Homepage Fill Out Your Instruction Log Example Form
Article Structure

The Instruction Log Example form is a key tool for tracking behind-the-wheel practice for young drivers. It lays out a structured plan detailing how the required 30 hours of driving instruction should be completed, ensuring that a supervising adult meets specific legal criteria. Each session is documented by date and time, allowing parents to monitor progress effectively. To earn a provisional license, students can only count one hour of practice per day, regardless of the minutes spent driving. The form highlights practical lessons, such as vehicle control, steering techniques, and navigating different driving conditions—covering both daytime and nighttime driving to foster safety and confidence. Additionally, at least 10 of the required hours must be completed after dark, challenging the young driver to adapt to varying conditions. A parent's or guardian's signature certifies the authenticity of the logged hours, which are crucial for the eventual licensing process. When the time comes for the young driver to apply for their provisional license, this log, along with other essential documents, such as a learner's license and a driver education completion certificate, must be presented to the Department of Public Safety.

Instruction Log Example Example

BEHIND THE WHEEL INSTRUCTION LOG 30 HOURS

Behind-the-Wheel Instruction Guide may be downloaded or printed from www.tdlr.texas.gov/driver

The 30 hours of behind-the-wheel practice 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 30 hours regardless of the number of hours the student actually drives in a day.

Student’s Name:

 

 

 

 

DL #:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lesson

 

Practice Session

Date

Time

Daytime

Nighttime

 

Adult’s Signature and DL #

 

Time

 

 

 

(am/pm)

Hours

Hours

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Getting Ready, Starting,

 

 

1 hour

 

 

 

 

 

2 hours

Placing the Vehicle in

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Motion, and Stopping

 

 

 

1 hour

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 hour

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3 hours

Moving, Stopping, Steering,

 

 

1 hour

 

 

 

 

 

Knowing Where You Are

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 hour

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

30 minutes

 

 

 

 

 

1 hour

 

Backing

 

 

 

30 minutes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 hour

 

 

 

 

 

 

Turning, Lane Position, and

 

 

1 hour

 

 

 

 

 

4 hours

 

Visual Skills

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 hour

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 hour

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 hour

 

 

 

 

 

3 hours

 

Searching Intended

 

 

1 hour

 

 

 

 

 

 

Path of Travel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 hour

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

30 minutes

 

 

 

 

 

1 hour

 

Parking

 

 

 

30 minutes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 hour

 

 

 

 

 

2 hours

 

Turnabouts

 

 

 

1 hour

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 hour

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 hour

 

 

 

 

 

4 hours

Multiple Lane Roadways

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 hour

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 hour

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 hour

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 hour

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5 hours

 

City Driving

 

 

1 hour

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

30 minutes

30 minutes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 hour

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 hour

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 hour

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5 hours

Expressway/Freeway Driving

 

 

1 hour

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

30 minutes

30 minutes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 hour

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL

 

 

20 hours

10 hours

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

minimum

minimum

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I certify and endorse that the above record is true and correct and my student has completed 30 hours of guided practice which includes at least 10 at nighttime.

Parent/Guardian’s Signature (if over 18 years of age student’ssignature)

Date

When your teenager is eligible for the provisional license take this log, the DE-964 driver education completion certificate and with the other required documents to the Department of Public Safety. Required documents: (1) Valid Learner’s License (Instruction Permit); (2) Verification of Enrollment and Attendance Form; (3) DE 964 or coursecompletion certificate; (3) 30 Hours Behind-the-Wheel Practice Log; (4) 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; (5) Money to pay for license.

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation/Texas Department of Public Safety Parent Guide 30 Hours (rev 09/2015)

BEHIND THE WHEEL INSTRUCTION LOG 30 HOURS

Behind-the-Wheel Instruction Guide may be downloaded or printed from www.tdlr.texas.gov/driver

The 30 hours of behind-the-wheel practice 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 30 hours regardless of the number of hours the student actually drives in a day.

Getting Ready, Starting, Placing the Vehicle in Motion, and Stopping (p. 14) Recommended 2 hours -- These practice sessions introduce your teenager to the instrument panel, vehicle controls, and mirror blind spots. The young driver should get ready to drive, start the vehicle, place the vehicle in motion, stop, and secure the vehicle. Please review the vehicle owner’s manual before and during these practicesessions.

