The Texas Behind Wheel Form serves as an essential component in the journey of becoming a licensed driver in Texas, especially for young drivers. It outlines a structured 20-hour behind-the-wheel practice log, developed by the Texas Education Agency and the Texas Department of Public Safety, aiming to foster safe driving habits. This document not only guides through practice hours, including a mandatory night driving experience, but also emphasizes the importance of parental involvement and adherence to road safety principles.
Whether you are a young driver eager to enhance your driving skills or a guardian looking to support your teen through this critical phase, understanding and utilizing this form can significantly impact the journey to acquiring a provisional license. Feel encouraged to discover more about how to properly fill out the Texas Behind Wheel Form by clicking the button below.
The Texas Behind the Wheel form, a cornerstone document for new drivers under the Texas Graduated Driver License Program, represents a significant step towards promoting safer driving practices among teenagers. Compiled through the collaborative efforts of the Texas Education Agency's Driver Training Division and the Texas Department of Public Safety's Driver License Division, this form, alongside the Behind-the-Wheel Instruction Guide, mandates an additional 20 hours of driving practice for novice drivers. This requirement, legislated under the Less Tears More Years Act, aims to augment the driving experience of young Texans, stipulating that at least 10 of these hours occur at night. The Guide serves not only as a log to document these hours but as a comprehensive resource filled with techniques and tips to support new drivers in developing prudent driving habits. Its creation, influenced by materials from other states such as Idaho, Oregon, and Virginia showcases a concerted national effort towards enhancing road safety. The form underscores the importance of parental involvement in the young driver's journey, reflecting a broader initiative to minimize traffic-related fatalities and injuries by equipping adolescents with the necessary skills, judgment, and understanding for safe vehicle operation. Moreover, the document details specific adult qualifications for accompanying the permit holder, effectively integrating legal precepts and practical guidance to foster a generation of conscientious drivers.
20 HOUR BEHIND THE WHEEL PRACTICE LOG
Behind-the-Wheel
Instruction Guide
20 Hours
Texas Education Agency, Driver Training Division
Texas Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division
Special Thanks
… to all the people who contributed to the development of this Guide.
This Guide was developed by the Texas Education Agency, Driver Training Division in partnership with the Texas Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division. The information contained in this Guide is not intended to be a comprehensive document for teaching good driving habits. As a helpful guide it contains information that, if used, can help reduce risk. Good judgment should be used to adapt this information to different driving situations and conditions.
This Guide supports the important partnerships between driver education and training instructors, young drivers and their parents/guardians. It is our hope that this information will contribute to a lifetime of reduced risk driving habits.
Special thanks go to the Idaho Department of Education, Oregon Department of Transportation, and the Virginia Department of Education for the use of their parent curriculum guides.
Robert Scott
Commissioner of Education
Ray Glenn
Deputy Commissioner School District Leadership and Educator Quality
Jerel Booker
Associate Commissioner Educator Quality and Standards
Julie Harris-Lawrence
Deputy Associate Commissioner Student Support
Victor Alegria
Director, Driver Training Division
Copyright © Notice The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of TEA, except under the following conditions:
1)Texas public school districts, charter schools, licensed driver education schools, and Education Service Centers may reproduce and use copies of the Materials and Related Materials for the districts and schools’ educational use without obtaining permission from TEA.
2)Residents of the state of Texas may reproduce and use copies of the Materials and Related Materials for individual personal use only without obtaining written permission of TEA.
3)Any portion reproduced must be reproduced in its entirety and remain unedited, unaltered and unchanged in any way.
4)No monetary charge can be made for the reproduced materials or any document containing them; however, a reasonable charge to cover only the cost of reproduction and distribution may be charged.
Private entities or persons located in Texas that are not Texas public school districts, Texas Education Service Centers, or Texas charter schools or any entity, whether public or private, educational or non-educational, located outside the state of Texas MUST obtain written approval from TEA and will be required to enter into a license agreement that may involve the payment of a licensing fee or a royalty. For information contact: Office of Intellectual Property, Texas Education Agency, 1701 N. Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701-1494; phone 512-463-9270 or 512-463-9713; email: copyrights@tea.state.tx.us.
Federal law prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status in any educational programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance. (Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; Section 504 of the
rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.) It is the policy of the Texas Education Agency not to discriminate in any educational programs or activities or in employment practices.
