How Many Mistakes Are Allowed on the Texas Driving Test?

That is why “how many mistakes can I make” is the wrong way to think about it. Six small, forgivable errors can still pass. One dangerous one cannot. This guide explains how scoring works, what costs the most points, and which mistakes fail you immediately.

How is the Texas driving test scored?

The examiner rides with you on a short route and marks errors on a score sheet as you drive. Every applicant starts at 100. Each error is deducted, and at the end your remaining score decides the result.

Exact deductions vary by error and by the examiner’s judgment of how serious it was. A slightly wide turn and a turn that crosses into the oncoming lane are both “turn” errors, but they will not cost the same.

Which mistakes cost points?

These are the errors examiners mark most often. Each one alone is unlikely to fail you, but they add up fast.

• Rolling or late stops. Stopping past the line, or not coming to a full stop.
• Signal errors. Not signaling, signaling too late, or leaving the signal on.
• Not checking mirrors and blind spots. Especially before lane changes, pulling away from the curb, and backing.
• Speed control. Driving noticeably under or over the limit, or speeding up and slowing down unevenly.
• Lane position. Drifting, wide or short turns, or turning into the wrong lane.
• Following too closely. Not leaving enough space behind the car ahead.
• Parallel parking and backing errors. Too far from the curb, too many corrections, or bumping the curb.
• Vehicle control. Jerky braking, rough steering, or hesitating at intersections when it is your turn.

Which mistakes fail you immediately?

Some errors are treated as dangerous, and the examiner will end the test right there. The most common ones:

• Running a red light or a stop sign
• Failing to yield the right-of-way to a car or pedestrian
• The examiner having to grab the wheel, use a dual brake, or warn you to avoid a crash
• Hitting another vehicle, a pedestrian, or an object
• Speeding well over the limit, including in a school zone
• Any dangerous action, such as an illegal turn into traffic or driving the wrong way
• Not following the examiner’s instructions

The test can also end before you leave the parking lot if the vehicle is not safe to drive or you cannot show current insurance and registration.

How much does parallel parking count?

Parallel parking is scored like any other maneuver: mistakes cost points rather than failing you outright. Ending up too far from the curb, needing several corrections, or tapping the curb will each take points. Hitting a marker hard enough to move it, or anything the examiner judges unsafe, can cost a lot more. Our step-by-step parallel parking guide covers the technique.

What happens if you fail the Texas driving test?

You can try again. In Texas you generally get three attempts to pass the driving test within 90 days of your application. Your examiner will go over what cost you points, which is the most useful feedback you will get. The details on attempts and waiting times are in how often you can attempt the Texas driving test.

How to lose as few points as possible

1. Exaggerate your head checks. The examiner can only score what they see. Turn your head for mirrors and blind spots.
2. Stop fully, behind the line. Count a full second at every stop sign. Rolling stops are the single most common deduction.
3. Signal early, every time. Including pulling away from the curb and into a parking space.
4. Drive at the limit, not under it. Driving far under the speed limit is marked too.
5. Practice the exact maneuvers. Parallel parking, backing in a straight line, and three-point turns are where most points go.

For a full checklist of what to bring and practice, see how to prepare for your DPS road test, and for a walk-through of the route and examiner, what to expect from the Texas driving test.