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The Texas DPS Driving Log form serves as an essential tool for parents and guardians guiding their teenagers through the process of obtaining a provisional driver’s license. This log is part of the state’s requirements, mandating that young drivers complete a minimum of 20 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction under the supervision of a qualified adult. The form includes specific sections for documenting practice session dates, times, and the adult supervisor’s signature. It outlines recommended practice activities, each with suggested durations, covering fundamental driving skills such as vehicle operation, steering, turning, and navigating various road types. Notably, it emphasizes the importance of nighttime driving, requiring that at least 10 of the 20 hours be completed after dark. To ensure a comprehensive learning experience, the log encourages structured practice in diverse environments, from parking lots to busy city streets and expressways. Upon completion of the required hours, this log, along with other necessary documents, must be presented to the Department of Public Safety when the teenager is ready to apply for their provisional license.

Texas Dps Driving Log Example

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

File Breakdown

Fact Name Description
Purpose of the Log The Texas DPS Driving Log form is used to document 20 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction required for young drivers before they can obtain a provisional license.
Adult Supervision Requirement According to Section 521.222 (d)(2) of the Texas Transportation Code, the 20 hours of practice must be completed under the supervision of a qualified adult.
Daily Hour Limitation Only one hour of behind-the-wheel instruction per day is counted towards the total of 20 hours, regardless of how long the student actually drives.
Nighttime Driving Requirement At least 10 of the 20 hours must be completed during nighttime driving to ensure the young driver gains experience in different conditions.
Submission for Provisional License When eligible for a provisional license, the completed log must be submitted along with other required documents, such as the DE-964 completion certificate and a valid learner's license.

Guide to Using Texas Dps Driving Log

Completing the Texas DPS Driving Log form is an essential step in ensuring your teenager is prepared for their provisional license. This log tracks the hours of behind-the-wheel instruction they receive under the supervision of an adult. Follow these steps carefully to fill out the form accurately.

  1. Obtain the form: Download or print the Texas DPS Driving Log form from the Texas Education Agency website.
  2. Fill in the student's name: Write the full name of the student in the designated space at the top of the form.
  3. Enter the driver's license number: Provide the student's driver's license number in the appropriate field.
  4. Record practice session details: For each practice session, fill in the following:
    • Date: Use the mm/dd/yyyy format.
    • Time: Indicate the start time of the session using am/pm.
    • Daytime and Nighttime Hours: Record the number of hours practiced during the daytime and nighttime.
  5. Document practice categories: Fill in the recommended hours for each driving skill category:
    • 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. Parent/Guardian certification: The parent or guardian must sign and date the form to certify that the log is accurate and that the student has completed the required practice hours.

After completing the log, ensure all required documents are gathered, including the DE-964 driver education completion certificate. These documents will be necessary when your teenager applies for their provisional license at the Department of Public Safety.

Get Answers on Texas Dps Driving Log

What is the Texas DPS Driving Log Form?

The Texas DPS Driving Log Form is a document that tracks the required 20 hours of behind-the-wheel practice for young drivers. This log must be completed in the presence of an adult who meets specific qualifications. The log is essential for teenagers to obtain their provisional license, as it verifies that they have completed the necessary driving experience.

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

The Behind-the-Wheel Instruction Guide can be easily accessed online. It is available for download or printing from the Texas Education Agency's website at www.tea.state.tx.us/drive . This guide provides detailed information on the driving skills that should be practiced during the 20 hours of instruction.

Who can supervise the driving practice?

Only an adult who meets the requirements set forth in Section 521.222 (d)(2) of the Transportation Code can supervise the driving practice. This generally means the supervising adult must hold a valid Texas driver’s license and be at least 21 years old. It is crucial that the adult is experienced and able to provide guidance to the young driver.

What are the daily limits for driving practice hours?

Only one hour of behind-the-wheel instruction per day will count towards the total of 20 hours. This rule applies regardless of how many hours the student actually drives in a single day. Therefore, it is important to plan the practice sessions accordingly to ensure all hours are accounted for.

What skills are covered in the driving practice sessions?