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Table of Contents
Page
Young Drivers
4
Texas Graduated Driver License Program
5
Provisional License
6
Message from NHTSA
Suggestions To Enhance Your Experience
8
Suggestions Before Beginning Practice
Control of Vehicle
9
Commentary Driving
During ALL Practice Hours: Your Teenager
Sharing the Road Safely with Commercial Motor Vehicles and Large Trucks
10
Sharing the Road Safely with Motorcycles
21st Century Driving
11
Driving in Adverse Conditions
13
Top Driving Errors
14
Getting Ready, Starting, Placing the Vehicle in Motion, and Stopping
Moving, Stopping, Steering, Knowing Where You Are
15
Backing
16
Turning, Lane Position, and Visual Skills
Searching Intended Path of Travel
18
Parking
19
Turnabouts
21
Multiple Lane Roadways
22
City Driving
24
Expressways/Freeways
25
Skid Recovery
26
Avoid Aggressive Drivers or Fatigued Drivers
Off-Roadway Recovery
27
Crossing Railroad Tracks
28
Braking Methods
Other Resources
29
Driving Agreement
30
20 Hour Behind-the-Wheel Practice Log
31
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Driving provides teenagers greater mobility. The knowledge, skills, judgment, behaviors, and understanding necessary to operate a vehicle safely take time to develop. Safe drivers are not just born. In the driver education course your young driver acquired new and important knowledge and skills about basic vehicle operation such as turning, backing, and parking. Usually, these skills are not difficult for young drivers to master. However, other skills, such as judgment and understanding, require more practice.
Driving is not a right; it
is a privilege with
obligations,
responsibilities, and
consequences.
In 2008, motor vehicle crashes were the number one cause of death for young people ages 15 to 20 years old as 3,873 passenger vehicle occupants this age
were killed in motor vehicle crashes with ½ (2,1,42) not wearing a safety belt at the time of the fatal crash. In addition, 228,000 were injured in these motor vehicle crashes.
Texas Traffic Statistics may be located on the Texas Department of Transportation website: http://www.txdot.gov/
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) endorses that “parental involvement can mean the difference between life and death” during a teenager’s driving experience. NHTSA asks parents to be involved in their young driver’s driving instruction by supervising behind-the-wheel instruction and setting clear limits concerning wearing a safety belt, no texting or talking on a cell phone, no drinking alcohol, or drug use, limiting the number of passengers, and restricting nighttime driving.
In an effort to reduce teenager’s crashes and to save lives in Texas, the 81st Texas legislature enacted the Less Tears More Years Act, which requires new drivers to have more driving experience prior to obtaining a license. Under this act young drivers must receive an additional 20 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction are required to be certified by a parent or guardian before a teenager may progress to Phase 2 of Texas’ Graduated Driver Licensing program. The additional hours must include at least 10 hours that take place at nighttime,
These 20 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction 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 young driver actually drives in a day.
Adult Qualifications: Section 521.222(d)(2), Transportation Code
(d)An instruction permit entitles the holder to operate a type of motor vehicle on a highway while: (1) the permit is in the holder's possession; and (2) the holder is accompanied by a person occupying the seat by the operator who: (A) holds a license that qualifies the operator to operate that type of vehicle; (B) is 21 years of age or older; and (C) has at least one year of driving experience.
(g)A person who occupies the seat in a vehicle by a holder of an instruction permit commits an offense if, while the holder is operating the vehicle, the person: (1) sleeps; (2) is intoxicated, as defined by Section 49.01, Penal Code; or (3) is engaged in an activity that prevents the person from observing and responding to the actions of the operator.
Daytime means the period beginning one-half hour before sunrise and ending one-half hour after sunset.
Nighttime means the period beginning one-half hour after sunset and ending one-half hour before sunrise.
Consider this document as a guide. It includes ideas that should become an important part of your young driver’s instruction time. It describes basic skills required in everyday driving and where to practice these skills so that the needed additional behind-the-wheel instruction hours are in a safe, supervised setting. As you and your teen become comfortable in simpler driving situations, look for more complex traffic environments.
Be aware that young drivers have more difficulty maintaining attention and understanding how, when, what, who, and where to watch. Their ability to judge distance also can be challenging.
Whether you live in a rural setting or a large community, allow your teenager to observe, explore, and drive in progressively larger, more complex settings. For instance, allow your teenager to practice when weather limits visibility or there is reduced traction, or to drive on busier streets.
