By Rohini Gopal
Ursuline Academy
Turning 16 is a milestone many teenagers eagerly anticipate, marking the opportunity to earn a driver’s license and gain greater independence. After an elegant sweet sixteen celebration, a teenager is transitioning into young adulthood by getting their license. A data set collected by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in May of 2026 states that 1,345 teens have passed their road test and 344 have failed. The DMV tests in Texas are designed to be more challenging because about one-third of applicants fail the initial written knowledge exam, and strict road test scoring penalizes common errors like rolling stops and improper lane changes. In Texas, teens taking the road test at a third-party school boast pass rates between 80 percent and 95 percent. These third-party testing centers, such as the Dallas Driving School, help students avoid massive wait times and frequently offer same-day or next-day testing. Furthermore, third-party centers provide the vehicle used for the road test and let the driver practice for an hour before they officially begin the exam.
Anniston Barrett, a senior at Lakehill Preparatory School, recently took her road test at Dallas Driving School. Barrett says, “The most challenging part of the test was sitting in the waiting room before. I knew the route and had practiced many times but it was nerve wracking. Once I got in the car it was easier since I knew what to do.” When asked how she plans to avoid distractions like texting while driving, she explained that she keeps her phone on silent and pulls over safely if she ever needs to respond to a message or call in an emergency. When asked what driving skills are the most important for new drivers, Barrett said, “Being cautious is a good skill because it is important to know one’s limits when driving, especially if you’re just starting.”
Elle Pittman, a rising senior at Ursuline, took her road test at All Star Driving School on Preston Road. Unlike Barrett, Pittman found the fear of failing to be the most challenging part of the exam. She said it felt similar to any other test in that she knew how to perform the required tasks. Pittman also believes parking is one of the most important skills for new drivers to master, since it is used frequently in most driving situations. When it comes to avoiding distractions, Pittman said music helps her stay calm while driving. She explained that listening to curated playlists and discovering new music helps her stay relaxed and focused on the road.
As teens across Texas prepare for their road tests, experiences like Barrett’s and Pittman’s highlight both the pressure and responsibility that come with earning a driver’s license—and the importance of building safe driving habits early.
Rohini Gopal is a rising senior at Ursuline Academy and an intern at Texas Metro News.