Moving, Stopping, Steering, Knowing Where You Are (p. 15) Recommended 3 hours -- Focus on learning the correct procedures for moving, stopping, using reference points, and steering the vehicle at different speeds. Begin in a large, level parking lot that is free of obstacles. The teenager should practice driving around the perimeter of the lot at 10 and 15 mph. Using commentary driving, have your teenager focus on smooth push-pull-slidehand-to-hand steering and stops. Your teenager should be taught to ease off the accelerator or use the brake to reduce speed before entering a curve and useslight acceleration to overcome inertia and pull the vehicle out of the curve. Ask the teenager to move the vehicle to specified targets in the parking lot at 10 and 15 mph. The target is a fixed object that is located 12-20 seconds ahead of the vehicle, in the center of the path of travel, and is what the driver steers toward. It can be a car a block ahead, a traffic signal, the crest of a hill, etc. Having a target helps the new driver to: visualize the space the vehicle will be occupying; look far ahead of the vehicle and begin a search to identify risks; improve steering accuracy. Focus on smooth acceleration, proper speed, and smooth stops. Explain to your teenager that “curling” the toes back to ease pressure off the brake just before stopping results in smoother stops. Practice normal smooth stops and hard smooth stops which are done at a slightly higher speed.

Backing (p. 16) Recommended 1 hour -- Repeat the tasks listed in sessions Moving, Stopping, Steering, Knowing Where You Are with the vehicle in reverse gear at idle or slow speeds. Backing from one target to another allows your teenager to practice seeing, steering, and speed control skills with the vehicle in reverse gear.

Turning, Lane Position, and Visual Skills (p. 16) Recommended 4 hours -- During the next practice sessions practice 10-15 right and left turns from stopped and moving positions in a parking lot. Left turns should be “squared” and right turns should be “rounded.” Emphasize proper signals, mirror checks, side- position reference points, speed and steering control, and the need to look ahead of the vehicle at a selected target in the center of the path of travel. Warn young drivers not to fixate on any one thing. Prior to progressing to driving in a quiet neighborhood, your teenager should be able to demonstrate the ability to move and stop the car smoothly, maintain a given speed, and steer with reasonable precision. If your teenager is ready, practice right and left turns in a residential area.

Searching Intended Path of Travel (p. 18) Recommended 3 hours -- In a residential area, or, if ready, on roads with light traffic, continue working on basic visual skills, negotiating curves, and right and left turns. Practice judging space in seconds, identifying a target, and searching the target area and target path. Ask your teenager to comment prior to changing speed or position. Young drivers have the tendency to monitor the road immediately in front of the vehicle.

Parking (p. 19) Recommended 1 hour -- Angle Parking, Perpendicular Parking, Parallel Parking, Curb Parking, Parking Uphill, Parking Downhill

Turnabouts (p. 21) Recommended 2 hours -- Focus on recognizing the different types of turnabouts and selecting the appropriate type of turnabout for a given situation. Begin in a large, level parking lot free of obstacles. Practice 2-point, 3-point, and U-turns in a parking lot. Progress to a lightly traveled residential area, and practice visual search skills, turns, and each turnabout at least 10 times. The easiest and safest way to change directions is to drive around the block.

Multiple Lane Roadways (p. 22) Recommended 4 hours -- Focus on lane position, lane changing, following distance, and mirror blind spots. If possible, choose a time when the four-lane roadway on which you select to practice has minimal traffic, such as during early morning hours on Saturday or Sunday. There are several lane position choices a driver can make without changing lanes. Practice driving in lane position 1, 2, and 3 for several miles during each session.

City Driving (p. 24) Recommended 5 hours -- Focus on driving on crowded urban roadways. During these practice sessions have your teenager examine the importance of scanning ahead, lane position, covering the brake, and the hazards associated with parked cars, traffic congestion, and distractions. Decision- making is the most important skill used in driving. A driver operating in city traffic flow makes 50-60 decisions per mile. Drivers need visibility, space, time, and adequate traction to perform all maneuvers in city traffic whether crossing, turning, passing, or adjusting speed and/or position. Duringthese sessions ask your teenager to focus on controlling space to the front and speed to enhance visibility, space, time, and traction. Driving on congested roadways allows a very small margin for driver error. Effective searching skills and driver alertness are both essential. Every second counts in this driving environment.