Your teenager’s thought process, decision-making, and problem-solving skills will develop with appropriate guidance, encouragement, and feedback. Reinforce good habits such as longer following distances and avoidance of distractions. Take the time to discuss the goals, driver behaviors, and skills you practiced. The knowledge, skills, and behaviors your teen learns now can become part of safe driving and reduced risk driving practices that last a lifetime. This also can be an enjoyable and special time with your teenage driver.
Phase One
Applicants under age 18 must hold an instruction permit or hardship license for a minimum of six months prior to issuance of a provisional Class A, B, or C driver license. In addition, the minimum age of the person who must accompany any instruction permit holder during the operation of the vehicle is 21 years of age. Except for hardship licenses, a minor is not eligible to graduate to Phase Two (provisional license) for a Class A, B, or C driver license until they have completed this phase and met all other current licensing and age requirements.
The instruction permit must remain valid during the mandatory six-month period to meet this regulation. If an instruction permit is suspended/revoked during this period, upon the completion of the suspension period, the remaining six-month period must be completed to meet the GDL Phase
One requirement.
Once the applicant has held a valid instruction permit or hardship license for a minimum of six months, has reached the age of 16 for a Class C license (17 years of age for a Class A or B non-CDL), and has completed both the classroom and laboratory (driving) portions of driver education, they are eligible to "graduate" to Phase Two.
Under the GDL program, there is no minimum time that a person must hold a restricted motorcycle or moped license before they can apply for a Class M license.
Phase Two
Phase Two restricts the driving privileges of persons under 18 years of age during the twelve-month period following the issuance of an original Class A, B, or C driver license (Provisional License). These persons may not operate a motor vehicle with more than one passenger in the vehicle under the age of 21 who is not a family member. They may not operate a motor vehicle between midnight and 5:00 a.m. unless the operation of the vehicle is necessary for the operator to attend or participate in employment or a school-related activity or because of a medical emergency.
A teenager under the age of eighteen may not operate a motor vehicle while using a wireless communication device, except in case of an emergency.
Under Phase Two, a person under 17 years of age who holds a restricted motorcycle license or moped license, during the twelve-month period following the issuance of an original motorcycle license or moped license, may not operate a motorcycle or moped between midnight and 5:00 a.m. unless the person is in sight of the person's parent or guardian or the operation of the vehicle is necessary for the operator to attend or participate in employment or a school-related activity or because of a medical emergency.
The license restriction will state, "TRC 545.424 applies until MM/DD/YY" and will indicate the date in which the second phase of the graduated driver license expires for the person who holds that license. Upon completion of the twelve-month period, the above time and/or passenger restrictions no longer apply. The licensee may wish to apply for a duplicate license at a driver license office to remove this restriction. A fee is required to obtain a duplicate license. If not, this restriction will be removed at the time the applicant renews the license on their next birthday, provided the Phase Two 12-month time has lapsed.
All original licenses, other than an instruction permit, issued to persons under 18 years of age will be marked "Provisional.” The license will be vertical and will be dated to expire on the applicant's 18th birthday. A fee is required to obtain this license. If the instruction permit or driver license is not due for renewal, a fee is required for a duplicate instruction permit or duplicate license.
Documentation to Department of Public Safety (DPS) for Provisional License (Unrestricted driver license): Once the applicant has held a valid instruction permit or hardship license for a minimum of six months, has reached the age of 16 for a Class C license (17 years of age for a Class A or B non-CDL), has completed both the classroom and laboratory (driving) portions of driver education and has completed the additional 20 hours of behind-the-wheel practice, they are eligible to apply for the provisional license. The teenager will be required to pass the Road Test at the DPS office before licensure. The items you will need to take to the DPS are as follows:
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
4.20 Hours Behind-the-Wheel Practice Log
5.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
6.Money to pay for license
Message from NHTSA about Parent/Guardian’s Role in Teenage Driving
www.nhtsa.gov
It's not just good parenting; it's a matter of life and death. You need to talk to your teenager about traffic safety early and often – before they reach driving age. When your teenager begins driving, we recommend that you set rules and then clearly outline the consequences of breaking the rules. Remind your teenager that driving is a privilege – a privilege they will lose if they don't drive by your rules. We know that getting through to your teen can be tough, but research tells us that teens listen to their parents, and that you influence your teenager’s driving habits.
