Download Texas Dps Driving Log Template Fill Out Your Document

Download Texas Dps Driving Log Template

The Texas DPS Driving Log form serves as a crucial document for young drivers aiming to secure their provisional license. It meticulously records 20 hours of behind-the-wheel practice under the supervision of an adult who meets specific requirements outlined in Section 521.222 (d)(2) of the Transportation Code. Ensuring these hours, including at least 10 hours of nighttime driving, are logged accurately is pivotal for the advancement to a provisional license. Click the button below to fill out the form carefully and take the next step toward driving independence.

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Learning to drive is a significant milestone in a young person's life, and in Texas, the process is guided by structured requirements, including the completion of a Behind-the-Wheel Instruction Log. This document is essential for tracking the 20 hours of driving practice a learner must undertake before they can qualify for a provisional license. It meticulously details the specifics of what these practice sessions should entail, ranging from basic vehicle control to navigating complex city and freeway environments. Each practice session is designed to address fundamental driving skills such as starting, stopping, steering, and visual scanning, ensuring that beginner drivers build a strong foundation. The log also emphasizes the importance of nighttime driving experience, requiring at least 10 of the 20 hours to take place at night. Moreover, it stresses that learning should occur under the supervision of an adult who satisfies certain qualifications as outlined by the state. This comprehensive approach, encapsulated in the log, not only prepares young drivers for the road test but also instills the importance of safe driving practices from the onset. Upon completion, it, alongside other necessary documents, must be presented at the Department of Public Safety (DPS) as part of the application process for a provisional license. This system underscores Texas's commitment to ensuring that its roads are shared by well-prepared and responsible drivers.

Document 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

Form Information

Fact Name Description
Form Purpose The Texas DPS Driving Log Form is designed to record 20 hours of behind-the-wheel practice under supervision, as required before a young driver can obtain a provisional license.
Limitation of Hours Only one (1) hour of behind-the-wheel instruction per day counts towards the 20-hour requirement, regardless of the actual hours driven in a day.
Supervision Requirements Behind-the-wheel practice must be completed in the presence of an adult who meets the requirements of Section 521.222 (d)(2), Texas Transportation Code.
Nighttime Driving Out of the 20 required hours, at least 10 hours must be completed at nighttime.
Training Categories The log includes specific categories such as starting and stopping, parking, city driving, and expressway/freeway driving, with recommended hours for each.
Pre-Licensing Process Completion of the form, along with a DE-964 driver education completion certificate and other documents, is required to be submitted to the Department of Public Safety for a provisional license.
Governing Law The form adheres to Texas Education Agency/Texas Department of Public Safety guidelines and the Texas Transportation Code.

How to Use Texas Dps Driving Log

Filling out the Texas DPS Driving Log is an important step for young drivers in Texas on their way to getting their provisional license. This log is a way to document the required 20 hours of behind-the-wheel practice, including at least 10 hours at nighttime. These hours need to be supervised by an adult who meets specific requirements. After completing this log, along with other prerequisites, the young driver will take these documents to the Department of Public Safety as part of the process to obtain a provisional license. Here is how to accurately fill out the log:

  1. Download or print the Behind-the-Wheel Instruction Guide from www.tea.state.tx.us/drive if you haven't already, as it will be a helpful resource.
  2. Enter the Student’s Name at the top of the form where indicated.
  3. Fill in the DL # (Driver’s License Number) of the student if they have been issued one.
  4. For each practice session, enter the Date in the format mm/dd/yyyy.
  5. Specify the Time the practice session started and ended, using am/pm to indicate morning or evening.
  6. Divide your practice time into Daytime and Nighttime hours, entering the total hours in each respective column. Remember, only one hour per day will count towards the 20 hours regardless of the actual time spent driving in a day.
  7. Under each practice session, mark the hours spend on specific driving skills as recommended in the guide, such as Getting Ready, Starting, Placing the Vehicle in Motion, and Stopping and City Driving.
  8. An adult who meets the requirements of Section 521.222 (d)(2), Transportation Code, must sign each entry. They need to provide their signature and driver's license number (Adult’s Signature and DL #) to verify the practice session.
  9. After completing all 20 hours of practice, the parent, guardian, or the student (if over 18 years of age) must certify and endorse the record by signing at the bottom of the form where indicated. Include the date of signing.
  10. Check that all practice areas have been covered sufficiently and that the log is fully completed and accurate. This log, along with the DE-964 driver education completion certificate and other required documents, will be necessary for the provisional license application.

