Homepage Blank Texas Dps Driving Log Form
Outline

The Texas DPS Driving Log form is a crucial tool for young drivers as they prepare for their provisional license. This form documents the completion of 20 hours of behind-the-wheel practice, which must occur under the supervision of a qualified adult. To ensure that new drivers gain essential skills, the log outlines specific practice sessions, including various driving maneuvers and techniques. Each session has recommended time allocations, such as one hour for getting ready and starting the vehicle, two hours for turning and lane positioning, and three hours for city and expressway driving. Importantly, only one hour of practice per day counts towards the total, emphasizing the need for consistent, focused training. The log also requires signatures from the supervising adult, affirming that the young driver has completed the necessary practice hours, including at least ten hours of nighttime driving. When the time comes for the provisional license application, this log must be submitted alongside other required documents, such as the DE-964 driver education completion certificate and proof of enrollment. Understanding the Texas DPS Driving Log form is essential for parents and guardians guiding their teenagers through the learning process, ensuring a safe and successful transition to independent driving.

Sample - Texas Dps Driving Log Form

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.

Student’s Name: ________________________________________________________ DL #: ______________________________

Practice Session

Date

Time

Daytime

Nighttime

Adult’s Signature and DL #

 

mm/dd/yyyy

(am/pm)

Hours

Hours

 

 

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

Texas Education Agency/Texas Department of Public Safety Parent Guide 20 Hours

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.

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.

Texas Education Agency/Texas Department of Public Safety Parent Guide 20 Hours

Form Information

Fact Name Description
Purpose of the Log The Driving Log is used to track the 20 hours of behind-the-wheel practice required for a provisional license in Texas.
Governing Law The log is governed by Section 521.222 (d)(2) of the Texas Transportation Code.
Adult Supervision Requirement Behind-the-wheel practice must occur in the presence of an adult who meets specific qualifications outlined in Texas law.
Daily Instruction Limit Only one hour of behind-the-wheel instruction per day counts towards the total of 20 hours, regardless of actual driving time.
Nighttime Practice At least 10 of the 20 required hours must be completed during nighttime driving sessions.
Required Documents for License To obtain a provisional license, the student must present the Driving Log, DE-964 certificate, and other specified documents to the Department of Public Safety.
Practice Session Structure The log outlines recommended practice times for various driving skills, including turning, parking, and city driving.
Certification Requirement A parent or guardian must certify that the log is accurate and that the student has completed the required practice hours.
Access to Instruction Guide The Behind-the-Wheel Instruction Guide can be downloaded or printed from the Texas Education Agency's website.

Detailed Guide for Filling Out Texas Dps Driving Log

Filling out the Texas DPS Driving Log form is an important step in ensuring your teenager meets the requirements for obtaining a provisional license. This log tracks the required 20 hours of behind-the-wheel practice, including nighttime driving. Each practice session should be signed by an adult who meets the necessary qualifications. Once completed, this log, along with other required documents, will be submitted to the Department of Public Safety.

  1. Download or print the Texas DPS Driving Log form from www.tea.state.tx.us/drive.
  2. Enter the student’s name in the designated space at the top of the form.
  3. Fill in the student’s driver’s license number (DL #).
  4. For each practice session, record the date in the format mm/dd/yyyy.
  5. Indicate the time of each practice session, noting whether it was during the daytime or nighttime.
  6. Write down the number of hours spent driving for each session in the appropriate columns.
  7. Ensure the adult supervising the practice session signs the form and provides their driver’s license number.
  8. At the end of the log, have the parent or guardian sign and date the form to certify the accuracy of the record.
  9. Keep the completed log safe until it is time to submit it along with other required documents to the Department of Public Safety.

Obtain Answers on Texas Dps Driving Log

  1. What is the Texas DPS Driving Log Form?

    The Texas DPS Driving Log Form, also known as the Behind-the-Wheel Instruction Log, is a document that records the driving practice hours of a young driver. It is essential for those seeking a provisional license in Texas, as it verifies that the student has completed the required 20 hours of behind-the-wheel practice under the supervision of a qualified adult.

  2. Who can supervise the driving practice?

    The supervising adult must meet specific requirements outlined in Section 521.222 (d)(2) of the Texas Transportation Code. Generally, this means the supervisor must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid Texas driver's license. This ensures that the young driver is guided by someone with adequate experience and knowledge of driving laws.

  3. How is the 20 hours of practice structured?

    The 20 hours of behind-the-wheel practice is divided into various recommended sessions that cover different driving skills. These sessions include:

    • 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

    Each session focuses on specific skills that are crucial for safe driving.

  4. Can I log more than one hour of practice per day?

    No, only one hour of behind-the-wheel instruction per day will count towards the total of 20 hours. This rule is in place to ensure that the student is not overwhelmed and can effectively absorb the lessons learned during each practice session.

