Sec. 521.161. EXAMINATION OF LICENSE APPLICANTS. (a) Except as otherwise provided by this subchapter, the department shall examine each applicant for a driver's license. The examination shall be held in the county in which the applicant resides or applies not later than the 10th day after the date on which the application is made.

(b) The examination must include:

(1) a test of the applicant's:

(A) vision;

(B) ability to identify and understand highway signs in English that regulate, warn, or direct traffic;

(C) knowledge of the traffic laws of this state;

(D) knowledge of motorists' rights and responsibilities in relation to bicyclists; and

(E) knowledge of the effect of using a wireless communication device, or engaging in other actions that may distract a driver, on the safe or effective operation of a motor vehicle;

(2) a demonstration of the applicant's ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation of a motor vehicle of the type that the applicant will be licensed to operate; and

(3) any additional examination the department finds necessary to determine the applicant's fitness to operate a motor vehicle safely.

(c) The department shall give each applicant the option of taking the parts of the examination under Subsections (b)(1)(B), (C), (D), and (E) in writing in addition to or instead of through a mechanical, electronic, or other testing method. If the applicant takes that part of the examination in writing in addition to another testing method, the applicant is considered to have passed that part of the examination if the applicant passes either version of the examination. The department shall inform each person taking the examination of the person's rights under this subsection.

(d) On payment of the required fee, an applicant is entitled to three examinations of each element under Subsection (b) for each application to qualify for a driver's license. If the applicant has not qualified after the third examination, the applicant must submit a new application accompanied by the required fee.

(e) The department may not issue a driver's license to a person who has not passed each examination required under this chapter.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.77(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

Amended by:

Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 565 (S.B. 2041), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.

Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 438 (H.B. 62), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.