The driving practice sessions cover a variety of essential skills, including:

  1. Getting Ready, Starting, Placing the Vehicle in Motion, and Stopping
  2. Moving, Stopping, Steering, Knowing Where You Are
  3. Backing
  4. Turning, Lane Position, and Visual Skills
  5. Searching Intended Path of Travel
  6. Parking
  7. Turnabouts
  8. Multiple Lane Roadways
  9. City Driving
  10. Expressway/Freeway Driving

Each of these areas has recommended practice times to ensure comprehensive skill development.

What documents are needed to apply for a provisional license?

When your teenager is ready to apply for their provisional license, they will need to bring several documents to the Department of Public Safety (DPS). 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 completed 20 Hours Behind-the-Wheel Practice Log
  • The vehicle used for the road test, which must pass inspection and have valid registration and insurance
  • Payment for the license fee

Is nighttime driving practice required?

Yes, at least 10 of the 20 required hours must be completed during nighttime driving. This is crucial as it helps young drivers gain experience in different driving conditions, which is essential for their overall development and safety on the road.

How can I ensure the accuracy of the driving log?

To ensure the accuracy of the driving log, both the student and the supervising adult should regularly review and update the log after each practice session. The adult must sign the log to certify that the information is correct. Keeping detailed records of each practice session, including dates, times, and specific skills practiced, will help maintain an accurate log.

Common mistakes

Filling out the Texas DPS Driving Log form is a crucial step in ensuring that young drivers meet the requirements for obtaining their provisional license. However, many people make common mistakes that can hinder this process. Understanding these pitfalls can help ensure that the log is completed accurately and effectively.

One frequent error is failing to record the date and time of each practice session. Each entry should include the date, the time spent driving, and whether it was during the daytime or nighttime. Omitting this information can lead to confusion and may result in incomplete records when it's time to submit the log.

Another mistake often made is not obtaining the adult's signature. The presence of an adult who meets specific qualifications is mandatory during the practice sessions. Their signature serves as verification of the hours completed. Without it, the log may be deemed invalid, causing delays in the licensing process.

Many individuals also overlook the importance of documenting the actual hours driven. While the log allows for a maximum of one hour per day to count towards the required 20 hours, it's essential to accurately reflect the time spent behind the wheel. Miscalculating or misrepresenting these hours can lead to complications when presenting the log to the Department of Public Safety.

In addition, neglecting to include nighttime driving hours can be a significant oversight. The log requires that at least ten of the twenty hours be completed during nighttime driving. Failing to meet this requirement can prevent the young driver from qualifying for their provisional license.

Another common mistake is not following the recommended practice session structure. Each session is designed to focus on specific skills, such as backing, turning, and city driving. Skipping these structured sessions can lead to a lack of essential driving skills, which could be detrimental not only for the log but also for the driver's overall safety.

Additionally, incomplete or inaccurate information can create issues. Each section of the log must be filled out completely, including the student’s name and driver's license number. Missing or incorrect information can lead to delays or rejection of the log during the licensing process.

Lastly, failing to double-check the log before submission can lead to preventable errors. A thorough review can catch mistakes that might otherwise go unnoticed. Taking the time to ensure that all information is correct and complete can save time and frustration later on.

Documents used along the form

When preparing for a young driver's provisional license in Texas, various forms and documents are required in addition to the Texas DPS Driving Log. Each document plays a crucial role in ensuring that the young driver meets all necessary requirements. Below is a list of commonly used forms that accompany the driving log.

  • DE-964 Driver Education Completion Certificate: This certificate confirms that the student has successfully completed a driver education course. It is essential for obtaining a provisional license.
  • Verification of Enrollment and Attendance Form: This form verifies that the student is currently enrolled in school and attending classes regularly. It is necessary for compliance with Texas education laws.
  • Valid Learner’s License (Instruction Permit): This document is proof that the student has a valid learner's permit, allowing them to practice driving under supervision.
  • Vehicle Inspection Report: The vehicle used for the road test must pass an inspection. This report confirms that the vehicle is safe and compliant with state regulations.
  • Proof of Insurance: This document verifies that the vehicle used for the road test is covered by a current insurance policy, which is a requirement for driving legally.
  • Payment for License Fees: A payment method must be provided to cover the fees associated with obtaining the provisional license.