Once the log is fully completed, the next step involves gathering all required documents, which include the valid Learner's License (Instruction Permit), Verification of Enrollment and Attendance Form, and the DE-964 certificate from the school that provided the driver education course, among others. With these documents prepared, the young driver and their parent or guardian will visit the Department of Public Safety to proceed with the application for a provisional license. Make sure the vehicle used for the Road Test is in good condition, with valid inspection and registration stickers, and current insurance coverage. Lastly, be prepared to pay the fee for the license. This thorough preparation will help ensure a smooth process towards achieving driving independence.

Listed Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of the Texas DPS Driving Log form?

The Texas DPS Driving Log form is designed to record the 20 hours of behind-the-wheel practice that a young driver must complete under the supervision of an adult meeting specific requirements. This practice is necessary before the young driver can be eligible for a provisional license. It ensures that the learner has gained practical driving experience, including nighttime driving, under varied conditions.

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

The Behind-the-Wheel Instruction Guide can be downloaded or printed from the official website www.tea.state.tx.us/drive . This guide complements the driving log by providing detailed instructions and recommendations for each practice session.

Who can supervise the behind-the-wheel practice?

The adult supervising the behind-the-wheel practice must meet the requirements outlined in Section 521.222 (d)(2) of the Transportation Code. This ensures that the supervising adult has the appropriate driving experience and legal standing to provide instruction and oversight.

Is there a limit to how many hours can be logged in a day?

Yes, only one (1) hour of behind-the-wheel instruction per day will count towards the 20 hours required, regardless of the number of hours the student actually drives in that day. This limitation helps to ensure that the practice is spread out over several days to provide varied driving experiences and sufficient rest between sessions.

What types of driving should be covered in the practice sessions?

  • Getting ready, starting, placing the vehicle in motion, and stopping
  • Moving, stopping, steering, and knowing where you are
  • Backing
  • Turning, lane position, and visual skills
  • Searching intended path of travel
  • Parking
  • Turnabouts
  • Multiple lane roadways
  • City driving
  • Expressway/Freeway driving

How should nighttime driving be incorporated into the practice?

At least 10 of the 20 required hours must be completed at nighttime to ensure the learner gains experience driving in different lighting conditions. Nighttime driving introduces unique challenges such as reduced visibility and the need for heightened awareness, making it a critical component of the learning process.

What documents are required when applying for a provisional license?

  1. A valid Learner's License (Instruction Permit)
  2. Verification of Enrollment and Attendance Form
  3. DE-964 form from the school which provided the driver education course
  4. The completed 20 Hours Behind-the-Wheel Practice Log
  5. The vehicle used for the Road Test must meet safety standards and have up-to-date inspection, registration, and insurance
  6. Payment for the license fee

It's important to complete each session as recommended to ensure that the learner driver is well-prepared for a wide range of driving scenarios. Incomplete sessions might leave gaps in the driver's skills and experience. It is advisable to revisit any incomplete or insufficiently covered areas of practice.

Can I repeat a driving session more than once?

Yes, repeating driving sessions is encouraged, especially if the learner driver or the supervising adult feels that additional practice is needed in a particular area. Mastery of driving skills comes with practice, and repeating sessions can help reinforce the lessons learned.

How do I submit the completed Texas DPS Driving Log form?