  5. What documents do I need to bring when applying for a provisional license?

    When your teenager is ready to apply for a provisional license, you will need to bring several documents to the Department of Public Safety. These include:

    • A valid learner’s license (instruction permit)
    • A Verification of Enrollment and Attendance Form
    • The DE-964 driver education completion certificate from the school
    • The 20 Hours Behind-the-Wheel Practice Log
    • A vehicle that meets safety inspection requirements, including a valid inspection sticker, registration sticker, and current insurance
    • Payment for the license fee
  6. What if my teenager is over 18 years old?

    If your teenager is over 18 years old, they can sign the log themselves. However, if they are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the log to certify that the driving practice hours are accurate and complete.

  7. What are the benefits of using the Driving Log Form?

    The Driving Log Form serves multiple purposes. It helps track the progress of the young driver, ensuring they meet the required hours of practice. Additionally, it provides a structured approach to learning essential driving skills, making the process more effective. By following the recommended practice sessions, parents can ensure that their teenager gains the necessary experience to drive safely.

  8. Where can I find the Behind-the-Wheel Instruction Guide?

    The Behind-the-Wheel Instruction Guide can be downloaded or printed from the Texas Education Agency's website at www.tea.state.tx.us/drive. This guide contains valuable information on how to effectively conduct driving practice sessions.

  9. What should I do if my teenager is not ready to drive in certain conditions?

    It is important to assess your teenager's comfort and skill level before allowing them to drive in challenging conditions, such as heavy traffic or at night. If they are not ready, focus on practicing in less demanding environments until they gain more confidence and experience. Gradually introduce them to more complex driving situations as they improve.

Common mistakes

Filling out the Texas DPS Driving Log form can be straightforward, but many people make common mistakes that can lead to delays in obtaining a provisional license. One frequent error is failing to accurately record the student's name and driver's license number. These details must be entered correctly to ensure that the log is linked to the right individual. Any discrepancies can cause complications when submitting the log to the Department of Public Safety.

Another common mistake is not adhering to the daily hour limitation. The log specifies that only one hour of behind-the-wheel instruction per day counts towards the required 20 hours, regardless of how long the student drives. Many parents and guardians misinterpret this rule and may mistakenly record multiple hours for a single day, which could invalidate the log.

Additionally, some individuals overlook the requirement for adult supervision. The driving practice must occur in the presence of an adult who meets specific qualifications. Failing to document the adult’s signature and driver’s license number can lead to issues when the log is reviewed. This step is crucial for verifying that the practice sessions were conducted under proper supervision.

Inaccurate recording of practice session dates and times is another error that can occur. Each session must be logged with the correct date and time to reflect when the practice took place. Inconsistencies in these details can raise questions about the authenticity of the log.

Lastly, many people forget to ensure that the log is signed by a parent or guardian, especially if the student is over 18 years of age. The absence of this signature can lead to the log being deemed incomplete. It is essential to double-check that all required signatures are in place before submitting the form to avoid unnecessary delays.

Documents used along the form

When preparing for a young driver to obtain their provisional license in Texas, several important documents are required alongside the Texas DPS Driving Log form. Each of these documents plays a critical role in ensuring the driver is ready and compliant with state regulations. Below is a list of commonly used forms and documents that accompany the Driving Log.

  • Valid Learner’s License (Instruction Permit): This permit allows a young driver to practice driving under the supervision of a licensed adult. It is essential for tracking the hours of behind-the-wheel practice.
  • Verification of Enrollment and Attendance Form: This document confirms that the student is enrolled in school and attending classes regularly. It is often required for obtaining a learner's permit.
  • DE-964 Driver Education Completion Certificate: Issued by the driving school, this certificate indicates that the student has successfully completed a driver education course, which is necessary for licensing.
  • Vehicle Inspection Report: This report verifies that the vehicle used for the road test meets safety and operational standards, ensuring it is safe for driving.
  • Proof of Vehicle Registration: This document shows that the vehicle is legally registered with the state, which is necessary for any vehicle on public roads.
  • Proof of Insurance: A current insurance policy is required to demonstrate that the vehicle is covered in case of an accident, providing financial protection for the driver and others.
  • Road Test Appointment Confirmation: This document confirms the date and time of the road test appointment, ensuring the student is prepared for their evaluation.
  • Parent/Guardian Consent Form: If the student is under 18, this form must be signed by a parent or guardian, giving permission for the young driver to take the road test.
  • Payment Receipt for Licensing Fees: Proof of payment for the required fees to obtain the provisional license is necessary to complete the application process.
  • Driver's Education Course Completion Form: This document certifies that the student has completed the required hours of classroom instruction, which is a prerequisite for obtaining a learner's permit.

Gathering these documents can seem overwhelming, but each one serves a specific purpose in the process of becoming a licensed driver. Ensuring that all forms are completed accurately and submitted on time will facilitate a smoother transition to obtaining a provisional license.