Having these documents prepared and organized will help ensure a smooth process when applying for a provisional license. Each form contributes to the overall goal of promoting safe and responsible driving among young drivers.

Similar forms

The Texas DPS Driving Log form is an essential document for tracking a young driver's practice hours. It shares similarities with several other important documents in the realm of driver education. Here are four documents that are comparable to the Driving Log:

  • Driver Education Completion Certificate (DE-964) - This certificate confirms that a student has successfully completed a driver education course. Like the Driving Log, it is required when applying for a provisional license. Both documents serve as proof of the necessary training that a young driver must undergo before obtaining a license.
  • Verification of Enrollment and Attendance Form - This form verifies that a student is enrolled in school and attending classes. Similar to the Driving Log, it is a required document for obtaining a provisional license. Both documents emphasize the importance of education in the process of becoming a licensed driver.
  • Learner’s License (Instruction Permit) - This permit allows a young driver to practice driving under the supervision of an adult. The Driving Log tracks the practice hours completed with this permit, highlighting the necessity of supervised driving for skill development before progressing to a provisional license.
  • Road Test Vehicle Inspection Checklist - This checklist ensures that the vehicle used for the road test meets safety and operational standards. Like the Driving Log, it plays a critical role in the licensing process. Both documents help to ensure that the driver is adequately prepared and that the vehicle is safe for driving.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Texas DPS Driving Log form, it is important to follow certain guidelines to ensure accuracy and compliance. Here are five things you should and shouldn't do:

  • Do ensure accuracy: Double-check all entries, including dates, times, and signatures, to avoid errors.
  • Don't skip required information: Make sure to fill out all sections, including the student's name and driver's license number.
  • Do keep a record of practice sessions: Log each driving session immediately after it occurs to maintain an accurate account.
  • Don't exceed the daily limit: Remember that only one hour of behind-the-wheel instruction counts per day, regardless of how much driving is done.
  • Do obtain necessary signatures: Ensure that an adult who meets the requirements signs the log for each session.

Following these guidelines can help streamline the process and ensure that all necessary documentation is in order for the provisional license application.

Misconceptions

Misconceptions about the Texas DPS Driving Log form can lead to confusion for both parents and young drivers. Here are seven common misunderstandings:

  • Only nighttime hours count towards the 20-hour requirement. This is false. While at least 10 hours must be completed at nighttime, all 20 hours of practice are essential for eligibility for a provisional license.
  • Any adult can supervise driving practice. Not true. The supervising adult must meet specific requirements outlined in Section 521.222 (d)(2) of the Transportation Code.
  • Multiple hours of driving on the same day count as multiple sessions. This is incorrect. Only one hour of behind-the-wheel instruction per day will count towards the total, regardless of how long the student drives.
  • The driving log is optional. This is a misconception. The log is a required document that must be submitted when applying for a provisional license.
  • Practice sessions can be completed in any order. While flexibility exists, it is recommended to follow the structured practice sessions outlined in the log for optimal learning.
  • Parents can sign off on practice hours without being present. This is misleading. An adult must be present during all practice sessions for the hours to count.
  • The log is only for students under 18. This is not entirely accurate. While primarily for minors, any student under a learner's permit must adhere to the log requirements regardless of age.

Understanding these points can help ensure that young drivers meet all necessary requirements for obtaining their provisional license in Texas.

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.
  • Practice sessions must occur in the presence of an adult who meets specific requirements.
  • Only one hour of instruction per day counts towards the 20-hour requirement.
  • Practice sessions should cover various skills, including starting, stopping, turning, and parking.
  • At least 10 of the 20 hours must be completed during nighttime driving.
  • Required documents for obtaining a provisional license include the driving log and a DE-964 certificate.
  • The vehicle used for the road test must pass inspection and have valid registration and insurance.
  • Use the Texas Education Agency website to download or print the Behind-the-Wheel Instruction Guide.