Once completed, bring the Driving Log form along with the other required documents to the Department of Public Safety when applying for the provisional license. It's a good idea to make a copy for your records before submission.

Common mistakes

Filling out the Texas DPS Driving Log form accurately is vital for ensuring a teenager progresses successfully from a learner's license to a provisional license. Nevertheless, there are common errors that can occur during this process:

  1. Not adhering to the one-hour-per-day rule which states that only one (1) hour of behind-the-wheel instruction counts towards the 20 hours required, regardless of if the student drives more in a single day. This oversight can lead to miscalculations in the total number of hours completed.

  2. Failure to complete the driving log in the presence of an adult who meets the requirements specified in Section 521.222 (d)(2), Transportation Code. It is crucial that the designated adult supervises all practice sessions to validate the authenticity of the driving experience recorded.

  3. Incorrectly filling out the student's name or Driver License Number. Such inaccuracies can cause delays or issues when submitting the form for a provisional license, as all information must be correctly matched to official records.

  4. Overlooking the necessity to divide the driving practice into daytime and nighttime hours, with at least 10 hours required to be at night. This mistake can result in insufficient nighttime driving experience, which is crucial for a comprehensive skill set.

  5. Forgetting to have the adult supervisor sign and date each entry. This endorsement serves as a confirmation of each practice session and is a critical component for the provisional license application process.

  6. Omitting the detailed log of specific driving skills practiced, such as parking, turning, or city driving, and instead providing a generic log of hours. This lack of specificity does not demonstrate the comprehensive behind-the-wheel practice expected by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Each of these errors can significantly impact the provisional licensing process. To ensure smooth progression, careful attention to detail and full compliance with the requirements outlined in the Texas Behind-the-Wheel Instruction Guide are encouraged. Families should work together, utilizing the guide as a structured roadmap for the young driver’s learning process. Thus, filling out the Texas DPS Driving Log form correctly becomes a shared responsibility, reinforcing the partnership between student drivers, their families, and the licensing authorities.

Documents used along the form

Completing the Texas DPS Driving Log form is a critical step for young drivers in Texas aiming to advance from a learner's permit to a provisional license. This form ensures that the new driver has completed the required 20 hours of behind-the-wheel practice, under the supervision of a qualified adult, before taking the road test. Alongside this form, several other documents and forms are often needed to complete the process of obtaining a provisional license. Below is a list of these documents, each serving its purpose in the journey to becoming a licensed driver.

  • Valid Learner’s License (Instruction Permit): This document serves as proof that the individual is legally allowed to drive under supervision on public roads.
  • Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE) Form: This form verifies that the student is currently enrolled in school and has satisfactory attendance, a requirement for drivers under 18 in Texas.
  • DE-964 Certificate: Issued by the driving school upon completion of a driver education course, this certificate is required to prove that the educational component of driver training has been completed.
  • Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) Certificate: This is a completion certificate for the ITTD program, a requirement for all drivers aged 16-17 applying for a first-time driver license in Texas.
  • Application for Texas Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-14A): This official application form initiates the process for obtaining a provisional license.
  • Proof of Identity, U.S. Citizenship, or Legal Presence Documents: These documents are necessary to verify the applicant's identity and legal status in the United States.
  • Proof of Texas Residency: Applicants must provide two documents proving their residency in Texas, such as utility bills or lease agreements.
  • Vehicle Registration and Insurance: For the road test, the vehicle used must be properly registered in Texas, pass a safety inspection, and be insured.
  • Parental Authorization Signature (for applicants under 18): A parent or guardian must sign this authorization, permitting the minor to apply for a driver license.

Each document and form plays a crucial role in ensuring that all legal and regulatory requirements are met before a new driver is allowed on the road independently. It is essential for applicants and their guardians to gather and complete these documents carefully and accurately to ensure a smooth transition from a learner's permit to a provisional license. With proper preparation and understanding of these requirements, the process of becoming a licensed driver in Texas can be a straightforward and rewarding experience.