Set the Standard
You need to teach safe driving behavior from the beginning. As the parent, you can start by modeling safe driving behavior anytime you drive your kids anywhere, even before they begin to drive.
Talk to your teen about safety issues and the rules you are setting. Explain each one of your rules and the consequences for breaking it. Write up a contract with your teen driver to make sure they drive by the rules and drive as safely as possible. Include the most important issues. Here's how: Spell out the rules
1.Absolutely No Alcohol or Drugs Teen drivers (ages 15-20) are at far greater risk of death in crashes where alcohol was present than the rest of us, even though they cannot legally purchase or possess alcohol, which includes your teen and others he/she may ride with.
These are staggering statistics - In 2007, almost one-third of teen drivers who were killed in crashes had a positive BAC of .01 or higher at the time of the crash, even though it is illegal in all states for anyone under the age of 21 to drive with any trace of alcohol in their system. On average over the last five years, one-fourth of the deaths in motor vehicle traffic crashes occurred when a teen driver had a BAC of .01 or higher.
The consequences are grim - If your teenager is lucky enough to survive a crash, they will have to face the consequences of breaking the law. That includes a trip to jail, the loss of their driver’s license, and dozens of other expenses including attorney fees, court costs, and other fines. They will also stand to lose academic eligibility, college acceptance, scholarship awards, and more.
2.Seat belts: Always Buckle Up! Teens buckle up far less frequently than adults do. The very first thing you can do is set the right example for your teenager by buckling yourself up every time you get in the car.
Wearing a seat belt is free, but not
wearing it could cost a life
When your teen is ready to drive, remind them that whether they are driving across town or just around the neighborhood,
wearing seat belts is the absolute best way to protect themselves and their passengers from severe injury or even death in the event of a crash.
Despite efforts aimed at increasing belt use among teens, observed seat belt use among teens and young adults (16 to 24 years old) stood at 76 percent in 2006 – the lowest of any age group.
In 2007 alone, 4,540 teenagers aged 16 to 20 years old were killed in motor vehicle crashes, and more than half (2,502) were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash.
We don’t know what the outcome would have been for those 2,502 teens had they buckled up, but statistics tell us that in that same year, 72 percent of the passenger vehicle occupants involved in fatal crashes who WERE wearing their seat belts survived the crash.
3.Cell phone/texting: No talking or texting while driving. Talking on a cell phone while driving slows down the reaction time of even the most experienced driver – making it the same as that of a 70-year-old. Can you
imagine the impact it will have on your teenager? And texting while driving is a serious risk for teen drivers as well, forcing them to take their eyes and at least one hand off the steering wheel.
Distracted drivers can kill or be killed. Driving distractions like talking on a cell phone or texting while driving are an even greater threat for teens than for others. In 2006, among drivers 15 and older involved in fatal crashes, 15- to 17-year olds had the highest percentage of distracted drivers.
4.Curfew: Have the car in the driveway by curfew. Talk to your teen driver about when you expect them to have the car back in the driveway. The reason for setting a “home-by” rule is to protect your kids by keeping them from driving during the high-risk nighttime hours. In 2006, 75 percent of all fatal nighttime crashes involving 16 year-old drivers happened between 6 pm and midnight.
5.Passengers: No more than one at all times. Most teens are susceptible to peer pressure, which can lead to risk-taking and distractions. In a survey completed by the Allstate Foundation, almost half of the teens polled said they had been distracted by their passengers. And almost half also said they drive more safely without their friends in the car.
Most of the deaths in crashes involving young drivers are the young drivers themselves and their passengers.
The more, the scarier - Research shows that the risk of a fatal crash goes up in direct relation to the number of teenagers in the car.
6.Graduated Drivers License (GDL): Follow the state's GDL law. Texas is one of the states including the District of Columbia that has adopted a Graduated Driver’s License law. Make sure you and your teenage driver know and understand the law, before they get behind the wheel.
Young, inexperienced drivers, particularly 16 to 17-year-olds, die too often in fatal crashes, in large part because of immaturity and inexperience. GDL laws reduce these factors by reducing high-risk exposure for young drivers. Analysis shows GDL laws have helped reduce crashes for this age group anywhere between 20 and 40 percent. Keep your teenager alive by insisting they follow the GDL rules.