Similar forms

The Texas DPS Driving Log form serves a crucial role in documenting a young driver's behind-the-wheel training. Several other documents share similarities with this log, primarily in their purpose of tracking driving experience and ensuring compliance with state regulations. Here are seven documents that are similar to the Texas DPS Driving Log form:

  • Driver Education Completion Certificate: This document certifies that a student has completed a driver education course. Like the Driving Log, it is essential for obtaining a provisional license and verifies the student's readiness to drive.
  • Verification of Enrollment and Attendance Form: This form confirms that a student is enrolled in school. It is required for obtaining a learner's permit, similar to how the Driving Log is needed for a provisional license.
  • State Driver's License Application: This application is necessary for obtaining a driver's license. It requires proof of completed driving hours, just like the Driving Log must be presented to show behind-the-wheel practice.
  • Road Test Appointment Confirmation: This document confirms a scheduled road test. It is similar in that it indicates the student is prepared to demonstrate their driving skills, as recorded in the Driving Log.
  • Insurance Verification Document: This document proves that a vehicle is insured. It is required for driving legally, paralleling the Driving Log's role in demonstrating that the student has met practice requirements.
  • Vehicle Inspection Report: This report shows that a vehicle has passed inspection. Like the Driving Log, it ensures that the vehicle is safe for driving during the road test.
  • Parent/Guardian Consent Form: This form provides permission for a minor to drive. It aligns with the Driving Log, which requires parental signatures to validate the practice sessions.

Each of these documents plays a vital role in the process of becoming a licensed driver in Texas, ensuring that young drivers receive proper training and adhere to state requirements.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Texas DPS Driving Log form, it's essential to follow specific guidelines to ensure accuracy and compliance. Here are four things you should and shouldn't do:

  • Do: Ensure all required fields are completed accurately, including the student’s name and driver's license number.
  • Do: Record the date and time of each practice session, noting both daytime and nighttime hours separately.
  • Do: Have the supervising adult sign the log after each session to validate the practice hours.
  • Do: Keep a copy of the log for your records before submitting it to the Department of Public Safety.
  • Don't: Forget to limit practice sessions to one hour per day that counts towards the 20-hour requirement.
  • Don't: Leave out any required documents when applying for the provisional license, such as the DE-964 certificate.
  • Don't: Alter any entries on the log after they have been signed by the supervising adult.
  • Don't: Neglect to review the vehicle's condition before practice sessions to ensure it is safe and compliant with regulations.

Misconceptions

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

  • All driving hours count equally. Many believe that every hour spent driving contributes to the required 20 hours. In reality, only one hour of behind-the-wheel instruction per day counts, regardless of how long the student drives that day.
  • Nighttime driving hours are optional. Some think that the nighttime driving requirement is flexible. However, at least 10 of the 20 hours must be completed at night to meet the eligibility criteria for a provisional license.
  • Practice sessions can be completed alone. A common misconception is that students can log practice hours without an adult present. The law requires that an adult who meets specific criteria supervises all driving practice sessions.
  • The log form is not necessary for the road test. Some believe they can skip the driving log when applying for a provisional license. This is incorrect; the log must be presented along with other required documents during the application process.
  • Driving experience can be accumulated over multiple days. People often think that if they drive for two hours on one day and three on another, they can count those hours together. In fact, the log only allows for one hour to be counted per day, regardless of total driving time.
  • All practice sessions are the same. Some assume that any driving practice is equally beneficial. However, the Texas DPS recommends specific focus areas for each session, such as turning, parking, and city driving, which are essential for developing comprehensive driving skills.

Clarifying these misconceptions can help ensure that young drivers and their guardians complete the necessary requirements effectively and safely.

Key takeaways

Filling out and using the Texas DPS Driving Log form is an important step in helping young drivers gain the necessary behind-the-wheel experience. Here are some key takeaways to consider:

  • Completion Requirement: A total of 20 hours of behind-the-wheel practice must be logged, which must be done in the presence of an adult who meets specific legal requirements.
  • Daily Limitation: Only one hour of driving instruction can be counted per day, regardless of how long the student actually drives.
  • Practice Areas: The log includes various practice areas such as starting the vehicle, steering, turning, and driving in different environments like city streets and expressways.
  • Nighttime Driving: At least 10 of the 20 hours must be completed during nighttime to ensure the young driver gains experience in low visibility conditions.
  • Adult Supervision: The adult supervising the practice sessions must sign the log, confirming that the hours recorded are accurate and that they meet the legal requirements.
  • Required Documentation: When applying for a provisional license, the completed log must be submitted along with other required documents such as a valid learner's license and a driver education completion certificate.
  • Vehicle Requirements: The vehicle used for the road test must be in good working condition, with valid inspection and registration stickers, as well as current insurance.
  • Preparation for Road Test: Ensure that all practice hours are properly logged and that the student is well-prepared for the road test by practicing various driving scenarios outlined in the log.

By adhering to these guidelines, parents and guardians can effectively support their young drivers in achieving the necessary experience to become safe and responsible drivers.