If you are getting your Texas License to Carry, one of the biggest questions is usually: “What happens at the range test?”
Good news: the Texas LTC range test is not designed to trick you, embarrass you, or turn you into a competition shooter. It is a handgun proficiency demonstration. In plain English, that means you need to show a qualified LTC instructor that you can safely handle and fire a handgun well enough to meet Texas requirements.
If you are taking the online classroom portion through MyLTCTexas, the range test is the in-person part you complete with a Texas Qualified LTC Instructor. After you finish both parts, your training is documented on the current LTC-104 Form, which is what you submit with your Texas LTC application.
What Is the Texas LTC Range Test?
The Texas LTC range test is the live-fire shooting portion of the License to Carry process. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, applicants may take classroom training and demonstrate handgun proficiency with a qualified LTC instructor. If you take the online classroom portion, DPS says you must still complete 1 to 2 hours of range instruction and demonstrate handgun proficiency with a Texas Qualified LTC Instructor.
That means the online class gets your classroom requirement handled, but it does not replace the shooting portion.
At the range, your instructor will usually cover:
- Basic range safety rules
- How the course of fire will work
- Range commands
- Loading and unloading procedures
- Safe muzzle direction
- Trigger discipline
- What to do if your handgun malfunctions
- How scoring works
- What happens after you pass
The purpose is not speed. The purpose is safety, control, and basic accuracy.
Do You Have to Take the Range Test After the Online Class?
Yes, if you are applying for an original Texas LTC and complete the classroom portion online, you still need to complete the handgun proficiency part in person.
DPS explains that online LTC training is for the classroom portion only. After passing the online classroom course, an applicant must attend the required range instruction and demonstrate handgun proficiency with a Texas Qualified LTC Instructor.
One helpful detail: DPS also says the range instruction and handgun proficiency demonstration can be completed before the online classroom portion. So depending on your schedule, you may be able to do the range first and the online class after.
Still, for most people, the easiest path is:
- Take the online LTC class with MyLTCTexas.
- Pass the written portion.
- Schedule your range test with a qualified instructor.
- Complete the shooting test.
- Get your LTC-104 Form completed.
- Submit your application documents to DPS.
What Should You Bring to the Texas LTC Range Test?
Before your appointment, always confirm the exact requirements with your instructor or range. Different instructors may have different policies, but most students should expect to bring:
- Government-issued photo ID
- Handgun, if the instructor requires you to bring your own
- Ammunition, if not provided
- Eye protection
- Ear protection
- Closed-toe shoes
- Comfortable clothing for the range
- Any paperwork your instructor asks for
- Your online class certificate information, if applicable
DPS says some instructors may require students to use their own gun, while others may provide a handgun and/or ammunition. That is why it is smart to ask before you show up.
If you are not sure what handgun to use, choose one you can safely operate and shoot comfortably. The LTC range test is not the day to try an unfamiliar handgun for the first time.
What Happens When You Arrive?
Most Texas LTC range tests follow a simple order.
First, you check in with your instructor. They may verify your ID, confirm your paperwork, and explain how the session will run.
Next, the instructor will usually go over safety rules. Pay close attention here. Safe handling matters just as much as hitting the target. Keep your firearm pointed in a safe direction, keep your finger off the trigger until instructed, and follow every range command.
Then, the instructor will explain the shooting course. They will tell you where to stand, when to load, when to fire, when to stop, and how many rounds will be fired from each distance.
After that, you shoot the qualification. Your instructor will observe your safety, handling, and accuracy. Once the course is complete, they will score the target and let you know whether you passed.
If you pass, the instructor completes the handgun proficiency portion of your LTC-104 Form.
Is the Texas LTC Range Test Hard?
For most prepared students, no. The Texas LTC range test is very manageable if you understand basic handgun safety and have practiced before test day.
The students who struggle usually do so because they:
- Have never fired the handgun they brought
- Do not understand range commands
- Bring the wrong ammunition
- Forget eye or ear protection
- Get nervous and rush
- Do not follow safety instructions
- Assume the online class means they are completely done
The fix is simple: prepare before you go. Practice safe loading, unloading, grip, sight alignment, trigger control, and following commands. You do not need to be an expert. You do need to be safe and controlled.
How MyLTCTexas Helps You Prepare
MyLTCTexas is built for people who want a clear, convenient way to start the Texas LTC process without wasting time or getting confused.
If you are searching for the best LTC class in Texas, best online Texas LTC class, or a Texas LTC class near Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Fort Worth, El Paso, Corpus Christi, Lubbock, McAllen, Waco, or Killeen, MyLTCTexas gives you a strong starting point.
The online classroom portion lets you complete the educational part from home, at your own pace, before connecting with a qualified instructor for the required range portion. That is especially helpful if you have a busy work schedule, live far from a classroom location, or simply prefer to learn the material before stepping onto the range.
MyLTCTexas helps make the process feel less intimidating because you know what step you are on, what comes next, and what you need to complete your LTC training documentation.
What Is the LTC-104 Form?
The LTC-104 Form is now the key training certificate for Texas LTC applicants. DPS instructor updates state that the older LTC-100 and LTC-101 forms were replaced by the LTC-104 effective April 14, 2025.
The LTC-104 documents the required online/classroom training and handgun proficiency demonstration. DPS instructions say the handgun proficiency portion can only be completed by a certified LTC Handgun Instructor for students who successfully pass the required course of fire.
So after your range test, do not leave without making sure your instructor has completed the required portion of your LTC-104.
Texas LTC Range Test Near Me
Many people search for “Texas LTC range test near me” after finishing the online class. That search is common in major Texas cities like:
- Houston
- Dallas
- Austin
- San Antonio
- Fort Worth
- El Paso
- Arlington
- Corpus Christi
- Plano
- Lubbock
- McAllen
- Waco
- Killeen
- Amarillo
If you are taking your online class through MyLTCTexas, your next step is to find a Texas Qualified LTC Instructor who can complete your range instruction and handgun proficiency demonstration.
Final Tip Before Test Day
Do not overthink it. The Texas LTC range test is a structured, safety-focused shooting qualification. Show up prepared, listen carefully, follow commands, and take your time.
Start with MyLTCTexas for the online classroom portion, then complete your range test with a qualified instructor and get your LTC-104 Form finished. That gives you the cleanest path toward submitting your Texas License to Carry application.