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7. Parental Responsibility: Set your house rules and consequences. Never
Be supportive and positive;
forget that many young drivers (15 – 20 years old) are killed in crashes on
this will promote success.
our roadways every year. Talk to your young drivers about their driving
before and after they have their permit or license. Set the rules for driving and explain the consequences of
breaking the rules. In fact, your house rules can be tougher than the GDL laws, based on your assessment of your teen.
Be accountable, make them accountable - Write up an agreement that spells it out. Sign it and have your teen driver sign. Remind them that driving is a privilege that can be easily revoked. Review the agreement often.
You can have an agreement with your teen without writing it down; however writing it down makes it more enforceable and meaningful. Keep an open dialog with your young driver and make your rules and consequences crystal clear. Talk often and stick to your own rules and consequences.
•Set aside time for practice.
•Be relaxed and keep your voice calm.
•Give clear feedback immediately and precisely.
•Plan your route before you start; rush hour traffic may not be the best time to practice.
•Know when to talk; a complicated maneuver may require lots of concentration.
•Reinforce the skills taught by the driver education course and have the Texas Driver Handbook available for reference.
•Make this time enjoyable and focus on the driving task, leaving other issues for later.
• Reinforce good decision-making that leads to reduced risk driving practices that will last a lifetime.
• Be a role model by wearing your safety belt and using correct driving procedures such as making a complete stop at stop signs, slowing to a stop at yellow lights, and obeying the speed limit, etc.
• Be patient, calm, and alert at all times making positive remarks frequently.
• If possible, instruction should begin in a car with automatic transmission so that your teenager can focus on mastering basic vehicle control maneuvers.
•Select traffic environments that complement the lesson objectives and the teenager’s abilities.
•Begin in a low-risk environment, which includes parking lots and progress to less traveled residential streets.
•Review previous lessons and explain what the next lesson will be before proceeding.
•Keep instructions simple and concise. First direct where to go, and then state the action to take (e.g., “At the next intersection, turn right.”)
•Check mirrors, and the space to all sides and ahead of the vehicle before giving directions.
•Remind the young driver not to panic when approached by an emergency vehicle and to focus on looking for a safe area to pull over.
•Discuss the rules for sharing the roadway with other users including pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles school buses, trains, trucks, animals, etc and explain the risk each one presents.
•Encourage your teenager to change their route to avoid making a difficult left turn.
To provide you with some control of the vehicle you may want to practice steering from the passenger seat. If the parking brake is located in the console between the driver and passenger front seats, you may want to see if it will slow or stop the vehicle. To prepare yourself to regain speed control in the event your teenager panics and accelerates too much, practice shifting the transmission from drive to neutral from the passenger seat. You may want to adjust the mirror on the passenger sun visor so you can use it as a rearview mirror. Also, you may want to use the right outside mirror.
Encourage the use of commentary driving. This tool will allow you to check how your teenager is mentally processing driving skills and evaluating the environment. Ask your teenager to “read the traffic picture aloud” describing anything that may affect the roadway ahead or behind. For example, when your teenager changes speed, your teenager may say: “red light, check mirror, ease foot off accelerator , and brake.” Actually, you should frequently hear “check mirror and ease off accelerator”! Emphasize driving with a large anticipation zone by looking at least 15-20 seconds ahead. Play the “what if game”; what if a car suddenly changes lanes, stops, turns, etc. Ask questions, such as “Where were you looking,” or “What are the steps for this maneuver?”
•Possesses a valid learner’s license or driver license.
•Is mentally, emotionally, and physically prepared to drive. Do not
drive fatigued, aggressively, or distracted.
• Completes pre-drive checks.
• Uses and require passengers to use safety belts / teenager safety restraints.
•Performs proper starting tasks.
•Identifies and properly responds to alert and warning lights on the instrument panel.
•Obeys all traffic laws.
•Is watchful and attentive to the traffic scene by looking ahead and to the sides and checking mirrors to the sides and rear.
•Searches from the vehicle to at least 15 seconds ahead when driving in residential/city traffic and 20 to 30 seconds ahead during freeway/expressway driving.
•Checks blind spots prior to changing lanes or making a lateral maneuver.
•Understands that a green light means one must scan the intersection before proceeding.
•Searches/scans to continuously identify hazards.
•Uses a space management system (safe space around the vehicle) to establish and maintain proper vehicle operating space and lane position.
•Performs speed and position changes in response to traffic flow and volume.
•Positions the vehicle to maintain an open line of sight and path of travel.