Expressway/Freeway Driving (p. 25) Recommended 5 hours -- Focus on complex risk driving environments at speeds up to 70 mph. Traffic flow on expressways can be heavy and at times unpredictable. They are called limited access highways because there are only certain locations, called interchanges, where a driver can enter and exit the expressway. Expressways have a low frequency of collisions, but often have high injury severity rates when a collision does occur because of the higher speeds. Review the expressway information in the Texas Driver Handbook. Make sure your teenager understandsthe different kinds of expressway interchanges, expressway signs, signals, lane markings, speed limits, and the importance of maintaining a 20-30 second visual lead.

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation/Texas Department of Public Safety Parent Guide 30 Hours (rev 09/2015)

Form Characteristics

Fact Name Fact Description
Minimum Practice Hours The young driver must complete a total of 30 hours of behind-the-wheel practice.
Adult Supervision Requirement All practice hours must take place under the guidance of an adult who meets specific requirements set by the Texas Transportation Code.
Daily Hour Limit Only one hour of behind-the-wheel instruction can be counted each day, irrespective of the actual time driven.
Nighttime Driving At least 10 of the 30 hours must include nighttime driving experience, which is crucial for safe driving skills.
Eligibility for Provisional License The completed log must be submitted along with other documents to the Department of Public Safety to apply for a provisional license.

Guidelines on Utilizing Instruction Log Example

To successfully complete the Instruction Log Example form, you'll need to systematically document the 30 hours of behind-the-wheel driving instruction your teenager undergoes. Follow the outlined steps to ensure all necessary information is logged correctly.

  1. Student's Name: Enter the full name of the student receiving the instruction.
  2. DL #: Fill in the driver’s license number for the student.
  3. Lesson Practice Session: Specify the type of practice session for each entry.
  4. Date: Write the date when the driving session took place.
  5. Time: Record the starting time of the instruction session (AM/PM).
  6. Daytime Hours: Log the number of daytime hours spent practicing in this session.
  7. Nighttime Hours: Note any nighttime practice hours completed during this session.
  8. Adult’s Signature and DL #: Have the supervising adult sign and provide their driver’s license number for verification.
  9. Total Hours: After documenting all practice sessions, sum up the total hours and note them at the end of the form (20 hours minimum for daytime, and 10 hours minimum for nighttime).
  10. Parent/Guardian's Signature: If the student is over 18 years of age, have them sign the log. Otherwise, a parent or guardian must sign.
  11. Date of Signature: Write the date when the signature was provided.

After completing the log, gather it along with other required documents for your teenager's provisional license application. Ensure all parts of the form are filled accurately to avoid any delays in the application process.

What You Should Know About This Form

What is the purpose of the Instruction Log Example form?

The Instruction Log Example form is designed to document the 30 hours of behind-the-wheel practice that a young driver must complete in order to qualify for a provisional driver’s license. This log ensures that the driving practice is verified and that the student has received proper guidance during their learning process.

Who can supervise the behind-the-wheel instruction?

The practice must be completed under the supervision of an adult who meets the requirements set forth in Section 521.222 (d)(2) of the Texas Transportation Code. This adult must hold a valid driver's license and must be present during the entire duration of the driving practice.

Can multiple hours of practice in one day be counted?

No, only one hour of behind-the-wheel practice per day will count towards the total 30 hours required. No matter how many hours the student actually drives in a day, only one hour will be recorded, ensuring that the training is spaced out over the required period.

What should be included when filling out the form?

Each entry on the form should include the student’s name, driver's license number, session date, times driven during the day and night, and the supervising adult’s signature along with their driver's license number. Specific practice sessions and the time spent on them should also be recorded to ensure comprehensive coverage of the required driving skills.

What are some of the key skills that should be practiced?

The practice sessions should cover various critical driving skills, such as getting ready and starting the vehicle, moving, steering, stopping, backing, turning, lane positioning, searching the intended path of travel, and parking. Different environments, including city driving and expressway driving, should also be practiced to prepare the young driver for various traffic situations.

What documents are required when applying for the provisional license?

When applying for the provisional license, the following documents are required: the completed Instruction Log Example form, the DE-964 driver education completion certificate, a valid learner’s license, a Verification of Enrollment and Attendance Form, and the vehicle used for the road test must pass inspection. Additionally, you will need to bring payment for the license fees.

How is nighttime driving practice counted?

Of the required 30 hours of practice, at least 10 hours must be completed during nighttime driving. This ensures that the young driver gains experience operating the vehicle in different lighting conditions and understands the unique challenges that nighttime driving presents.

How is the log certified?

