Find a third-party road test near you
In Texas, state-approved driving schools can give you the official driver license road test, often within days instead of weeks. Search 337 approved locations in 130 Texas cities.
Starting with Texas. More states coming soon.
What is a third-party road test?
It is the real behind-the-wheel driving test for a regular driver license, given by a driving school the state has approved to test on its behalf. Texas calls this the Third Party Skills Testing (TPST) program. The state certifies each school’s examiners and approves its test route, and the school reports your result to the state.
How it helps you skip the wait
- Check the state wait. See the next drive test opening at offices near you.
- Find an approved school. Pick a nearby location from the official list.
- Call and book. Many schools can test you within days. Ask about price and what to bring.
- Finish at the office. After you pass, you complete your license at a driver license office.
State drive test waits right now
| Office | Next drive test |
|---|---|
| Houston North Mega Center | 9 days |
| Dallas South Mega Center | 48 days |
| Austin North | 49 days |
| San Antonio Pat Booker | 30 days |
| Fort Worth Mega Center | 45 days |
| El Paso Gateway | 5 days |
Source: Texas DPS Driver License Office Wait Times, updated 11/15/2026. Estimated days until the next available appointment, based on the previous business day. Earlier openings from cancellations may exist. Distances are approximate straight-line miles.
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Common questions
What is a third-party road test?
It is the official behind-the-wheel driving test for a regular (Class C, non-commercial) driver license, given by a driving school that the state has approved to test on its behalf. In Texas this is called the Third Party Skills Testing (TPST) program. It is the real test, not a practice drive.
Is a road test at a driving school the same as the state test?
Yes. Texas DPS certifies the school's examiners and approves the test route. If you pass, the school reports your result to the state and you finish getting your license at a driver license office.
Who can take the road test at a driving school in Texas?
According to Texas DPS: teens need a minor driver education certificate (DE-964 or DEE-964), a learner license held for at least six months, and an Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) certificate dated within 90 days. Drivers aged 18 to 24 need a driver education certificate (DE-964/DEE-964 or ADE-1317/ADEE-1317), a valid restricted driver license, and an Impact Texas Adult Drivers (ITAD) certificate dated within 90 days. Drivers 25 and older need a valid restricted driver license and an ITAD certificate dated within 90 days. Always confirm current rules with Texas DPS and the school.
Why would I test at a driving school instead of a state office?
Mainly time. Some state driver license offices show waits of several weeks for the next drive test appointment, while approved schools can often test you within days. Check the wait time for your area on any city page.
Is Keys to the Road a government website?
No. Keys to the Road is a privately owned directory and is not affiliated with Texas DPS, any DMV, or any government agency. We list schools from the official state list so they are easier to find.