•Maintains an adequate following distance between vehicles in front and behind (recommended at least 4 seconds for teenagers).
•Maintains adequate side space.
•Communicates with other roadway users (signal lights, hand signals, horn if necessary, lane placement, eye contact).
•Brakes smoothly, gradually slowing to a stop (taps brakes and check rearview before slowing or stopping to warn other roadway
users).
• Accelerates smoothly, steadily increasing to safe speed within posted limit and maintains appropriate speed.
•Uses accelerator and brake pedals properly to manage vehicle balance.
•Identifies and responds appropriately to all traffic signals, signs, and roadway markings.
•Gives or accepts the right-of-way properly and safely.
•Recognizes where the front, sides, corners, and rear of the vehicle are in relation to the roadway.
•Shares the road with and yields appropriately to other roadway users including identifying bicyclists, pedestrians, motorcycles, work zone and construction workers, trucks, and school buses, etc.
•Yields properly to emergency vehicles.
•Turns from and into proper lanes and properly uses turning lanes.
•Makes speed adjustments accordingly by performing speed and position changes in response to traffic flow and traffic volume.
•Anticipates the actions of other roadway users.
•Is courteous to other roadway users who may be trying to pass or change lanes.
•Drives to conserve fuel and protects the environment while driving (such as do not litter).
•Uses headlights (including bright lights), windshield wipers, defroster, and other vehicle devices appropriately.
•Avoids other roadway users who are not mentally, emotionally, and physically prepared to drive including fatigued drivers, aggressive drivers, and distracted drivers.
•Avoids driving in another vehicle’s blindspot, especially around and behind large trucks.
•Recognizes adverse conditions and applies countermeasures to drive safely including increasing following distance.
•Performs post-drive tasks properly including ensuring all passengers and animals are safely out of vehicle before locking.
Procedures
1.Learn to read the language of trucks
1.Weight (loaded or unloaded) will cause the truck to act differently
2.Weather conditions may result in less reaction time
3.Spray coming off the truck’s wheels can reduce your visibility
4.Trucks may not be able to stop on snow or ice
5.Use turn signals and brake lights to communicate your intention sooner than you would in normal traffic
2.Stay visible in the truck drivers’ mirrors
6.Know the truck driver can’t see directly in front of the tractor’s hood
3.Be alert to trucks turning right, they need space to make wide right turns
Common Mistakes
1.Following too closely
2.Pacing alongside a truck on multiple lane highways
3.Not reading a truck’s need for room to maneuver
4.Failing to merge smoothly onto a freeway with trucks
4.Cutting across several lanes to exit a roadway, creating high risk for everyone
5.Hanging out in the No Zone (www.nozone.org)
Most motorcycle crashes occur when another driver turns in front of them. When you drive, you have an
automobile wrapped around you specifically designed to help you survive a crash. Motorcyclists may have a helmet
and the clothes on their back.
•Look longer for motorcycles, especially when turning left
•Look for riders when pulling out on the road
•Anticipate a motorcyclist’s maneuvers
•Give motorcycles their full lane
•Use signals when appropriate
•Treat riders with courtesy and respect
•Allow plenty of space when following a motorcycle
•Watch for motorcycles in your blind spot
•Maintain safe following and stopping distances
•Slow down in poor driving conditions
Learn more about
Motorcycle Awareness at www.looklearnlive.com
To ensure the safety and preparedness of young drivers in Texas, the additional 20 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction provide essential experience. Following these steps to accurately complete the Texas Behind-the-Wheel Practice Log is crucial in documenting this vital training under the supervision of a qualifying adult. This process not only complies with legal requirements but also reinforces good driving habits and decision-making skills on the road.
Completing the Texas Behind-the-Wheel Practice Log is more than just a formality; it's an opportunity to ensure that young drivers have the training and experience necessary to be safe and responsible on the road. Approaching this task with diligence and attention to detail will help in achieving these goals.
The 20 Hour Behind-the-Wheel Practice Log is an integral document developed by the Texas Education Agency's Driver Training Division in collaboration with the Texas Department of Public Safety's Driver License Division. It's designed to log 20 additional hours of driving practice for new drivers, including at least 10 hours of nighttime driving, as part of Texas’ Graduated Driver Licensing program. This log is crucial for young drivers to advance to Phase 2 of the program and is meant to bolster their driving experience under the supervision of a qualified adult.