At the end of the instruction period, the supervising adult must sign the log to certify that the record is accurate and that the student has completed the required practice time. This signature serves as a confirmation that the young driver has received sufficient guided practice in preparation for obtaining their provisional license.

Common mistakes

Completing the Instruction Log Example form is essential for tracking behind-the-wheel driving hours, but many make mistakes that can lead to issues later. One common error is failing to record all details accurately. For instance, neglecting to fill in the student’s name or driver’s license number can cause confusion when trying to verify driving hours. Each entry should be clear and complete to ensure that there are no questions about the validity of the log.

Another mistake involves misunderstanding the time allocation. The form clearly states that only one hour of practice will count per day, regardless of how long the student actually drives. Many individuals misinterpret this rule and mistakenly log multiple hours on the same day. This can result in inaccurate totals and potentially delay the issuance of a provisional license.

In addition, failing to have an eligible adult present during the driving sessions is another frequent oversight. The log requires that the 30 hours of practice occur with an adult who meets specific requirements as stated in the Texas Transportation Code. Without the right supervision, the logged hours can be deemed invalid, complicating the process of obtaining a provisional license.

Many people also forget to indicate the hours spent practicing during the day versus at night. According to the log, at least 10 hours must be completed at night. Not separating these hours properly can lead to misunderstandings regarding the student's readiness for a provisional license.

Another common misstep is the omission of the adult’s signature and driver’s license number. This vital information certifies that the adult was present during the instructional periods. Without it, the entries lose credibility, which may disqualify the logged hours.

Ensuring the log is signed is crucial. Some individuals overlook the final certification statement, where a parent or guardian must confirm the accuracy of the record. If this section is left unsigned or improperly completed, it can jeopardize the student’s eligibility for the provisional license.

People occasionally misinterpret the necessary documents that must accompany the Instruction Log when visiting the Department of Public Safety. Relying solely on the log can result in missing documents like the DE-964 driver education completion certificate and others. Preparation and organization are key to ensuring everything is ready when it’s time to apply for the provisional license.

Lastly, one overlooked aspect is the vehicle used for the road test. Failing to ensure that it meets all safety and regulatory requirements can result in disqualification during the test. Candidates should verify that the vehicle has a valid inspection sticker, registration, and current insurance. This detail is often dismissed but is critical for success.

Documents used along the form

The following documents are essential to support the completion and verification of behind-the-wheel practice for young drivers. Each of these forms plays a significant role in ensuring that the learner meets all requirements for obtaining a provisional license. Here’s a brief overview of these documents:

  • DE-964 Driver Education Completion Certificate: This certificate confirms that the student has completed the required driver education course and is ready for the next steps in the licensing process.
  • Verification of Enrollment and Attendance Form: This form verifies that the student is currently enrolled in school and attending classes as required by Texas law.
  • Valid Learner's License (Instruction Permit): The learner’s license is necessary for the student to legally drive while being supervised by an adult during the behind-the-wheel practice sessions.
  • 30 Hours Behind-the-Wheel Practice Log: This log documents the time spent driving under supervision, including day and night hours, and must be completed accurately to reflect the total hours driven.
  • Vehicle Inspection Documentation: The vehicle used for road tests must pass an inspection, showing it has proper working components, a valid inspection sticker, registration sticker, and insurance.
  • Money for License Fees: The student must bring the necessary funds required to pay for the provisional driving license at the Department of Public Safety.
  • Parent/Guardian Consent Form: If the student is under 18, a signature from a parent or guardian is required to authorize the driving practice and subsequent licensing process.
  • Road Test Application: This application must be submitted prior to scheduling the road test, formalizing the request for the driving examination.
  • Texas Driver Handbook: This handbook serves as a valuable resource for understanding Texas driving laws, road signs, and safe driving practices necessary for passing the road test.

Gathering these documents is crucial. When it comes time for your teenager to apply for their provisional license, ensure that everything is complete and accurate to avoid delays or complications. Being prepared is key to a smooth experience at the Department of Public Safety.

