8 Secrets to Acing Your Texas Online Drivers Ed

The DPS written exam is a computer-based exam administered by the Department of Public Safety (DPS) in Texas. It’s a mandatory step for individuals seeking a driver’s license.

Tens of thousands of applicants apply for this exam every year, but not everyone passes. There are plenty of reasons for their failures, but the good news is that most of them are avoidable.

In this article, we list 8 secrets to seeing off your Texas online drivers ed exam successfully. And, if you are a parent worried about your kid’s Texas online driver’s ed, we bet you will love #7.

1. Check Eligibility Before Applying

Many applications get rejected simply because they aren’t eligible to apply. You can avoid this and ensure a smooth experience by cross-checking eligibility beforehand.

To be eligible to take the DPS online written test, you must meet the following criteria:

• Age: You must be at least 15 years old to apply for a learner’s permit, which is required before taking the written test.
• Residency: You must be a resident of Texas.
• Identity: You must provide proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or passport.
  Social Security number: You must have a Social Security number.

If you meet these eligibility requirements, you can proceed with applying for a learner’s permit and taking the DPS online written test.

If you’re unsure, you can use the TDLR online tool to check eligibility.

2. Familiarize Yourself With The Test Format

Familiarize yourself with the structure of the exam, including the number of questions, time limit, and types of questions. This knowledge will help you manage your time effectively and anticipate the types of questions you’ll encounter.

Note that the exam is conducted in MCQ format. Each question typically has four answer choices and only one is the correct answer. You’ll be given 40 multiple-choice questions to solve, of which you need to solve 32 correctly. However, it’s important to check the exact number before applying. It may change by the time you appear for the examination.

3. Practice Mock Tests

Practice makes perfect. Thus, to ace your Texas online driver’s exam, you need to practice and hone your skills.

Utilize online resources, such as the DPS website or third-party driver education platforms, to access practice tests and quizzes. Practicing with these resources will help you become familiar with the exam content, improve your test-taking skills, and boost your confidence.

Most of the resources are free of cost. So you shouldn’t have to pay anything. Repeat the mock tests till you become better at answering the questions.

4. Focus on Key Topics

The DPS written exam is designed to assess your knowledge of Texas traffic laws, road signs, and driving safety. It serves as a screening tool to ensure that you have a basic understanding of the rules of the road before you are allowed to drive on public roads.

Therefore, you need to understand the key topics and master them.

The exam typically covers the following topics:

• Traffic laws: Understanding and applying Texas traffic laws, including rules of the road, speed limits, right-of-way, and other regulations.
• Road signs: Recognizing and interpreting various road signs, such as warning signs, regulatory signs, and guide signs.
• Driving safety: Understanding basic driving techniques, defensive driving strategies, and common driving hazards.

Note that Texas’s traffic laws are the same as the rest of the US, but there may be subtle variations depending on the specific laws of the other states. Thus, spend some time getting familiar with the Texas traffic laws. Also, level up your driving safety knowledge. This is important not only for passing the exam but to ensure your own safety.

5. Parent-taught Driver’s Ed in Texas

Parent-Taught Driver Education (PTDE) in Texas is a program that allows parents or legal guardians to teach their teen drivers directly. Instead of attending traditional in-classroom or online driver education courses, parents can take on the role of instructor and guide their teens through the learning process.

Think of it like homeschooling for driving. Just as parents can choose to homeschool their children instead of sending them to a public or private school, they can also opt to teach their teens how to drive themselves.

How PTDE differs from traditional driver education:

• Customization: PTDE offers a more personalized learning experience. Parents can tailor the instruction to their teen’s individual needs and learning styles.
• Flexibility: PTDE provides more flexibility in terms of scheduling. Parents can choose when and where to teach their teens, fitting it into their family’s routine.
• Strengthened bond: PTDE can foster a stronger bond between parents and their teens as they work together to achieve a common goal.
• Cost-effectiveness: PTDE can be a more cost-effective option than traditional driver education courses, as there are no tuition fees.

However, it’s important to note that PTDE still requires parents to follow specific guidelines and curricula set by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). An online Texas driver’s education course can aid the learning process and, eventually, the written exam.

6. Be Aware of the Fees Involved

The fees for the DPS written exam can vary depending on your specific circumstances and location.

In most cases, the fee is included in the driver’s education course. After completing the course, you should be able to appear for the exam at no extra cost. However, some institutes may charge separately for it. Either way, you need to pay the appropriate fees.

It’s important to note that fees can change over time, so it’s always a good idea to check with your local DMV office for the most up-to-date information on fees. You can typically find this information on the DPS website or by contacting your local DMV office directly.

7. Take the Texas Online Driver’s Ed for Teens

Driver’s education courses in Texas are designed to provide young drivers with the knowledge and skills necessary to operate a motor vehicle safely. These courses are typically required for individuals under the age of 18.

While the courses are typically delivered in classrooms, your child can now take online drivers ed for teens.

These are suitable for busy teens who maintain a busy school schedule. Online drivers’ ed in Spanish provide greater flexibility in terms of scheduling. You can study at your own pace and on your own time, making it easier to fit into your busy schedule.

8. Learn About the Next Steps

The online DPS written exam isn’t the be-all and end-all. You wouldn’t get your driving license after completing the exam. For that, you need to take the next steps.

Once you’ve successfully passed the DPS written exam, here’s what you’ll need to do:

• Schedule a Driving Test: After passing the written exam, you’ll need to schedule a driving test with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You can typically do this online or by visiting a DMV office in person.
• Prepare for the Driving Test: Practice driving regularly to improve your skills and become familiar with driving techniques. Review the Texas Driver Handbook to refresh your knowledge of traffic laws and road signs.
• Gather Necessary Documents: For the driving test, you’ll need to bring your learner’s permit, proof of insurance, and a vehicle that meets inspection requirements.
• Take the Driving Test: The driving test will evaluate your ability to operate a vehicle safely, follow traffic laws, and demonstrate good driving habits. The test may include maneuvers such as parallel parking, turning, and merging into traffic.

DrivingQuest’s online teen driver’s ed course, delivered both in English and Spanish, is designed for young learners in Texas and comes with the DPS written exam free of charge. After passing the online written exam, you’ll receive a certificate of completion and proceed to the next steps. Sounds good? Contact us today to learn more.