Young drivers in Texas, typically teenagers seeking to progress to Phase 2 of the Texas Graduated Driver License Program, are required to complete these additional 20 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction. This requirement is part of the Less Tears More Years Act, enacted to enhance the driving experience and safety of new drivers.
No, the practice hours have specific requirements. Out of the total 20 hours, at least 10 hours must be completed at nighttime. The Guide specifies "nighttime" as the period beginning one-half hour after sunset and ending one-half hour before sunrise. Additionally, regardless of how many hours are driven in a day, only one hour of behind-the-wheel instruction will count towards the 20 hours per day.
The supervisor must be a person who:
Yes, the supervisor must remain awake and alert, cannot be intoxicated, and must not be engaged in any activity that prevents them from monitoring and providing immediate feedback on the learner driver’s actions during the driving session.
If the instruction permit is suspended or revoked during the practice period, the mandatory six-month period with the permit must be completed anew upon reinstatement. The suspension or revocation pauses the progression towards completing the Graduated Driver License Program requirements.
The completion of the 20 hour practice log should be meticulously documented and certified by a parent or guardian. This certification is then presented as part of the eligibility criteria for the young driver to advance to the next phase of obtaining a provisional license under Texas’ Graduated Driver License Program.
During the 20 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction, focus should be placed on developing a broad variety of driving skills in diverse environments, including but not limited to:
When completing the Texas Behind Wheel form, individuals often make a range of mistakes that could affect the process of accurately logging practice hours or meeting the requirements for advancing in the Texas Graduated Driver License Program. Understanding these common errors can help in ensuring that the process is completed correctly and efficiently.
Not logging each practice session in detail: It is a requirement that each driving session is logged with specific details including dates, times, and skills practiced. Failing to provide this level of detail can lead to discrepancies and possible rejection of the logged hours.
Exceeding the one-hour maximum per day that counts towards the 20 hours: While it may be tempting to log more than one hour of driving practice per day, only one hour is recognized towards the requirement, regardless of how much time is actually spent behind the wheel in a day.
Skipping the mandatory night hours: Out of the 20 required hours, at least 10 hours must be at nighttime. Some individuals mistakenly overlook this rule, focusing solely on daytime driving.
Allowing an unqualified adult to supervise: The form necessitates that the supervising adult holds a valid driving license, is 21 years or older, and has at least one year of driving experience. Occasionally, hours are logged under supervision that does not meet these criteria.
Omitting signatures for verification: At the completion of the 20 hours of practice, a parent or guardian's signature is necessary to verify the accuracy of the information logged. Failure to include this can invalidate the entire log.
Ignoring the commentary driving section: This section is crucial for developing situational awareness and judgment but is often overlooked or inadequately filled out by applicants.
Assuming all driving conditions are the same: Some individuals fail to practice under a variety of driving conditions as recommended, such as in adverse weather or heavy traffic, limiting their preparedness for the actual driving test and real-world driving.
Forgetting to focus on specific skills: The form and its instructions emphasize practicing specific skills such as turning, parking, and maintaining distance. Occasionally, drivers spend the bulk of their time driving without focusing on these critical areas.
Not utilizing the guide for educational purposes: The Behind-the-Wheel Instruction Guide is a valuable resource for both the new driver and the supervising adult. Neglecting to use the guide can result in missing out on important tips and guidelines designed to enhance the learning experience.
Mistakes made during the completion of the Texas Behind Wheel form can lead to delays and potential issues in advancing through the Graduated Driver License Program. By understanding and avoiding these common errors, applicants can ensure a smoother process in gaining their driving privileges.
When navigating the process of acquiring a driver's license in Texas, especially for young or new drivers, the Texas Behind the Wheel form serves as a crucial component. However, this form does not stand alone; several other documents and forms often accompany it to ensure a comprehensive approach to driver education and licensing. Understanding each of these documents is essential to navigate the process smoothly and effectively.
Together with the Texas Behind the Wheel form, these documents contribute to a structured and regulated path towards earning a driver's license, emphasizing the importance of education, preparation, and safety. Familiarity with each of these forms will ensure that both learners and their guardians are well-prepared to meet the state’s requirements for new drivers.
The Texas Behind the Wheel form shares similarities with other documents utilized in educational and regulatory settings, focusing on driving and beyond. One notable example is the Driver’s Education Certificate, which similarly requires verification of completed instructional hours, albeit in a classroom setting rather than behind the wheel. Both serve as prerequisites for advancing to the next level of licensure and ensure that the learner has obtained a foundational level of knowledge and practice.