Similar forms

The Instruction Log Example form serves as an important document in the driver's education process, especially for young drivers preparing to obtain a provisional license. Several other documents share similarities in purpose and structure with this form. Here is a detailed look at each:

  • Driver Education Completion Certificate: This certificate confirms that a student has completed the required coursework and behind-the-wheel instruction. Like the Instruction Log, it serves as proof to the Department of Public Safety regarding the student's eligibility for a provisional license.
  • Verification of Enrollment and Attendance Form: This document verifies that the student is enrolled in school and has maintained adequate attendance. It is an essential requirement and is similar to the Instruction Log in that both must be presented when applying for a license.
  • Learner’s License (Instruction Permit): This permit allows a young driver to practice driving under supervision. It parallels the Instruction Log as both documents outline the requirements necessary for progressing toward a provisional license.
  • Vehicle Inspection Checklist: This checklist ensures the vehicle used for the driving test meets safety regulations. Similarly, the Instruction Log requires documentation of driving practice hours to ensure readiness for a road test.
  • Road Test Schedule: This document provides details about the driving test appointment. It parallels the Instruction Log as both indicate readiness to move forward in the licensing process.
  • Insurance Documentation: Proof of car insurance is mandatory when obtaining a provisional license. This requirement shares similarities with the Instruction Log in emphasizing the need for compliance with state regulations.
  • Parent/Guardian Approval Form: This form, often required for drivers under 18, indicates parental consent. It is similar to the Instruction Log, which also requires a parent or guardian's signature affirming practice completion.
  • Practice Driving Log: This document tracks the hours and conditions of driving practice, much like the Instruction Log itself. Both are critical for demonstrating the amount of supervised driving experience gained.
  • Texas Driver Handbook: Although not an instructional log itself, this handbook contains vital information about road rules and driving practices. It complements the Instruction Log by providing a knowledge base for student drivers.

Each of these documents plays a vital role in the path to licensing and ensures that young drivers are adequately prepared for the responsibilities of driving. Collectively, they facilitate communication between students, guardians, driving instructors, and regulatory authorities.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Instruction Log Example form, keep the following points in mind:

  • Do: Ensure the adult instructor meets the requirements outlined in Section 521.222 (d)(2) of the Transportation Code.
  • Do: Only count one hour of practice per day towards the total of 30 hours, regardless of how many hours the student actually drives.
  • Do: Clearly write the student's name and driver's license number at the top of the form.
  • Do: Collect the adult's signature and driver's license number after each practice session to verify completion.
  • Don’t: Forget to include the date and the specific times for each practice session.
  • Don’t: Leave out any required documents when taking the log to the Department of Public Safety.

Misconceptions

Misconception 1: The instruction log is only required for learners under 18.

In reality, the instruction log must be completed for all young drivers, regardless of age, when they wish to apply for a provisional license.

Misconception 2: All driving practice hours count towards the required 30 hours.

Only one hour of practice per day is counted, even if multiple hours are driven. This rule ensures consistent, manageable learning over time.

Misconception 3: Nighttime driving hours are optional.

At least 10 of the 30 required hours must be completed at nighttime, which is essential for ensuring that learners experience driving in varied conditions.

Misconception 4: Completion of the instruction log is all that is needed for licensing.

In addition to the log, drivers must provide other required documents, such as a valid learner's license and a driver education completion certificate.

Misconception 5: The 30 hours must be completed within a short timeframe.

There is no specific deadline for completing the 30 hours of practice, allowing families to pace the instruction effectively according to their needs.

Misconception 6: The instruction log is not necessary if using a driving school.

Even if learners attend a driving school, the log is still required to document supervised practice hours before obtaining the provisional license.

Misconception 7: Driving practice only involves getting behind the wheel.

Effective driving instruction involves various skills, including understanding vehicle controls, practicing maneuvers, and developing good decision-making habits.

Key takeaways

Completing the Behind-the-Wheel Instruction Log is essential for young drivers preparing for their provisional license. Here are several key takeaways to help navigate this process:

  • Eligibility Requirements: The 30 hours of behind-the-wheel practice must occur with an adult who meets specific criteria outlined in the Texas Transportation Code.
  • Daily Limit on Hours: Only one hour of instruction per day can be recorded toward the total 30 hours, regardless of how much driving takes place in that day.
  • Practice Focus: Different driving skills are recommended for focus during these sessions, including moving, steering, lane position, and visual skills. Make sure to follow the outlined recommendations and emphasize each skill area accordingly.
  • Document Completion: Parents or guardians need to sign the log to certify that their teenager has completed the required hours. This endorsement is a necessary part of the documentation.
  • Preparation for Licensing: When applying for the provisional license, bring the instruction log along with other required documents, such as the learner’s license and the DE-964 driver education completion certificate.
  • Vehicle Requirements: Ensure the vehicle used for the road test meets safety inspection requirements, has valid registration, and is insured. This includes having a working inspection sticker and being roadworthy.