Similar forms

The Driver's Education Completion Certificate, often referred to as the DE-964 form, is one document that bears similarity to the Texas DPS Driving Log. Both serve as critical steps towards acquiring a driver's license, particularly for young or new drivers. The DE-964 form is evidence that a student has completed a driver education course, akin to a diploma or certification of achievement. Like the Texas DPS Driving Log, it is a required document to progress towards getting a license. The driving log specifically records the practical, behind-the-wheel experience, while the DE-964 form verifies formal instruction has been received and completed.

The Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE) Form is another document closely aligned with the Texas DPS Driving Log in its role in the licensing process for young drivers. The VOE form proves that a student is enrolled in school and attending regularly, which is a requirement for teenagers under 18 to maintain their eligibility for a learner's permit or provisional driver's license in Texas. Both documents support the goal of promoting responsibility and accountability among young drivers, ensuring they meet both educational and practical requirements for safe driving.

A Vehicle Inspection Report is necessary for the road test part of obtaining a driver's license, much like the Texas DPS Driving Log is essential for logging driving practice hours. This report confirms that the vehicle used for the road test is safe and meets all legal requirements, ensuring that everything from brakes to lights is in working order. Both documents are crucial for ensuring the safety of the driver and the general public. The driving log focuses on the driver's preparedness through practiced hours, whereas the inspection report focuses on the vehicle's preparedness and safety compliance.

The Road Test Scheduling Form, needed to schedule a practical driving examination, shares common objectives with the Texas DPS Driving Log. Both are pivotal steps in the certification process for new drivers, ensuring they are prepared for independent driving. The scheduling form facilitates the opportunity for a driver to demonstrate their skills in a real-world scenario, complementing the driving log that shows practice and preparedness leading up to the test. Each document contributes to verifying that new drivers have met Texas's stringent requirements for road safety and competency.

Lastly, Proof of Insurance is akin to the Texas DPS Driving Log as a mandatory requirement in the driving and licensing process. Before a learner can take the road test, proof of current, valid insurance for the vehicle being used is necessary. It demonstrates financial responsibility for potential damages, akin to how the driving log demonstrates responsibility for acquiring necessary driving skills. Both documents are integral to ensuring that new drivers are not only skilled but also prepared for the legal and financial responsibilities of operating a vehicle.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Texas DPS Driving Log form, it's crucial to ensure accuracy and compliance with Texas Department of Public Safety requirements. This document serves as an official record of behind-the-wheel practice, crucial for young drivers aspiring to get their provisional license. Below are key dos and don’ts to consider.

Do:
  1. Ensure that each driving session is supervised by an adult who meets the requirements of Section 521.222 (d)(2), Transportation Code. This is critical for the practice hours to be deemed valid.

  2. Log only one (1) hour of behind-the-wheel instruction per day, as per the stipulations. Even if multiple hours of practice are completed in a day, remember that just one hour counts toward the required 20 hours.

  3. Accurately divide the logged hours between daytime and nighttime driving, ensuring that at least 10 hours are completed at night. This distribution is essential for a well-rounded driving experience.

  4. Have the supervising adult sign each entry alongside their driver’s license number. This is necessary for verification purposes and adds validity to the log.

Don't:
  1. Forget to fill out any part of the form, including the student’s name and driver’s license number. Incomplete forms may not be accepted and could lead to delays in the eligibility process for the provisional license.

  2. Attempt to fabricate or inflate driving hours. Honesty is crucial in this process, as these hours are meant to represent real, practical experience behind the wheel.

  3. Skip the inclusion of critical maneuvers such as getting ready, starting, placing the vehicle in motion, and stopping, among others. These maneuvers are foundational and each have recommended hours of practice.

  4. Overlook the need for the log when applying for the provisional license. Along with the DE-964 driver education completion certificate and other required documents, this log is a mandatory component for eligibility.

