver's learning process.

  8. Ignoring Vehicle Requirements: Not ensuring that the vehicle used for practice meets safety and inspection requirements can result in complications during the road test.

  9. Failure to Review Guidelines: Not reviewing the Behind-the-Wheel Instruction Guide can lead to missing critical information necessary for effective training.

Documents used along the form

The Texas DPS Driving Log form is essential for documenting the required behind-the-wheel practice hours for young drivers. Alongside this form, several other documents are necessary to ensure a smooth process when applying for a provisional license. Below is a list of these documents, each serving a specific purpose in the application process.

  • Valid Learner’s License (Instruction Permit) - This document allows a student to practice driving under the supervision of a qualified adult. It is a prerequisite for logging practice hours and must be presented during the licensing process.
  • Verification of Enrollment and Attendance Form - This form confirms that the student is enrolled in school and attending classes regularly. It is required to show that the student meets educational criteria for obtaining a provisional license.
  • DE-964 Driver Education Completion Certificate - Issued by the school that provided driver education, this certificate verifies that the student has completed a driver education course. It is a crucial document for licensing.
  • Vehicle Inspection Documentation - The vehicle used for the road test must pass an inspection. This includes having a valid inspection sticker, registration sticker, and proof of current insurance. These documents ensure the vehicle is safe for driving.
  • Payment for License Fees - Applicants must bring the necessary funds to cover the fees associated with obtaining a provisional license. This ensures that the application process can be completed without delays.

Gathering these documents ahead of time will help streamline the process of obtaining a provisional license. Each document plays a vital role in ensuring that both the student and the vehicle meet the necessary requirements set by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Similar forms

The Texas DPS Driving Log form serves as an essential tool for tracking a young driver's behind-the-wheel practice hours. Several other documents share similarities with this log, each designed to facilitate the learning and documentation process for new drivers. Below are six documents that are comparable to the Texas DPS Driving Log form, along with explanations of their similarities.

  • Driver Education Completion Certificate: This document confirms that a student has completed the required driver education course. Like the Driving Log, it is a necessary component for obtaining a provisional license, ensuring that all prerequisites for safe driving have been met.
  • Verification of Enrollment and Attendance Form: This form verifies that the student is enrolled in school and attending classes. Similar to the Driving Log, it serves as a required document for the licensing process, emphasizing the importance of education alongside driving skills.
  • Learner’s License (Instruction Permit): The Learner’s License allows a young driver to practice driving under supervision. It shares the same goal as the Driving Log—ensuring that the driver gains the necessary experience before obtaining a full license.
  • Road Test Application: This application is submitted to schedule a road test for the young driver. Like the Driving Log, it is a step in the licensing process, confirming that the driver has prepared adequately through practice sessions.
  • Vehicle Inspection Report: This document certifies that the vehicle meets safety standards for driving. Similar to the Driving Log, it is a prerequisite for the road test, ensuring that the vehicle used for practice is safe and roadworthy.
  • Insurance Verification Document: This document proves that the vehicle is insured, which is crucial for legal driving. Like the Driving Log, it is part of the overall requirements for obtaining a provisional license, highlighting the importance of safety and compliance in the driving process.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Texas DPS Driving Log form, it’s essential to follow certain guidelines to ensure accuracy and compliance. Here’s a list of what you should and shouldn’t do:

  • Do fill in the student's name and driver's license number clearly.
  • Do record each practice session date and time accurately.
  • Do ensure that the adult supervising the practice session signs the log.
  • Do keep track of daytime and nighttime driving hours separately.
  • Do follow the recommended practice hours for each driving skill.
  • Don't try to log more than one hour of instruction per day.
  • Don't forget to have the supervising adult meet the requirements outlined in Section 521.222 (d)(2).
  • Don't leave any fields blank; every section must be completed.
  • Don't falsify any information or signatures on the log.
  • Don't forget to bring the completed log along with other required documents when applying for the provisional license.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure that the driving log is filled out correctly and that your teenager is on the right path toward obtaining their provisional license.

Misconceptions

There are several misconceptions about the Texas DPS Driving Log form that can lead to confusion. Understanding these can help ensure a smoother experience for both parents and young drivers.

  • Misconception 1: All driving hours count towards the 20-hour requirement.
  • Only one hour of behind-the-wheel instruction per day will count towards the total of 20 hours, regardless of how many hours the student actually drives in a single day.

  • Misconception 2: Nighttime driving hours are not necessary.
  • At least 10 of the 20 hours must be completed during nighttime driving. This is crucial for developing skills needed for driving in low-light conditions.

  • Misconception 3: The log form is optional.
  • The log form is required to be submitted along with other documents when applying for a provisional license. It serves as proof of the required practice hours.

  • Misconception 4: The adult supervising the practice can be anyone.
  • The supervising adult must meet specific requirements outlined in Section 521.222 (d)(2) of the Transportation Code. This ensures that the learner is guided by someone qualified.

Key takeaways

Key Takeaways for Using the Texas DPS Driving Log Form:

  • The log must document a total of 20 hours of behind-the-wheel practice, which must be supervised by an adult who meets specific legal requirements.
  • Only one hour of driving instruction per day counts towards the total, regardless of how long the student actually drives.
  • Practice sessions should cover various driving skills, including parking, turning, and expressway driving, with recommended hours allocated for each skill.
  • Before obtaining a provisional license, the log, along with other required documents, must be submitted to the Department of Public Safety.
  • Ensure the vehicle used for the road test is in good condition, with valid registration and inspection stickers, and current insurance.