What you need to do to get a Texas driver's license

To get a driver's license in Texas, you must pass a written knowledge test, a driving test, and a vision screening at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. You'll also need to bring specific documents that prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. The whole process takes a few hours on the day of your test, though you may need to schedule your appointment weeks in advance depending on how busy your local DPS office is.

Texas issues driver's licenses to people 16 and older. If you're under 18, you'll start with a learner's permit, which lets you practice driving with a licensed adult before you take the driving test. If you're 18 or older, you can go straight to the full license test without the permit step.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a Social Security card or document showing your number, and proof of your current Texas address to your DPS appointment.
  • The written test covers Texas traffic laws and safe driving practices; you can study using the official Texas Driver Handbook, available free online at the DPS website.
  • You must pass a vision screening at the DPS office before you take either the written or driving test.
  • The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and tests your ability to handle basic vehicle control, parking, and following traffic laws on public roads.
  • If you fail the written test or driving test, you can retake it the same day at most DPS offices, though you may have to pay the test fee again.

Documents you must bring to the DPS office

Texas requires you to bring documents that prove three things: who you are, where you live, and your Social Security number. Bring originals or certified copies—photocopies are not accepted for most documents.

For proof of identity, bring your birth certificate (original or certified copy), a passport, a consular report of birth, or a certificate of naturalization. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a document from the Social Security Administration. For proof of current Texas residency, bring a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government document with your name and address dated within the last 90 days.

If you're under 18, you must also bring a parent or legal guardian with you. That adult must bring their own proof of identity and residency. If you're explore for a learner's permit, you'll need a completed form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License or Learner Permit), which you can print from the DPS website or fill out at the office.

How to schedule your DPS appointment

You can schedule your appointment online through the DPS website at dps.texas.gov, by phone at 1-844-DPS-TXDL (1-844-337-8935), or by visiting a DPS office in person. Online scheduling is usually fastest. You'll select your nearest DPS office, choose an available date and time, and receive a confirmation number.

Wait times vary widely by location and season. Urban areas like Houston, Dallas, and Austin often have appointments booked weeks ahead, while smaller towns may have openings within days. If your local office is fully booked, check nearby offices—you can take your test at any DPS location in Texas, not just the one closest to you.

Bring your confirmation number and all required documents to your appointment. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. If you miss your appointment without canceling, you'll lose your spot and may have to wait longer for the next available time.

The written knowledge test explained

The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. The test is given on a computer at the DPS office and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, how to handle bad weather, and what to do at railroad crossings. You can study using the official Texas Driver Handbook, which is free and available as a PDF on the DPS website. The handbook contains all the information you need to pass the test.

If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at most DPS offices. You'll pay the test fee again. Most people who study the handbook pass on their first try.

The driving test: what happens and what the examiner watches for

The driving test lasts 20 to 30 minutes and takes place on public roads near the DPS office. You'll drive your own vehicle or a vehicle belonging to someone with you. The examiner sits in the passenger seat and watches how you handle the car and follow traffic laws.

The examiner will ask you to perform specific tasks: starting the car, pulling into traffic, turning left and right, changing lanes, parking (usually parallel parking), and stopping smoothly. They're watching for whether you check your mirrors and blind spots, signal before turning, maintain safe speed, keep proper distance from other cars, and follow traffic signs and signals. They also check that you can control the vehicle smoothly without jerking or stalling.

Common reasons people fail include hitting a curb during parking, failing to signal, running a red light or stop sign, speeding or driving too slowly, not checking mirrors before turning or changing lanes, and hitting the examiner's side mirror or curb. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at most offices for an additional fee.

Fees and what to expect after you pass

The fee for a driver's license in Texas depends on how long you want it to be valid. A license valid for five years costs $25. A license valid for eight years costs $40. You pay this fee at the DPS office when you take your test, whether you pass or fail. If you fail and retake the test, you pay the test fee again, but you don't pay the license fee until you pass.

If you pass both tests, you'll receive a temporary paper license at the DPS office that day. Your permanent plastic license card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving until your permanent card arrives.

Your license will show your name, date of birth, address, license number, and any restrictions (such as corrective lenses required or automatic transmission only). You must carry your license whenever you drive.

Special rules if you're under 18: the learner's permit and graduated licensing

If you're under 18, Texas requires you to get a learner's permit first and hold it for at least six months before you can take the driving test for a full license. During this time, you can only drive with a licensed adult 21 or older in the car with you.

To get a learner's permit, you pass the written test and vision screening but not the driving test. You'll pay a fee (usually around $16) and receive a temporary permit that day, with your permanent permit arriving by mail. Once you've held the permit for six months and are at least 16 years old, you can schedule your driving test.

Texas also has a Graduated Driver License (GDL) program for drivers under 18. After you pass your driving test, your license will have restrictions for the first six months: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you can have no more than one passenger under 21 in the car (unless they're a family member). These restrictions lift after six months or when you turn 18, whichever comes first.

What to do if you fail or need to retake the test

If you fail the written test or driving test, you can retake it the same day at most DPS offices. You'll pay the test fee again. There's no waiting period between attempts on the same day. However, if you fail three times, you must wait 10 days before taking the test again.

If you pass the written test but fail the driving test, your written test score stays valid for one year. You don't have to retake the written test when you come back for the driving test—just schedule a new driving test appointment and pay the test fee.

If you're struggling with the test, consider taking a few more practice drives with a licensed adult before you return. Many people pass on their second or third attempt after more practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. The DPS offers the written test in Spanish and several other languages. When you schedule your appointment online or by phone, you can request your preferred language. Not all DPS offices offer every language, so you may need to travel to a larger office or schedule further in advance.

What if I wear glasses or contacts?

You must wear them during the vision screening and driving test if you normally wear them while driving. If you fail the vision screening, your license will have a restriction requiring corrective lenses. You must wear them every time you drive.

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

No, driver's education is not required in Texas. However, if you're under 18 and take an approved driver's education course, you can get your learner's permit at age 14 instead of 16, and you can reduce your six-month permit holding period to three months. Some insurance companies also offer discounts for completing a course.

What happens if I move to Texas from another state?

If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you can exchange it for a Texas license without taking the written or driving test. You'll need to bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of residency in Texas, and proof of your Social Security number to a DPS office. You'll pay the license fee and receive your Texas license.

How long does my license last before I have to renew it?

A Texas driver's license is valid for five or eight years, depending on which you chose when you got it. You'll renew by mail, online, or in person at a DPS office. Renewal notices are mailed about 60 days before your license expires.