Misconceptions

There are several misconceptions regarding the Texas DPS Driving Log form that need to be clarified:

  • Any adult can supervise the driving practice. The 20 hours of behind-the-wheel practice must be completed under the supervision of an adult who meets specific requirements outlined in Section 521.222 (d)(2) of the Transportation Code.
  • More than one hour of driving per day counts towards the total. Only one hour of behind-the-wheel instruction per day will be counted towards the 20-hour requirement, regardless of the actual hours driven.
  • Nighttime hours are not mandatory. At least 10 of the required 20 hours must be completed at nighttime to ensure the young driver gains experience in different driving conditions.
  • The log doesn't need to be signed. The parent or guardian must certify and endorse the log by signing it, affirming that the record is true, and that the student has completed the required hours.
  • Any driving activity counts towards the total hours. The log specifies particular driving activities with recommended hours for each to ensure comprehensive practice in various driving skills and scenarios.
  • The form is only for the DPS's records. While the completed form is required by the DPS for the provisional license application, it also serves as a guided practice framework to ensure new drivers are well-prepared.
  • Completing the form is the final step for a driver's license. In addition to the driving log, applicants need to provide other documents, including a DE-964 driver education completion certificate and a valid learner’s permit, among others.
  • All practice sessions can be self-taught. The guide for the 20 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction, available on the Texas Education Agency website, should be used to ensure that all practice sessions are conducted effectively and safely.
  • There's no structured approach to the required hours. The log and the accompanying instruction guide outline a structured approach to practicing various driving maneuvers and situations to ensure comprehensive skill development.

Clarifying these misconceptions is vital for ensuring that new drivers are fully prepared for safe driving and meeting all requirements for obtaining a provisional license in Texas.

Key takeaways

Filling out the Texas DPS Driving Log form accurately is crucial for young drivers aspiring to obtain a provisional license. This document serves as an official record of the required 20 hours of supervised driving, including a minimum of 10 hours of nighttime driving, which is essential for young drivers under the tutelage of a qualified adult. The form must be presented alongside other required documents when applying for a provisional license.

  • An adult supervising the behind-the-wheel practice must meet the requirements outlined in Section 521.222(d)(2) of the Texas Transportation Code, ensuring that the young driver is in competent hands during their on-road practice sessions.

  • Only one hour of behind-the-wheel instruction per day is credited towards the 20-hour requirement, regardless of how many hours are actually driven, underscoring the importance of consistent, daily practice over several weeks.

  • The Driving Log form must include the student's name and driver's license number, along with detailed records of each practice session, including the date, time, and duration of both daytime and nighttime driving, to ensure a complete and accurate account of the driver's experience.

  • Structured practice sessions covering various driving situations—such as getting started, moving and stopping, steering, parking, and driving in different types of roadways—are recommended, with suggested hours for each to guide the learning process.

  • Practicing in a variety of settings, including parking lots for basic maneuvers, residential areas for navigation and turns, and eventually, multiple lane roadways and expressways, provides the young driver with a broad range of driving experiences.

  • Visual skills, including searching the intended path of travel and developing decision-making abilities in city driving, are crucial. These skills help drivers anticipate issues and make safer driving decisions.

  • Special maneuvers, such as turnabouts and parking techniques, are outlined with recommended practice hours, highlighting their importance in the overall skill set of a new driver.

  • Upon completion of the 20 hours of guided practice, the form needs to be signed by the parent/guardian or the adult supervisor, confirming the accuracy of the recorded practice hours and the student's readiness for provisional licensing.

  • Together with the DE-964 driver education completion certificate and other specified documentation, the completed Driving Log form is one of the critical components of the application for a provisional license, making its accurate and honest completion a necessary step in the licensing process.

Instructing a young driver requires patience, clear communication, and a commitment to safety above all. The Texas DPS Driving Log form is not only a record of completed hours but also a reflection of the quality of instruction provided, underscoring the shared responsibility between young drivers and their guardians or supervisors in the journey toward becoming safe, responsible motorists.

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