What You Need to Do to Get a Texas Driver's License

To get a Texas driver's license, you will visit a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, bring specific documents, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The entire process takes multiple visits — one for the written exam and one for the road test — and can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on how quickly you schedule your appointments and pass each test.

Texas does not issue licenses by mail or online. You must appear in person at a DPS office, and you cannot take the written or driving test until you have submitted your documents and had them verified by a DPS employee.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original or certified birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, proof of Texas residency, and a completed DL 44 form to your first DPS visit.
  • The written knowledge test covers traffic laws and safe driving practices; you can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which DPS publishes free online.
  • After passing the written test, you schedule a separate appointment for the driving test, which is conducted by a DPS examiner in your own vehicle or a DPS vehicle.
  • The total cost is the license fee (which varies by license type and validity period) plus a $5 test fee if you take the test at a DPS office rather than a third-party testing location.
  • If you fail either test, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one day before retesting and may need to pay the test fee again.

Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office

Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a document showing your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and proof that you live in Texas. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days, or a government document with your current address.

You will also need to complete form DL 44 (process for Texas Driver License), which you can fill out before you go or at the DPS office. Bring your current out-of-state driver's license if you have one. If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian to sign your process in person.

DPS will not accept photocopies of your birth certificate unless it is certified by the vital records office that issued it. If you do not have your original, you can order a certified copy from the Texas Vital Statistics Unit or the county clerk's office where you were born.

Passing the Written Knowledge Test

The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions covering 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 provides audio versions for people with vision impairments.

Study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which DPS publishes free on its website. The handbook covers everything on the test. You can also take practice tests through the DPS website or through third-party study apps, though DPS does not endorse any particular app.

You take the written test at a DPS office or at a third-party testing location (such as a driving school). If you use a third-party location, you may be able to schedule faster, but you will pay a fee to that location in addition to the DPS test fee. After you pass, DPS will schedule you for a driving test appointment.

Scheduling and Taking the Driving Test

The driving test is a 20-minute evaluation of your ability to operate a vehicle safely. A DPS examiner will ride with you while you perform tasks like parking, turning, and stopping. You can use your own vehicle or a DPS vehicle, though using your own vehicle is usually faster to schedule.

If you use your own vehicle, it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check your lights, wipers, brakes, and horn before the test begins. Bring your vehicle registration and proof of insurance.

You schedule the driving test appointment after you pass the written test. Wait times vary by location; some offices have openings within days, while others may have a wait of several weeks. You can check available appointments on the DPS website.

License Fees and How Long the License Lasts

A Texas driver's license costs between $16 and $32 depending on how long you want it to be valid. A four-year license costs $16; an eight-year license costs $32. If you are under 18, your license is valid until your 18th birthday, and the fee is $16.

You pay the fee when you pass your driving test and receive your license. DPS will issue a temporary paper license on the spot, and your plastic card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.

What Happens If You Fail a Test

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the next day. You do not need to reschedule; you can take it again at the same DPS office or a third-party location. You may have to pay the test fee again, depending on the location.

If you fail the driving test, you must wait at least one day before retaking it. You will need to schedule a new appointment, which may take several days or weeks depending on availability at your local DPS office. You will pay the test fee again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online?

No. Texas requires you to take the written test in person at a DPS office or approved third-party testing location. You cannot take it remotely or by mail.

Do I need to take a driver education course before I can get my license?

No, not for adults. If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course (classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction) before you can take the driving test. The course takes several weeks and costs money, but it is required by Texas law for minors.

What if I fail the driving test multiple times?

You can retake the driving test as many times as you need. Each time you fail, you must wait at least one day, schedule a new appointment, and pay the test fee again. There is no limit on the number of attempts.

How long does it take to get my plastic license card in the mail?

DPS typically mails your plastic card within one to two weeks after you pass the driving test. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready, which is valid while you wait for the card.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your Texas driver's license up to one year before it expires. You can renew by mail, online, or in person at a DPS office, depending on your situation. Check the DPS website to see which renewal method applies to you.