Another comparable document is the Learner’s Permit application form, which typically necessitates the acknowledgment of having read and understood the rules of the road, much like the Texas Behind the Wheel form requires acknowledgment of practice hours driven. Both are critical steps in the journey toward becoming a licensed driver, emphasizing the importance of both theoretical learning and practical experience.
The Logbook for Apprentice Drivers is also similar, as it tracks the hours of driving practice under different conditions, mirroring the purpose of the Behind the Wheel form in documenting the learner’s experience. Both are tools for ensuring that learners have had a diversified driving experience before advancing to unsupervised driving.
The Parent-Teen Driving Agreement is an equivalent document focusing on safe driving behaviors and expectations. While the Texas Behind the Wheel form documents practice hours, the agreement sets forth rules and guidelines for the novice driver, emphasizing the partnership between parents and teens in the learning process.
A Professional Driving Instructor’s Certification can be seen as analogous too, in that it serves as a formal record of completed driving instruction, much like the Behind the Wheel form. Both documents provide evidence of the learner’s commitment and accomplishments in mastering driving skills.
The Daily Vehicle Inspection Report, used in commercial and educational settings, although not directly related to driver's education, shares the essence of ensuring readiness and safety - principles also underlying the Behind the Wheel form by ensuring the learner has practiced sufficiently in varied conditions.
The Road Test Score Sheet, which assesses a driver’s competence in real-world conditions, is akin to the Behind the Wheel form in its objective to verify readiness for independent driving. Both are critical evaluations, though one is preparatory and the other is summative, marking the culmination of the driver education process.
Lastly, the Medical Review Form, necessary for assessing a driver's physical capability to operate a vehicle safely, although focusing on health rather than education, parallels the Behind the Wheel form's aim in promoting overall safety. Both are proactive measures in safeguarding the driver’s well-being and the safety of others on the road.
When completing the Texas Behind the Wheel form, it is important to follow specific guidelines to ensure the process is smooth and the information is accurate. Below are 10 key dos and don'ts to consider:
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure a productive and successful behind-the-wheel practice experience for the new driver.
There are several misconceptions about the Texas Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) form and its requirements. Clarifying these misunderstandings is crucial for ensuring that young drivers and their guardians adequately fulfill the state's driver education requirements.
This is incorrect. In addition to the 20 hours of behind-the-wheel practice, Texas law requires young drivers to complete a comprehensive driver education course that includes both classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training.
While the Texas BTW form specifies a mandatory 20 hours of practice, including at least 10 at nighttime, all additional driving practice is beneficial and contributes significantly to the skill and experience of the young driver.
Not true. Any adult who meets specific criteria, such as being 21 years or older and having at least one year of driving experience, can supervise the practice sessions. This individual must hold a valid license qualifying them to operate the type of vehicle used for instruction.
Incorrect. The form is typically submitted to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) as part of the young driver's application for a provisional license, not directly to the TEA.
While logging practice hours is a critical component, the BTW log also serves to ensure that young drivers are exposed to a variety of driving conditions and situations, thereby gaining comprehensive driving experience.
State requirements specify that only one hour of behind-the-wheel instruction per day counts towards the 20-hour requirement, making it impossible to complete the mandatory practice in fewer than 20 days.
For the purpose of the BTW requirement, night driving hours must occur specifically between one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise. This definition aims to ensure practice during the darkest and potentially most challenging hours for new drivers.
This statement is false. The BTW practice log is a required document that verifies the young driver has completed the mandatory 20 hours of behind-the-wheel practice, including the specified amount of night driving.
Understanding these key points will help ensure that young drivers and their guardians correctly follow Texas's behind-the-wheel training requirements, fostering safer driving habits and ultimately contributing to safer roads.
Filling out and using the Texas Behind-the-Wheel Practice Log is a crucial step for young drivers working towards greater independence and responsibility on the road. Here are some key takeaways to help navigate this process more smoothly:
Understanding and adhering to these components not only complies with Texas law but sets a foundation for safe driving habits that can serve young drivers for a lifetime. It’s crucial for parents and guardians to guide their teens through this process with patience, diligence, and the constant pursuit of teaching moments that enhance their skills behind the wheel.
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