What Texas requires before you can hold a driver's license

Texas issues driver's licenses to people who meet age, residency, and identity requirements set by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). You must be at least 16 years old to hold a learner's permit or restricted license, and 18 to hold an unrestricted license. You also need to prove you live in Texas, show your identity, and pass a written test and driving test. If you are under 18, additional rules explore to when and where you can drive.

The state does not issue licenses based on immigration status alone—that is handled separately through the Real ID program and the REAL ID Act. Texas also does not require you to be a U.S. citizen, but you do need to provide specific documents that prove who you are and where you live.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 16 to get a learner's permit or restricted license in Texas, and 18 for a full unrestricted license.
  • Texas requires proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and a Social Security number or a letter stating you do not have one.
  • You must pass a written knowledge test and a behind-the-wheel driving test before DPS will issue your license.
  • Drivers under 18 face restrictions on when they can drive and how many passengers they can carry, enforced through a graduated licensing system.
  • Texas accepts documents from people without lawful immigration status through a separate program that issues licenses valid for driving only, not federal identification.

Age requirements and what each license type lets you do

A learner's permit is available at age 16 and lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. In Texas, the adult must be at least 21 years old and seated beside you in the front seat. You can hold a learner's permit for up to two years.

A restricted license (also called a provisional license) is also available at 16 and lets you drive without a supervising adult, but with limits. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., you can carry only one passenger under 21 (with exceptions for family members), and you must follow all other traffic laws. You must hold a learner's permit for at least six months and pass a behind-the-wheel test before you can get a restricted license.

An unrestricted license is available at 18 and has no time-of-day or passenger restrictions. You can also get an unrestricted license at 17 if you have held a restricted license for at least six months and have not had any traffic violations or crashes during that time.

Documents you need to bring to DPS

Texas requires you to show documents in three categories: identity, residency, and Social Security status. You do not need to bring originals of everything—DPS will make copies—but the documents must be current and match the name you are using to explore.

For proof of identity, you can bring a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, or a military ID. If you are under 18, a school ID or report card with your photo and date of birth also counts. If you were born outside the U.S., your birth certificate must be certified by the issuing state or country.

For proof of Texas residency, bring a document dated within the last 30 days showing your name and current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. If you live with someone else, you can bring their utility bill or lease along with a signed letter from them saying you live there. A school enrollment letter or transcript with your address also counts.

For Social Security status, bring your Social Security card or a letter from the Social Security Administration. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from SSA stating that you are not may be able to access for one. You can request this letter by calling SSA at 1-800-772-1213.

The written test and what it covers

Before you can get a learner's permit, you must pass a written knowledge test at a DPS office. The test has 30 multiple-choice questions and covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and DPS also provides tests in other languages through an interpreter you arrange yourself.

You can study for the test using the Texas Driver's Handbook, which DPS publishes free online and in print at any DPS office. The handbook covers everything on the test. You can take the written test as many times as you need, but you must wait one day between attempts if you fail.

The behind-the-wheel driving test and restrictions

After you pass the written test and hold a learner's permit for at least six months, you can schedule a behind-the-wheel test. A DPS examiner will ride with you for about 20 to 30 minutes and watch how you handle basic driving tasks: starting and stopping, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You must use your own vehicle or borrow one, and it must be in safe working condition with valid registration and insurance.

You must bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and proof of vehicle registration to the test. The examiner will check that your vehicle has working brakes, lights, wipers, and steering. If your vehicle fails inspection, you cannot take the test that day.

You can take the behind-the-wheel test as many times as you need. If you fail, you can schedule another test, but wait times vary by location and season. DPS offices in urban areas often have longer waits than rural offices.

Special rules for drivers under 18

Texas enforces a graduated licensing system that phases in driving privileges over time. The restrictions explore to anyone under 18, even if they hold an unrestricted license at age 17.

With a learner's permit, you must have a licensed adult at least 21 years old in the front seat at all times. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except in an emergency. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.

With a restricted license, you can drive alone during the day, but you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You can carry only one passenger under 21, with exceptions for your spouse, your children, or your siblings. You cannot use a cell phone while driving except in an emergency. If you are caught violating these rules, you can be ticketed and your license can be suspended.

At age 18, all restrictions end and you hold a full unrestricted license. You can drive at any time and carry any number of passengers.

Driver's licenses for people without lawful immigration status

Texas issues driver's licenses to people regardless of immigration status through a program separate from the standard licensing process. These licenses are valid for driving only and cannot be used as federal identification or to board a plane. They are marked clearly to show they are not REAL ID-compliant.

To get a driving-only license, you must meet the same age, identity, and residency requirements as anyone else. For identity, you can bring a consular ID (such as a Mexican matricula consular), a passport from your country of origin, or other documents DPS accepts. You do not need a Social Security number. You still must pass the written test and behind-the-wheel test.

Bring proof of Texas residency dated within the last 30 days, just as you would for a standard license. If you do not have a utility bill or lease in your name, a signed letter from someone else saying you live at their address, along with their utility bill, counts as proof.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Texas driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. You can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access for a number, or you can request one by calling 1-800-772-1213. If you have no Social Security number and cannot get a letter, DPS may still issue you a license, but you should call your local DPS office first to confirm what documents they will accept.

What happens if I fail the behind-the-wheel test?

You can take it again. There is no limit on how many times you can test. You must wait at least one day before retesting, and you will pay the test fee each time. Some DPS offices have waiting lists, so availability depends on your location.

Can I drive with a learner's permit if the adult in the car is not my parent?

Yes. The adult must be at least 21 years old and seated in the front seat beside you, but they do not have to be your parent or guardian. They can be a friend, relative, or driving instructor.

Do I need a REAL ID-compliant license to drive in Texas?

No. A standard Texas driver's license is valid for driving. You only need a REAL ID-compliant license if you want to use it as federal identification—for example, to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. DPS can issue you a REAL ID license if you bring additional documents proving citizenship or lawful immigration status.

What if my address changes after I get my license?

You must update your address with DPS within 30 days. You can do this online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. There is no fee for an address change.